Leeward Coast | Go Hawaii

Leeward Coast

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Leeward Coast, Oʻahu

The Leeward Coast on O‘ahu’s west side at the foot of the Wai‘anae Mountains boasts plenty of sunshine and a more arid climate. Here you’ll find a slower pace of life, white sandy beaches, as well as one of the island’s most outstanding resort complexes.

The sunny and dry Leeward Coast of Oʻahu lies at the foot of the Waiʻanae mountain range just 30 miles from Waikīkī, but the contrast between the regions is striking. Where Waikīkī offers urban hustle and bustle, the Leeward side of Oʻahu is less developed, with picturesque towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches and rural landscapes to explore.
 
If you plan to stay on the Leeward Coast, you’ll have two major resorts to choose from in the beautiful Kō Olina resort area. Home to the luxurious Four Seasons Oʻahu and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, this 43-acre marina offers stretches of postcard-worthy shoreline with ample opportunities for water sports and championship golf. Other fun and family-friendly attractions in the area include the Paradise Cove Lūʻau and the Wet n’ Wild Hawaiʻi water park. Local beaches include Mākaha Beach, one of the first spots where surfers began big wave surfing, and Yokohama Bay.
 
At the very end of the road, you can hike to Oʻahu’s western-most point at sacred Kaʻena Point for incredible Pacific Ocean views. If you hike to Kaʻena Point, be sure to stay on the trail because the area is also a bird sanctuary, and bring water and other supplies with you because the remote area doesn’t offer amenities. Leave no trace, and pack out whatever you brought with you in order to respect the land and maintain the pristine natural area for others.

Regions of Oʻahu

Kaena Point
Kaʻena Point is a scenic and sacred spot where, legend says, the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.
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Makaha Beach
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
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Haleiwa Town
This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice.
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Waimea Bay
This beloved beach is popular with locals and visitors alike, and was an influential surf spot during the dawn of big wave surfing in the 1950s.
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Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Hike to this scenic point on Oʻahu’s easternmost tip for incredible views and whale watching during the winter.
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Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oʻahu’s most popular scenic spots, with panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koʻolau Mountains.
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Byodo-In Temple
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park houses Byodo-in, a stunning replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple set in a lush forest.
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Honolulu
Statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of modern surfing, on Kuhio Beach, Waikiki
The state capital and largest city in Hawaiʻi, Honolulu is a unique combination of tropical glamour and buzzing international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets.
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Central Oʻahu
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites on Oahu
Gain a unique perspective on World War II with a visit to Pearl Harbor, or explore the island's agricultural traditions at the Dole pineapple plantation.
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Leeward Coast
Leeward Coast of Oahu
This area on Oʻahu's west side is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches and one luxurious resort area, Kō Olina.
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North Shore
Oahu's North Shore is a popular surf destination
Rub shoulders with champion surfers and laid-back locals on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the big wave surfing capital of the world.
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Windward Coast
Windward Coast of Oahu
It’s only a short drive from Honolulu to enjoy the highlights of Oʻahu’s lush Windward Coast, including the peaceful Byodo-in Temple and adventurous Kuaola Ranch.
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Leeward Coast Highlights

Kaena Point

Kaʻena Point

Kaʻena Point is a scenic and sacred spot where, legend says, the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.

More
Makaha Beach

Mākaha Beach

The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.

More
Ko Olina Resort

Ko Olina Resort

Spend a few days exploring the Leeward Coast with a stay at Ko Olina Resort. Choose from outstanding properties including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club; and the Beach Villas Ko Olina. Enjoy the Ko Olina Marina, Ko Olina Golf Club, plus the shops and dining at Ko Olina Station & Center. The resort area offers a shuttle to nearby shopping malls.

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Attractions

Attractions in Leeward Coast

Close-up of a taro (kalo) leaf

Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawai‘i

Wet ‘n’ Wild water park offers over 25 exhilarating attractions on 29 acres of lush tropical landscapes and natural landscapes. Take the Shaka, a 36-foot drop into a u-shape slide, or Tornado, a swirling 45-foot tunnel into the eye of the storm and into calmer waters. Enjoy calmer attractions like Lil’ Kahuna Beach, a multi-level children’s area, and Hawaiian Waters, a 400,000-gallon wave pool. Stay for an evening of entertainment and Polynesian culture at Chief’s Lū‘au. Round trip transportation from Waikīkī is available for $30 per person.

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Lei in water

Paradise Cove Lū‘au

Experience one of Hawai‘i’s most respected lū‘au shows at Paradise Cove which celebrates the culture and history of the islands. Enjoy cultural demonstrations; Hawaiian hula, music and dance; a Hawaiian feast featuring authentic foods; and a spectacular Hawaiian Revue. They offer round trip transportation from select Waikīkī locations for $35 per person. ADA transportation assistance requires 72 hours advance notice.

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Hikers explore the Makiki Valley Trail System

Coral Crater Adventure Park

Immerse yourself in enthralling zipline, ATV, and aerial experiences at Coral Crater Adventure Park. Ride a zipline almost 30 mph, learn to drive an ATV over a berm, and scale a 50-foot high climbing wall. You’ll also enjoy thrilling rides, exciting challenges, games, and local food. You may book certain Coral Crater packages that includes pick up and drop off services to your hotel.

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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