The island of Oahu (Oahu), the third largest among the Hawaiian archipelago. Oahu is translated from Hawaiian as "gathering place". This beautiful island is formed by two shield volcanoes, Ko'olau and Wai'anae. Of course, the most famous part of the island is the beach and the place is the most densely populated of all the islands. However, Oahu still has its secrets!
Although buses run all over Oahu, a car is best for exploring. So rent a car. And I asked a friend to show me the beauty of the island.
And the first secret, which I want to introduce, is a place, far from luxurious highways and usual routes. Hawaiians themselves come here to relax. But despite the love of the people of Oahu for this place, it is still deserted. There is a great chance that once you get here, you will be completely alone! So, you just need to leave the highway to Nuuanu fell on an inconspicuous road over which the crowns of trees hang. Taste the spring water and take a deep breath of the purest air.
Read also:
Nuuanu pali - cliff on the island of Oahu and its history + photos
And now a little history. After the relaxation and joy with which you leave the secret place of Oahu, you have to remember the bloody battle that happened on the Nu'uanu pali cliff. Nuuanu Pali is part of the Koolau Range, one of the mother shield volcanoes. And it was here in 1795 that the Battle of Nuuanu took place, in which the king of the island of Hawaii (Hawai'i) Kamehameha the First, gathered a united army with his native land, as well as the conquered Moloka'i and Maui, defeated the Oahu army. Kamehameha brought ten thousand people with him. And the defenders of Oahu, led by King Kalanikupule, were driven into the valley and then pushed back to the edge of the cliff. In this place, many soldiers found their death, having fallen from a height of 300 meters.
In the late 19th century, many skulls were found under a cliff on the island of Oahu. This tragic find has confirmed ancient legends.
Travelers, however, not only remember the eerie pages of Hawaiian history, but still worship the local goddess of volcanoes Pele, who guards the pass from possible invasion from the ocean and the valley. The drivers leave flowers here for a safe journey. Parents, trying to protect their children, bring umbilical cords here and bury them between stones. And also legends tell about a lizard girl who can turn the heads of men and lead them to the side of the cliff, where they can find their death.
Anyone who comes to the pass with evil intentions will be thrown down. And the one whose thoughts are pure will receive gifts.
Waikiki Beach is known and loved by everyone. This is perhaps the most famous beach in Hawaii. But, of course, this is not the only vacation spot in Oahu. Volcanic beaches, incredible in their beauty, await everyone who is ready to admire them. It is not surprising that the black stones lying in the ocean waters like whales reminded me of the embankment, which was also born from the Etna volcano. Similarities and differences are just a mind game. And beauty is eternal!
Oahu attracts more touriststhan any other island in Hawaii. About 6 million tourists (mainly from the American mainland and Japan) come here every year to enjoy a typical beach holiday. With a total area of \u200b\u200b1,545 km2 (71 km long and 48 km wide at its widest part), Oahu is the 20th largest island in the United States. From a bird's eye view, two mountain ranges are clearly visible on each side of the island: Vaianae on the west coast and Kulau on the east.
Mother Nature carved out green valleys, graced the island sandy beaches of all color spectra, from white to black, there is even green and red. With colorful sunsets, beautiful unspoilt natural surroundings, a huge variety of golden beaches and weather that fluctuates between perfect and perfect, Oahu has a lot to offer vacationers. The island attracts visitors with its incredible beauty of nature and developed tourist infrastructure... The island has almost 1 million inhabitants, but the number of visitors is about 6 times the population of the island.
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Beaches
Oahu is a mecca of sun and sand, revered by fans of beaches and water sports. Oahu has over 125 beaches for every taste, the very name of the island is identified with the beaches and the ocean. With an average annual water temperature of 25 ° C, it is easy to understand why millions of visitors from all over the world regularly come here on vacation. Each of the beaches has its own unique features that make it stand out from the rest. Some of them are popular with surfers, others are suitable for sailing, and others are perfect for a comfortable family vacation.
