Windward Oahu is a paradise for beach-goers and water lovers, perfect for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and snorkeling, or simply kicking back on some of the most breathtaking white-sand beaches in the world. Just a thirty-minute drive from Waikiki and Honolulu, the east shore feels worlds away, made up of quiet towns tucked between the 3,000-foot Ko'olau mountain range and miles of pristine coastline.
The twin beach towns of Kailua and Lanikai anchor the region. Lanikai Beach is regularly ranked among the best beaches on earth, with powder-soft sand and calm turquoise water, while adventurous visitors kayak out to the twin Mokulua islands just offshore. Further up the coast, the Windward side rewards exploration with botanical gardens at the foot of the cliffs, the dramatic backdrop of Kualoa, and roadside beach parks where the pace of life slows to island time.
We highly recommend driving to the North Shore the long way, along the Windward coast. It takes longer than cutting through Central Oahu, but it's one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take, so be sure to stop and explore the small towns along the way.
Find your Oahu vacation rental with Ali'i Beach Rentals and make the Windward side and East Oahu (Kailua, Kaneohe, Hawaii Kai) part of your island adventure.