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WEST OAHU
THE LEEWARD COAST







West Oahu is also known as the leeward coast and it’s boundaries are the Waianae Mountain Range on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The leeward side of Oahu is the least developed area and is inhabited mainly by native Hawaiians. If you want to discover local Hawaii, this is the place you should go. West Oahu is very natural with blue ocean water, dramatic mountain cliffs and lush green valleys. This area is home to Ka’ena point. Ka'ena Point

is where you will find huge waves in the winter and great swimming and snorkeling in the summer. According to Hawaiian legend. Ka’ena point is the spot where Kanaka Maoli (the Hawaiian people) believe that the spirit of the dead person jumps of into the next world. Just below Ka’ena Point is the very sacred Makaha Valley. You will find one of the best preserved temples built in the 1400’s here. This Heiau(temple) is called Kaneaki Heiau , and it first served “Lono” the God of Agriculture and Peace. Later the temple was dedicated to “Ku” the God of War. This is the temple where the first prisoners of war were sacrificed.

At the most southwesterly tip of Oahu you will find Barbers Point, the home of Barbers Lighthouse . This lighthouse was named after Captain Henry Barber who wrecked his ship at this point on October 31, 1796. The lighthouse is made of concrete and 71 feet high and first went into service in 1933 and was automated in 1964.

On the southeastern point of the leeward side of Oahu is an outdoor museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Hawaii’s immigrants. This museum is located in Waipahu and is called Hawaii's Plantation Village . This village represents immigrants from China, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Philippines, Portugal and Puerto Rico. About 350,000 original immigrants had come to Hawaii from 1852 - 1946 to work in the sugar plantations in this area. The people living here today, live in similar structures that their ancestors lived in. This is a fascinating view of old Hawaii.

The West Oahu coastline has beautiful sunny white sand beaches and is home to some of Oahu’s 10 best beaches including: Makaha Beach , #4 Yokohama Bay, #10 Pokai Bay Beach Park and Makua Beach. Makaha Beach is home to big wave surfing and In February is the location for the Old-timers Long board Surf Championship.




Return From West Oahu To Home Page
Ka'ena Point
Makaha Beach
Kaneaki Heiau
Barbers Lighthouse
Hawaii's Plantation Village


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