What to Do in Leeward Coast, Oahu

There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Leeward Coast. The area offers a lot of activities for guests and visitors to do and explore; being bored would be the last thing that you’d be when you are in the Leeward Coast. As with the whole of Hawaii, you’ll be treated to several locations and activities that give you a great view of the natural beauty of the island, while also learning a lot about Hawaiian culture and history. Hawaii is truly one of the best vacation destinations in the world, and the Leeward Coast has by no means a small part in making that happen.

Here are just some of the activities that you can partake in while in Leeward Coast. Take your pick among them, or do them all—it doesn’t matter. What matters most is that the Leeward Coast offers you one of the most exciting, interesting, and entertaining destinations in the island of Oahu.

Water activities

Of course, a trip to Hawaii would be pointless if you don’t catch some of its sand and surf. So, put your suntan on for you will certainly spend a lot of time under the sun in Leeward Coast. Aside from the usual snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, there are other activities in store for you.

If you want to just lounge on the beach catching sun and have no plans on swimming, then the Kaena Point should interest you. Be immersed in the sounds of large waves crashing on the cliffs, while enjoying a scenic view of the beautiful shoreline. Aside from that, the Kaena Point offers a unique lava shoreline that presents a different view from your sandy beaches. Not only that, you can also be enthralled by the folklores and legends surrounding the area. You can also catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins from the shore.

But if you want a more active interaction with the water, then the Wet’n’Wild Water Park is sure not to disappoint your expectations. From gigantic wave pools, to thrilling slides and rides, there are several water attractions that are sure to satisfy your need for an adrenaline rush. Aside from being thrashed around by the waves, you can also do some surfing on some of the attractions, and you can also scream your lungs out in its water slides. Even a whole day won’t be enough for you to fully enjoy this 29-acre water park, so be sure to get the special pass because surely, you’ll be coming back for more.

If you prefer a more relaxing time on the water, then you should head to the Ko Olina Marina. This resort area also provides a lengthy coastline for you to enjoy a quiet stroll along the shores. And when you get hungry, several restaurants are found in the area, care of the hotels and resorts near the place. But aside from that, you can also sign-up for sailing trips on the marina. Enjoy a nice cruise around the island to get a good view of all the Oahu shores. And for those who love to fish, you can also get some charter boats that offer deep-sea fishing and enjoy big catches on some of the best fishing spots in the island.

Shopping and dining

Of course, travel includes shopping and dining. We already mentioned one of the best places to dine in the Leeward Coast—the Ko Olina Marina. You can find the J.W. Marriott and its fine dining establishments in the marina. Aside from that, you can also find several establishments that offer different cuisines, from native Hawaiian cuisines, to Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food.

If you want to enjoy shopping to the max, then you should attend one of the Swap Meets held at the Aloha Stadium. The Swap Meet is one of the biggest open-air flea markets in the state, and you can find here all stuff and products Hawaiian—at bargain prices. So, if you want authentic Hawaiian products like artwork, jewelry, and clothing, then just head to the Aloha Stadium for the Swap Meet. Though a bit out of topic, since you’re in the area, you should also look at the sports events in the stadium. Being the biggest stadium in Hawaii, the Aloha Stadium is where the major sports events in Hawaii are held, whch include football, soccer, baseball, and boxing events.

If you want culture and history with your shopping bag, then you should also give the Hawaii Plantation Village a try. The village presents an exhibition of how life was during the plantation era which brought about immigrants from several nations. See how the Japanese, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and Philippine culture meshed together and formed the current multi-ethnic demographic of Hawaii. And for your souvenir and shopping needs, the village has a gift center that offers authentic native and handmade Hawaiian items and other products from several cultures that resided in the village. Aside from the village houses that were persevered to their original appearance, you should also take a look at the botanical garden in the village.

And though not strictly a shopping and dining establishment, well, you can still treat yourself to pineapple treats, among other things. That’s why you should visit the Dole Plantation. This plantation has the largest maze in the world, so get lost in the maze and try your luck. Afterwards, reward yourself with their famous pineapple ice cream. You can also ride the Pineapple Express to see the whole plantation on a train.

Taking a look back at naval history

Of course, one should not forget the brave soldiers that gave their lives during World War II. So, it’s just right that you visit these memorials and give your respects to their sacrifices. Aside from that, you can also find that these memorials and museums give a lot of information about the country’s naval and aviation history. First on your list should be Pearl Harbor, the place where the “Day of Infamy” occurred. Take a look at the memorial, read up on the stories of bravery and look at the images of heroism displayed in the memorial.

Then, you should make your way to the USS Arizona Memorial, the battleship that incurred the worst number of casualties during the Pearl Harbor attack. Look at the images, the artifacts, and learn more about the stories about the attack. Also, you can get the chance of seeing a Pearl Harbor survivor recount the events on that fateful day.

And for a lighter side of things, you can visit the USS Missouri. One of the most historic battleships in the US, this is where the World War II ended when Japan made their unconditional surrender official on the decks of “Mighty Mo.” You can also see several accounts of the battles that the USS Missouri partook in during its 60 years of active service.

If you love planes, then you should look at the Pacific Aviation Museum. See real models of the Japanese Zero fighter, and the US Wildcat fighter plane in restored condition. You can also see B25 bomber planes, film clips about aerial battles, and several interactive exhibits to give you an idea of how the battles went on in the Pacific.

No boredom on the Leeward Coast

With all these places of interest and attractions, it is impossible to be bored in the Leeward Coast. In the Leeward Coast, you can find most of the things that you came to Hawaii for: great scenery, the coastline, delicious food, local culture, and history. The Leeward Coast truly provide guests and tourists the unique Hawaiian vacation that is sure to be remembered for a lifetime.

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