21 Best Things To Do On The Windward Side Of Oahu 2024 ✅✅

Hey there! So, when Hawaiians on Oahu talk about the windward side and leeward side, it’s like this:

The windward side faces the powerful northeast trade winds from the Pacific. Think kitesurfing and tropical rain, thanks to those clouds meeting the Koolau Range mountains. It’s like a green paradise with rainforests and waterfalls!

Now, the leeward side is the opposite, shielded from those winds by mountains. It’s a bit drier, not a desert, more like scrub bushes, fewer forests.

On the windward side (the east side), it’s all about hiking, exploring rainforests, chasing waterfalls, bodysurfing, and catching some epic waves with kitesurfing and board surfing.

So, got your plans sorted for each side? 🌺

Windward Side of Oahu

Alright, let’s break down the windward side of Oahu along the eastern stretch. Picture this: it starts from the north shore and goes all the way down to the southeast tip, hugged by the Koolau Mountain Range on one side and the mighty Pacific Ocean on the other.

Read More: Turtle Town Snorkeling in Maui (+ Best Tours 2024 )

People call it different things, you know. It’s the “east coast of Oahu,” “east shore of Oahu,” “east side of Oahu,” or just plain “east Oahu.” So, whether you’re into specific names or keeping it simple, it’s all about that stunning windward side vibe! 🌊

Windward Side of Oahu Map

Check out the map of the windward side of Oahu! It points you to all the cool spots and awesome activities waiting for you. Get ready to explore and make the most of your time on the windward side! 🗺️✨

How to Get to the Windward (East) Side of Oahu?

Getting to the windward side of Oahu from Waikiki? You’ve got two awesome routes!

First up, there’s Highway 72 (Kalanianaole Highway) – just head directly east, follow the coast, and soak in the stunning scenery. You’ll catch sight of Diamond Head Crater, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, and Sea Life Park along the way. It’s a visual feast!

The other option is taking Highway 61 (Pali Highway) north, crossing the Ko’olau Mountain Range. This route treats you to panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Talk about a picturesque drive!

Both routes will get you to Kailua town, the central hub of the windward side, in about 30 minutes. If you’re up for it, a self-drive tour with a rental car is perfect. Flexibility and comfort – plus, you can stop whenever you fancy a photo op!

Thinking of a rental car? Check out Discover Cars for some fantastic deals. They cover a range of options, from brand names to budget-friendly choices.

Feeling adventurous? How about exploring on a moped or scooter? We did it on our first Oahu visit, and it was a blast with the wind gently kissing our faces.

Or, for a touch of luxury, go for a private tour with a local guide. There are some top-notch alternatives to driving, all highly rated!

And hey, if you’re all about staying in the loop with Hawaii travel tips, subscribe to Travel Hawaii with Us! Get the latest posts and more delivered straight to your inbox. Ready for the adventure? Sign up now! 

Things to Do on the East ‘Windward’ Side of Oahu

Make sure not to miss the east side of Oahu – it’s a gem! Step away from the hustle of Waikiki and dive into breathtaking views. Marvel at mist-covered mountains, appreciate the green valleys and tropical greenery, go chasing waterfalls, and bask in the sun on some gorgeous (and quieter) beaches. It’s a whole different kind of paradise! 

1. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Visiting Oahu and haven’t been snorkeling yet? No worries, I’ve got the perfect spot for you.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the BEST snorkeling location on Oahu for beginners and families with kids.

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful, semi-circular, well-protected bay within a sunken, ancient volcanic crater.

The shallow, sheltered waters, excellent underwater visibility, and, best of all, stunning marine life, make for ideal snorkeling conditions.

My kids love snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and I make it a must-visit destination on every trip to Oahu. They see so many beautiful varieties of tropical fish!

To avoid the hassle of driving and parking, I usually book this popular Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tour that offers transportation from Waikiki hotels.

Due to its popularity and to promote conservation, Hanauma Bay charges an entrance fee of $25 / adult (parking is $3 and fills up quickly) and uses a reservation system.

2. Hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail on the Windward (East) Side of Oahu

Can’t sleep because of jet lag? Why not grab a cup of coffee and hike the popular Lanikai Pillbox Trail for a spectacular sunrise?

The Lanikai Pillbox Trail (also called the Kaiwa Ridge Trail) is a hugely popular and relatively easy hike on the windward side of Oahu, and a great family activity.

