East Oahu has a lot to view – with some of Oahu’s most breathtaking spots to stop. View Hawaii’s beauty from parks, hikes, and golf courses, in the water, and beyond the horizon.
1. Sea Life Park
This marine life park – offering military discounts – puts you in touch with the Pacific. View dolphins, sharks, seals, turtles and more. The popular attraction is small enough to enjoy on foot but diverse enough to be a full-day destination. Food and drinks are also available on-site, and they host an entertaining and beautiful luau.
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway, sealifeparkhawaii.com
2. Makapuu Beach and Lighthouse
Directly off Kalanianaole Highway is Makapuu Beach, which is always a favorite for advanced-level body surfing and boogie boarding. Novices should exercise caution, however, as the shore break tends to pound. Here, you’ll catch a great view of offshore islands known as Manana (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle Island).
Just beyond the beach is Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. This family and dog friendly hiking route is completely paved and has a moderate incline to the 647-foot summit. See if you can spot whales from the trail during whale season, December through April. Even if humpbacks aren’t spouting, it’s a postcard-perfect photo spot.
3. Sandy Beach
Between the towns of Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai, you will discover the beautiful East Oahu countryside while driving down the highway. And, at the apex of this drive is Sandy Beach, known as Sandy’s to locals. From its giant lawn, you can spot paragliders and hang gliders soaring along the cliffside.
Water-wise, Sandy’s is one of the island’s hottest spots for body surfing, especially among locals who are more familiar with the powerful shore break and often windy conditions; however, Sandy’s is also known to be extremely dangerous, with many documented spinal injuries. So, beware and exercise caution if you dare to enter the water!
4. Halona Blowhole
Next to Sandy’s is Halona Blowhole, an intriguing geographical spot where the ocean has undercut lava rock and drilled a hole to the top. When surf’s up, this spot erupts big time. The lookout is below a parking lot, with signage and heavy railings to discourage walking to the blowhole – a warning that should definitely be heeded, as the fast waters have been known to sweep people off their feet.
From the blowhole parking lot, you can walk down to Halona Beach, also known as “From Here to Eternity Beach” for its romantic scene between Bert Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 cinema classic.
5. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Around the winding bend, you will come to one of Oahu’s top destinations – Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Non-Hawaii residents must make reservations online ahead of time, but active-duty U.S. military members and their dependents get free admission. Kama‘āina also receive free admission into Hanauma Bay.
The crescent-shaped bay is best in the mornings before the parking lot is packed. Or, if you hit it in the afternoon when many snorkelers call it a day, the lot loosens up.
All visitors are required to view a conversation video in the education center before descending to the bay 150 feet below. A tram operates in both directions for those hauling gear or needing to avoid hill hiking. Snorkel rentals, a gift shop, and a concession stand are also offered at the park.
