The Leeward side
I'm a child of the 60's and have always felt fortunate to have spent my formative years in Southern California. I remember going to Newport, Huntington and Laguna beach as a child in the early 60's and as a teen in the late 60's. When I go back there now, they have changed so much.
The Leeward coast of Oahu from Kapolei to the end of 93 north of Makaha reminds me so much of the Pacific Coast Highway way back then. For me, it is like going back in time to a simpler time and place. Beautiful coastlines, sprawling beaches that are uncrowded in the busiest of times and almost deserted most times, it is a special place for me. The community along the highway is a wonderfully diverse blend of native, local and tourist and Aloha can be found waiting for you behind every door.
Surfers share their beaches easily and it is a great place to escape to if you are in the mood to slow things down a bit. Makaha Valley, north of Waianae is a beautiful place with several golf courses designed by the valley versus the alternative. I believe the area is a pleasant surprise from the affordability point of view and as Kapolei grows over the next decade, the Leeward coast will become closer and closer to the rest of the Island. Condos on the beach are still priced under $200K and golf course homes in the valley are surprisingly affordable.
This is looking north off the Coast of Ko Olina up the western coast of Oahu.
Onward up the coast from Makaha, the road surrenders to the ocean and ends. From this point on, it's an enchanting walk for 3 or 4 miles to Kaena Point, the westernmost tip of Oahu.
If you approach from the South, you'll have vistas of the Waianae coast on your left and the sheer and picturesque Ko'olau range on your right. After you reach the point, the sea transitions to it's North shore temper. Following the trail on to the east for another 4 or so miles you'll come to where the pavement begins or ends (depending on your perspective) and heads on to the quaint and charming town of Haliewa and on from there to those iconic beaches with names like Pipeline and Sunset.
For the hardy, and with permits and permission, there is a triangular route along the two coastlines and then back to the point of beginning making a triangle over the ridge. I haven't been that organized yet, but hope to be. Whether you are visiting or calling it home, there are several guidebooks available which have taken our family to vistas and magic places on Oahu, and I highly recommend them.
But however you come... come. There is an Albatross nesting site on the point and a rugged coast of the shore. Most of the times I've gone, I've had the gift of seeing Monk seals as they lazed among the rocks. There is my favorite tidal pool I've yet to find that is about 4 feet deep, 30 feet long and 8 to 10 feet wide that swells and then recedes with the surf, but is completely contained for those who like a secure pool.
A guided trail leads you through the reserve. Nesting time now, the chicks will be hatching soon and then learning to fly during the spring.
It's a good day!
The Leeward coast of Oahu from Kapolei to the end of 93 north of Makaha reminds me so much of the Pacific Coast Highway way back then. For me, it is like going back in time to a simpler time and place. Beautiful coastlines, sprawling beaches that are uncrowded in the busiest of times and almost deserted most times, it is a special place for me. The community along the highway is a wonderfully diverse blend of native, local and tourist and Aloha can be found waiting for you behind every door.
Surfers share their beaches easily and it is a great place to escape to if you are in the mood to slow things down a bit. Makaha Valley, north of Waianae is a beautiful place with several golf courses designed by the valley versus the alternative. I believe the area is a pleasant surprise from the affordability point of view and as Kapolei grows over the next decade, the Leeward coast will become closer and closer to the rest of the Island. Condos on the beach are still priced under $200K and golf course homes in the valley are surprisingly affordable.
This is looking north off the Coast of Ko Olina up the western coast of Oahu.
Onward up the coast from Makaha, the road surrenders to the ocean and ends. From this point on, it's an enchanting walk for 3 or 4 miles to Kaena Point, the westernmost tip of Oahu.
If you approach from the South, you'll have vistas of the Waianae coast on your left and the sheer and picturesque Ko'olau range on your right. After you reach the point, the sea transitions to it's North shore temper. Following the trail on to the east for another 4 or so miles you'll come to where the pavement begins or ends (depending on your perspective) and heads on to the quaint and charming town of Haliewa and on from there to those iconic beaches with names like Pipeline and Sunset.
For the hardy, and with permits and permission, there is a triangular route along the two coastlines and then back to the point of beginning making a triangle over the ridge. I haven't been that organized yet, but hope to be. Whether you are visiting or calling it home, there are several guidebooks available which have taken our family to vistas and magic places on Oahu, and I highly recommend them.
But however you come... come. There is an Albatross nesting site on the point and a rugged coast of the shore. Most of the times I've gone, I've had the gift of seeing Monk seals as they lazed among the rocks. There is my favorite tidal pool I've yet to find that is about 4 feet deep, 30 feet long and 8 to 10 feet wide that swells and then recedes with the surf, but is completely contained for those who like a secure pool.
A guided trail leads you through the reserve. Nesting time now, the chicks will be hatching soon and then learning to fly during the spring.
It's a good day!
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