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Windward Oahu's Kaneohe is removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu by the massive remnant of a volcano caldera.
Kaneohe's untamed allure has been depicted in a number of Hollywood films and TV shows thanks to the Ko'olau Range, which rises to a height of 500 meters and is spread out like a protecting barrier.
This enormous volcanic peak towers above the golf courses, hiking trails, exotic botanical gardens, and the alluring blue expanse of Kaneohe Bay.
One of the best ways to explore the bay is from a kayak or a boat because it is surrounded by luxurious homes with private docks.
A few hundred meters into the bay is a sandbar that, at low tide, resembles an uninhabited island and is popular with daytrippers.
Kaneohe Bay
The 8-mile-long and 2.7-mile-wide Kaneohe Bay is the town's crowning achievement. The northernmost of Hawaii's two barrier reefs protects Kaneohe Bay, a relic of the Koolau volcano's crater.
These conditions make the bay's waters suitable for paddle sports and boat trips, with their consistent warmth and lack of waves.
There are a total of five islands and islets in this body of water. Gilligan's Island (1960) was filmed on Coconut Island, which is located close to the shore on the southwest side, while Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2010) was shot in Kaneohe Bay.
The lack of a beach along the shore is the first thing that will stand out, however the gorgeous Kaneohe Sandbar is just within the harbor, and can be reached with ease by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
The Magical Kaneohe Sandbar
There is a natural sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay that is only accessible at low tide but is well worth the trip at any time.
As the tide comes in, the beach is covered by a translucent turquoise layer of water.
Boatloads of people visit the Kaneohe Sandbar every year to swim, snorkel, play beach volleyball, and have picnics on the sand.
Views of the windward side of Oahu's stunning volcanic landscape are breathtaking, and you may even encounter a sea turtle or two.
We will list some places where you can hire kayaks and paddleboards so you can set off on your adventure. Many visitors choose to hire a boat or use a service like Captain Bob's Adventure Cruises, which not only takes passengers on scenic tours but also sets up barbeques and snorkeling trips once they reach their destination.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is a 400-acre expanse surrounded by the spectacular Ko'olau Range that may make you feel like you've teleported into a scene from Jurassic Park (1993).
Intriguingly, filming took place not far away, in the northern part of Kaneohe Bay. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens was established in the 1980s as a joint effort between the City of Kaneohe and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection.
Exotic species from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Polynesia, Melanesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hawaii are just few of the many on display in the gardens.
Stop by the information desk for a map before exploring the nearby museums and galleries.
He'eia State Park
He'eia State Park is a favorite picnicking spot because of its expansive western side of Kaneohe Bay and its spectacular views of the shoreline.
The He'eia Fish Pond, a man-made reef in the bay used for fish trapping, is another highlight of the park where old habitation artifacts can be found.
The fish pond, which dates back to between 600 and 800 AD, has interpretive panels explaining its history to guests. Kaneohe Bay's kayaking and snorkeling excursions begin at He'eia Pier, which is also a popular venue for weddings thanks to its picture-perfect setting.
Kamehameha Highway Trip
If you have a few hours to kill, the Kamehameha Highway will take you on a beautiful tour of rural Oahu.
This scenic route spans 66 miles and travels around the North Shore of Oahu, which is less densely populated than the rest of the island.
These waters are usually calm enough for safe swimming throughout the summer months. In contrast, during the winter months, surfers from all over the world go to places like Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay, where the waves can reach heights of over ten meters.
Shark's Cove, a more protected area of Pupukea Beach Park, is home to thriving tide pools and a haven for snorkelers.
Kamehameha Highway is popular not just for its proximity to beautiful beaches, but also for the wide variety of delicious foods sold by merchants at roadside stands. Hawaiian shave ice comes in a variety of delicious flavors like pineapple, passion fruit, and coconut.
Temple Host
Located at the foot of the Ko'olau Range, this scenic multi-faith memorial site is easily accessible from urban Kaneohe through the Kahekili Highway.
The Sanctuary of the Temples was founded in the 1960s and charges visitors a small entrance fee. If you want to enjoy the park without sharing it with anyone else, you should be there very early in the morning.
The Byodo-In Temple, about which more below, is a major draw and a filming location for Lost, Magnum P.I., and the original Hawaii Five-O, among others.
Two acres of ponds filled with koi carp and black swans can be found in front of the temple, while colourful peacocks can be seen strutting throughout the grounds.
Byodo-In Temple, a Shinto Shrines
The non-religious Byodo-In Temple Shrine, a recreation of the original temple built in Uji on Kyoto's southern outskirts in the 11th century, is the crowning glory of the Sanctuary of the Temples.
In 1968, on the centennial anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to Oahu, this temple was dedicated.
The shrine continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, despite the fact that it is not an operating Buddhist temple because it lacks both a congregation and a monastic group.
Manicured gardens and koi ponds surround the monument, while the towering Ko'olau Range provides a stunning backdrop.
The temple is home to a wooden Lotus Buddha statue that is 5.5 meters in height and is covered in gold and lacquer. Outside, those who come in search of tranquility and long life can ring a peace bell that weighs three tons of brass.
Miniature golf plus a zipline course in Bay View!
Visit this scenic, lushly planted 36-hole mini-golf facility on Kaneohe Bay Drive for a pleasant family outing.
