A stunning 30-minute drive along the Likelike Highway takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki toward Oahu’s slower-paced Windward Coast.
Select an ImageThe Koʻolau Mountain range from Kaneohe Bay
Here, the Koʻolau mountain range serves as a rugged backdrop to the picturesque crystal clear waters of the Kaneohe sandbar and stretches of untouched beaches that dot Oahu’s meandering Windward coast.
Welcome to the Windward Side of Oahu
It’s not always ocean adventures and fine white sands. The town of Kāneʻohe, one of two of the largest communities on the windward side, is home to several of Oahu’s must-visit cultural sites and extraordinary natural wonders.
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Here are five things you can miss when visiting Kāneʻohe on Oahu’s Windward coast.
The 5 Best Things to do in Kaneohe
1. Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
Immerse in Hawaii’s tropical landscape with a visit to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. Spread out over 400 flourishing acres, this sprawling Instagram-worthy spot the lives up to its name of a peaceful refuge.
Select an ImageFishpond at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
Originally designed as a flood protection measure for the town of Kaneohe by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the gardens today provide a meditative respite from the din of city life.
For a completely immersive experience surrounded by tropical flora from as far wide as Sri Lanka and Malaysia, plan for a weekend of camping—the garden’s eight campsites are the only city campsites not located on a beach.
2. Shop Local at the Kaneohe Farmers Market
The twice-weekly farmers market at Windward Mall in Kaneohe is the perfect place to shop and support local.
Vendors sell everything from fresh produce, made-in-Hawaii jams and jellies, island honey, and baked goods to an endless selection of popular local snacks such as poke, poi, dried fish jerky, and more.
3. Visit the Byodo-In Temple
Transport yourself to the land of the rising sun with a visit to Byodo-in Temple. Situated in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park — it’s the burial grounds for many of Hawaii’s residents — this tranquil Japanese temple complex was built to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Select an ImageKoi swimming in the pond at Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe
Be sure to ring the sacred bell before entering the temple — it’s believed to bring happiness and long life to those that do so.
4. Indulge in Hawaiian Cuisine at Waiahole Poi Factory
After a day of cruisin’ around Kaneohe, stop by the Waiahole Poi Factory for an authentic taste of Hawaii, i.e., the iconic plate lunch. Originally opened as a poi factory over a century ago, today it’s one of the best places for Hawaiian comfort food in Kaneohe.
A combo plate is the best way to get a taste of all the classics, such as the kalua pig, beef luau, poi, and lomi salmon. Be sure to also save some room for dessert—the kulolo (a popular Hawaiian dessert made from taro, coconut milk, and sugar) with a side of haupia (coconut pudding) ice cream is to die for!
5. Take a Cruise to the Kaneohe Sandbar
A true hidden gem, the Kaneohe sandbar is one of Oahu’s most incredible natural wonders, best visited up close and in person.
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Situated in the middle of Kāneʻohe Bay, the Kaneohe sandbar is a stretch of white sand beach that reveals itself at low tide—if you’re lucky and the water’s very low, you can walk its sandy shores from one end to the next. At high tide, the water at the sandbar comes up to the waist, making it a fun, family-friendly activity on Oahu.
Planning a visit to Kaneohe and Oahu’s Windward Coast? Make sure to book your Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports cruise tickets to the Kaneohe sandbar today.