Windward Coast Oahu | Go Hawaii

Windward Coast

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Windward Coast

Leave the urban excitement of the South Shore behind and discover the lush verdant scenery of Windward O‘ahu (the East Coast) with its deep valleys, soaring emerald pali (cliffs), waterfalls, and empty beaches. Hiking, swimming, golfing, kayaking, ziplining, horseback riding, and eco adventures abound. Charming communities, botanical gardens, nature reserves, a scenic ranch, and more await.

As you drive over the sloping Pali Highway, skyscrapers and the sprawling city of Honolulu give way to lush valleys and country landscapes. Exiting the tunnels east of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, it feels as if you’re entering a different world and a turquoise ocean shimmers in the distance. A trip to the Windward Coast reveals a slower-paced side of Oʻahu, and some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaiʻi. 

From Kailua town, you can head in two directions. Go clockwise down the coast to Sea Life Park, Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse and eventually Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head) and Waikīkī. Or drive north spend a day exploring the Windward Coast as it winds lazily around the island toward the North Shore, offering interesting stops along the way, like the serene Valley of the Temples, which is home to a stunning Japanese Buddhist temple

Driving along the two-lane highway you can't miss Mokoliʻi, the tiny island pointing up from the sea.  Stop at the park and stretch your legs or have a picnic. Just across the highway you’ll find one of Hawaiʻi’s most seen but least-recognized locations: Kuaola Ranch. A generations-old family-owned ranch, its scenic valley has provided the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including "Jurassic Park" and "Lost". Fortunately, it’s not just for the stars; visitors can enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATV tours and host of other activities. From here, Kamehameha Highway meanders past Kaʻaʻawa (“Ka-ah-ah-vah”), gentle Kahana Bay and around the northernmost tip of the island to Oʻahu’s North Shore, home of the best surf spots in Hawaiʻi—and some say—the world.

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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Windward Coast Highlights

Makapuu Point Lighthouse

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse

Hike to this scenic point on Oʻahu’s easternmost tip for incredible views and whale watching during the winter.

More
Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Nuʻuanu 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.

More
Byodo-In Temple

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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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Carved out of an extinct volcano, this scenic bay and coral reef is a fragile marine ecosystem. Learn about conservation efforts at the Marine Education Center and then snorkel among colorful tropical fish. Online reservations are required for all visitors which enables O‘ahu to better manage visitor capacity, protect the natural environment, and steward this natural resource.

ATV at Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve

Stretching across 4,000 acres of mountains and valleys to the sea, Kualoa preserves its sacred lands and celebrates its history while educating visitors about traditional Hawaiian values, reverence for the natural environment, and respect for the host Hawaiian culture. Kualoa offers UTV, ziplining, horseback riding, e-bikes, fishpond, ocean, and Hawaiian sustainability adventures to support its mission. Several tours reveal the many sites where famous movies and TV shows have been made here. TheBus offers several routes from Waikīkī hotels. Select tours feature round trip transportation for an additional $30 per person.

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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