The Single's Guide to Oahu

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Description:

The impressive holdings of Hawaii's fine arts museum include one of the nation's finest collections of Asian art as well as a 17,000-piece collection of graphic arts and artifacts from Hawaiian and other ancient civilizations around the world. Italian Renaissance and American works are also on exhibit. Guided tours are available. The 290-seat Academy Theatre presents more than 400 programs annually. A restaurant and gift shop is also onsite. Admission: USD7 for adults; seniors and members of the military USD4. Free to members and children under 12.

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Description:

This beach lies on Oahu's east shore in Kailua Bay. It is a world-class windsurfing destination and an all around good spot for water sports. The beach itself has fine sand, is wide and winds a few miles around the bay. It gently slopes into the ocean providing a sheltered place for swimming. This site provides good conditions for body surfing, board surfing, kayaking and beach combing.

The biggest attraction to Kailua Bay is windsurfing. Several shops in Kailua provide windsurfing lessons and equipment rental. Facilities at Kailua Beach include: showers, telephones, picnic tables and restrooms. Lifeguards are normally on duty.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Much of this gorgeous beach has eroded over the years, so if you are looking for an area to spread out your towel and relax, use the beach access near Kuailima Drive.

Description:

'Lanikai' means "heavenly sea," and the name is fitting for this small neighborhood in Kailua. Lanikai Beach, which consistently ranks among the world's top beaches, is known for its clear, turquoise water and expanse of soft white sand. This is one of the island's best beaches for tranquil waters and swimming. The two small islands sitting offshore are the Mokuluas, and are protected bird sanctuaries. North Mokulua is open to the public during the day and accessible by kayak, making for a perfect day trip.

Description:

Ehukai Beach Park lies on the northern shore of Oahu and is most famous for surfing. Huge rolling waves form quickly and break over a shallow reef, which makes these waves enticing and dangerous. These rolling waves are known as the Banzai Pipeline and are used for professional surfing competitions each year. The beach is wide and sandy, good for watching surfers and sunbathing. During the summer months the waters calm and Ehukai is a great place for swimming. The beach is located approximately 60 minutes from Waikiki with the following services and facilities: lifeguards, picnic area, phones, restrooms and showers.

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Description:

Sandy Beach lies on the southern shore of Oahu and is known as one of the most dangerous beaches on the island. It is a wide, sandy beach that is excellent for beach combing, people watching and sunbathing. A grassy area behind the beach is popular for hang gliding and kite flying. Facilities and services here include: life guards, picnic area, phones, showers and restrooms.

Strong undercurrents and sharp lava rock make portions of this beach (the Point) dangerous for swimming, even when the surf appears to be calm. As a general rule, this is a good swimming spot if the surf is calm, but only experienced bodysurfers, boogie boarders and surfers should enter the big waters of Sandy Beach. This is a great place to see some local talent perform feats of strength in various water sports. Don't be fooled into thinking it's easy, as many tourists do each year with fatal consequences.

Description:

Leave your map and worries behind as you join The Surf Bus for the coolest outdoor activities at the best locations on Oahu's North Shore!

After a brief sightseeing tour of the coastline on your departure from Honolulu, you will be dropped off at your chosen stop for just over 2 hours of hiking, biking, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or just lazing on the beach. Work up an appetite with you choice of activity before you are picked up and head into the local township of Haleiwa. Here you can stop for lunch (not included in tour cost) or explore the historic town with its quaint shops, art galleries, cafes, ice stands, and a variety of restaurants. On the way to Haleiwa you will stop to see the Giant Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sunbathing on the sand.

There are 8 adventures and activities to choose from:

• Snorkel Adventure
• Beach Cruisers
• Nature Walk and Waterfall swim
• Surfing and Bodyboarding
• Standup Paddle Board and Kayak Adventure
• Mountain Bike and Hike
• Surf Lessons
• Lazing on the Beach - no equipment or entrance to Falls Park

Don't worry about making up your mind now, bring your sense of adventure and decide on the day.

The basic equipment you will need for your selected activity will be provided at your stop so all you need to bring is your camera, sunscreen and sense of adventure! If you wish to do additional activities at your chosen location, an additional fee (approx. USD10.00 per piece) will apply.

Please note:
During the high surf season (November to March), all water activities are subject to location change and snorkeling might be unavailable.

All activities and adventures are self guided. A guide can be organized at an additional cost, payable direct.

Description:

Experience the remote and breathtaking beauty of an Oahu kayak adventure along the scenic windward coast of Kualoa, one of the most historically significant places on Oahu. This Oahu kayaking, hiking and snorkeling excursion combines the scenic backdrop of the lush Hakipuu Valley and the majestic volcanic Koolau Mountain ridge with the tranquil cobalt and turquoise ocean waters of Kaneohe Bay.

Your Oahu hiking adventure begins with a short hike to a scenic overlook at the entrance to Hakipuu Valley. Here you will have the chance to capture an aerial perspective of the breathtakingly beautiful landscape, from its forested valleys to its inviting ocean reef waters. From this point on, your day will continue to unfold with one unforgettable highlight after another.

 Once completing your instruction for your Oahu kayak adventure, you'll paddle along the tranquil and glassy waters of Kaneohe Bay. Due to the protected reef surrounding the area, this is one of the safest places for kayaking on Oahu.

Your journey by kayak along Kualoa, listed on the National Register of Historical Places, takes you past Mokoli'i Island to the 800-year old Molii fishpond (one of the last ancient Hawaiian fishponds). This rock-walled enclosure was hand-built by ancient Hawaiians to maintain a ready supply of live ocean fish. As part of the privately- owned Kualoa Ranch, you will have the rare opportunity to experience an ancient Hawaiian treasure that most visitors to Oahu never get to see.

As your kayak glides along the tranquil coast line of Kaneoohe Bay, your adventure includes an exclusive visit to Oahu's hidden gem known as "Secret Island". This secluded beach in the country becomes your playground for relaxation, enjoyment and a picnic lunch. Whether you want to relax in a hammock, take a stroll around the island, or return to the ocean for a quick canoe ride, you're certain not to want to leave.

Description:

Laniakea Beach, just a few miles north of Haleiwa town, is well known to surfers, but is also a favorite spot for viewing resting 'honu' (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in their natural habitat. These resident honu pull up to the beach to bask in the balmy Hawaiian climate. The novelty of seeing these majestic and serene animals in their natural surroundings, swimming and feeding within inches of the shoreline and enjoying the beach, attracts tourists and island residents alike.

Description:

While the name might make one think of gas stations, this place is actually a shell-shaped structure that has nothing to do with petrol or quik-marts. The Shell is a part of the Blaisdell Center and is located at the foot of Diamond Head, in a picturesque garden setting. There are concerts, political rallies and even corporate parties hosted here.