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Banzai Beach encompasses the shoreline between Ke Waena and Ke Nui Roads off Kamehameha Highway. Here, broad expanses of sand fringe a rocky shore, over which the surf boils. The most famous of the wild surfing breaks is the tubular Banzai Pipeline, which attracts the greatest risk-taking surfers. Lifeguards are kept very busy here because of the steeply sloping ocean bottom and the irresistible allure of huge winter surf.

The 80 narrow acres of Pūpūkea Beach Park include two very popular snorkeling and skin diving areas. Shark’s Cove is a rocky inlet, often used by scuba diving operators for training. Three Tables is a network of shallow coral reefs and ponds. The Pūpūkea Foodland store, across the highway, is an excellent stop for provisions, and the Sunset Beach Fire Station offers aid and information.

This luakini heiau (sacrificial temple), honoring the war god Kū, is the largest on the island. It encompasses an expansive network of three enclosures that command panoramic views of Waimea Bay and the surrounding countryside. An altar has been restored at which you may see (but not touch) personal offerings.

Once an adventure park with tram rides and cliff divers, this valley has come under the more benevolent control of the National Audubon Society. The center’s focus is on the conservation of the valley’s layered history through interpretive hikes and cultural activities.

Waimea Valley

These parks flank each other on either side of the Anahulu River, and if they look familiar it’s because they were a primary set for Baywatch Hawai’i. Ali’i Park features a boat ramp and is popular for fishing and surfing. Across the river, Hale’iwa Beach offers safe swimming and is an excellent place for a family party or picnic.

Plan your day to allow a couple of hours exploring historic Hale’iwa Town – the touristy top layer is built on a genuine base of community, made up of an eclectic mix of surfers, characters, and families who have lived in “the house of the ’iwa bird” for generations. Once a gracious retreat for wealthy summer visitors, the place has a certain timelessness. To get a feel for it, park at either end of town and walk, poking into shops and lingering on the Anahulu River Bridge to watch the water flow by.

Hale’iwa

Hale’iwa Town harbor

Queen Lili’uokalani was part of this congregation when she visited her summer home in Hale’iwa. Though the present structure dates only from 1961, a century-old moon-phase clock she gave to the church is proudly displayed. The church is famed for its annual fundraising lū’au feast each August.

Opened and operated as a labor of love, this small network of rooms displays surfing collectibles, including such esoterica as Boscoe Burns’ board-glassing shoes – practically unrecognizable under layers of multi-colored wax – as well as boards, aloha shirts, and trophies. Surf movies spool in a back room.

This tiny airport is a center for gliding, skydiving, and scenic flights (see Adventures).

This sprawling state park begins at the abrupt and muddy end of Farrington Highway and takes you along a wild, boulder-strewn shoreline to the dunes at O’ahu’s westernmost tip. This is said to be where the souls of the dead leapt into the afterlife. It’s a broiling hot 2.5-hour hike (Ka’ena means “the heat”), but worth it for the beauty of the landscape and the whales you can spot in season. Take sunscreen, water, hat, and sturdy walking shoes.