May 21st, 2007
Four Corners of Oahu
Admission to some of the best shows you’ll see here on O’ahu cost little more than a tank of gas and some time to spare.
Most start and stay on our Southern Shores as Waikiki remains one of our top destinations. With some timing, you could find yourself watching a classic or current motion picture beach-side with the sand under your feet and the sky as your ceiling. Kapi’olani Park on the weekends tend to host a bevy of cultural and local events that show off the splendor of island life. Those up for a leisurely hike would benefit from a walk up to the tip of Diamond Head Crater. The view there is wonderful. Another scenic point just outside of Waikiki can be found at Tantalus Park. From that vantage point, one can view the Diamond Head on your left and gaze at our modern landscape going West.
On the East side, Halona Blow Hole is a natural marvel. My kids were in awe of a man’s ability to command his 20+ foot long kite as it danced over the field fronting Sandy Beach.Makapu’u Beach shorebreaks were glassy as bodyboarders and bodysurfers rode and tumbled through barrels only to rise and swim out for another set. Across the street to the rear exit to Sea Life Park is the entrance to a small tide pool. What it lacks in shade it makes up for in scenery as it faces Manana or "Rabbit" Island with a pier to in the distance. It’s a bit of back tracking, but seeing our beautiful Windward side from the Pali Lookout is NOT to be missed. The Ko’olau Mountains travel with you North and much of Waimanalo, Kailua and Kaneohe remains lush and green.
Through Kahalu’u, we head North to see the highway succumbing to the shorelines from Ka’a'awa to Hau’ula. All these small towns give you a warm country feel. Polynesian Cultural Center rests in La’ie and it’s night show is terrific. We’ve stopped at a few shrimp trucks over the years traveling between Kahuku and Haleiwa and we’ve heard a lot about Macky’s as being the best. Next go-round, we’ll be sure to taste for ourselves and share in that experience. I recommend you take some time to check out the country produce and try some shave ice. When in Sunset, stop at Ted’s Bakery. The chocolate and haupia pie is to die for. The butter rolls are a little bigger than an average man’s fist. Haleiwa is a pretty busy town. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice is a local fave and most would say a must-have while in the islands. I stopped in Central O’ahu for a pineapple whip at the Dole Plantation.
Through Wahiawa, we drive past Mililani and Waipio to the Western shores. Out West, we have the only remaining railroad ride. Hawaiian Railways takes you from our Ewa plains to Ko ‘Olina and back. The ride is about 90min. You’ll find some nice white sandy beaches in Kalaeloa (formerly Barber’s Point). Just past Kapolei and a stones throw beyond Honokai Hale is Ko ‘Olina. There you’ll find some lovely manmade coves similar to the one you’d see at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Whether North, South, East or West it’s obvious that much of O’ahu’s beauty is yours to experience. In a future blog, I’ll share more about local eateries.
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