Honolulu, HI

The park has two concession stands, one at each end of the park. There are several restrooms (albeit beach rest rooms, if you know what I mean), cold showers, pay phones, and great wheelchair and stroller access. The parking lot closes at 10:00, and there’s a towing racket set up with local companies and Hawaii Five-O, so make sure you get out by 10:00 or it’ll cost you $200 (more on the weekends) to claim your ride if it gets towed.

Oahu’s Windward side is packed with abundant natural treasures. One really fun treasure to explore is the trail to Makapuu Lighthouse. On the way to the lighthouse, you can hike down to the lava rock surface that houses the warm tide pools.

The Makapuu Lighth

We watched the canoe pageant, in which dancers performed on moving canoes — that was amazing! Then we rode on a canoe ourselves, which was very peaceful and relaxing. A couple of months ago, I set out in search of adventure with my friend Jeannine. The big destination of the day was the Polynesian Cultural Center in the town of Laie up north. It’s supposed to be one of Hawaii’s (or Oahu’s) most popular “paid attractions.” I say it that way because there are SO many things to do/see for FREE here that tourists have plenty to do without spending a dime! However, this is a paid attraction and the money is for a good cause — from what I understood, it helps support the education of the students who also work at the PCC and attend Brigham Young University Hawaii.

The ocean is packed with people of all ages (and tons of teens, of course!) learning how to surf or mastering their style. If you live in Ewa Beach or Kapolei, you don’t have to drive very far to get to some great beaches. One of these is White Plains Beach, near Kalaeloa. From what I understand, this used to be a part of Barber’s Point Naval Station, but is now open to everyone. Finding it, however, isn’t that easy unless you know where you’re going. Maybe this is why it’s not super crowded like some of the more touristy beaches. White Plains is definitely off the beaten path, and as you’re driving there,

Since then, I am constantly aware of potential gecko situations!

The next really cool, out of the way place I’d like to tell folks about is one of our favorite beaches on the planet. It’s known to the locals as Eternity Beach. Some of my friends will probably want to kick me for telling the world about it, so let’s hope it remains a secret!

I think that this beach is perfect for the morning and the afternoon until say, maybe 3 p.m. After that, the trees take over and you can’t feel the sun’s heat.

The cliffs are over 900 feet tall! I had heard someone say that the mountains of Oahu are the most beautiful of those of all the islands, and I can believe that! They are truly a sight that will take your breath away.

Mary and I live in Hawaii Kai, which is on the southeast tip of Oahu. If you’re heading to the popular tourist destinations of Oahu’s windward side from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu, like Hanauma Bay or Sea Life Park, you will pass through Hawaii Kai. This area has some beautiful, out-of-the-way places that are off the beaten tourist path. China Wall is one of our favorites.

At that moment, I knew I’d found Heaven on Earth. How often do you have mountains when you’re at the beach? It’s just one of those unique spots where sand, sky, ocean, and mountains collide, resulting in absolute perfection.