Hanauma Bay (Hanauma Bay). Only 16 km from Waikiki is Hanauma Bay, one of the best snorkelling spots on Oahu. A small beach surrounded by palm trees is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, destroyed by the ocean on one side. The sheltered bay provides protection from strong currents and large waves - ideal conditions for swimmers and divers.
Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been granted the status of a Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. In the 1990s, an excessive influx of holidaymakers (about 3 million per year) presented a serious problem for the fragile ecosystem of the bay. Paid access since 1998 has led to a decrease in the number of tourists. In 2002, the Maritime Education Center was opened, visitors are obliged to first watch a short film and familiarize themselves with the rules of respect for the nature of the bay. Today, Hanauma Bay receives an average of 3000 visitors a day, or about a million a year.
Some tips:
If you rent a car, try to come here early in the morning, the parking lot quickly becomes full and leaving the car is a big problem.
A visit to the reserve is paid, all visitors must watch a short film. If you arrive before 7 o'clock in the morning, avoid payment and will not watch the video.
Bring your own drinks and snacks as there is nothing for sale on the beach downstairs.
The shallow beach has soft sand and calm waves. But sometimes the waves are very strong, on such days swimming is recommended only for good swimmers.
A path leads down from the mountain. If you don't want to pay a private company for transportation, you can walk back and forth.
The beach is closed on Tuesdays.
It is easily accessible by bus from Waikiki.
Fish feeding is prohibited in order to maintain a more natural balance of fish in the ecosystem.
Address: 7455 Kalaniana "ole Hwy., Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825, website www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com
Halona Beach Cove ... Near Hanauma Bay is Halona Beach Cove, a small but very beautiful cove. The film "From Here to Eternity" was filmed here.
Waimānalo Beach with a total length of almost 9 km - the longest sandy beach on the island of Oahu. The beach has escaped commercial development (there are no hotels nearby), it is notable for its local flavor and proximity to the Hawaii Sea Life Park.
Lanikai Beach
A little-visited beach with east side Oahu is one and a half kilometers long. From early morning, photography lovers have been trying to capture the famous sunrise. The beach looks beautiful against the backdrop of Koolau Mountains. When the trade wind blows, sailing and windsurfing is practiced on the beach. Calm waves white sand, beautiful panorama in all directions. There are no toilets, showers, even parking for cars, but a beautiful beach with white sand and calm turquoise water fully compensates for these disadvantages. Address: Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734.
Kailua Beach ... Oahu has more spectacular beaches with better swimming conditions, but none offers as many leisure options as Kailua Beach. Fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, kiteboarding, sale and rental of water sports equipment. A popular kayaking destination, Popoi "a Island" is located about 400 meters from the coast. Condé Nast magazine named Kailua Beach the best beach in the USA in 1998. Many locals visit the beach on weekends, almost No. Address: 526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734.
Laniakea Beach is located about 4 km south of Waimea Bay. Laniakea Beach is most often referred to as "Turtle Beach" because the endangered green sea turtles have been basking on the warm sand of the beach continuously since 2000. The turtles were attracted by the abundance of algae in the area. Volunteers are on duty on the beach, they stretch a red rope around the turtles in order to limit them from the beach visitors. Take your snorkel and mask with you and enjoy swimming with the turtles. And don't waste money on a tour. To see the turtles, rent a car, spend the day here and you won't be disappointed. Never touch turtles, otherwise you can get a high fine. Address: Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712.
Malaekahana Beach ... If you want to be in Hawaii before the moment when jet aircraft brought here millions of vacationers, then you are on the Malaekahana beach. Surprisingly, very few visitors visit Malaekahana - one of the best beaches on the island of Oahu.
Kahana bay Beach Park ... A crescent-shaped beach set against a lush valley with high cliffs. Kahana Beach has good fishing and ideal kayaking conditions. Throw in picnic spots, camping spots, walking trails in the forest and you have some of the best beaches on the island.
