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With the addition of Disney's Aulani Resort and Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii water park, Oahu's Leeward Coast is fast becoming the go-to alternative for families hoping to escape the bustle of Waikiki Beach.
But beyond these newer hot spots, Oahu's western shore is still blissfully underdeveloped. Located about 35 minutes west of Honolulu, this stretch is best known for pristine white beaches, gorgeous views of the Waianae mountain range, and Ka'ena Point, the scenic northwestern corner of the island so remote it's only accessible by hiking trails.
Hidden among the lush mountainsides are vivid reminders of this area's past, including an outdoor museum dedicated to Oahu's sugar plantation heritage and an ancient temple in Makaha Valley. For now, the Leeward Coast is still under the radar, meaning its crowd-free beaches are the perfect spot to take advantage of the number one asset of this westward-facing stretch: gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets.
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While humpback whales are near the Hawaiian Islands from November to May, large populations of bottlenose, spinner, and spotted dolphins live off the Leeward Coast year-round. Wild Side Specialty Tours offers daily sailings from Waianae Harbor. As part of this unforgettable ocean safari experience, you'll be able to get into the water and swim alongside these friendly, social creatures.
The Leeward Coast may be known for huge waves during the winter, but that doesn't mean the calm summer months don't come with their own thrills: This is prime diving and snorkeling season in the waters off Electric Beach at Kahe Point Beach Park. The warm water discharge pipe from the nearby power plant has created an artificial coral reef system. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, an abundance of tropical fish, and the occasional curious dolphin.
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival was started in 2011 by two of Hawaii's culinary heavy hitters, Roy Yamaguchi and Chef Alan Wong. The grand finale of the four-day festival takes place at the Ko Olina Resort, featuring chefs from JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina and the Disney Aulani Resort, as well as master sommeliers and chefs from Japan, Germany, Mexico, and the U.S.
From November to May, humpback whales travel from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands to mate and give birth to their young. Try the scenic 10-mile hike from the end of Farrington Highway to Ka'ena Point for a glimpse of nature at its best. Almost the entire trail is along the ocean, where you can see endangered Hawaiian monk seals basking in the sun, a variety of seabirds nesting, and humpback whales frolicking offshore.