Take This Epic Road Trip To Experience Hawaii’s Great Outdoors
×
Megan Shute
Author
Home to pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, towering mountaintops and untouched land, the Hawaiian Islands are a nature lover’s paradise. And while Oahu may be the commercial center of the Aloha State, there is still plenty of nature to be found on this small, densely populated island. To experience the best of Oahu’s great outdoors, consider taking this epic road trip across the island. On this three hour journey, you will stop at beaches and geological formations, as well as a waterfall and a cave. What are you waiting for? Adventure is out there!
For breathtaking vistas of windward Oahu, Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside is your best bet. This windy 1,186-foot high lookout was the site of the Battle of Nu'uanu, where Kamehameha I drove more than 400 soldiers off the cliffside. The views of the windward coast of the island from this lookout point are truly second to none.
Advertisement
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
The 40-minute hike to the waterfall will lead you through a bamboo forest, a beautiful hillside and reservoir, and lush jungle before reaching a magnificent waterfall. Don’t forget to get your free permit so you don’t get in trouble while hiking in this slice of paradise!
Advertisement
Perhaps one of the most iconic images associated with Hawaii is the towering silhouette of Diamond Head on the southernmost tip of Oahu. Dubbed Diamond Head by sailors who were entranced by the volcano’s glittering peak, the mountain’s summit is littered with calcite crystals — but the name stuck. Once used for military training, the government-owned property has since been opened to the public, and is now the most iconic hike on the island for tourists.
Perhaps one of Oahu’s most visited tourist destinations is Hanauma Bay State Park, and rightfully so — it is one of the island’s premier spots if you want to experience Hawaii’s beautiful sea life by way of snorkeling. Swim among the coral reef, vibrantly colored fish, and even honu at the best beach in America for 2016, according to Dr. Beach!
Related Stories
See The Very Best Of Upcountry Maui In One Day On This Epic Road Trip
This Road Trip Will Give You The Best Hawaii Beach Day You've Ever Had
This Awesome Road Trip Will Take You To Hawaii's Most Unique Coffee Farms
During periods of high tide and strong winds, rolling waves crash into the shore and shoot sea spray into the air through a cave, acting as a sort of geyser. Situated between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, this small rocky cove is perfectly picturesque, and has been featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. Despite its Hollywood fame, the only way to reach the stunning cove is via a rocky and slightly treacherous hike.
Located on Oahu’s windward coast is this phenomenal beach with three miles of sloping white sand, and the seemingly endless azure sea. Hundreds of ironwood trees provide much-needed relief from the sun, and the beach’s picnic tables and grilles make Waimanalo a destination for weekend barbecues. While all of Hawaii’s beaches are stunning, this is one of the best.
Along your drive, you will get the opportunity to drive alongside, and through, perhaps Oahu’s most stunning natural wonder: the Ko’olau Mountains. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1972, the Ko'olau Mountain Range is located on Oahu's windward coast and is what remains of the island's eastern shield volcano. The volcano became dormant approximately 1.7 million years ago, and steady erosion resulted in the mountains as we know them today — tall, majestic wonders that tower over the Hawaiian landscape.
Advertisement
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Located between two limestone points and nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Farrington Hawaii, Nanakuli Beach Park covers approximately 40 acres and is home to a 500-foot long and 125-foot wide stretch of white and golden sand perfect for your next beach day. Rumor has it that near the south shore of the beach, you’ll also find the elusive and gorgeous "Mermaid Cave."
Nearly 100 feet high and 450 feet deep, Kaneana Cave is said to be the place where the shark man was said to leave his victims until he was ready to eat them. The cave is dark and wet, so bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight. Various small tunnels that lead from the main cavern have not been explored, mapped, or maintained, so it is imperative that you not enter.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
The northwestern tip of Oahu is home to Kaena Point State Park, a magical place full of hidden gems, including heart shaped rocks, tide pools, stunning cliff faces, and a natural reserve area created to protect nesting albatrosses, Hawaiian monk seals, and the fragile native vegetation. According to ancient Hawaiian lore, Kaena Point is the "jumping off" point for souls leaving this world.
Find the Google Maps version of this road trip here.
Want to experience another side of Oahu? Take this budget road trip that meanders along Oahu’s windward coast.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.