Ko "Olina lagoons ... The owner of the huge resort complex Ko "Olina Resort created four artificial sandy lagoons, turning them comfortable seats for a beach holiday at any time of the year. Almost completely rounded lagoons are surrounded by white sandy beaches bordered by grassy lawns. The generally calm waters are ideal for swimming, with snorkelling available around the boulders at the entrance to the lagoons. Ko "Olina lagoons are located next to Kapolei, but public transport does not come here. The nearest bus stop is on Farrington Highway, over 6 miles from the resort. Address: Kapolei, Oahu, HI.
Oahu's north coast (North Shore) is considered the world capital of surfing. Every winter, swells, long sea waves formed by storms and storms thousands of kilometers north in the Bering Sea, roll onto the northern coast of Hawaii. Such waves are much more stable in their direction and frequency than ordinary waves generated by the wind, and therefore more favorable for surfing. The north coast in the context of Oahu's geography refers to the northern coastal area of \u200b\u200bthe island between Ka'ena Point and Kahuku Point. The largest locality in this area - Haleiwa. Every December, it hosts the Triple Crown of Surfing, a series of three world-renowned competitions. The most famous beaches are described below.
Ehukai Beach Park stretches continuously as a continuous strip of sand with only one sign - EHUKAI BEACH PARK. Most people think that this is one beach, but in fact, three separate beaches follow one another. Long, wide, white sand, Ehukai Beach is known for its winter surfing. Swimming is safe during the spring and summer months, but coastal currents and strong waves make swimming unsafe during winter. Access to Pipeline and Banzai beaches via Ehukai Beach Park.
Pipeline beach located next to Ehukai Beach Park near the small town of Pupukea on the north coast of Oahu. When the surf reaches the shallow coral coast in winter, waves are so steep that the crest of the wave, falling forward, forms an almost perfect pipe ("pipeline" means "pipe"). For many years, the craftsmen tried to master these waves, many of them falling, receiving lacerations and broken bones on shallow reefs.
Pipeline is the most famous place huge waves on the north coast of Oahu, it is often called the deadliest wave in the world (the average wave height is almost 4 meters). More surfers have died or been seriously injured at Pipeline Beach than anywhere else in the world. The most important competitions in the world of professional surfing take place here.
Banzai Beach. To the west of the Pipeline, there is a strip of beach that surfers call Banzai. The Japanese word "banzai" means the battle cry "hurray" or "forward." In the late 1950s, director Bruce Brown was filming one of the first surfing films Surf Safari and saw a surfer riding a huge wave. Brown shouted, "Banzai!" and since that time the name stuck. IN winter time it is a very popular beach with surfers, curious locals and visiting vacationers. There are not very many people here during the summer months. Again, access to the beach is via Ehukai Beach Park. Number 52 TheBus (Circle Island) stops on the highway next to Ehukai Beach Park.
Waimea bay - one of the most beautiful beaches Oahu islands. From October to April, huge waves roll over the beach, creating a strong reverse current. Even professional surfers are in danger when high waves of up to 5 meters crash against the shore. It is hard to believe that in summer this same bay is quiet and calm - a great place for swimming, snorkelling and diving. On the right side of the beach, turtles swim very close to the shore. The most interesting moment of the visit is the jump from the famous lava rock. Address: 61-031 Kamehameha Highway, Oahu, HI.
Sunset Beach ... One of the most popular beaches on Oahu. During the season (September-April), swimming is very dangerous due to high waves (5 meters and more) and strong reverse currents near the coast. The only safe swimming period is summer. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays. The beach is located off the Kamehameha Highway. Bus number 52 (Circle Island) will take you there if you don't want to take a taxi or rent a car.
Interesting places of the island of Oahu
Polynesian Cultural Center (Polynesian Cultural Center) - a theme park and open-air museum at the same time, located on the north coast of Oahu. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hawaii. On its territory, a competition is held annually, in which participants demonstrate the skill of using fire knives. The park has a showroom (IMAX theater), a lagoon, and visitors can canoe.
Hawaii Marine Life Park (Sea Life Park Hawaii) is one of the main attractions of Oahu. Opened in 1964, the park allows visitors to interact with marine animals, swim with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, and feed turtles. The park also houses a bird sanctuary and an aquarium. The most interesting sights of the park:
Sea lion Discovery - allows visitors to swim in the water with sea lions.