The two main pillboxes (World War II military observation posts) offer stunning views of the Koolau Mountain range, the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful Lanikai Beach, and the Mokulua Islands.

Sunsets are also very beautiful!

Because the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is so popular, if you are planning to hike this trail, read our tips on the best time to go, parking and what to take with you.

3. Stroll Down the Lanikai Beach on the East Shore of Oahu

Need to cool off after the sunrise hike on the Lanikai Pillbox Trail? The cool, inviting waters of beautiful Lanikai Beach beckon you!

One of the best beaches on the island of Oahu, Lanikai (which means “heavenly ocean”) Beach is the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll on the golden white sands.

The calm, clear-blue waters are excellent for a refreshing dip or swim.

Watching a sunrise or sunset from Lanikai Beach with your partner is one of the most romantic things to do on the windward side of Oahu!

4. Work Out on the Koko Crater Railway Trail

Want to keep fit while vacationing? How does climbing over 1000 stairs sound to you?

The Koko Head Trail is not like your run-of-the-mill gym elliptical machine but an intense hike with a tremendous payoff!

On a clear day, you will have fantastic, panoramic, 360-degree views of the island of Oahu, and will be able to see almost all its iconic landmarks.

Sunsets and sunrises from the summit are incredible. What a way to start or end your day!

Interested? Here is a complete guide to hiking the Koko Head Trail.

5. Drive Through Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Tired of paying entrance fees? You’ll love Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden!

Visiting Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do on the windward side of Oahu: a gorgeous, 400-acre, plant-lover’s paradise!

I love visiting this garden because it is so beautiful and I learn a lot!

The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is organized into sections showcasing plants from all around the world including Africa, India, Polynesia, and Hawaii.

If you have limited time, then definitely drive through the garden. But if you have more time, explore the trails and enjoy a quiet picnic by the lake.

Check here for the latest on the timings.

6. Relax on Kailua Beach on the East Shore of Oahu

Vacationing with family and kids? Beautiful Kailua Beach may be a much better option for you than Lanikai Beach.

Kailua Beach has more parking options, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards on duty, and overall better facilities!

Need to cool off? Don’t be shy about jumping into the inviting waters of Kailua Bay for a swim or a refreshing dip.

Kailua Beach is also a great beach for sunbathing or relaxing with a book; the beach is large enough to find a quiet spot.

Want more? You can try standup paddleboarding, kayaking or kitesurfing!

7. Kayak to Mokoli’i Island (the Mokes) off the East Coast of Oahu

Need something a bit more adventurous? Consider this highly popular, 5-star rated Kayaking Tour of Kailua Bay with Lunch, Oahu.

You can kayak with the family or on a guided tour around the islands of Kailua Bay, including Popoia Island (Flat Island) or the Mokulua Islands. Note, you must be able to swim.

The Mokulua Islands (popularly called the Mokes) are two islets off the coast of Lanikai and are part of the Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary. Expect to see seabirds like wedge-tailed shearwaters, red-footed boobies, brown noddies, and white terns.

You have multiple options for kayak tours:

We took our kids on tandem kayaks since they were younger, and they had a great time. One of them actually spotted a wedge-tailed shearwater chick hiding near some rocks.

8. Hike the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Don’t despair if you are a family with small kids! The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is an easy, paved, well-maintained trail that you can hike!

If you are hiking in winter, the kids may even spot humpback whales out in the ocean. The views from the trail are gorgeous!

The stunning, red-roofed Makapu’u lighthouse is an iconic structure on the island of Oahu, but visitors are not allowed in.

With very little shade on the hike, you should plan on hiking this trail early morning or late evening.

9. Meditate at the Byodo-In Temple (Valley of the Temples)

Vacation stressing you out? What you need is some quiet time at one of the most peaceful locations on the island of Oahu: the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on the east side of Oahu.

The Byodo-In Temple is a beautiful replica of a Japanese Buddhist temple in the serene settings at the base of the Koolau Mountains.

Meditating at the Byodo-In Temple is one of the most relaxing things to do on the windward side of Oahu.

The temple even has a meditation pavilion, along with a koi pond, a bell house, a stunning Buddha statue, and picturesque gardens.

The Byodo-In Temple is part of many Oahu Island tours, these are the most popular options:

10. Visit Kualoa Ranch

A fan of the Jurassic Park movie series? You must visit Kualoa Ranch where many of the famous movie scenes were filmed.

