Getting to Know Hawaii: My Windward Oahu Favorites

I just wanted to pop in really quickly and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!  I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the year!

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The Windward coast of Oahu is a pretty special place.  As soon as you exit the tunnel on the H3 heading east, you can immediately tell the vibe of this area is just different from the rest of the island.  The scenery is pretty stunning to boot as well, all the way from Laie Point to Waimanalo.  You just can't help but fall in love!

Looking back, we never made it over to this side of the island enough, but we did garner some favorite places in the precious time we did spend here.  Luckily for you all I've listed them down below, so take a look!

FAVORITE EATS

Aloha Salads

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Website
Open from 10AM-9PM daily

Aloha Salads is one of my favorite lunch spots on island!  We don't have much of a sandwich/deli presence here (it's growing!), but Aloha Salads definitely is cornering the market.  They serve fantastic sandwiches, salads, and soups and all of their ingredients are local, coming from farms in Mokuleia, Kahuku, Haleiwa, and Hau'ula.  Their Aloha Caesar and Aloha Mediterranean are two of my favorite kinds of salads (love the shrimp and hummus too!) and there is something about the Roasted Turkey Sub on pita that makes my heart do a little pitter patter.  And the bisques are lovely as well, especially the Lobster!  Luckily for everyone, they also have more locations on island, including in Kapolei, town, and now in the Pearlridge Mall in Aiea.  If only they'd move to Alabama!

Cinnamon's

Picture courtesy of A Place for My Taste

Location
Website
Open from 7AM to 2PM daily

Breakfast is a big deal on Oahu.  There is lots of competition, especially in little Kailua town here on the windward side.  For whatever reason, Cinnamon's was the first breakfast place I ever tried...and I'll admit it, the last!  I just couldn't get enough of their yummy options like crab cake eggs Benedict (my absolute favorite!) and red velvet pancakes.  Cinnamon's has been a hit with every family member and friend we've taken there as well, so at this point, if it ain't broke, why fix it??  Like the other breakfast places over here, they get VERY busy VERY quickly, so come early (around opening at 7AM) or be prepared for hour-plus long wait times.  It's worth it though!

Teddy's Bigger Burgers

Photo courtesy of Teddy's Bigger Burgers

Location
Website
Open from 10AM to 9PM daily

Teddy's is actually a pretty popular "chain" on Oahu (and other places), so it has quite a few locations spread around the island including in Aiea, Waikiki, University, Ewa Beach, here in Kailua, Kaneohe, and many others!  My favorite order is a regular teri burger with a side of delicious garlic fries.  I love it since I can never resist a good teri burger.  They also have other items for sale like salads, chicken, fish, and fantastic milkshakes.  You'll most likely find something for everyone's tastes here!

Haleiwa Joe's

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Website
Open from 4:30PM to 9PM Monday-Thursday; 4:30PM to 10PM Friday-Saturday; 10AM to 2PM (brunch) and 4:30PM to 9PM Sunday

Haleiwa Joe's is a delightful little restaurant nestled in the jungle of Kaneohe with a gorgeous view overlooking the beautiful Haiku Gardens.  This restaurant may be affiliated with the Haleiwa Joe's actually located in Haleiwa on the North Shore, but it is decidedly much better when it comes to quality.  Mr. L and I were hesitant to try this place for a long time simply because we had a less-than-positive experience at the North Shore location, but I can assure you that this restaurant fares much better!  I really enjoyed their Sunday brunch option.  You get a full buffet with salad, breakfast items, and even dessert for around $25 a person from 10AM to 2PM.  Very delicious!

FAVORITE SPOTS

Lanikai Beach

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Oh, dreamy, dreamy Lanikai Beach.  Sunrises from here are truly magical, as are days spent lounging in the sand, snorkeling in the breathtaking water, and overall basking in this little slice of paradise.  Lanikai is definitely one of the favorites of everyone I'm able to bring out here and it's pretty obvious why.  The parking situation can be pretty difficult to deal with, but once you get your toes into the sand and wave at the kayakers heading out to the Mokulua Islands, it becomes completely worth it!  

Byodo-In Temple

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The Byodo-In Temple has some of the most gorgeous scenery on island, both with the temple itself and in the background!  It is incredibly picturesque here and was a favorite stop of mine when I wanted to impress any of our guests that came to visit us.  The Byodo-in Temple is actually a smaller-scale replica of a U.N. World Heritage Site temple in Uji, Japan and was established to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.  I highly recommend giving the temple a visit, seeing the 9-foot golden Buddha, and strolling the beautifully manicured grounds.