Sea trek adventure - underwater walk in the reef reservoir, which is inhabited by eels, rays, sea turtles, a wide variety of tropical fish.
Hawaiian Reef Aquarium - a huge body of water, home to over 2000 marine reef inhabitants, including sharks, rays, turtles and schools of tropical fish.
Hawaiian Ocean Theater - The venue for the main show featuring dolphins, penguins and sea lions. During the show, a story about the latest teaching methods and the park's efforts to preserve the wealth of the underwater world.
Penguin Habitat - habitat of the park's penguins.
Dolphin show cove - an open theater where dolphin shows are shown twice a day.
The bird sanctuary - This bird sanctuary is home to many wild seabirds, including frigate birds, gannets, petrels, albatrosses, most of which were sick or wounded.
Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat - habitat of Hawaiian monk seals, shows with the participation of these animals.
ProgramsDolphin Royal Swim, Dolphin Adventure Swim, Dolphin Encounter, and Dolphin Aloha allow visitors to interact with dolphins in the water.
Location: Makapuu Point, 24 kilometers from the center of Honolulu. How to get there: Bus number 22 or 23 from Waikiki. Website www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
Byodo-In Temple Buddhist Temple located in the Valley of the Temples and is an exact replica of the 900-year-old temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Inside there is a 3 m gold-plated figure of a wooden Buddha. Ponds and Japanese gardens surround the temple against the backdrop of the Koolau Mountains. Byodo-In Temple is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. People of all faiths take part in his services. In addition to services, the temple grounds are often used for weddings and official events. Address: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI, website www.byodo-in.com
Sacred Falls State Park ... Sacred Falls State Park is located on the north coast of Oahu. The park covers the Kaluanui canyon and the waterfall at its very end, after which it is named. The waterfall is closed to the public indefinitely after the fatal rock collapse on May 9, 1999 in the canyon. Then eight tourists were killed, and many were injured. The only way to see this beautiful natural creation is by helicopter.
Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Nu'uanu Valley and the northeastern side of Oahu. Nu'uanu Pali was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the world, during which Kamehameha captured the island of Oahu and united it under his rule.
What to do, tours of local tour operators
Swim with dolphins in the ocean from Dolphin Excursions Snorkel Adventure. From Waianae Bay, the tour travels along the west coast of Oahu in search of dolphins (get the chance to see humpback whales in winter). After spotting dolphins, snorkelling tour participants dive into the water and watch dolphins swim past them. Then a small cruise to the sea turtle habitat, snorkelling with tropical fish and sea turtles. At the end of the tour, lunch. A photographer will take your underwater photos with dolphins and turtles and send them on CD anywhere in the world. Address: Waianae, Oahu, HI, www.dolphinexcursions.com
Horse Riding by Happy Trails Hawaii ... Horseback riding along the north coast of Oahu through a forest, fern valley and tropical orchards. Tours are family oriented. The only ranch on Oahu where children as young as 6 are allowed to ride their own horse. Address: 59-231 Pupukea Road, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI, website www.happytrailshawaii.com
Macadamia nut farm ... Educational and very interesting tour at a farm specializing in the cultivation of Macadamia. Macadamia is a very tasty Australian nut with a hard-to-shell kernel, it is very difficult to harvest them, which is why macadamia is the most expensive nut in the world. The tour lasts about an hour. First, a bus trip to the tea plantations, introductory information about how the ancient Hawaiians consumed tea leaves, made a fire, and collected coconuts. Then a boat trip in a small lake, during which the guide will point out the filming locations of famous Hollywood films.