The ranch even has a dedicated tour, Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Adventure Tour, that is quite popular.

Now that you know Kualoa Ranch was a setting for many popular films, you’ve probably guessed the location and scenery is fabulous.

Read More: 7 Divinely Delicious Waikiki Breakfast Spots You Can’t Miss In 2024 

Exploring Kualoa Ranch is one of the best things to do on the windward side of Oahu for families with kids, especially, teenage kids.

You can take a Jungle Expedition Tour, try out the popular Jurassic Valley Zipline, or explore on the ranch on horseback with a Horseback Walking Tour.

11. Snorkel at the Kaneohe Sandbar off Windward Coast of Oahu

Kaneohe Sandbar is an oddity of nature, a bunch of sand islands in Kaneohe Bay that appear and disappear with the tides.

At high tide, the Kaneohe sandbar is under roughly waist-level deep water, at low tide completely visible as a sandy island.

The Kaneohe sandbar is a remarkable playground for all kinds of water activities, roughly a mile from shore: snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, water volleyball, and ocean sports like jet skiing, parasailing or wakeboarding.

Snorkeling is by far the most popular activity, with the clear and shallow waters making it easy and safe for beginners and kids.

If you have older, teenage kids, they will love the ocean sports!

To get to Kaneohe sandbar, since it is a mile from shore, you will take a boat tour or kayak.

Vacationing with family and kids? Kaneohe sandbar is an excellent choice to keep the whole family engaged.

12. Hike the Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Need a more challenging hike? The hike on Kuliouou Ridge Trail is moderately difficult, about 5 miles round trip, with stunning views along the ridge.

The trail climbs about 1,800 feet to the summit of the Kuliouou Ridge, from where you get amazing views of Waimanalo Beach on the east side of Oahu.

While older, teenage kids will do fine on the trail, I don’t recommend the hike for younger kids, especially after rains, when it is muddy and slippery.

I personally like to hike the Kuliouou Ridge Trail in the early morning; the sunrises over the windward coast of Oahu are amazing.

13. Marvel at Desert Plants in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden

A desert botanical garden on a tropical island? Yup, Koko Crater Botanical Garden!

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a unique, 60-acre garden devoted to rare and endangered dryland plants in the crater head basin and inner slopes.

We hiked the 2-mile loop path through the garden and were amazed to see plants and trees from all over the world including Madagascar and Africa.

We loved the iconic baobabs that we had seen dotting the African plains in photos. My favorites were the cactus garden and the blooming plumeria.

The kids were delighted to see a majestic male peacock wandering through the garden!

Make sure you take plenty of drinks with you to stay hydrated.

Best of all, admission to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is free! The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

14. Hike the Maunawili Falls Trail to Maunawili Falls

Yearning to explore a tropical rainforest? Maunawili Falls Trail is a moderate, 3-mile, family-friendly trail through a lush rainforest with a beautiful waterfall at the end.

The trail follows the stream (crossing it multiple times) and winds along the side of the Koolau Mountain range.

I love hiking this trail because apart from the pleasant jungle hike and the waterfall, you also get amazing views of the windward side of Oahu and Olomana.

We’ve seen kids play Tarzan with a rope swing at the end of the pool at the base of the waterfall. Some kids were jumping from the rocky cliffs into the pool as well!

Be careful of the rocks and potential currents if you plan on diving in!

The trail is rated moderate because it gets very muddy and slippery after rains.

15. Gourmet Dining at Kailua Town Restaurants

The first time we toured the windward side of Oahu, Kailua Town was a charming, sleepy beach town where we stopped to get a bite, and had a hard time finding a suitable restaurant.

On our last trip, Kailua had evolved into a bustling tourist destination with an extraordinary variety of places to eat!

I guess Dr. Beach’s 2019 award of the Best Beach in the United States had something to do with it!

If you are watching your diet, you have options like Nalu Health Bar and The Beet Box Cafe that offer delicious acai bowls, Green Blend bowls and Cacao Bowls.

The acai bowl I had at Nalu’s was the best I’ve tasted in Hawaii!

You will also see a variety of sushi, Mexican, Italian and other Asian restaurants offering eclectic fusion menus.

Kailua also has a popular, bustling Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings!