Lanikai Pillboxes Hike

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The Lanikai Pillboxes Hike is one of my all-time favorite hikes on Oahu.  You get stunning windward coast views for minimal effort, so it's a great hike to do if you're short on time or just want maximum payout for your exertion.  You can see all the way from Chinaman's Hat to Makapu'u Lighthouse and everything in between.  On a good, clear day, the view will completely knock your socks off!  Like for Lanikai Beach, parking can be really difficult to come by, but it's manageable, especially if you don't mind walking.  The first part of the hike is also very steep, so this might not be the best hike for people with knee problems.  Otherwise it's a must do!

La'ie Point

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La'ie Point is a little gem of a location tucked away in La'ie.  It's partly the North Shore and partly the windward side, so I just made an executive decision and included it over here ;)  This is a great location to really get a feel for the power of the ocean since watching the waves pound against the jagged, rough cliffs is pretty mesmerizing.  Cliff jumping is also a popular activity here, but I've personally never done it -- I like my feet on solid ground!

Bellows Beach

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Bellows is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches over here on the windward side, and that's saying a lot because there is some stiff competition!  The sand is incredibly soft, the water is such a gorgeous electrifying blue, and the scenery is outstanding.  Bellows is separated into two sections -- the military side and the public side.  If you're able to get on the military side, I definitely recommend doing so since I prefer it over the public side.  Mr. L and I loved this beach so much that we even had some gorgeous sunrise pictures made here with my parents courtesy of Haole Girl Photography.  Let's just say if I could live on a beach, it would be right here.  :)

Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline

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Mr. L and I always loved visiting the Ka'iwi Shoreline with our dog Lila.  She would have a blast playing with the other dogs at the "dog beach" area and swimming in the tide pool area with us.  It's also a great place for finding little creatures on the rocks and getting in some nice coastal exploration.  If you find yourself on the hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse, make a detour after a take a little swim in the water to cool off.  It's totally worth it!  

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Other posts in my Oahu Favorites mini-series:

My North Shore Oahu Favorites

My Honolulu and South Oahu Favorites

My Central and Leeward Oahu Favorites

Getting to Know Hawaii: Chief's Luau

The Need to Knows: 

• Chief's Luau is located at Sea Life Park at 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795.

• Chief's is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 5PM to 9PM.
• This luau is tiered when it comes to pricing like most other luaus on island.  They offer a Standard package (adults $80, youth [ages 13-20] $69, child [ages 5-12] $58); a Paradise package (adults $111, youth $96, child $79); and a Royal package (adults $145, youth $127, child $111).  Kids 4 and under are free.
• As with the other luaus, discounts are available, especially if you are kama'aina or military.  If you are military, always check with your local ITT office for deals.
• Round trip transportation is available from Waikiki for $13.75 (I'm not 100% sure if this is per person, but I'd bank on it being so).
• At least one alcoholic beverage is included in your package, but be prepared to pay for the rest of your drinks (I'd keep cash on hand).  Complimentary fruit punch and water are available as well.
• The dress code is standard luau attire (most people dress casually and comfortably).
• For more information on the package choice specifics, the menu, what the schedule of events looks like, or anything else, check out Chief's website here.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Lanikai Pillboxes Hike

The Need to Knows:

• The Lanikai Pillboxes Hike trail head is located at the end of a private driveway off of Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734.  It's exact location is here:

• Parking is definitely an issue here, as it is with the whole neighborhood of Lanikai.  Please obey all parking laws and be respectful to the homeowners who reside here when you're hunting for street parking and when you're walking through the neighborhoods (basically don't be loud or toss trash).  I suggest parking around Lanikai Park if none of the handful of spots are open at the trail head.
• This trail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to complete, depending on how far you go or how long you soak in the views.  Next time we go I'll use GPS to figure out how long it is.
• I would rank this hike as somewhere between beginner and moderate.  It's not as easy as Manoa Falls or the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, but it isn't too tough either.
• I definitely recommend hiking or running shoes with good traction, especially if it's been raining -- I bet it can get very muddy!
• Once you make it onto the ridge portion of the trail, the sun will be beating down on you, so wear sunscreen and a hat and bring water to stay hydrated.
• This hike is dog-friendly as well as child-friendly, but definitely not suited for strollers.  Just be sure to keep an eye on your kids and keep your dog on a leash!