There is a good shop on the farm that sells various types of macadamias, souvenirs, jewelry, arts and crafts, creams, aromatic oils, coffee, even fresh coconut. Interestingly, in the store you can enjoy macadamia nuts for free and enjoy the famous kona coffee. Tours are available 7 days a week, from 10:45 am to 6:00 pm (except Tuesday when there is only one tour at 10:45 am). Address: 49-227A Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744, website www.macnutfarm.com
Swimming with sharks from North Shore Shark Adventures. This two-hour tour departs from Haleiwa Pier. Having sailed from the coast for 4 - 6 km, a metal cage is placed in the water and kept at the level of the water surface. Armed with snorkels and masks, the tour participants watch the whales swimming inches from the cage from the cage. Water in an area with a visibility of 70 meters or more. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales during migration season. Be sure to bring underwater cameras with you in order to take pictures of sharks. Departure times for tours: 6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 13:00 pm, 14:00 pm (6:00 am tour is available from May 1 to August 15). Address: slip 35 of the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI, www.sharktourshawaii.com
Ranch Kualoa (Kualoa Ranch) has become known for the wide variety and quality of its tours. The most popular are described below:
Movie Sites & Ranch Tour... Visit the famous Ka'a'awa Valley, often referred to as the Hawaii film set. Famous Hollywood films and television shows (Jurassic Park, 50 First Kisses, Windwalkers, Hawaii 5-0 and others) were shot here, the duration of the tour is 1 hour.
Jungle Expedition Tour... An adventure tour to the beautiful Kaaava Valley. Tour participants in off-road vehicles travel in the middle of the jungle along east coast Oahu islands. Tour duration 1 hour
Ancient Fishing Grounds & Tropical Gardens Tour... Drive to the ancient Hawaiian fish pond, visit a tropical garden of fruit trees and flowers.
Hakipu'u Hike... Hike along the Hakipuʻu Valley, the trail is just over 2 km. Two tours a day: 09:00 to 11:00 and 12:00 to 14:00.
ATV tour (ATV Tour). Visit the famous Kaaava Valley by ATV, the filming locations of many Hollywood movies and TV shows. During the tour, observe the beautiful panorama of the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck. Tours last one and two hours.
Horse riding tour (Horseback Tour), on the tour, see the Mokolii island and 800-year-old Hawaiian fish pond. The ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI, www.kualoa.com/tours
Diving ... Many tourists visit the island of Oahu solely for the opportunity to plunge into Pacific Ocean and look at the wealth of the underwater world. Hawaii is one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. It is home to over 100 endemic species (not found anywhere else on the planet), explore sea caves, swim with sea turtles and monk seals. Trade winds often call high waves in the afternoon, so most operators plan to dive early in the morning and end their tours at noon. Diving Sites in Oahu:
Hiking to Coco Crater (Koko Head Crater Trail Hike). Coco Crater is one of the most popular trekking sites on Oahu. A path leads to its top along the railway sleepers. About 1 km long, the trail rises to a height of 366 m. From the upper observation deck of Coco Crater, a panorama of the eastern part of Oahu and the coast opens. Get up early in the morning to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water with you. If you've climbed to the top of Diamond Head, this hike is many times more difficult.
Bike is a popular way to explore Oahu. For information on bike trails, bike tours, contact Bike Hawaii (www.bikehawaii.com); this company offers a variety of group tours, including "Rainforest to Reef". The tour includes a drive down the paved road (8 km) with panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Manoa Valley. Learn more about the flora and geology of the Hawaiian Islands on this tour. After that, leave your bikes for a 3 km round trip to the 80 meter high waterfall, followed by a sailing catamaran cruise.
