Oahu Travel Planner 2008 - (Page 18) NORTH SHORE The North Shore is legendary for its monumental and perfectly formed waves and it draws an awed crowd of spectators when the surf’s up. In the summer months, the breakers are tame enough for romantics and family snorkeling, and there’s plenty of other family adventure nearby, such as hiking and exploring. PU‘U O MAHUKA HEIAU Past Sunset Beach on Pupukea Road is Pu‘u o Mahuka Heiau State Park, a national monument and state historic site, and O‘ahu’s largest Hawaiian heiau (temple). Believed to have been constructed in the eighteenth century, this heiau photo courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center WAIMEA VALLEY Wander through this 1,800 acre rainforest and botanical garden to a beautiful waterfall. Situated at the base of the majestic Ko‘olau Range, this valley was once a heavily populated Hawaiian Village. was known as an advantageous place for a chiefess to give birth. Today, this sacred temple boasts a magnificent view from Waimea to Kaena Point. SHARK’S COVE, PUPUKEA BEACH PARK A break in the rocky shoreline opens into a large tide pool and is ideal for snorkeling and HALE‘IWA TOWN More than the laid back surfing center it seems, Hale‘iwa Town is filled with local style and rustic ambiance, as well as quaint shops, understated restaurants, and charming art galleries. Once the commercial and social center of O‘ahu, Hale‘iwa is a small village treasure, rich with island history. Be sure to enjoy a “shave ice” snack, served in a rainbow of refreshing flavors POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER, LA‘IE Discover the charm and beauty of the seven authentically recreated South Pacific Islands at the 42 acre Polynesian Cultural Center. Enjoy a canoe ride on the freshwater lagoon that winds through typical villages of Fiji, Hawai‘i, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti & Tonga. 808-293-3333 swimming. Experienced divers come here to explore the most popular cave dives on O‘ahu. THREE TABLES Named for the three flat rocks that break the surface near the beach, Three Tables’ large rock formations, MALAEKAHANA BEACH, KAHUKU If the tide is low, waist-high waters are shallow enough to allow you to wade or paddle out to Goat Island, a bird sanctuary just offshore. Tent cabins are available at Malaekahana Beach Park, said to be the most beautiful camping spot on O‘ahu. caverns and ledges draw divers and snorkelers in the summer months. JAMES CAMPBELL NATURE WILDLIFE REFUGE, KAHUKU From August to February, enjoy a free tour of one of Hawai‘i’s few remaining wetlands, DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD, MOKULEIA Soar high above the Wai‘anae Mountain Range (if you’re daring enough!) on a glider ride, arranged at the nearby Dillingham SUNSET, EHUKAI, BANZAI PIPELINE BEACHES Stop at three amazing surf spots that host surfers from around the world for both enjoyment and competition. Watch the spectacle of surfers catching the thrill of, at times, 20 to 30 foot waves during the winter months. The rest of the year these beaches are great for relaxing, swimming. featuring endangered native water birds and migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia. 808-637-6330 THE PALMER COURSE AND THE FAZIO COURSE, TURTLE BAY RESORT On the spectacular North Shore, rests two 18-hole, oceanview courses. The natural, coastal, and wetland features of The Palmer Course provides a “link” style on the front 9 and natural, woodsy layout on the back 9. The Fazio Course is a shorter less demanding alternative. ar these beaches aregreat Airfield and Gliderport. MOKULEIA BEACH Situated at the base of the Wai‘anae Mountain Range is this WAIMEA BAY In the winter, ocean swells rising above the North Shore pound the Bay with 30 foot waves. Summers find Waimea Bay quiet and gentle — perfect for swimming or snorkeling or diving. secluded sloping beach. Great conditions for windsurfing and swimming in the summer. 18 THE ISLAND OF O‘AHU
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