Getting to Know Hawaii: Kawainui Marsh Trail

The Need to Knows:

• The Kawainui Marsh Trail is located at 704 Kaha Street, Kailua, HI 96734.  Its exact location can be found here:

• I don't think there are specific hours for the trail itself, but the park where the trailhead is located is open from 7 AM to 7 PM.
• There is a nice-sized parking lot available at the park where the trail starts.
• The trail itself is maybe about a mile and a half long or so (I'll have to measure it with GPS the next time I go to make sure).
• There's no shade on the trail, so I definitely suggest you bring water and wear sunscreen and possibly a hat.
• I'd definitely classify it as stroller friendly along with bike friendly, kid friendly, and dog friendly!

Getting to Know Hawaii: Laie Point State Wayside

The Need to Knows:

• Laie Point State Wayside is located at the end of Naupaka Street in Laie, Hawaii 96762.  It's exact location is here:

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• The park is open during daylight hours every day and it costs nothing to visit.
• The parking lot is very, very tiny, so please be mindful of where you park since this is a neighborhood (no blocking driveways!).
• There are no bathroom facilities here, but there are trash cans available.
• Since there are obviously no railings or safety measures here, be smart in your judgement when it comes where to explore.  Also be careful if you're wearing flip flops!
• There's also no shade, so if you plan to stay a while for lunch or something else, I'd recommend a hat or some sunscreen.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Kualoa Ranch ATV Tour

The Need to Knows:

• Kualoa Ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744.  Here's the exact location via Google Maps:

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• There are two kinds of ATV tours available: the 1 hour ATV tour ($69 per person) and the 2 hour ATV tour ($99 per person and the one we ended up choosing).  If you're military, there are discounted rates at the ITT offices on island (I think around $84 per person), and Kualoa Ranch offers Kama'aina discounts as well.
• The times for the ATV tour are 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, and 3:30 PM nearly every day (I'm not 100% sure on which days the ranch is closed).
• Other tours available include horseback riding tours, movie location tours, a fishpond tour, a trip to a "secret" beach, and many more.  There are some restrictions, so be sure to fully read up on the tour you're interested in before signing up.
• They recommend closed toe shoes (a necessity), sunglasses (another necessity, but they'll provide goggles if you don't have any kind of eyewear -- I was allowed to wear my glasses just fine), and long pants.  The long pants were the only thing I didn't find to be a total necessity, but they did help us keep the dust off our legs!
• For more information on this tour, other tours, and the ranch itself, check out their website here.

Getting to Know Hawaii: The Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline

The Need to Knows:

• The Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline is located right next to the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail; use the same parking lot as the Lighthouse Trail, but instead take the trail leading off to the right after you see the Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline sign (pictured below).  Here's the Shoreline's Google Maps location:

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• The park is open from 7 AM to 6:45 PM every day.
• There is no charge to enter this area, and parking is free in the lot.
• Dogs are welcome along the shoreline, yay!
• There isn't any cover here to protect you from the sun, so be sure to wear lots of sunscreen or a hat and bring plenty of water for you and your furry friend.  Feel free to bring an umbrella and some chairs as well if you plan on spending a couple hours here!
• If you play in the tide pools, it may be wise to bring along some reef shoes for you and some hiking shoes for your dog.  On this trip, my little Lila actually got a cut on her paw (which healed up just fine in about a week), so next time she will definitely have some shoes on.
• People use the first tide pool area as a dog beach, so if you do bring your pet, be sure to comply with typical dog park/dog beach rules.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

The Need to Knows:

• The Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is located at 45-680 Luluku Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744.  Check out the Google Maps location below:

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• Hours are from 9 AM to 4 PM, and admission to the garden is completely free, including parking.
• Restrooms are located at the Visitor's Center near the garden's entrance and possibly elsewhere (I think close to the lake), but I'll have to double check.
• I would highly recommend sunscreen and bug spray (the mosquitoes can be fierce!).
• You can spend as much or as little time as you'd like here, it just depends on how much you're willing to explore.  Our visit probably lasted between 1 and 2 hours.
• Camping is permitted and free, just be sure to notify the Visitor's Center so they can set you up with the appropriate pass for your car.
• Alcohol is not permitted in the park, and neither are pets.
• Catch and release fishing is permitted on (I think) weekends from 10AM to 2PM, but I'll double check that as well.
• Free guided nature hikes are available on Saturdays at 10AM and on Sundays at 1PM -- call (808) 233-7323 to register.
• If you'd like any more information, please check out their website here or contact the Honolulu Botanical Gardens division of the Department of Parks and Recreation at either hbg@honolulu.gov or (808) 522-7060.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail

The Need to Knows:

• The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is located off Kalanianaole Hwy (Hwy 72) in between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo here:
  
  
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It's open everyday from 7 AM to 6:30 PM.

