Leeward Coast Oahu

Tour Oahu By Region

At the foot of the 4,000 foot Waianae mountain range and less than 30 miles from Waikiki lies the Leeward Coast. Dryer than the lush Windward Coast, this local area is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Local beaches include Makaha Beach, one of the first spots where surfers began big wave surfing, and Yokohama Bay. At the end of the road you can take a hike to Oahu’s western most point at sacred Kaena Point.

Explore Oahu by region: Honolulu, Windward Coast, North Shore, Central Oahu.

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- Waikiki: Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, this historic hot spot is now a gathering place for the world.
- Pearl Harbor: This National Historical Landmark features five historic sites memorializing the December 7, 1941 attack.
- North Shore: During the winter months, this legendary surf mecca attracts the best surfers in the world.
- Iolani Palace: The only official state residence of royalty in the United States and home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs.
- Hawaii Regional Cuisine on Oahu: Get a taste of some of Hawaii’s most famous Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs on Oahu.

Kaena Point

On the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred.

The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, begin your hike from Kaena Beach State Park. From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead.

Location: Two trail heads from Waianae (south) or Mokuleia (north).