Waimanalo Beach This was the first beach we visited and certainly one of the most attractive (41-741 Kalanianaole Hwy Huli Street Waimanalo, HI 96795 a lot of the beach signage is hard to see, but if you find a beach parking lot in the town where the beach is located […]
windward
12 posts
The Arch (Natural Attraction, Windward) If you park at the Halona Blowhole parking lot (Kalanianaole Highway heading east in Honolulu) and walk across the highway, head west past where the rail ends, you’ll be heading in the right direction. You can pick a comfortable spot to scale the rocks and […]
Spitting Caves (Natural Attraction, Windward) This was a little tricky to find, but I love a good natural attraction (Intersection of Popipu and Lumahai in Honolulu. Take Lumahai down to the end and park, nice residential area). We followed the directions, found the block, parked the car, and I started […]
Top Picks: Byodo-In Temple (Wildlife Sightings, Koi Pond, Windward) This was one of our most memorable activities of the trip, and for some reason I almost had us skip it thinking it was just some run of the mill temple, I’m so thankful I didn’t because it is so much […]
Koko Crater Botanical Gardens (Educational, Windward) This was the first botanical garden we went to on the island. We hiked Koko Head earlier in the morning, then checked out some oddball spots such as: the spitting cave, the arch, and the hanola blowhole, and then had a huge Japanese lunch […]
Top Picks: Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden (Educational, Koi Pond, Wildlife Sightings, Windward) Just try to keep your jaw from dropping as you drive into this utterly amazing and free green space (45-680 Luluku Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744). Great parking lot and visitors center here, pick up a map and start going. […]
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail (Paved, Lighthouse, Military Remnants, Windward) This would make a really great sunrise hike because it’s paved and therefore easy to navigate, and on the windward side where the sun rises most visibly. The park that contains the trail is called Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (8751-9057 Kalanianaole […]
Top Picks: Koko Head (Workout, Military Remnants, Windward) This hike is a serious workout even if you are in good shape. As you drive towards the park you can see the cone looming in the distance, and you can make out the steep trail that lies ahead of you. There […]
Top Picks: Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Military Remnants, Ridge Trail, Windward) Definitely one of the cooler hikes I have taken and my first ridge trail, I would highly recommend checking this spot out. It is relatively easy and short (less than a mile to the first pillbox) with truly amazing views. […]
Kalapawai Market (Sandwiches, Cheap Eats, Lunch [or early dinner], Windward) If you find yourself Windward and you’re looking for a tasty sandwich, you gotta stop at this market. These sandwiches rival my beloved Cardona’s and those back in NYC. I was skeptical reading such rave reviews, but they were dead […]
Boots & Kimo’s (Cheap Eats, Breakfast, Windward) Other than delicious acai bowls, this was the only breakfast we went out for and I wouldn’t change a thing. Mac (macadamia) nuts are huge in Hawaii, and if you’ve never had them you should investigate because they are delicious. Mac nuts can […]
Hi, I’m back from winter vacation! This year I was fortunate enough to visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu with my love for nine whole days, internet free. Last winter we visited Maui, which was an entirely different world. Maui (the way we interpreted it) was more of a relaxing […]