Hawaii is one of the most remote spots on Earth. Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island. At 607 square miles it is 44 miles long by 33 miles wide. Oahu is called the gathering place.
Formed by volcanic eruptions Oahu is the second oldest island. Oahu has two distinct mountain ranges, the northern Koolau Mountains and western Waianae Mts. The south shore has the famous Waikiki Beach with a bustling night life. The more rural North Shore, an hour drive away is known for its world renowned surf spots and laid back lifestyle.
Fun on the North Shore
- HAWAII SHARK ENCOUNTER: Swim with the sharks from the protection of a shark cage. Travel to Haleiwa town boat harbor. Board the Kainani for the experience of a lifetime. The Galapagos, Sandbar and seasonal Tiger sharks are so incredibly awesome. This educational tour will change your view of sharks forever. No wonder the Hawaiians viewed the Shark as a aumakua or protector. More than a million sharks are killed every year. We need to protect them. You may also see sea birds, dolphins, whales, and flying fish. Bring a disposable underwater camera. 2 hour tour approx.$100. My #1 adventure.www.hawaiisharkenoucnter.com
- NORTHSHORE CATAMARAN CHARTERS: Wind in your hair for a relaxing sail off the north shore. Travel to the picturesque Haleiwa boat harbor and board the 40 foot sailing catamaran Ho’o Nana. Spectacular Sunset cruises, Seasonal snorkeling in Waimea Bay or whale watching. www.sailingcat.com
- MOKULEIA GLIDER RIDES: Soar above the cliffs of Mokuleia for a spectacular visage of ocean, reefs, beaches and mountains. There is nothing quite like the silence of sailing though the sky. Head out to Mokuleia, go on Farrington Hwy to Dillingham airfield.
- SKY DIVING and WIND TUNNEL SIMULATOR. Dillingham Airfield .
- KAENAPOINTSTATE PARK: While you are out in Mokuleia at the Dillingham Airfield, drive a few minutes past the airfield to the end of the road. Kaena Point is the western most point of land on Oahu. It is a unimproved 853 acre Natural Area Preserve. A hiking trail travels along the rocky coast. It can be quite hot as there is minimal shade. Swimming not recommended due to dangerous ocean currents. Large waves in the winter. The Albatross birds nest here in the winter. 5-6 miles round trip to the light house. www.hawaiistateparks.org/pdf/brochures/Hawaii_State_Parks_Guide.pdf
- WAIMEAVALLEYCENTER: This 1,800 acre Nature Park is one of the few remaining ancient Hawaiian ahupua’a or ancient land management division which runs for the mountain to the sea. Waimea Falls has a self guided walking tour along side a stream coming to a 45 foot waterfall. Take a cool dip in the pool. There are 35 tropical botanical gardens with over 5,000 rare species of plants. Birding.Take a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day. Modest entrance fee. 9:30-5pm www.hawaiiweb.com/html/waimea_valley_adventure_park.html
- PU’U O MAHUKA HEIAU: The best example on Oahu of a ancient Hawaiian heiau (temple). It is situated on the cliff above Waimea bay with spectacular views of the coast and ocean. This walled Heiau is 575 feet long by 170 feet. Believed to have been built in the 1600’s it Was declared a National historic site in 1962. Interpretive signs and paved walkway. Access via Pupukea Rd off Kamehameha Hwy. 15 minutes north of Haleiwa town. www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/puuomahuka.cfm
- PUPUKEA-WAIMEA MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT: A 100 acre Marine preserve from Sharks cove in the north to the south point of Waimea Bay Beach park. Seasonal snorkeling in the summer. Shore-entry scuba diving destination. Big wave watching and surfing for experienced wave riders in the winter. Very dangerous ocean conditions in the winter. Do not venture near the waters edge. Life guards post warnings. Please use caution. See: www.youtube.com “Island Fever – Waimea Shore break”
- JAMES CAMPBELL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: The northern boundary of the North Shore of Oahu near the historic sugar cane plantation town of Kahuku is the 160 acre refuge. Bird watching and photography. This wetland habitat is home to over 119 species of birds. It is dedicated to 4 endangered, endemic water birds. The Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian moorhen. The top bird viewing site in Hawaii. Scheduled tours twice a week Oct-Feb. Open 3rd Sunday Oct – Feb. Closed remainder of year. Phone 808-637-6330 www.fws.gov/jamescampbell/
- LANIAKEA GREEN SEA TURTLES: Green sea turtle frequent this beach a mere 10 minutes north of Haleiwa. The first open ocean view area north of Haleiwa on Kamehameha hwy.
Dole Plantation: www.doleplanation.com :Worlds largest Maze, pineapple garden, history of pineapple in Hawaii, Train, gift shop
Polynesian Cultural Center: www.polynesia.com Different Pacific Island cultures and dances.
