East side of O’ahu

So many people come to O’ahu and only see Waikiki Beach. That city is really great, don’t get me wrong, I live there! But, you are missing out if you don’t explore more of O’ahu. The east side of the Island has been frequently described by my visitors as a Big Sur look-alike. Assuming you are coming from Waikiki, head along H1 East. As you pass Hanauma Bay, start to drive slower as what is presented in front of you doesn’t look real (you’ll see what I mean!). Many of my top moments on this island are in this region; read more to learn the best ways to experience my favorite part of O’ahu.

What to Do

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

A slow, steady incline on a paved pathway with great ocean views throughout the hike ends up above the Makapu’u Lighthouse and oh so much more. This is a sight you won’t soon forget! During the wintertime, this hike is also a great whale watching spot. Any time of year, the earlier you arrive here, the better, due to heat, and this trail can get very crowded as the day goes on. There is free parking at the start of the trail; sometimes if you get there a little too late you can park on the sides of the road outside of the gates. This hike is also great for sunrise. If you do make it for this spectacle, the gates will be locked so you will need to park your car on the side of the road. There is enough of an opening for you to get around it; just bring your headlamp! There are no bathrooms here, so I sometimes make a pit stop at Sandy Beach. Tip: there can be theft in this area so please keep your valuables with you, or HIDE them in your car!

Halona Blowhole Lookout

This super-quick pit-stop is a great lookout of Cockroach Beach (crazy name, I know). This beach is nestled in a cliff to the right of the parking lot and reminds me of some places I visited in Australia, except with lava rock surrounding it. To the left-hand side of the parking lot is the blowhole. Every 5 minutes or so the spout can be massive and is fun to watch. Tip: there can be theft in this area so please keep your valuables with you, or HIDE them in your car!

China Walls & Spitting Cave

Nestled in an upscale neighborhood in Hawaii Kai, these two quick hikes lead to dramatic cliffs similar to those I saw in Bali. China Walls is much easier to walk down to, so start with this one if you are unsure of your hiking skills. You should still wear proper shoes for both hikes. From both of these spots, you can see Diamondhead from afar. At China Walls, you can enjoy watching surfers if there is a good surf out. At Spitting Cave, I hope you get to experience the people who jump off the cliff! Tip: You will need to drive to these places separately as they are in different areas of the neighborhood.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

At the start of this moderately difficult 4.4 mile there-and-back trail, you will first go through a forest with a steady incline of switchbacks. Here you will see many fern plants along with my favorite tree here, the Norfolk Island Pine, which are the Christmas trees of Hawaii! At the end of the hike are stairs that can be slippery (so be careful!). If it recently rained, I recommend using trekking poles for this hike. When you make it to the tippy top, you will see incredible land-and-seascape of much of the east side of the island. I’ve done this hike in 5 hours when taking my time, or 3 hours when speed-walking. Parking: you will park in the neighborhood right before this trail. Be respectful to the residents (always!) as they are very much used to hikers parking in front of their houses.

Koko Crater Railway Trail

This famous 1.6 mile there-and-back hike leads you straight up an old tramway with over 1,000 stairs and 912 feet of elevation. So, you need to be in good shape to complete this hike! Whenever I come here, I am frequently passed by people a lot older than me who look like they do this hike 5 times a day (and they probably do!). With panoramic views at the top from Hanauma Bay to Diamond Head, and to the east side of the island, it is sure to impress. Bring lots of water! Tip: halfway up, there is a section that takes you on a trail to go around a section that has a dropoff… DO THIS. Please. It’s so much safer. And fun to take a break from all the stairs.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful cove that is a well-known place to snorkel for all ages as the waves are typically small here for most of the year, there are typically a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures (I saw an octopus here once!), and it’s just a gorgeous scenic beach. Two days before you go, at 7:00 AM, you will need to be ready on this website to sign up for a time slot on the day you want to visit. Typically these time slots sell out in just a few minutes. So, I would take a look through that website ahead of time to prepare. Tickets are $25/person. Parking is $3 CASH ONLY. If you are a Hawaiian resident (or Kama’aina), tickets are free and parking is $1 CASH ONLY.Personally, Sharks Cove on the North Shore is my favorite place to snorkel, especially because it’s free! But it is only good to snorkel there in the summer/fall as the North Shore waves are monstrous in the winter/spring. Tip: the earlier the better as parking spots fill up around 10:00 AM. Also, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so Wednesdays are the best snorkel day - more sea creatures are usually out and about!

Where to Eat

Island Brew Coffeehouse in Hawaii Kai

Excellent coffee, outrageously delicious food, alongside Kuapa Pond with views of Koko Head. Must. I. Say. More? The setting here is spectacular; it feels like you are in Florida but with a huge ancient volcano sitting right in front of you. After you order your food, head outside to their lanai (deck) and just sit, sip, eat, and enjoy!

Kona Brewing Company

My favorite brewery on the island is Kona Brewing Company. My boyfriend even named his dog after this place! There are many good beers here, the atmosphere is great on Kuapa Pond, and we love the food, especially the sliders on a taro roll. You won’t be able to walk away with one of their merchandise! Be sure to stop by their small shop on your way out.

Keneke’s

Keneke’s Hawaiian style restaurant in Waimanalo is a little hole in the wall with “lunch plates,” meaning platters on a sectioned to-go plate, typically with a meat, rice, and “mac salad” or macaroni salad. I recommend their kalua pork, which is smoked pork with water and salt. YUM. There is another location on the north shore side. If you go to the one on the east side in Waimanalo, eat your meal on the beach behind the shop, you won’t be disappointed 🙂