16. Watch the Halona Blowhole Shoot Water

Seen the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park? The Halona Blowhole is something like that, but near the ocean!

The Halona Blowhole is one of the more famous blowholes in the world: a wonder of nature, created by volcanic activity over thousands of years, that shoots out water upto 30 feet high through a hole in the volcanic rocks.

The best time to watch the Halona Blowhole is at high tide and on windy days, when the wind and waves expel sea water at great pressure through the hole.

The blowhole is unpredictable and rogue waves are common, so please watch from the lookout point that provides an excellent and safe view!

Also from the lookout point, you can see Halona Beach Cove, a beautiful, secluded beach where many famous movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and From Here to Eternity were filmed!

The Halona Blowhole is located near Hanauma Bay, and is a stop on most island tours.

Here are three highly popular, 5-star rated island tours that stop at Halona Blowhole:

17. Admire the Views from Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

The BEST spot on the island of Oahu for panoramic views is Nu’uanu Pali Lookout on the windward side of Oahu.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is located on a 1000-feet high cliff, and from this altitude you can see most of the windward coast, the Ko’olau Mountains, Kaneohe, Kailua and the Mokes.

Keep a hand on your hat, the winds here are strong and gusty!

The drive to Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is beautiful as well, with the road often covered by a canopy of tropical trees!

18. Challenge Yourself With the Mt Olomana (Three Peaks) Hike

Are you an experienced hiker seeking an adrenaline high?

The Mt Olomana Hike (also known as the Olomana Three Peaks Hike) is a demanding hike on the windward side of Oahu.

Hiking to the top of the third peak (Ahiki) requires good technical climbing skills! Only experienced hikers should attempt this peak, as it is dangerous and exposed.

We rate hiking the Olomana Three Peaks Trail as one of the best challenging hikes in Oahu!

The Mt Olomana Three Peaks Trail is a dirt and rock path through a lush rainforest and along a ridge.

The first peak (Olomana) is the highest and most popular, but still involves a steep climb that requires ropes and cables. Most hikers stop with the first or second peaks.

The views from each of the peaks are stunning. On a clear day, you can see the Ko’olau Range, Kaneohe Bay and Kailua Beach.

19. Bodysurf the Waves on Sandy Beach

Need a change from regular board surfing? How about bodysurfing?

Sandy Beach is world-famous for bodysurfing, a form of surfing that does not require a board. Instead, you use your body and a pair of fins to catch and ride the waves.

Bodysurfing at Sandy Beach is best reserved for strong swimmers or experienced bodysurfers!

The waves are powerful and break close to the shore, causing a strong shorebreak that can slam you into the sand.

No wonder Sandy Beach has the highest rate of injuries among all the beaches on the island of Oahu!

I strongly recommend you start at Half Point on the left side of the beach, where the waves are smaller and less crowded.

But simply watching the locals in action can be fun as well!

20. Hike the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail

Want to while away some time till your teenage kids are done snorkeling at Hanauma Bay?

Hike the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail, an easy hike up the ridge overlooking the bay.

The views of crescent-shaped Hanauma Bay and the surrounding coastline are stunning, and on a clear day, you can even see the coral reefs!

21. Watch Dolphins at the Sea Life Park on the East Side of Oahu

If you don’t like getting wet or have small kids who are not ready to snorkel, do not worry!

Sea Life Park near Waimanalo Beach is an alternative for you and families with smaller kids to experience Hawaii’s amazing underwater marine life.

My kids loved the Dolphin Exploration program where they could interact with Hawaii’s charismatic spinner dolphins! They even have a dolphin theater!

We stayed back for the oceanfront Aloha Kai Luau, and the food was delicious, and so was the entertainment!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the windward side of Oahu offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, from pristine beaches and captivating hikes to cultural experiences and thrilling adventures. The lush landscapes, vibrant marine life, and panoramic views make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, embarking on challenging hikes like the Olomana Three Peaks Trail, or simply enjoying the serenity of the Byodo-In Temple, the windward side has something for everyone. 

Additionally, the culinary delights and cultural richness of towns like Kailua add to the overall charm of this region. As you explore the east side of Oahu, you’ll encounter a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures that create lasting memories.

In summary, the windward side beckons with its distinct beauty and a plethora of activities, providing a captivating escape from the hustle and bustle of more urban areas. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast, or someone seeking tranquility, Oahu’s windward side welcomes you with open arms, promising an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.