Hawaii "s Plantation Village ... A one-hour tour of this rebuilt village dives into the era when sugar plantations made up Hawaii's economy. From the arrival of the first workers in 1852 until 1947, when the sugarcane era ended, more than 400,000 men, women and children from China, Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines and other countries migrated to work in the sugarcane fields. On the territory of the village, each ethnic group is represented by a house decorated in accordance with the traditions and customs of the time. The houses contain clothing from that era, bedding, ceramics, toys and games, photographs, books and other memorabilia. Open: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 14:00. Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, at Waipahu Depot Rd, Waipahu, website: www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org www.hawaiiskydiving.com
Sunset Suratt Surf Academy "s teaches surfing lessons from beginner surfers to pros, and also provides equipment for rent. Sunset Suratt Surf Academy's lessons take place on the beach at Haleiwa. The lessons are two hours long. Tourists are provided with videos and photos of the learning process. Address: North Shore, Sunset Beach, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712, www.surfnorthshore. com
At North Shore Surf Girls Surf School only women work. All female instructors are former professional surfers. Private or group surf lessons at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm daily near Haleiwa. Two popular types of tours:
North Shore surf lesson and Turtle Tourincludes a 2-hour surf lesson, the opportunity to see sea turtles live, a visit famous beaches for surfing Pipeline and Sunset Beach, girls cooked seafood dinner. End of the tour - watching the sunset.
Surf Lesson and Sunset Barbecue includes a 2-hour surfing lesson and a girls-cooked barbecue on the beach. End of the tour - watching the sunset. Address: 66-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712 website www.northshoresurfgirls.com
Swimming lessons on the board from Rainbow Watersports Adventures. The instructors will teach you standing board swimming skills. All groups are private or individual (one instructor - one student). Duration of tours: from 2 to 4 hours, upon completion all participants are provided with photos free of charge. Address: Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712, website www.rainbowwatersports.com, more about
Entertainment
Attending a luau (traditional Hawaiian party) is part of the cultural agenda for most Hawaiian holidaymakers. Hawaiians have traditionally used the Luau to celebrate memorable events (birthdays, harvests, battles won, etc.).
Luau differ from each other, but the celebration is necessarily accompanied by the preparation of pork in underground oven imu, all the participants are presented with leis (garlands of flowers) and treated with cocktails. Upon arrival at the luau venue, guests are invited to participate in a variety of activities: canoeing, spear throwing, lei making, tattooing lessons, hula dancing, beach fishing with tackle and the like. Then dinner and cultural show of the peoples of Polynesia (dances of the peoples of Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii). Luau provides an opportunity to better know the culture and traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia. Each luau ends with watching the sun set, extraordinarily beautiful in Hawaii.
Most popular luau dishes:
Lomi salmon- salted salmon with tomatoes, onions and peppers;
Kālua pig - pork wrapped in banana leaves and cooked inside an underground oven (imu);
Pipi kāula - Hawaiian-style beef jerky;
Poi- grated and boiled taro tuber;
Laulau, pork and butterfish, steamed in wrapped leaves;
Lū'au - taro leaves, baked with coconut cream and, as a rule, octopus (from this dish came the modern name of the holiday);
Haupia - gelatin made from condensed coconut milk.
Paradise cove - the most famous luau on the island of Oahu (www.paradisecovehawaii.com).
Slightly inferior in popularity Germaine "s (the venue is near the small town of Kopolei, www.germainesluau.com).
But the most famous lalu does not mean the best yet. I would recommend you Chief "s Luau at the Hawaii Sea Life Park. It is smaller than other luau on Oahu, but the most fun and memorable. If you are looking for a family-oriented luau, try Chief's Luau at Hawaii Marine Park and you won't regret it. for other similar parties Address: 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Oahu, HI 96795, www.chiefsluau.com
Located on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest places on Earth. It is here that picturesque waterfall Honokohau, best known for filming Jurassic Park.
Like other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, ancient island Kauai is of volcanic origin. Its area is 1456 sq / km, and the most high point is Mount Kawaikin with a height of 1598 meters. The second highest mountain is the Vaialeale mountain located in the center of the island - 1569 meters.
Mount Waialeale is ancient an extinct volcano... It is famous for its record level of precipitation - 16,916 mm were recorded here in 1982. Although heavy showers are rare in the area, light rain occurs almost constantly throughout the year. Due to the high humidity, the Vaialeale summit is always hidden by rather thick fog.
For the local tribes, Waialeale has always been a sacred place. On the top of the mountain, which is a flat plateau, there is a small lake of the same name. Translated from Hawaiian Vaialeale means "overflowing water." Numerous streams flow down the steep green slopes of the mountain. Due to the large number of water streams, one of the slopes of Waialeale was named the "Wall of Tears".
