Family Trip  to Oahu, Hawaii in 2016!

Day 2 – Visit the world famous North Shore

WAIMEA

Located less than 3 miles from Sunset, Waimea is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu and was anciently a gathering place for Hawaiian royalty. On a calm day, it’s a great place for the family to swim, float around in tubes and jump off the rock pictured above (if the sand hasn’t filled it up, there’s a tunnel under the rock that you can swim from one side to the other…if you are brave). Definitely jump off the rock if you are able, it will be a highlight of your trip! On a big winter swell, Waimea is one of the biggest waves in the world.  The Wikipedia page shares information about this valley. Map Website

Ancient Hawaiian Temple near Waimea (2 minutes from Waimea)

View from the temple – Photo

Next to Foodland there’s a two lane road you can take up to the top of the mountain (2 minutes from Waimea Beach Park) and visit the ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau). It’s a wide open lookout with some stones placed around but the actual temple structure that used to be there is gone. It’s not a big touristy thing, in fact you will probably be the only people up there. From the temple you will have a memorable view of the coastline and see the North Shore how the ancient Hawaiians did hundreds of years ago. It’s fun to hike around the area and take advantage of an area that most tourists don’t get to see. But make sure to bring some mosquito repellant. Map Website