West Coast
of O'ahu Activities
(Places
to go on, things to do on off-beat O'ahu tour, not your ordinary vacation
activities!)
“Country” to O'ahu residents and home to greats such as
surfing legend and mentor Rell
Sunn, and music giant Braddah Iz (Israel
Kamakawiwo`ole), the Waianae coast home to the largest population of Native Hawaiians in the Hawaii is geographically and socially
separated from city life and city ways. In the midst of a declining Hawaiian culture, Waianae still offers true Hawaiian values and practices.
Development
is relatively low density, and there are still many small farms typical of an agricultural village. 
However, Wa'ianae is historically known and infamous as a fishing village due to productive ocean waters. Predominant features are the longest white sand beaches on O'ahu, amphitheater valleys and
dramatic volcanic mountains,
in a majestic range embracing the entire community.
Some
claim that among residents of the leeward coast are kanaka maoli
(native Hawaiian) descendents of those who fled Kamehameha the Great’s
conquering warriors in 1795. In Hawaiian cosmology, Mā'ui—the famed
demigod who appears in historical chants throughout Polynesia—is
said to have been born on this coast; his mother, the goddess Hina,
also resided here, pounding kapa in a cave to the south of Wai'anae.
Archaeologists have documented scores of hei'au and other religious
sites up and down the coast and deep into its valleys. The Northwest tip,
Ka'ena Point, is sacred ground—a jumping-off point for
souls departing this world for the next.
There
are still large stretches of land that have no structures and that
are visited only by those who know the land through family and word
of mouth Many historic sites can only be viewed from the water.
A sacred land, where Hawai'ian royalty was trained in arts of history, weaponry, celestial navigation; and fishing, agricultural and social traditions, brings familial pride.This is the place where one becomes so aware that a fervent culture is fighting to be preserved and understood.
Looking
for unique things to do in secret O'ahu places?
Marine biologist crew leads sailing journeys with focus on whale,
turtle reef and dolphin encounters, both above and under the water.
"Wild Side" has been involved in studies and conservation
of the diverse marine life on Oahu for over a decade. Located on rural
coastline of "hidden O'ahu", share the secrets they have
found away from the city life of Waikiki and Honolulu; including 
pristine resting grounds of resident
Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Swim with the dolphins in nearshore waters
and watch their natural behavior in the wild. Visit an obscure area
hosting one of the fastest growing and largest populations of humpback
whales (seasonal) on O'ahu; and a unique feeding ground for the green
sea turtle, with its own underwater "cleaning station”
on their four hour morning wildlife sails.
Mākaha' Beach's claim to fame is that its an internationally
renown as a superb site for surfing. The offshore Mākaha Caves
have underwater caverns, arches and tunnels
at depths of 30 to 50 feet and are a popular dive spot on the Wa'ianae
Coast in the calmer summer months.
Mākaha Beach is one of the better beaches offering good swimming, bodyboarding and surfing conditions.
Looking for cultural things to do on O'ahu? The ancient gods of
Hawai'i made specific places on the island sacred. These places include
dwelling places of the gods and their disciples as well as selected
observation points, cliffs, heiau, volcanoes and many more. They are
known as 'wahi pana or legendary places of Hawai'i. Even today
they possess mana (spiritual power).
One such ancient Hawaiian Hei'au can be found deep in Mākaha Valley
and is one of Hawaii's best maintained archeological sites. The Kāne'aki
Hei'au was built in the fifteenth century and was known to be both
an agricultural hei'au and a war temple. Having researched the site,
archaeologists believe the hei'au first served Lono, the god of agriculture
and peace, then later was dedicated to Kü, the god of war. At this
point human sacrifices were performed on the first prisoners of war.
Near Māuka Beach about one mile before the end of Farrington Highway,
the shark/man deity made his home 
in this sea cave which
is volcanic and coral in formation.
Makua Valley contains more than 40 endangered plant and animal species. Abundant archaeological evidence suggests that Makua Valley had a thriving Hawaiian community during pre-contact days. and is said to be a sacred place to native Hawaiians, the mythic birthplace of the Hawaiian people.
Ka'ena
Point
Ka'ena
Point has historically been used for fishing, opihi picking, and recreation.
Designated a Natural Area Reserve in 1983, it is a seasonal nesting
area for Laysan Albatross, a resting area
for Hawaiian Monk Seals, and 
home to many
rare native plants. A journey to the land time forgot, it is also
a significant area to Hawaiian culture, home to many legends
and the "jumping off place" (pictured above) to Po, the
eternal resting spot of the gods, where land, sea and time are woven
into one fabric of space and time.
The E'ala
Double Hulled Polynesian Voyaging Canoe at Waianae Boat Harbor.
The E'ala was built at Wai'anae on the Leeward side of O'ahu by
the Wai'anae Civic Club in 1981. The E'ala was built for the children
of Wai'anae, to experience
firsthand the sailing a Wa'a Kaulua (Double Hulled Canoe), how important
the canoe was to the life of the ancient Hawaiians; and to instill
pride and self-esteem to the native-Hawaiian people who living here
on the Leeward Coast.
In
an area of Wai'anae once known as the "poi bowl" of Oahu,
family lo'i (taro fields) are worked at Ka'ala Farms; part of a cultural
learning center where kalo (taro) farming methods are taught to school
children and families as part of a community development program.
The upper watershed is used mainly by pig hunters and by halau hula to gather materials for dances and ceremonies. The coastal plain
area is used by produce farmers and dairy farmers although housing
often replaces these farms, especially along the coastline.
Dolphin
Tour l Whale Watching l Turtle Travels l Night Sails l Hawaii Snorkeling l Massage etc. l Rates, Prices l Online Booking
l Free Dolphin Wallpaper and Screen savers
l Volunteer Vacations
101
Free things to do on Oahu
~Unique onboard celebrations of life include birthday, anniversary,
showers, honeymooners and weddings, gift
certificates available. If your marine wildlife lover is not able
to make it to Hawaii, you may consider making a contribution
to the Wild Dolphin Foundation in their name.
