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Top 10 Attractions
Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive
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The popular 30-mile loop drive from Waikiki along the south east shore is the most scenic area on Oahu. But be warned - avoid this drive from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when numerous Japanese tour buses pack out the scenic lookouts. Once beyond the suburban towns of Aina Haina and Hawaii Kai, the road narrows and starts to wind around the rugged coastline. Picturesque Hanauma Bay with its crescent shape sandy beach is the first scenic point and is a dedicated Marine Reserve with the islands best snorkelling.
Beyond Hanauma Bay, the coastline becomes extremely rugged with waves pounding the raised rocks. Local fishermen love this spot for fishing and there is an impressive blowhole at Halona with interesting rock formations. Koko Head Crater forms an impressive backdrop with Sandy Beach Park at its base which is an excellent body surfing beach. As the road winds around Makapu'u Point to journey up the north coast of Oahu, the most impressive coastal view in Hawaii opens up looking over the razor edge Koolau Mountains which hug the coastline. There's an excellent half-hour trail to the summit of Makapu'u Point with views of Rabbit Island and the stunning Makapu'u Beach. A little further north along the coast road is Waimanalo Beach, a popular spot for wind-surfing and kite-surfing. At the large suburban town of Kailua, the highway heads either north to the north shore of Oahu or back to Honolulu across the serrated Koolau Mountains. Taking this route, the final stop is at the scenic Pali Lookout offering spectacular views of the Koolau Mountain range.
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Our top 10 scenic attractions in Hawaii are:
1) Na Pali Coast - KAUAI
dramatic coastline; hiking; scenic beaches
2) Volcano National Park - BIG ISLAND
lava flows; volcanic crater; trails; flora - 1 day minimum
3) Waikiki Beach - OAHU
world famous activity beach and shopping
4) Whale Watching - MAUI
Nov-May; calving late Jan-Mar; excellent viewing from coast
5) Archaeological Sites - BIG ISLAND,
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
6) Historical Lahaina Town - MAUI
charming seaside town; art galleries; restaurants
7) Pearl Harbor - OAHU
historical world war two site and USS Arizona War Memorial
8) Waimea Canyon - KAUI
unusual rock formations, large canyons and walking tracks
9) Waipio Valley - BIG ISLAND
hidden valley of yester-year with taro fields and horse drawn carts
10) Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive - OAHU
blowholes, snorkelling and scenic beaches
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Samoa Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions
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