August 29th, 2006
Hawaii Travel to Oahu – What is there to do on the North Shore of Oahu?
Many of the beach and nature parks that line the North Shore offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and O’ahu’s natural beauty. In season, catch a glimpse of whales frolicking in the sea, pack a picnic lunch and watch surfers brave the winter swells, or see gliders ride the wind in the skies above. Better yet, take a glider ride and see breathtaking views of the North Shore as well as the whales below.
Skydiving and glider rides at Dillingham Airfield, horseback riding, and golfing at Turtle Bay Resort’s championship golf course are some of the many activities that await you. Three camps with conference centers offer numerous activities for thousands of campers each year. Waimea Valley Audubon Center offers a world class botanical garden at Waimea Falls, where you can also visit ancient Hawaiian cultural sites.
VANS Triple Crown of Surfing competitions - November 2006
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the world’s premier big wave series, begins with the Op Pro Hawaii (Nov. 12 - 22 at Haleiwa) and is followed by the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing (Nov. 24 - Dec 6 at Sunset Beach). Both are six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) rated and carry $125,000 prize purses. The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is the grand finale of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) and offers a $280,000 prize purse. The world’s most dangerous wave. Seven seconds of sheer terror. A force of nature. The most coveted title in all of surfing. All aptly describe the final jewel in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters. Celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2006, the world’s longest-running pro surfing event will be staged at the famed Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore Dc. 8-20.
Waimea Valley Audobon Center
Experience the majesty and mystery of Hawaii’s Waimea Valley. Join generations of Hawaiian islanders who have explored the valley’s sunlit paths, through gardens of extraordinary beauty to the cool, clear pool below historic Waihi Falls. The Waimea Valley Audubon Center offers visitors an opportunity to walk along gentle paths, hike old stream trails, share a picnic or simply revel in the simple joys of nature. Plant enthusiasts, bird lovers, history buffs, and anyone who longs for a true Hawaiian island experience will find what they seek in the Waimea Valley. The Center also provides a living laboratory for local schools as well as a vital research site for citizen scientists.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Located about one hour’s scenic drive from Waikiki, is the top paid Hawaiian attraction for a reason. Our seven native villages give visitors the rare chance to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Add Hawaii’s most authentic luau and the world’s largest night show and you’ll see why every trip to Hawaii should include a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Dole Plantation
Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989 after an extensive remodeling of its previous facilities. Dole Plantation completed a $125,000 renovation in 1997 to simulate the building facades in old Haleiwa Town. Guests enjoy a variety of attractions and activities, including the Pineapple Express, the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze and the Guinness Book of World Records 2001 World’s Largest Maze. Also popular are informational displays and presentations about pineapple and the history of Dole and the plantation center, offering hundreds of unique pineapple-related and Dole brand items, including the world famous DoleWhip®. Every week, Dole Plantation sells more than 3,500 fresh Hawaii-grown pineapples for consumption at the store or packaged for customers to take home.
Kukaniloko Birthstones State Monument
Kukaniloko; "To Anchor the Cry from Within". This 5-acre historical site located in Central O’ahu is one of the most important sites in Hawai’i. Known as the Royal Birthing Stones, this location is where royal women were brought to give birth. Established in the 12th Century by an O’ahu chief for the birth of his son, Kapawa. For seven centuries, this outcrop of more than 80 rounded stones became the hallowed grounds for the birth of the ali’i (chief) of O’ahu. Some of the stones were also used to map stars and mark seasonal changes. In 1925, Kukaniloko became the first ancient site on O’ahu to be officially recognized and preserved.
Pu’u O Mahuka HeiauThis well-preserved heiau (temple) is the largest on O’ahu covering over 5-acres and consisting of three adjoining enclosures measuring 575 feet by 170 feet. This was considered a powerful place for the kahuna and one of two places where wives of the ancient chiefs gave birth. This heiau may also have been a site of human sacrifice. In the upper section is a raised ia a raised mound surrounded by stones that may have been a central alter. The stonework of this heiau shows a high degree of craftsmanship, expecially on the pathways. Located on the north shore town of Pupukea, this site is situated on a pali overlooking Waimea Bay. It is a national landmark and a registered state historical site.
Kaena Point
Also called "The Heat", Kaena Point State Park is the last beach along Farrington Road which ends at Kaena Point. This West Coast beach has a beautiful vantage point of the coast and the most northwestern point of O’ahu. During the winter months this beach has dangerous rip currents and very large swells so obey all posting and warnings.
North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum
Famous surfers, young and old, attended a gala event, which opened the doors to the Museum, on the 100th anniversary of the town of Haleiwa, on August 8, 1999. Today the museum is open most afternoons. Locals, tourists and historians now visit the museum daily. The collection of old and antique surfboards is of interest to enthusiasts and collectors. The first snow-board, first motorized surfboard and old hollow wooden boards are now on display. Ancient artifacts are displayed near collectable bottles and interesting Hawaiiana . A scale model of the Haleiwa Theatre fronts the screen where surf movies are shown all day long. This is a great place to learn about big waves and the culture of the North Shore.
Dillingham Airfield
Glider soaring, hang gliding, parachuting, sky diving and recreational small aircraft