Wai’anae, West Coast of O’ahu Activities
(places to go, things to do, “secret” tour activities on the Wai’anae Coast!)
The Waianae Coast of Oahu is steeped in history, natural splendor, and legendary tales.
Nature has always been integral to this region, dating back six centuries before Westerners arrived when Polynesians settled here to fish its teeming waters. They named Waianae for this abundance – Wai for water (or rich) and anae for the prized mullet fish. Today, Oahu’s Waianae Coast is renowned for its breathtaking panoramas, brilliant sunsets, and exceptional above and underwater sporting opportunities.
In Hawaiian cosmology, the Waianae Coast holds a special place. It is said that the famed demigod Maui, celebrated in historical chants throughout Polynesia, was born here. His mother, the goddess Hina, also resided in the area, pounding kapa in a cave to the south of Waianae. The coast is dotted with scores of heiau and other religious sites, attesting to its deep spiritual significance.
In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, Waianae is home to the largest population of Native Hawaiians in the state, offering a living connection to the island’s rich heritage. The community is geographically and socially separated from city life, maintaining traditional Hawaiian values and practices amidst a declining Hawaiian culture. The low-density development and numerous small farms reflect an agricultural village that supplies some of the most organic produce on Oahu.
This region, affectionately called “Country” by Oahu residents, is also home to legendary figures such as women surfing icons Rell Sunn, Betty Winstead, and music giant Braddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole). The Waianae Coast’s long white sand beaches, amphitheater valleys, and dramatic volcanic mountains embrace the community, providing a majestic backdrop to daily life.
Many historic sites along the Waianae Coast can only be viewed from the water, preserving their untouched beauty and cultural significance. This sacred land, where Hawaiian royalty was once trained in the arts of history, weaponry, celestial navigation, fishing, agricultural, and social traditions, instills a sense of familial pride and awareness of a vibrant culture fighting to be preserved and understood. As you explore the Waianae Coast, you will feel the spirit of its legends, the strength of its people, and the timeless beauty of its landscapes.
There are still large stretches of land that have no structures and that are visited only by those who know the land through family and word of mouth Many historic sites can only be viewed from the water.
A sacred land, where Hawai’ian royalty was trained in arts of history, weaponry, celestial navigation; and fishing, agricultural and social traditions, brings familial pride. This is the place where one becomes so aware that a fervent culture is fighting to be preserved and understood.
William Aila tells the Story of Leeward Oahu from Don Hutton on Vimeo.
Kāneana Cave, Mākua
Located just south of Mākua Beach about one mile before the end of Farrington Highway. The coast is also known for its ties to the shark god Kamohoalii, who is said to have roamed these waters, guiding and protecting fishermen. The presence of this powerful deity – the king of all sharks – added to the spiritual richness of the area, further embedding the deep respect the native Hawaiians had for the sea. The shark/man deity made his home here in this sea cave which is volcanic and coral in formation.
Mākua Valley contains more than 40 endangered plant and animal species. Abundant archaeological evidence suggests that Mākua Valley had a thriving Hawaiian community during pre-contact days. and is said to be the birthplace of the Hawaiian people.
Ka’ena Point
Ka’ena Point has historically been used for fishing, opihi picking, and recreation. Designated a Natural Area Reserve in 1983, it is a seasonal nesting area for Laysan Albatross, a resting area for Hawaiian Monk Seals, and home to many rare native plants. A journey to the land time forgot, it is also a significant area to Hawaiian culture, home to many legends and the “jumping off place” (pictured) to Po, the eternal resting spot of the gods, where land, sea and time are woven into one fabric of space and time.
The E’ala
Double Hulled Polynesian Voyaging Canoe at Waianae Boat Harbor. The E’ala was built at Wai’anae on the Leeward side of O’ahu by the Wai’anae Civic Club in 1981. The E’ala was built for the children of Wai’anae, to experience firsthand the sailing a Wa’a Kaulua (Double Hulled Canoe), how important the canoe was to the life of the ancient Hawaiians; and to instill pride and self-esteem to the native-Hawaiian people who living here on the Leeward Coast.
Ka’ala Farms
In an area of Wai’anae once known as the “poi bowl” of Oahu, family lo’i (taro fields) are worked at Ka’ala Farms; part of a cultural learning center where kalo (taro) farming methods are taught to school children and families as part of a community development program. The upper watershed is used mainly by pig hunters and by halau hula to gather materials for dances and ceremonies. The coastal plain area is used by produce farmers and dairy farmers although housing often replaces these farms, especially along the coastline.
Kū’īlioloa Heiau
In the heart of the Wai’anae Coast lies Pōka’ī Bay, home to the ancient Kū’īlioloa He’iau. Pōka‘ī Bay (“night of the supreme one”) named for Chief Pōka‘ī, has been the center of activity for the Waiʻanae Coast since pre-contact days. Pōka’ī is credited with bringing the versatile and valuable coconut palm to the Islands. A great grove lined the back shore of the entire bay and provided shelter, materials and substance for the village.
