Living on Oahu: Leeward Adventures

by Lexi Brown

Oahu has so much to do that it seems as if island fever was a myth.

This time I will share my favorite spots to visit on the Leeward side of Oahu, where there is always something for people of all ages and great stops for amazing food.

If you want to spend a day at the beach Leeward Oahu has plenty of beautiful beaches with also amazing sunsets.

Some of my favorites include Makaha Beach which is a beautiful stretch of sand with great waves and wonderful sunset. Parking can be tough during the weekend but it is a great beach to get away from the tourist spots.

Yokohama Beach is a great place to snorkel at when the water is calm. This beach is the last sand stretch along the coast before arriving to Ka’ena point. During the winter is does get high surf but it is calm otherwise.

Nanakuli Beach is another great spot along the coast. Calm waters, good parking, away from the tourists. Great spot for a beach day.

Makua Beach is a secluded beach with that offers great surf, sunset and mountain view. The waves and current can change making it dangerous but on great days are usually calm. The beach is a long stretch of sand with a dirt parking lot. There is a tide pool which is great for kids on calm days.

Ko Olina Lagoons are a great spot to visit with children or if you want to snorkel in calm waters. Parking can be tough since they are surrounded by resorts and they do get a lot of tourists but if you arrive early you can find parking and enjoy 1 of the 4 lagoons.

As always please be respectful of the wild life, clean after yourself and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

If you want a day out to explore then Ka’ena Point is a great place to hike along the water and see some wildlife. It is a seabird sanctuary so please be respectful of wildlife and the area. Try to spot whales from November to March.

You can also explore the Pu’u Hulu pill box in the Waianae area. This hike to the bunkers offers a great sunset view of the coast.

You can also visit the Hawaiian Railway Society for a train ride along the Leeward side with ocean views. Take the 90 min train ride on a Saturday or Sunday.

Visit Wet&Wild Hawaii with the family and enjoy the water rides and other attractions. You can get season passes to make the most of it since it is always sunny on island.

Once you get hungry stop at some local favorites like Countryside Café, Kalo Bombs, Tamuras and The Sugar Hut. Countryside Café has some great local favorites like Loco Moco. Kalo Bombs has amazing Paiai bombs that include Haupia ice cream flavor, strawberry, vanilla…

Tamuras has great poke and The Sugar Hut is a great bakery stop for some sweet treats.

Check them out on the way to the beach or after a hike. They are all great!

If you want to spend the day shopping you can visit Ka Makana Ali’I which offers a great variety of stores and also places to eat. Plenty of parking and also has a movie theater.