Windward District Is Gateway to the North Shore
Located just a short drive from Honolulu, Kaneohe is Oahu’s fourth largest city and borders the largest bay in the Hawaiian Islands, beautiful Kaneohe Bay. The word Kaneohe means Bamboo Husband, and is said to have originated from a woman complaining that her husband’s temper to the cutting edge of a bamboo knife.
Kaneohe is known for its peaceful, country atmosphere with a much slower pace than the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki. There are also many historic Hawaiian sites in this area.
Here are highlights of the Kaneohe area:
Heeia State Park
Kids will love the educational activities provided at this nice interpretive park set up on a hill. Heeia State Park (808-247-3156) is an important Hawiian cultural area, known as a place where spirits took the leap into the afterworld. Today it also serves as an aquaculture center. The park is located at 46-465 Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Sprawled over 400 gorgeous acres above Kaneohe, the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden (808-233-7323) is arranged in theme gardens amidst trails campsites, and a 32-acre lake that is accessible by the park’s hiking trails. There is a also a nice visitor center that includes exhibits about Hawaii’s native plants and animals and also the park’s unqiue history.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is located at 45-860 Luluku Road in Kaneohe. The Garden is open 9-4 daily. Guided walks are given at 10 am on Saturday and 1 pm Sunday.
Haiku Gardens
Amidst the groves of bamboo, ginger, and other exotic plants at Haiku Gardens (808-247-0605) is a nice gazebo, a pavilion, and even a small lake. Haiku Gardens is a popular wedding location due to its great natural beauty.
Haiku Garens is located at 46-336 Haiku Road in Kaneohe.
Chinaman’s Hat
Also known by its Hawaiian name Mokolii, this picturesque offshore islet is in the shape of a cone that likens it to a hat. Kayakers often paddle out to the islet for recreation.
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park (47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe)
This cemetery set beneath the beautiful Koolau Mountains is a place that really brings home the diversity of the Hawaiian Islands. Incense and food offerings honor the graves of Buddhists. The park is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Byodo-in Temple
Set up against the furrowed Koolau Mountains in the back area of Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is the Byodo-in Temple (Temple of Equality) which replicates a 900-year old temple located in Uji, Japan.
The vermilion temple was dedicated in 1968 and is symbolic of the mythical phoenix, and ws built in Hawaii to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii.
A 9-foot Buddha statue is very impressive. Laquered with gold, the statue sits upon a lotus. When you sound the 3-ton brass bell and hear its deep tones you will travel back in time. Peace and good luck are said to come to those who ring the bell. It’s also fun to feed the swans.
Peacocks roam the grounds of the park, and the meditative gardens bring a sense of serenity. The ponds are stocked with golden koi, and there is nice viewing on the bridges that cross over the water. The park also features a gift shop.
Kahaluu Fishpond
Covering more than 80 acres, the Kahaluu Fishpond remains in active use today as it was in ancient times. A makaha, or fish gate, lets in the small fish but then is to small to let them out once they are fattened up, and thus providing sustenance to the local population.
Mokapu Peninsula
This distinct peninsula of land is occupied by a military base and not open to the general public, though it still provides an impressive sight.
Coconut Island
Also known by its Hawaiian name Moku O Loe, this small islet is perhaps best known for being seen in the opening of the Gilligan’s Island television show. Coconut Island now houses the University of Hawai‘i’s Institute of Marine Biology, a biology research facility that conducts marine life and coral reef research.
Coconut Island got its name from the days when Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop used to visit there, and she planted many coconut trees. The island makes for scenic viewing from shore.
Kahaluu Regional Park
Located on Kamehameha Highway, Kahaluu Regional Park features a ballpark, swimming pool, gym, boat launch, canoe house, and a nice beach park.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
More than 10,000 Marine and Navy personnel call this Marine Corps Base home. This area, known as Mokukapu in Hawaiian, was once a meeting place for King Kamehameha I and his top chiefs.
Getting to Kaneohe
To get to Kaneohe from Honolulu you can take the Pali Highway and on the way stop at the Nuuanu Pali lookout. A slightly faster route is the Likelike Highway which also has great scenery after you come out of the tunnel. The newest route to Kaneohe is the H3 which provides a great view of Kaneohe from above.