The popular 30-mile loop drive from Waikiki along the south east shore is the most scenic area on Oahu. But be warned - avoid this drive from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when numerous Japanese tour buses pack out the scenic lookouts. Once beyond the suburban towns of Aina Haina and Hawaii Kai, the road narrows and starts to wind around the rugged coastline. Picturesque Hanauma Bay with its crescent shape sandy beach is the first scenic point and is a dedicated Marine Reserve with the islands best snorkelling.
Hanauma Bay |
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Halona Rocks |
View of Rabbit Island |
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Pali Lookout |
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Beyond Hanauma Bay, the coastline becomes extremely rugged with waves pounding the raised rocks. Local fishermen love this spot for fishing and there is an impressive blowhole at Halona with interesting rock formations. Koko Head Crater forms an impressive backdrop with Sandy Beach Park at its base which is an excellent body surfing beach. As the road winds around Makapu'u Point to journey up the north coast of Oahu, the most impressive coastal view in Hawaii opens up looking over the razor edge Koolau Mountains which hug the coastline. There's an excellent half-hour trail to the summit of Makapu'u Point with views of Rabbit Island and the stunning Makapu'u Beach. A little further north along the coast road is Waimanalo Beach, a popular spot for windsurfing and kite-surfing. At the large suburban town of Kailua, the highway heads either north to the north shore of Oahu or back to Honolulu across the serrated Koolau Mountains. Taking this route, the final stop is at the scenic Pali Lookout offering spectacular views of the Koolau Mountain range.
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Our top oahu travel attractions are:
1) - Waikiki Beach
beach review, surfing, sailing, shopping
2) - The South East Scenic Drive
blowholes; hiking; snorkelling
3) - Waimea Valley and Soft Adventure Park
waterfall; rainforest trail; kayaking; mountain bike rides
4) -
Honolulu Heritage Trail
Ialani Palace, Bishop museum, Kawaiaha'o church
5) - Tantalus Drive - Honolulu Forest Reserve
scenic drive and walks overlooking Honolulu
6) -
Pearl Harbour
Arizona Memorial; submarines; warships
7) - Family Entertainment
Dole giant maze; Polynesian village and sealife park
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Hawaii Activities Guide
Cook Islands Activities Guide
Fiji Activities Guide
Samoa Activities Guide
Tonga Activities Guide
Tahiti Activities Guide
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