The rainiest spot on Kauai is the eastern slopes of Mount Waialeale. Deep canyons have formed here due to waterfalls and water erosion. The Vaimea River, flowing into the ocean, washed into the slopes one of the most beautiful canyons in the world, 16 km long, 3.2 km wide and 1067 meters deep.
Located on Waialeal, Honokohau Falls is 341 meters high and is the highest in the Hawaiian Islands. Honokohau has two levels - first, the water flows into a small natural pool, and from there it flows to the lower level. The area of \u200b\u200bHonokohau Falls is a hard-to-reach area; to admire its beauty, tourists will need to take a helicopter ride. Not surprisingly, this beautiful, unspoiled natural setting was chosen as the location for some of the scenes for Jurassic Park.
Hawaii Is one of the most remote island groups on the planet. In the past, many species of plants and animals could not get there by water or air. Therefore, Hawaii has developed its own natural habitat. Like many islands remote from the great land, Hawaii is home to amazing and one-of-a-kind species of fish, flowers and insects.
After visiting Hawaii for just a few days, it seemed that there were no previous travels at all. The striking nature and relaxed atmosphere of the islands made it possible to quickly forget the stuffy Caribbean islands and difficult travel. Making 8 flights in 2 weeks and changing the timezone several times can be unsettling.
Hawaii is a place you won't find anywhere else on Earth. There is magnificent nature here, everything around breathes moisture and greenery, a smooth mountain landscape and an amazing ocean floor. Although I am already far away, I still cannot forget these delightfully beautiful green mountains, waterfalls and the smell of greenery that follow along the trail. Even the sunlight in Hawaii is special, intense.
Oahu - the gathering place
Oahu - the first island where everyone arrives from different parts of the planet. Translated from Polynesian means Gathering place... To get to Oahu, the easiest is fly to San Francisco first any in a convenient way... Within the United States, flights are inexpensive, and to California can do only 150 dollarsthat the distance is almost a third of the globe! From San Francisco Airlines Hawaiian Airlines,Island air per 200 dollars deliver to Oahu.
Oahu is a very small island, only 1,545 sq. km, but more than two-thirds of all island people live here - more 950 thousand person. Most of them live in the capital Honolulu... This is a huge city, just incredible. You wonder how skyscrapers of unreal sizes fit on such an island, and how people are not crowded here.
Honolulu and surroundings
The higher north, the more humid the air becomes, and the mountains encircle the track more and more closely. In Laie, there is a place where everyone comes to jump from cliff to ocean. There are many such places on the Hawaiian Islands. Jumping off a cliff - one of the favorite activities of tourists. In the very north of the island, there are some great beaches for sunset lovers.
And also the whole north peak of the island Is a green jungle area where waimea waterfall... Further around the island, the road is interrupted. Return to Honolulu via the center of the island and the town of Wahiawa, where mainly local Hawaiians live.
Where to meet Hawaiians?
In general, Hawaiians are not so easy to meet on the island of Oahu. They are somehow lost against the background of Asians and various mixtures of nationalities. They say that true Hawaiians live on the small island of Niihau. This is a closed Hawaiian island, which can only be reached by invitation from locals. There the way of life is maintained as it was in the past for many centuries: people fish, live in wooden houses, do manual labor, weave jewelry, etc.
This the island is strictly guarded from the introduction of anything modern - there is no electricity, sewerage, cars, paved roads. Real Hawaiians are like that large, tanned people with slightly slanted eyes. They themselves can leave the island for a while (which is rather strange, because how can they return to a world without electricity, if they have already tasted the benefits of civilization?). However, if one of them decides to stay on other Hawaiian islands, then he has no way back home to Niihau ...
What else to see in Oahu?
In addition to the magnificent north, you can go westwhere scorched wastelands give way to wild green reserves, where you can only walk. I don't know the area well, the only thing that caught my attention was the concentration of flowing valleys Makua, Makaha, Lualualualei.
