Oahu my favorite
There is so much to see on Oahu this is the perfect first trip to the islands. If you stay in Waikiki, look to the south and there you will see the remains of a dead volcano. Diamond head has some hiking around the rim but not much else inside the caldera.
Diamond Head
My favorite beaches are on the East shore of Oahu, hands down Kailua State beach is my choice for overall beach fun. Just a short drive over the Pali Hwy from Honolulu to this fine beach. It’s not a surfing beach but every thing else is good. The wind is strong enough for wind surfing and Kayaking. There are rentals on the beach so you don’t have to pack your kayak on the plane. Even in the winter months the surf does not get to aggressive.
The beaches are fine white sand and the sand extends far into the surf. Be on the lookout for sea turtles they frequently will approach you and stick their head up to check you out. It’s a felony to harass the turtles but you can swim along side them if you don’t get to close.
On the south side there Hanuama Bay. Hanuama bay is a coral reef nature preserve. Bring your mask and snorkel it’s great fun but stay off the reef it’s a living organism and you wouldn’t want someone standing on you would you?
Hanuama Bay Coral Reef
Around the bend from Hanauma Bay is a small parking lot with a lookout over the ocean. Here you will find a blow hole. A blow hold is a hole in the rock where ocean water spurts out as a wave crashes against the rocks.
Blow Hole
The west side of the island is the leeward side and is very hot and dry. It reminds me of my home state of California. The lush rain forest gives way to brown scrub brush covered mountains. The sand is hot and so is the asphalt. Don’t go bare foot on this side of the island unless you have thick calluses on the bottom of your feet.
The North Shore is where the big surf is in the winter months. Not for beginners. 10 to 30 ft surf is common. Enjoy the beach from the sand, watch the surfers showing off. Sunset and Pipeline are the big surfing beaches while Waimea bay is where Bay Watch Hawaii was filmed.
On your way back to Waikiki don’t forget to stop in at the Dole Plantation. They have a nice little hedge maze and some great pineapple soft serve. There is a gift shop to and some fast food stands. Don’t forget to pick up some pineapples to take home with you.
I hope you can see why I prefer Oahu to the other islands.
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