Bay View Mini-Golf, set amongst palm trees, offers a fun challenge for players of all ages by focusing on gradient judgements rather than gimmicky obstacles like windmills.
In addition to the spectacular volcanic landscape of windward Oahu, the park recently unveiled the island's first commercial zipline, open to customers over the age of six. Wear suitable clothing and shoes for the zipline.
Nuanu Pali
This spot, accessible through the Pali Highway about ten minutes from downtown Kaneohe, is widely regarded as the best vantage point in the entire Ko'olau Range.
At 365 meters above sea level, the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout Point provides breathtaking vistas of windward Oahu, including Kaneohe and the untamed coastline beyond.
The terrace features informative boards that point out local attractions such the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base (and its accompanying Ulupa'u Crater), the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, and the small islands in Kaneohe Bay.
It was also the scene of the final battle that ended King Kamehameha I's bid to unify the Hawaiian islands in 1795. Hundreds of Oahu soldiers met their awful end at Nu'uanu Pali after being forced to the edge of the cliffs.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, located about five miles east of Kaneohe's city center, is widely regarded as one of Hawaii's, if not the world's, most beautiful beaches.
Lanikai Beach is the epitome of a tropical paradise, thanks to its clear blue waters, powdery white sands, breathtaking ocean views, and swaying palm palms.
The twin Mokulua Islands are about a mile offshore and can be reached by kayak. The steady ocean breezes make for ideal windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
Despite being a public beach, there are no facilities at Lanikai Beach, which is located next to a wealthy neighborhood. This may seem like a drawback at first, but in the long run it ends up making the beach even more peaceful than it already is.
Participating in Canoeing or Kayaking
Kaneohe Bay's calm, clear, and warm waters, as well as its abundance of interesting landmarks, make it a fantastic place to go kayaking or paddleboarding.
Rentals of paddleboards and kayaks are available from a number of companies in the area, including Kama'aina Kids Kayak & Snorkel Eco-ventures, Kailua Beach Adventures, and Adventure Tours Hawaii.
The sandbar is a popular stop, but if you're willing to paddle for 30 minutes, you can also reach the unusual Mokoli'i island (Chinaman's Hat) and the beautiful, but off-limits, Coconut Island.
Nearby activities include guided kayak and paddleboard trips to the protected Mokulua Islands seabird sanctuary, located a short distance between Kailua and Lanikai.
Playing the Game of Golf
Kaneohe is home to three different golf courses, each with its own unique layout and some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever see while playing a round.
It's possible to play golf without joining a club at the public Pali Golf Course, as well as the private Bayview Golf Course and Ko'olau Golf Club.
The Bayview Golf Course, as its name suggests, is located by the water and features 18 holes surrounded by lush foliage that are intended to test your short game.
Both the 18-hole Pali Golf Course and the 9-hole Ko'olau Golf Club are located near the ancient caldera, making for breathtaking views while you play.
Ko'olau Golf Club's black tees have a slope rating of 153, making it one of the most difficult and beautiful courses you're ever likely to play.
Farmers' Market at Windward Mall
Even while rain is typical below the Ko'olau Range, especially between the months of November and March, that shouldn't stop you from indulging in Oahu's world-famous tropical vegetables and delicious cuisine. Kaneohe's Windward Mall hosts a farmers' market every Wednesday and Sunday, right in front of Macy's.
Exotic fruits like papaya, pineapple, guava, passion fruit, coconut, and pomelo abound in this bi-level market when in season.
Locally roasted coffee, honey, nuts, oils, sauces, marinades, and chocolate are just few of the many delicious gourmet foods that can be found here.
Fresh poi, fried taro, kulolo, and mochi are just a few of the classic Hawaiian foods that may be sampled at the market.
Garden of Friendship
This tranquil retreat, which spans ten acres and overlooks Kaneohe Bay, was planned back in the 1930s.
The Kokokahi Tract, which includes the Friendship Garden, was founded in 1927 as a Christian, multi-ethnic community with the goal of fostering mutual respect and understanding among its members.
Visitors can take peaceful strolls along the upper or lower loop trails to get a feel for this verdant area.
Here you can find ironwood, monkey pod, Cook Island pine, mock orange, octopus tree, Christmas berry, African tulip, and Washingtonia palms, among many more flora species.
Stone steps, wooden structures, and walls are just some of the other distinctive Asian-inspired garden design components. There are sometimes stunning long-distance vistas of the bay and its islands.
Stairway to Heaven in Haiku Form
Many people are inspired to take risks by the towering Koolau Range, sometimes to the point of breaking the law.
The Haiku Stairs were originally constructed in the 1940s to enable access to the secret Haiku Radio Station, which broadcast to US Navy ships in the Pacific.
The almost 4,000-step ascent along the ridge to the station became a tourist attraction in its own right before it was finally closed to the public in 1987.
Many hikers disregard the signs and the possibility of a $1,000 punishment in order to experience the beautiful views from the stairway.
It's true that you can take a legal detour that avoids the dangers of the illegal one, but it'll take you much longer, will be much more difficult, and will be extremely dangerous in the rain.
After being given to the city in 2020, the illegal stairs may be restored and reopened in the near future. If it could be made safe for visitors, it would unquestionably rise to the top of Oahu's list of must-do activities.