Generally, the island of Oahu was formed by two parallel mountain ranges - Koolau and Waianae (an older ridge aged 4-5 million years).
And of course, do not forget about - a uniquely shaped bay that has attracted various nations throughout history. There is also a museum right on the half-sunken ships Arizona and Oklahoma.
Literally 10 minutes from Waikiki is manoa area... This is the purest cool place with huge ancient trees in the intricate jungle forests. Landscapes from Jurassic Park, the sounds of the jungle and the feeling of a dinosaur around the corner.
How to live in Oahu?
In general, the Hawaiian Islands are an expensive place. However, having gathered, at the very least, you can live on 15-20 dollars per dayif you eat at home or in fast foods, take the bus or walk and do not book excursions, do not buy anything from clothes and gifts.
Transport system it is well developed, so buses can deliver anywhere in the islands. The security is good. Of course, sometimes on the street you can meet a couple of strange types of passers-by, beggars, or some guy can become attached with questions. There are much more people here than on other Hawaiian islands, so the percentage of strange people is higher.
In the evening it becomes not so safe, you can meet a few unobtrusive hippies. Evening Waikiki makes noise from people no worse than in the morning. Bars and restaurants are opening in hotels along the beach.
Local kitchen
I have not followed the so-called purely Hawaiian cuisine. At all corners in supermarkets they sell japanese sushi, spam musubi (this is such a harmful thing, like a large piece of sushi, but instead of fish there is ham). The most delicious raw fish dish in Hawaii is poke... I noticed that on different islands raw fish is seasoned differently. And sometimes they just eat it.
For example, like, the fish is poured with lemon juice and salt. coconut milk is added to the fish. Hawaiian poke Are square pieces of red raw fish with sesame seeds, soy sauce and lettuce. Hot rice is served separately, which then needs to be mixed with fish.
This attraction has the highest number of visitors in Hawaii. Many tourists consider it their duty to visit this sacred place, where the Second World War began for the United States.
Frequently asked Questions:
IN: Will we visit the naval base?
ABOUT: Yes and no. Entry to the territory of the base - only with passes. The entire water area of \u200b\u200bthe bay is a restricted area. The fleet has allocated a plot of land on which a visitor center is built. Fleet boats deliver to the memorial built over the sunken battleship.
IN: Is photography allowed?
ABOUT:Photography and filming are allowed without restrictions. Due to the increased security measures at airports and public places, bags of any type and size, including waist bags and for video cameras, are prohibited on the memorial. If desired, things can be left in the car or checked in to the storage room.
IN: They say that to visit the memorial you need to wait 2-3 hours for your turn.
ABOUT:Our experience allows us to solve problems of any complexity.
IN: Will it be possible to inspect warships?
ABOUT: Yes, if you enroll in the US Navy, otherwise not.
IN: Will you be able to see the modern American fleet?
ABOUT: In general, yes, but from afar. Pearl Harbor's main purpose is a shipyard. Great picture of the bay, ships, lead boats, etc. gives helicopter tour.
(mandatory - for spies!)
IN:Does the tour include a visit to the battleship Missouri?
ABOUT: The tour includes a visit to the Arizona Memorial. For individual excursions and target groups, it is possible to replace or visit both places. Admission to the Missouri Battleship Museum by ticket, ticket price is $ 30. Visit to the submarine "Bowfin" $ 15.
IN: Why didn't they raise the battleship?
ABOUT:In 1941, with the beginning of the war, there were completely different tasks of restoring the combat capability of the fleet, and later, the scale of the work and the inability to identify each sailor made such work senseless and even blasphemous.
IN: How did it happen that the Americans overlooked the approach of the Japanese squadron?
ABOUT:Not looking there. They should have gone north, and they should have gone west or south. In general, the war between the United States and Japan has not yet been declared, especially Sunday ... in Hawaii ...
IN: Is it possible to consider that the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima is a kind of retaliation for the raid on Pearl Harbor?
ABOUT: Maybe yes. It should be noted that the Japanese bombed only military targets, while Nagasaki is a city with a civilian population.
