Oahu - The South
Oahu - Hawaii
...a short remark in advance...
As already mentioned on the overview pages, we visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2000. At the time these pages are created (February 2020), our visit will be almost 20 years ago. Although we have fond memories of our three weeks on the islands, all of our assessments are based on 20-year-old memories. Even though the locations we describe here still exist, the circumstances have certainly changed. We ask you to keep this in mind. All opening hours and entrance fees are as of February 2020.
Hanauma Bay
Description: Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling locations on Oahu. Every day, well over 2,000 visitors gather round the beach. If you are looking for peace and nature, you certainly won't find it here. Already during our visit in August 2000 it was very difficult to get a parking place. The parking lot was often full before 7 o'clock in the morning. There are only 300 parking spaces and if they are occupied it is closed. There is a possibility to get here from Honolulu with a shuttle. Everything you need to know about this can be found on the official homepage.
Our rating: During our visit, we did not have much opportunity to draw on the experiences of other travelers. Travel reports on the Internet were only rudimentary and so we had to rely on the usual travel guides. Since the Hanauma Bay was promoted there as the snorkeling spot, we are of course also ended up here. However, we have already needed two attempts to get a parking space. The bay is scenically beautiful. However, the many people already destroy the experience very much. There are so many lonely beaches and spots in Hawaii that you don't have to snorkel here between thousands of people.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 7.50$/person. Parking 1$/car
- Open daily except Tuesdays!!! From 6am to 6pm in winter and until 7pm in summer. Tuesday Hanauma Bay is closed!!!
Byodo-In Temple
Description: Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on Oahu. It was opened in 1968 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese settler.
Our rating: The temple was quite a nice stop on our way around the island. Nothing particularly spectacular, but a nice photo stop.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 5$/person
- Open daily from 8.30am - 5pm.
For the GPS: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Description: The viewpoint is located above the small town of Kailua, on a range of hills in the east of the island and offers pretty views of the island and the Pacific Ocean.
Coordinate: Latitude 21.366925, Longitude -157.793146.
Our rating: Beautiful viewpoint that is worth a small detour.
On the road
Description: Along the coast of Oahu there are one or two small and larger highlights to discover. There are numerous beaches that invite you to jump into the Pacific Ocean or take a walk on the beach.
Our rating: During our stay we only stayed in the eastern half of the island. As far as we remember, you couldn't really visit the western side as a tourist. I didn't research this further, but that may have changed in the meantime. Of the four islands we visited, we probably liked Oahu the least for a road trip, but that's really criticism on a high level.
