The Beautiful Town In Hawaii That Will Fuel Your Wanderlust
By Megan Shute|Published November 09, 2016
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
It’s hard to deny that Oahu’s windward coast is one of the most beautiful (and accessible) stretches of land found in the state – and maybe even the country. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the best city along this majestic coastline to visit is Kaneohe. Yes, you read that right – it’s not Kailua, the hip beach town full famous for its eclectic shops and small-town vibe. Kaneohe recently made an appearance on Conde Nast’s “16 Hottest Neighborhoods to Visit in 2016, According to Airbnb.” And, we kinda have to agree – not only has the picturesque seaside neighborhood experienced an increase in popularity of 324 percent on Airbnb, but the lush oasis is home to some breathtaking beaches, truly incredible hiking, and several hidden gems – both natural and man-made.
So, without further ado, and in honor of this prestigious title, here are 13 of our favorite things, places, and activities you’ll only find in Kaneohe.
Located at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is a small-scale replica of a famous temple in Japan that is more than 950 years old. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The beautiful grounds include stunning statues, a large reflecting pond, meditation areas, and small waterfalls. It is a wonderful spot to reflect, relax, and take in Hawaii’s natural beauty.
The Kaneohe sandbar, located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, features crystalline turquoise waters, fine white sand, and plenty of fun. At high tide, you can comfortably stand waist-deep in the water, while at low tide, the sand is completely exposed.
This beautiful garden got its start in the 1920s as "Hawaii’s first multi-racial community, called Kokokahi ("of one blood"), a place where people of all ethnic backgrounds would come together to live, work and play," according to the Friendship Garden website. The tranquil space is open daily to the public free of charge, and features 0.6 miles of easy hiking trails and some phenomenal views.
An iconic Hawaiian seafood restaurant, Haleiwa Joe’s second (and we’d argue, prettier) location can be found in windward Oahu at the Haiku Gardens, a slice of absolute paradise. The peaceful setting, incredible food, and unrivaled ambiance make this a popular spot for date nights, wedding parties and special events.
From horseback riding and ATV tours to boat excursions and ziplining, Kualoa Ranch has an activity perfect for everyone. Oh, and did we mention the stunning natural beauty and countless movies filmed there? Those films include 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Soul Surfer, Along Came Polly, The Hunger Games, Godzilla, and George of the Jungle, as well as several television shows.
An epic beach for sunrise-watching, surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling when it’s calm, Pyramid Rock is picturesque, to say the least. This gem is on the Marine Corps base, but for all of those who don’t have base access, don’t worry - there’s another public beach listed below.
This 1.5-mile round trip hike provides simply stunning views of windward Oahu, but be warned that there are a few steep hills, and the trail can get pretty slippery after it rains. The summit is home to two World War II bunkers that were a part of Camp He’eia, a military training area that supported approximately 4,500 military personnel during the war.
This beautiful 400-acre botanical garden is a tranquil spot for a leisurely stroll, a scenic drive, or even a fishing and camping destination. Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, this natural oasis is open daily and free to the public.
Surrounded by palm trees and nestled into a quiet residential neighborhood just five miles from Kaneohe Town and eleven miles from Kailua Beach, Paradise Bay resort is a low-key haven for anyone looking to get away from it all.
Also known as Chinaman’s Hat, this small island lies off the coast of Kaneohe Bay, and is part of Kualoa Regional Park. Mokoli’i translates to "little lizard" in Hawaiian, and according to Hawaiian mythology, the island is what remains of a giant lizard whose tail was chopped off and thrown into the Pacific by Hi’iaka, a Hawaiian goddess. The island can be visited by kayak, boat or surfboard during daylight hours.
This family-friendly establishment features two 18-hole mini golf courses, a 400-foot zipline, and snack bars. We guarantee you won’t find a prettier golf course of the mini variety anywhere in Hawaii.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role as a training ground for ancient Hawaiian chiefs, Kualoa Beach Park is a true wonder. With fine sand and glistening waters, this beach is perfect for swimming, beach-combing, picnics, and camping.
