Activities

We all know that Oahu and Waikiki have all kinds of tourist activities and attractions. There are people everywhere trying to get you to buy expensive packages for just about everything. 

What most people don't know is that there are a lot of great things to do on the Windward side that don't require a lot of money, and can be done without the long lines and the hordes of tourists.

Here are a few ideas, and there's more!

• Morning sunrises -- This side of the island has sunrises over the ocean, and depending upon the time of year, the sun will come up near the offshore islands. If the light is right, you'll see the shadow of Maui and Molokai in the distance. Your upstairs bedroom has the sunrise view, but most people like to take a cup of coffee down to the beach each morning.

• Snorkeling -- Waimanalo has plenty to keep you interested, and we know other places nearby that are great too. If you must go to Hanauma Bay, then at least we're very close so you don't have spend the day trying to find it... Also, just down the road is a popular Scuba diving spot.

• Boogie boarding and bodysurfing -- The beach here usually has waves with about e-5 foot faces, which is great for casual boogie boarding and bodysurfing (fun, and not dangerous). If you go up and down the beach a bit, you can usually find some moderately bigger waves, although nothing to worry about. If you want some bigger waves, there are two big-surf beaches close by (although we caution against getting into any kind of big surf unless you are very experienced). However, it's also a great thing to watch some of the boogie boarders at Sandy Beach...

• Hobie Cat sailing -- the Waimanalo bay is an amazing place for sailing, and we just happen to have a friend who'd be glad to take you out (if the winds are right). We'll hook you up direct with him and let you work out the details.

• Windsurfing -- The bay is a fantastic windsurfing spot, and is virtually empty. If windsurfing is your pleasure, let us know and we'll let you know what's available... 

• Ocean kayaking -- When the bay is still, then kayaking is a fantastic activity. Kayak rentals are easy in Kailua, and kayaks can be transported, and the Waimanalo bay is far less active. By the time you get here, we might just have our own kayak available too.

• Hiking in the Mountains -- There are some amazingly beautiful hikes all around this area, most with the most beautiful ocean views you will ever see. Several mountain ridge hikes (ranging from adventurous to tranquil), a few hikes to waterfalls, and a fantastic short, easy hike just down the street.

• Rural bike riding -- There are several back roads just across the way that make for fantastic and tranquil riding in the foothills of our majestic Ko'olau mountains. We've got someone in the neighborhood who will be happy to rent you a couple of bikes.

• Mountain-bike riding -- There are some great trails back in the foothills if you're inclined to have some adventuresome riding.

• Tandem Para-gliding (a lot like hang gliding) -- We know a guy who gives tandem paragliding rides just down the street (when the winds are right). It's rather adventuresome and not for everyone, but can be the ride of a lifetime! You ride up to 2000 ft in the air overlooking the mountain ridges and the ocean coast line.

• Whale watching -- There are several great lookouts for whales just down the road (November thru March is whale watching season)

• Beach walking -- With five miles of sandy, uncrowded beach, you can walk on the beach longer and farther here than almost anywhere in Hawaii!

• Lap swimming -- Ocean swimming is fine when the water's calm, but if you like to swim laps, Kailua has a beautiful, outdoor lap pool that is open to the public and free.

• Sea Life Park -- Okay, it's a tourist hangout, but it's only two minutes away, so that makes it a much better activity than from Waikiki. It's actually one of the nicer tourist activities.

• The H-3 Highway -- Believe it or not, this highway is an attraction you will really want to see. It's been rated the most beautiful highway in America (by whom, we don't remember). It winds through the Ko'olau foothills, then tunnels through the mountains to the other side. Best of all, this is the main way to get to several of the tourist attractions and sites on the island, so you'll probably get to ride it many times! The other two mountain passes are pretty spectacular too, and you'll get to see them too.

• Coastal drive -- We think the drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo is more beautiful than anything the California coast has to offer (okay, it isn't quite as long!). Best of all, this can be your 15 minute drive to get a bite to eat or go to the store if you wish, any time you want! The road to the North Shore can also go along the windward coast, and is really a fantastic drive too!

• Golf -- If golfing is your thing, then you may have heard of the Ko'olau course, just up the road from here. It's been rated as the most beautiful golf course in America (again, we forgot who did the rating)

• Surfing -- There's a great beginner spot just down the road, and good intermediate to advanced areas close by too.

Do you have special interests? If we know what they are, we'll do our best to tell you what's available, or to find out more. Just let us know....