Hawaii Vacation Ideas: Visit Kaneohe on Oahu

How to Get There

Coming from Honolulu, you can drive to Kaneohe via several routes: the Pali Highway, the Likelike Highway, the H-3 freeway, and Kalanianaole Hwy via Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. The first three routes are all accessible via H-1, the major freeway that passes through the Honolulu metropolitan area. The Kalanianaole route, the longest and most time-consuming access, is also the most scenic. The route that is the most direct is Likelike (pronounced lee-kee lee-kee), taking you right into Kaneohe proper. Consider your time schedule and other wants when making a decision how to get there.

Oahu's excellent bus system is also a good option. Costing only $2 for a one-way fare, the bus can deliver you from downtown Honolulu to Kaneohe in half an hour. Hop on the Kaneohe Circle-Island or Kaneohe-Kahalu'u buses from Ala Moana Center. A great and inexpensive option.

Fun in Nature (and free too!)

For those into the outdoors, the beauty of nature, hiking, or just sightseeing, I recommend several places.

Hoomaluhia Gardens: Accessed at the end of Luluku Road, Hoomaluhia (which means "tranquil place") occupies 400 acres of land nestled against the base of the majestic and green Ko'olau Mountain Range. You can drive through Hoomaluhia and park at several places within. A recommended stop is the visitor's center, where you can park and stroll down to a large lake and feed ducks. From there, you can walk on trails and footpaths through the park for an hour or more. Tent camping on weekends is available. Inquire at the visitor's center for permits and information.

Likeke Falls: Access to the falls begins at the end Kionaole Road (which goes to Ko'olau Golf Course); Kionaole dead ends at a gate across the Old Pali Road. Duck thru a hole in a gate and follow Old Pali Road until it makes a sharp curve to the left. Look for the trail on the right. Follow the trail up a few switchbacks. After about 20 minutes, look for a wide side trail on right-- this leads you to Likeke Falls. It's not a huge waterfall but it is pleasant and peaceful nonetheless. About 2 miles roundtrip.

Friendship Gardens: A very quaint and peaceful half-mile loop trail cut into a hillside near Kaneohe Bay. Access is via Kaneohe Bay Drive and Kokokahi Place (turn right immediately after a pedestrian walkway over the highway). Drive up Kokokahi Place and park along the street near the trailhead (parking is limited).

Shopping

Kaneohe has its own shopping mecca: Windward Mall. Anchored by major department stores Sears and Macy's, the mall is home to 15 apparel (clothes & accessory) stores; 11 venues that fall under the category of electronics, entertainment, and toys; plus a potpourri of stores that sell shoes, jewelry, health and beauty products and services. If you want to shop for some souvenirs to take home with you, ample venues are available. A favorite of many shoppers is the Marukai 99 cent store where everything (well, just about everything) costs 99 cents. I often do my gift and Christmas shopping here.

Want to catch a movie? The mall is home to Windward Stadium Theaters, a ten-screen megaplex that screens all the latest flicks. See movies before 5pm and pay a couple bucks less.

Across Kamehameha Highway from the mall is Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center (KBSC). Among an array of stores and shops here is a large grocery store (Safeway) and Longs Drugs, also a good place to purchase trinkets and local stuff to take home as gifts.

Grindz/Kaukau (i.e. places to eat)

"Grindz" and "kaukau" are words locals use to refer to food and there is no lack of food places in Kaneohe.

Windward Mall, listing 25 food venues, is a good place to find grindz and kakau, including IHOP (International House of Pancakes), Ruby Tuesday's, and Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor.

Places outside the mall that I recommend (I'm a lifelong Kaneohe resident who loves to eat): Times Coffee Shop (in KBSC-great breakfast); Kin Wah (located at the corner of Kam Hwy and Luluku Road-great Chinese food); L&R Drive In (next to Kin Wah-great-tasting plate lunches/dinners, ample, inexpensive); and Chao Phya Thai (in the Windward City Shopping Center by Starbucks-best Thai food I've ever eaten).

If fast food suits you, Kaneohe is home to all the major fast food venues, including McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Subway, and Arby's.

What about the beach?

One thing Kaneohe lacks is good beaches. Not to worry, though, for if you want to take off your shoes and spend some time lounging about on the sand, you can head over to the neighboring town of Kailua (great beaches there) or head down the coast to Kualoa, Kaaawa, and other points north. Many great ocean sites and beaches can be found along Kamehameha Highway.

Hele Mai (come on down!) to Kaneohe

Don't overestimate the places being pitched by Waikiki and tourist business as must-sees. And don't underestimate places off the radar. Kaneohe is one of those off-the-beaten-path places, and spending a day or part of a day there will be well worth your time and won't run you into great debt. So if you plan on visiting Hawaii, Hele Mai to Kaneohe.