Parking is available as soon as you turn onto Makapu'u Lighthouse Road and is free, but keep in mind it is limited and tends to fill up quickly so plan accordingly.

There are no restrooms here, but there are trash cans available.

If I remember correctly, the hike takes about 2 hours or so roundtrip, depending on your fitness level.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and a hat because it can get very hot and there isn't shade here.  I'd also recommend leaving your slippers in the car and opting for comfy sneakers.

This hike is stroller and dog friendly, but just make sure the pavement doesn't get too hot for your pooch's paws!

Getting to Know Hawaii: DIY Mini Oahu Driving Tour

Hello and welcome to my blog!  If you like this guide, feel free to click on my my Travel page and check out all of the cool places I've traveled to in Hawaii and elsewhere, or you could hop over to my Recipes page to see some yummy food I've been cooking up lately.  And don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!  Thanks for looking!  :)

***Since Mr. L and I no longer live on Oahu, I can no longer guarantee the accuracy of some of the information in this post.  However, the majority of information should stay the same (stop locations, etc.) and if I hear of any changes, I'll be sure to update them ASAP!***

Last Updated:

June 9, 2014 - Added WARNING for Spitting Caves

May 13, 2014 - Added a new stop, Spitting Caves, revamped Google Maps map, and updated the Printable Guide

UPDATE:  I've now updated this post and added the above "Printable Guide" button so you can print out the guide to take with you on the road!  I removed the pictures and reformatted a little bit to shrink the size down to 6 printed pages.  I hope this makes it easier on you in case you don't want to use a cell phone or tablet the whole time.  Just click the button to take you to the print page!

In my last driving tour post, I covered a popular route that involves driving all around the island of Oahu (minus the leeward side) and taking up the better portion of your day.  But if you're interested in doing a driving tour but don't have a full day to commit to exploration, what do you do?  Well, I'll tell you -- you go on a mini road trip!

This route begins exactly the same way as the original driving tour, but takes a different turn when you get to the windward side of the island.  Because it begins the same way, my advice still applies regarding time to leave and when you'll probably get hungry, so be sure to visit the original driving tour post to check out the additional tips before you get on the road.

Getting to Know Hawaii: DIY Oahu Driving Tour

Hello and welcome to my blog!  If you like this guide, feel free to click on my my Travel page and check out all of the cool places I've traveled to in Hawaii and elsewhere, or you could hop over to my Recipes page to see some yummy food I've been cooking up lately.  And don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!  Thanks for looking!  :)

***Since Mr. L and I no longer live on Oahu, I can no longer guarantee the accuracy of some of the information in this post.  However, the majority of information should stay the same (stop locations, etc.) and if I hear of any changes, I'll be sure to update them ASAP!***

LAST UPDATED:

June 9, 2014 - Added JUMP WARNINGS to the Spitting Caves, Laie Point, and Waimea Bay stops

May 12, 2014 - Revamped the Google Maps map, added two new stops (Spitting Caves and Pu'u O Mahuku Heiau State Monument), and updated the Printable Guide

April 29, 2014 - added new picture for Waimea Bay Beach Park

April 1, 2014 - added new picture for Hanauma Bay; added new picture for Sunset Beach

February 27, 2014 - changed link to Laie Point to direct to new blog post

January 22, 2014 - added picture for 'Ehukai Beach Park

January 17, 2014 - added new info on Laniakea Beach and updated Laie Point's description and picture

UPDATE:  I've now updated this post and added the above "Printable Guide" button so you can print out the guide to take with you on the road!  I removed the pictures and reformatted a little bit to shrink the size down to 8 printed pages.  I hope this makes it easier on you in case you don't want to use a cell phone or tablet the whole time.  Just click the button to go to the print page!

When Mr. L and I first moved here, we heard about doing a driving tour around the perimeter of Oahu ourselves, but we really didn't have more to go on than "Just drive all the way around Kam Highway!"  So in order to be prepared for the arrivals of friends and family when they came out to visit us, I decided to come up with my own guide, complete with directions, pictures, tips, and even restaurant locations/suggestions!