The heiau perched on a narrow peninsula jutting into the bay, has stood as a guardian of the ocean and a symbol of spiritual and navigational guidance for centuries. Kūʻīlioloa was a kupua, a demigod, who could assume the form of a man or dog. He was a protector of the navigators. The names and symbolism related to the heiau incorporate the Hawaiian’s four primary gods: Kū, Kāne, Lono and Kanaloa.
The heiau is uniquely structured, consisting of three platforms that cascade down towards the sea. These terraces represent different stages of life: birth, life, and death. Ancient Hawaiians would come to this heiau to seek blessings for safe voyages, successful fishing trips, and protection from the dangers of the sea. The kahuna who tended the heiau performed sacred rituals and offered prayers to Kuʻilioloa, ensuring the community’s harmony with the ocean.
Wai’anae – Wild Side, Wild Life
Looking for unique things to do in secret O’ahu places? Our marine biologist crew leads boat tours with focus on whale, turtle reef and dolphin encounters, both above and under the water. “Wild Side” has been involved in studies and conservation of the diverse marine life on Oahu for over two decades. Located on rural coastline of “hidden O’ahu”, share the secrets they have found away from the city life of Waikiki and Honolulu. Swim with the dolphins in nearshore waters and watch their natural behavior in the wild. Visit an obscure area hosting one of the fastest growing and largest populations during humpback whale season on O’ahu; and a unique feeding ground for the green sea turtle, with its own underwater turtle “cleaning station”.
Mākaha, a Less Traveled Hidden Jewel of Oahu – Mākaha International Surfing Beach
Mākaha can means “fierce” or “savage”, which refers to the group of bandits who were based in the Mākaha Valley.
This sacred valley is filled with life-like stone formations that seem to watch your every step. Each stone, plant, and element is alive with mana, the life-force, making Mākaha a place of profound spiritual significance.
Mākaha Beach is internationally renowned as a premier surfing destination, famous for its excellent waves and vibrant surf culture. One of the best beaches on the coast, Mākaha Beach offers great conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing. Offshore, the Makaha Caves feature underwater caverns, arches, and tunnels at depths of 30 to 50 feet, making it a popular dive spot on the Waianae Coast during the calmer summer months. The beach is easy to find and features diverse reefs, plenty of lifeguards accustomed to tourists, and a deeper sand channel in the middle that provides a safe entry and exit point. While waves can break on either side of the beach during the winter months, the central sand channel remains calm and accessible.
Our snorkel tours provide access to “secret” locally-protected areas, revealing the hidden beauty and vibrant marine life of Mākaha’s underwater world.
Kane’aki Heiau, Makaha
The ancient gods of Hawai’i made specific places on the island sacred. These places include dwelling places of the gods and their disciples as well as selected observation points, cliffs, heiau, volcanoes and many more. They are known as ‘wahi pana or legendary places of Hawai’i. Even today they possess mana.
A captivating legend from this coast tells of Kane’aki, a legendary fisherman with a magical net gifted by the gods. Kane’aki respect for the ocean and its creatures was unmatched. One day, he caught a magnificent golden fish that pleaded for its life, promising to grant him any wish in return for its freedom. Moved by the fish’s plea, Kane’aki released it. In gratitude, the golden fish blessed Kane’aki and the waters of Wai’anae, ensuring they would always be teeming with fish. This act of kindness reflects the true Hawaiian values and practices that endure in Wai’anae today.
One such ancient Hawaiian Hei’au can be found deep in Mākaha Valley and is one of Hawaii’s best maintained archeological sites. The Kane’aki Hei’au was built in the fifteenth century and was known to be both an agricultural hei’au and a war temple. Having researched the site, archaeologists believe the hei’au first served Lono, the god of agriculture and peace, then later was dedicated to Kū, the god of war. At this point human sacrifices were performed on the first prisoners of war.
The More “Touristy” Locations
Mermaid Cave
Accessible during low tide, Mermaid Cave is a must-see for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its remote location and the thrill of discovery add to the cave’s mystique. With crystal-clear waters, dramatic rock formations, and the play of light and shadow, the cave’s interior is breathtaking. Sunlight filters through openings in the rock, creating a magical, shimmering effect on the water, and the cave’s entrances are small and partially submerged, adding to its allure.
A couple of sirens in the mermaid cave, back in 2015 about the time it was becoming well known. Those these two daughters of mine grew up here, so was local kine hangs back then.
Ma’ili / Pu’u O Hulu Pillbox Hike at Sunrise
The Ma’ili Pillbox is a popular hiking spot in Hawaii that features three World War II-era military observation stations, or “pillboxes”, located on a ridgetop. The pillboxes were built to defend the Hawaiian Islands during the war, when the threat of a marine invasion loomed large.
Today, the pillboxes are decorated with art by local artists and graffiti, and some have been painted pink for breast cancer awareness. Hikers can climb inside or on top of the pillboxes for unobstructed views of the west coast of Oahu, including Ko Olina resorts to the south and Mākaha Beach Park to the north. Some say the hike is short but steep, and others mention the great sunsets and sunrises.
