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Windward O'ahu is known for its constant rains. The area is lush and green. To experience the true lush and green Hawai'i you must definitely take a trip out to the scenic and photogenic Windward Side of O'ahu. The Windward Coast is home to the towns of Kane'ohe, Kailua, Waimanalo and Kahalu'u.
The main town on the Windward Side is Kane'ohe. As soon as you come over the H-3, Wilson Tunnel or off of Pali Highway it is the first town you pass by. Among its places of interest are Windward Mall and the Byodo-In Temple.
Out of all the towns of the Windward side, Kane'ohe is the most developed having most of the shopping centers and attractions. Part of this is due in part to the sizable military population in Kane'ohe. Kane'ohe is the home the Marine Corps Air Station, located near Kane'ohe Bay.
Kailua town is a small town on the windward side. It is home to the popular Kailua beachpark, a popular family beach for Windward and other local residents. If you're planning on moving to the Windward side of O'ahu, you'll also like to note that a majority of the movie theatres on this side of the island are also in Kailua. Kailua feature 4 movie houses: The 'Aikahi Twins, Enchanted Lakes Cinema, Keolu Cinemas and the Kailua Cinemas.
The town of Waimanalo is known over the islands of Hawaiian country. It is a center of the Hawaiian population on the island. Along with the towns of Wai'anae, Nanakuli and Papakolea it is designated as Homestead Land. The town of Waimanalo is known as pastoral country as many people own ranches in the town. Like Kailua, Waimanalo is also known for its beach parks.
If you're driving out of Waikiki to the Windward side you have 4 major options.
Option 1: You can get on the H-1 West bound and stay in your left hand lane till you see the Pali Highway cut-off. Take the Pali cut off and continue on the Pali Highway till you pass through the Pali tunnel. If you want to go to Kane'ohe get in your left hand lane. Once you descend down from the Pali you'll need to make a left hand turn on Kamehameha Highway to get back into Kane'ohe town. If you decide to go straight you'll get to Kailua and Waimanalo.
Option 2: Continue on H-1 West by passing the Pali cut off. Continue on H-1 West till you see the Likelike Highway cut-off. Take this cut-off and continue up Likelike Highway. Eventually you'll come to the Wilson tunnel. Go through the tunnel and you'll wind up overlooking Kane'ohe Bay. You can stay on Kamehameha Highway as it will take you into Kane'ohe town and eventually lead you to Kailua and Waimanalo.
Option 3: Stay of H-1 West until eventually you see the H-3 cut-off. This is the long way around but the ride on the H-3 may very well be worth it as you'll be traveling along a very scenic route. Taking the H-3 cut-off, stay on the H-3 all the way as it will take you directly into Kane'ohe along Kamehameha Highway. You can follow the highway as it will take you to Kailua and Waimanalo as well.
Option 4: Get on the H-1 East and follow it till it merges with Kalaniana'ole Highway. Stay here and follow the coastline. Eventually you'll pass Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Makapu'u and Sea Life Park. It will wrap around the coastline until you come to Waimanalo.
If you're taking the bus, you need to get back to Ala Moana and transfer onto a Windward bound bus. Get back to Ala Moana by catching either the #8, 19, 20 or 47 on Kuhio Avenue.
To Kane'ohe take either the #55 or 56.
To Kailua take the #57.
To Waimanalo take the #57.
The Virtual Guide to O'ahu Created by:
Jonathan Wong and Randy Gomabon
This site maintained by Jonathan Wong. Mail all comments, suggestions, etc to:
Copyright 1999-2000. The People's Productions