Leeward Coast
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Leeward Coast, Oʻahu
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
Leeward Coast Highlights
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.
MoreMākaha Beach
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
MoreKo 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 in Leeward Coast
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.
Learn MoreParadise 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.
Learn MoreCoral 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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