Most people who travel to Hawaii only get as far as Oahu. Oahu is the easiest (and least expensive) Hawaiian island to get to from mainland U.S.A., as it features the bustling capital, Honolulu. Travelers hoping to experience nature with big city comforts will find Oahu appealing. Most Honolulu hotels are within walking distance (or a cheap Uber ride away) from famed Waikiki Beach. However, those wanting to explore what Oahu has to offer will need to hit the road.
Plan to leave your Honolulu hotel before 9:30 a.m. to make the most of your day. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen for this road trip. The first stop on your journey is the Byodo-In Temple. Take H1 northwest from Waikiki then turn west onto HWY 61 through the green covered mountains that make up the punchbowl. Along the way you will pass the Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout, several waterfalls, and the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. All are worth your time if you're interested.
You likely recognize the Byodo-In Temple from hit shows like LOST, Hawaii Five-O, or Magnum P.I.. "It was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. ...[It] is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty" (http://byodo-in.com). Admission is $5 for adults.
Stay on Kamehameha HWY. Your next stop is Kualoa Regional Park on the east coast of Oahu. From here you can enjoy unobstructed views of China Hat just off the shore, and the Pu'u Manamana mountains behind you. This park is the perfect place for a scenic roadside picnic or quick swim. Note that Kualoa Park has ample parking, but limited public bathrooms or showers if you do decide to take a dip.
Kualoa Ranch & Zipline is right around the corner. You could easily spend the whole day here enjoying the various (and expensive) excursions offered. Do your research before you go to see if this is worth the stop. Love Jurassic Park? They filmed the iconic "they're flocking this way" scene at Kualoa Ranch.
If you didn't stop to eat at Kualoa Regional Park, you're still in luck. About 6 miles north on Kamehameha HWY you will find the Shimp Shack, a small food truck famed for its shrimp and tropical floats.
Keep on Kamehameha HWY as it ascends the eastern coast of Oahu. You'll pass the Polynesian Cultural Center on your left. Don't stop - keep rolling. You know a tourist trap when you see one!
As you crest the northernmost point of the island the road veers inland. Here you will find fruit stands and food trucks galore. Kawela Beach is a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the sun and sand. You're on the windward side of the island now, nearing the famed Bonzai Pipeline. Be a cautious swimmer in these rocky and choppy waters. You'll know when you've reached Sunset Beach and the Bonzai Pipeline. Here you'll find car-lined streets and surfers aplenty. Traffic slows as pedestrians cross the small road to catch some serious waves.
Those not interested (or skilled) in the art of surfing will enjoy the Waimea Valley that's across the road. Here you will find roaming peacocks in a beautiful, tropical setting. This site is recognizable from movies including: The Hunger Games Catching Fire, Snatched, and George of the Jungle.
You can buy a day-pass to go swimming in the waterfall fed pools within the park. Note that the park does keep strict hours, and the closes between 5:00-5:30 p.m. depending on the time of year. We arrived close to closing, so we took advantage of the clean public restrooms before getting back in the car.
You will be heading south now through North Shore, before the road turns east (inland). Here you'll find the famed Dole Plantation. From the road you can see rows-upon-rows of pineapples. This was enough of a tour for us, but those interested in learning more about the pineapple business (and distilling process) should make a separate trip to the plantation during business hours.
Take the H2 to H1. Now you're in Pearl City heading back to Honolulu. You'll be able to see Mighty Mo (the U.S.S. Missouri) and the U.S.S Arizona Memorial from the highway. If those sites interest you, plan a full day for your visit.
There you have it. You've circumscribed Oahu by car and seen what the island has to offer outside of Honolulu.
Planning your trip to Oahu? Visit the Hawaii page on my blog for tips, videos and recommendations.
Aloha!
AB
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