Touring / Exploration, Oahu

This really cracked me up. In Kaneohe two gas stations cady corner from each other with very Hawaiian names.

Aloha & Mahalo

To learn the actual definitions of Aloha and Mahalo go to the following web site.

There is also a law in Hawaii called The Aloha Sprit Law. I talk more about it in my Oahu Local Customs page.

Here is the other gas station. I just cracked me up to see this while the locals probably don't find it as humorous as I do!

To learn the actual definitions of Aloha and Mahalo go to the following web site.

There is also a law in Hawaii called The Aloha Sprit Law. I talk more about it in my Oahu Local Customs page.

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As we were driving to The Polynesian Culture Center in Laie, we noticed this lush park-like area called the Valley of the Temples. It's a beautifully landscaped cemetery.

Although we didn't stop by, there is an immense temple at the rear of the cemetery. Named the Byodo-In, it replicates an ancient 950 year old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan (pic #2). The temple was constructed in 1960 to commemorate the arrival of Japanese immigrants who worked the sugar fields.

Other assorted temples can be seen throughout the cemetery, a $2 fee pp is charged.

pic #2, borrowed from hawaiiweb.com

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Back drop to Lanikai Beach (One of the top 10 beaches in the world) is Kaiwa Ridge. The trail that runs a long the ridge takes you past two pillboxes built during WWII. Two of many pillboxes built along the eastern coast of Oahu that are now just decrepit reminders of the past.

A short and easy hike treats you to 360 degree views of the windward side of Oahu. Great views of Mokumanu and Mokulua (The Moks), Waimanalo Bay and Makapuu Point, the Koolau Mountains, Kailua Bay and Kaneohe Marine Base and of the Enchanted Lakes area.

Directions: Pass Kailua Beach Park on Kawailoa Rd. Take left at 4 way stop sign onto Alala Rd, which takes you around Alala Point and into Lanikai. You must veer right onto Aalapapa Dr. and take your second left onto Kaelepulu Dr. Follow the road a short way and park along the side of the road near the entrance of Mid-Pacific Country Club, just before the gated community where the road ends. Just to the left of the private apartments you will see a dirt path that starts up Kaiwa Ridge.

The Pali Highway Scenic Point, looks towards Kailua on the windward side of Oahu.

To get to the scenic point, simply take H1 Highway West from Waikiki. Take the Pali Highway exit towards the Windward side of Oahu. Once thru the Pali tunnels, continue about a mile down the highway til you come to a big sweeping turn in the road. You will see the scenic point on the right shoulder of the road.

The old ruins of the Kualoa Sugar Cane Mill, are a familiar site to those who often drive Kamehameha Highway, on their way to the North Shore.

The mill was built in 1865 but had a short history due to lack of rain fall in the area. The ruins are very easy to see, since they are just a few feet away from the road side.

They are located on the straight away between Kualoa Beach Park and Kualoa Point. Its hard to miss them...

Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau ("Hill of Escape") is a well-preserved temple and is the largest on O'ahu covering over 5-acres. This was considered a powerful place for the kahuna and one of two places where wives of the ancient chiefs gave birth. This heiau may also have been a site of human sacrifice. In the upper section is a raised mound surrounded by stones that may have been a central alter. The locals still leave offerings on this site such as full Heineken beer bottles, groceries, candy,etc. If you go past the alter and through the tall grass on the right there is a small path. This path will lead to a great photo opp of the north shore of Oahu.

Located on the north shore Mauka from Sharks Cove. Turn on the road beside Foodland (across from Sharks Cove) and follow the road up to the top. Don't be alarmed when you pass the cars that have been stripped down to their frames. Who knows, they might be offerings as well! It is a national landmark and a registered state historical site.

****These sites are sacred to the Hawaiian people and should be treated with the utmost respect. Do not move or remove anything from these sites. Do not climb or walk on the rock walls and platforms

to get great shots of Diamondhead, I suggest going to hotels that have balconies that face Diamondhead. Take the elevators to the top floors to see if you can get a great balcony shot of Diamondhead. I DID!!!!!

The Waikiki Trolley takes you to Oahu's major tourist attractions and more!

With all the attractions Hawaii has to offer, it would be difficult to go to them one by one with just a map and a rented car. Why waste time when the Waikiki Trolley can take you to Hawaii's top spots and back to Waikiki? Plus you don't have to worry about traffic and driving!

We went up the back side of the island to the Northshore to take a glider ride. It was a bit cramped in the narrow little plane, thankfully we weren’t big people. This was another amazing experience. The other plane took us up and then cut loose, we had an excellent view of the coast line and beaches and of course the silence was eerie. Well worth doing if you have the time. The company we used are supposed to be the oldest commercial glider operation in Hawaii.

The Original Glider Rides
Waialua, Oahu.
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