This guide is about sampling a bit of what Oahu has to offer.  It doesn't include everything because it shouldn't, but it lets you get a taste of some things you might not otherwise see.  The guide is 100% interchangeable to suit your needs and preferences.  Don’t like one of the stops I have listed or want to add another?  Change it!  You decided to spend a whole day at the North Shore and don’t want to do any stops there yet?  Skip them!  Do what bests fits your schedule and what you find the most fun.  You probably won't get to every single one of these stops in one trip, and that's okay.  Skip stops if you're running low on time -- I normally do!

Keep in mind that if you don't like something you see on the restaurant lists I've suggested, search out Yelp and other resources to find something that better suits your tastes.  They are merely suggestions that I've personally been to or have been suggested to me.  I hope you get some good use out of this and are able to enjoy this beautiful island with your loved ones!  Aloha!

*All pictures my own unless otherwise noted.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Nu'uanu Pali Outlook

The Need to Knows:

• The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is located off of Pali Highway in between Honolulu and Kailua; it isn't difficult to find at all, just look for the signs pointing to it off of Pali Highway.  Check out the Google Maps link for more info:

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• It is open from 9AM to 4PM daily
• Parking is free for kama'aina; otherwise you're stuck paying $3 and dealing with the ridiculously complicated parking ticket machine that is super picky on what kind of money it takes.  I think the day we went it was only accepting change even though technically it could take bills and credit cards -- definitely kind of frustrating.  The parking lot is also very tiny, so you may have to circle a few times for a spot depending on what time you get there.
• Do NOT leave valuables in your car; break-ins are unfortunately very common in this area, and chances are you will see shattered glass in the parking lot itself.  Just don't let it deter you; as long as you practice caution and common sense and take your valuables with you, you should be fine.
• Be prepared for wind, wind, and more wind!
• There is a trail located here at the lower end of the lookout that follows along the Old Pali Highway.
• There are no facilities here (restrooms, etc.) but you probably won't stay for too long regardless, unless you do the trail.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Byodo-in Temple

The Need to Knows:

• The Byodo-in Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu.  The address is 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744.  Here's the Google Maps link:

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• It is open from 9AM to 5PM daily, and it costs $3 per adult, $2 per senior citizen, and $1 per child to enter.  I'd allow about an hour or so to explore the grounds and temple -- in fact it would be a great stop for a leisurely picnic lunch.
• The Temple has appeared in numerous television shows including Hawaii Five-0 and Lost.
• It is actually a part of the cemetery, so please be respectful when visiting this beautiful area.  Also remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple (there are signs to remind you in case you forget).
• Fun fact - it was actually entirely built without using a single nail!
• Wedding and funeral services are both frequently held here.
• There are woods surrounding the temple and grounds, so if you are prone to mosquito bites it is probably a good idea to bring some bug spray.
• A gift shop with some novelty items is located on the grounds a bit behind the temple, and restrooms are behind the gift shop.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Sunrise at Lanikai Beach

The Need to Knows:

• Lanikai Beach is located in Kailua, HI on the windward side of Oahu.  Beach access is in the neighborhood of Lanikai, just past Kailua Beach Park.  There is no designated parking area; you basically just have to park on the side of the road near one of the beach passageways.  Please be respectful of the neighborhood residents and do not park in their yards and driveways!  I'd recommend parking along Mokulua Drive at Kaiolena Dr, Haokea Dr, or Kuailimi Dr.  Check out this Google Maps link for more info:

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• If you are attempting to catch the sunrise, be sure to research beforehand just what time the sun rises on the day you want to go.  Plan to get to Lanikai at least thirty minutes before that time in order to fully experience the beauty of the sunrise.  We often wake up between 4 and 5 (depending on the time of the year) in order to make it on time; from our home near the airport, it normally takes about a 20-25 minute drive taking the H-3, depending on how fast we want to drive on the freeway =)
• Lanikai Beach is dog-friendly, so if your pup is on island with you, take him (and his leash!) with you!
• As with all Hawaiian beaches,  the beach is open to the public and yours to explore, as long as you don't trespass on private property and only use the designated beach access passageways.  There is also obviously no charge to visit Lanikai.  Spend the day here snorkeling, kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands, swimming, or just lying on the beach and getting some sun!