
Leeward Coast
Scroll to Continue
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.
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

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.
Learn More
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
Learn More
This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Hike to this scenic point on Oʻahu’s easternmost tip for incredible views and whale watching during the winter.
Learn More
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oʻahu’s most popular scenic spots, with panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koʻolau Mountains.
Learn More
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park houses Byodo-in, a stunning replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple set in a lush forest.
Learn MoreHonolulu

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.
Learn MoreCentral Oʻahu

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.
Learn MoreLeeward Coast

This area on Oʻahu's west side is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches and one luxurious resort area, Kō Olina.
Learn MoreNorth Shore

Rub shoulders with champion surfers and laid-back locals on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the big wave surfing capital of the world.
Learn MoreWindward Coast

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.
Learn MoreLeeward 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.
More
Mākaha Beach
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
More
Explore More of Oʻahu

North Shore, Oʻahu
Legendary surf breaks, beautiful beaches, charming small towns and a laid-back vibe—what's not to love?
More
Windward Coast, Oʻahu
Just a short drive from Honolulu, the island’s east side offers a slower pace and some of the most astounding natural beauty anywhere in Hawaiʻi.
More
Honolulu, Oʻahu
The state's capital city is a bustling blend of multicultural dining, trendy neighborhoods, world-class shopping and, of course, sandy beaches.
More
View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide
