The bayside city of Kāne’ohe is one of the biggest cities on O’ahu and is home to a large U.S. Marine Corps base that lies at the end of the peninsular. The Kāne’ohe Bay is protected by a coral reef and is great for sailing and kayaking. At low tide, walk out to the sandbar that emerges in the middle of the bay.
See exotic plants from all over the world including the Philippines, Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and South America at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. You can drive through the 160-hectare (400-acre) park or bike ride, jog or hike. Go fishing on the man-made lake or sign up for nature walks, cloud watching, camping and craft activities at the visitor centre. There’s free entry to the park but some of the activities require a small fee.
Just north of Kāne’ohe is Kahaluu, a small town and beach with several attractions. Visit the Byodo-In Temple in Temples Memorial Park to see a golden Buddha statue and a replica of a 900-year-old bell. The Byodo-In, built in 1968, commemorates the Japanese population on O’ahu and their presence on the island since the mid-1800s. Stroll through the grounds of the park to see peacocks and black swans roaming free and 100-year-old koi fish swimming in the ponds. Find maps and souvenirs at the gift shop and visitor centre, housed in a traditional Japanese teahouse.
There are three golf courses within a short drive of Kāne’ohe town centre. Play a round at the public course Pali or visit the private greens of Ko’olau and Bayview that are open to the public. Ko’olau’s proximity to the mountains means its terrain is challenging it’s considered to be one of the most difficult courses in the world. Take in stunning vistas on all three of the well-maintained golf courses.
Drive to Kāne’ohe, which is 16 kilometres (10 miles) from Honolulu. Once here there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied away from the water before moving on to enjoy some of O’ahu’s beautiful beaches.
