Oahu] No Trespassing! What is Oahu's most scenic spot, the Stairway to Heaven? Introducing some of Oahu's most popular scenic spots!

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is one of the most popular resort destinations in the United States.

Of these, Oahu, home to the state capital Honolulu, is the second oldest of the six islands and is located between the islands of Kauai and Maui.

Comprised of two extinct volcanoes, this 1564-square-kilometer island is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, but has the largest population at 950,000, meaning that 80% of the state of Hawaii lives on this island.

 

What is Oahu like?

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii, so Oahu is the political, economic, and cultural center of the island.

Honolulu, famous for Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, is a great place for a long vacation, as it offers beach resorts in seaside hotels and a thriving esthetic and shopping scene.

 

How to get to Oahu

It takes approximately 7 to 8 hours from Japan to Oahu by direct flights from various international airports.

This accessibility is another reason why Oahu continues to be a popular resort destination for Japanese.

 

Attractions of Oahu

The beaches are the main attraction. The beaches of Waikiki, Kailua, Lanikai, and the North Shore offer diving, snorkeling, and other activities that can be enjoyed to your heart's content.

Also, about 80% of the people in the state of Hawaii live on this island, making it a great place to enjoy an urban lifestyle. Especially in the Waikiki area, there are plenty of hotels, condominiums, and famous shopping centers where you can find anything you need to keep tourists happy.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu is becoming more and more convenient every year as hotels and condominiums become more and more plentiful.

However, the beautiful ocean and mountains of Honolulu that stretch out before your eyes still provide a spectacular view of the natural beauty of Honolulu.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu boasts a level of safety that is hard to believe in the United States, where a Japanese person can enjoy a leisurely stroll alone during the daytime.

It is also a land of mild climate, blue waters as far as the eye can see, and abundant nature, making it a resort destination that continues to be chosen by people from all over the world.

Approximately 8 million tourists visit Hawaii each year, the majority of which are concentrated on the island of Oahu.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Kalakaua Avenue, the main street of Waikiki, is lined on both sides with high-rise hotels and shopping centers.

The area is also dotted with boutiques of well-known brands that attract many tourists from morning to night.

The huge open-air shopping mall Ala Moana Center and the sprawling Waikele Outlets are also very popular.

There are many high quality restaurants in the Waikiki area and around Aloha Tower, where you can enjoy all kinds of cuisine from around the world.

These attractions of Oahu attract many tourists from all over the world.

 

What is Oahu's most scenic spot, Stairway to Heaven?

The "Stairway to Heaven," officially known as the "Hike Stairs."

Amid tropical vegetation, 3,922 steps lead up to a height of 2,120 feet (646 meters).

It is called "Stairway to Heaven" because of the spectacular view from there, but the steep slope is very dangerous even though there are stairs, and many slip-and-fall accidents have occurred.

 

Spectacular view from the Stairway to Heaven

After climbing the 3,922 steps, the view of the city of Oahu and the ocean spreads out below.

No wonder it is called the "stairway to heaven.

 

About Access

The Stairway to Heaven is located next to the Kaneohe Forest Preserve near Kaneohe.

It is around the side of the H3 highway used to go from Ala Moana to Kailua.

To get there by bus for those staying in Waikiki, first head to the Ala Moana Center.

You may go by trolley.

At the Kuhio Street bus stop, board the No. 23 bus bound for "Ala Moana Center" and transfer to the No. 56 bus bound for "Kailua Kaneohe" at Ala Moana Bl + Ala Moana Center.

Ride for about an hour and get off at the Kahuhipa St + Kahekili Hwy bus stop, then walk to the bus stop.

It is about 2 km from the bus stop to the entrance and takes about 30 minutes on foot.

Bus #55 will take you to the Haiku Rd + Alaloa St stop, but you will have to walk less than 3 km from the stop.

 

Currently off-limits

In fact, the Stairway to Heaven was originally constructed by the U.S. Gulf Coast Guard as a rush job to install radio antennas at the top.

However, after its role was over and the stairs were no longer maintained, safety became an issue, and indeed, slip-and-fall accidents began to occur, leading to its official closure in 1987.

Although it has since been restored at great expense, it is still closed and a no-go zone.

 

And penalties for trespassing.

Despite the fact that it is off-limits to the public, it has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

There have been cases of hikers illegally entering the area to catch a glimpse of the spectacular scenery, getting stuck and being rescued by helicopter.

In recent years, the local police have stepped up enforcement, and there are penalties such as fines of up to $1,000, community service, and possible imprisonment, so please do not enter the area out of curiosity.

 

Oahu has many spectacular spots.

Even if you can't make it to the Stairway to Heaven, Oahu is dotted with spots with spectacular views that cannot be seen in the city.

Each spot offers a variety of attractions, so be sure to visit.

 

Popular scenic spots on Oahu

Here are three spectacular spots that you must keep in mind if you go sightseeing on Oahu.

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is now a staple of Hawaii sightseeing.

It is a popular spot with a well-maintained hiking trail that takes about 30 minutes one way to the top.

 

Recommendations

When you see the spectacular view from the observation point at 232 meters above sea level, you will be glad you made the effort to climb the mountain! You will be glad you made the climb.

The view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach is exactly what Japanese people envision when they think of Hawaii.

It is a classic spot, but it makes you feel like you are in Hawaii.

 

Access

From the Kuhio Street seaside bus stop, take the No. 23 bus bound for "Hawaii Kai Sea Life Park" and get off at the Diamond Head Crater entrance stop.

The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

If you use the trolley, take the Green Line of the "Diamond Head Sightseeing Course.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a sprawling ranch that has been selected by the Hawaii Tourism Authority as one of Hawaii's 50 Best Ranches.

Many movies have used its breathtaking scenery in their films, and it has been chosen as a filming location for many Hollywood movies, including the "Jurassic Park" series.

 

Recommendations

The area offers overwhelming natural beauty with spectacular mountain ranges and private beaches.

There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by families and friends, such as visiting movie locations, ziplining, horseback riding surrounded by a spectacular 360-degree view, and ATVs that go off-road.

 

Access

To get there by The Bus, from Waikiki, take the number 8, 19, 20, 23, 24, or 42, and change to the number 60 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you are driving, such as renting a car, take the H1 westbound from Waikiki, and after 9 km, turn onto the Likelike Highway and head north.

After 12 km, turn onto the Kahekili Highway and follow it westward for 16 km. It takes less than one hour.

 

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is located 8 km northeast of downtown, on the way from Waikiki to the east coast of Oahu.

It is also known as the site where King Kamehameha the Great fought his final battle to conquer all of Hawaii in 1795.

In Hawaiian, "pali" means "cliff.

 

Recommendations

Located at a height of over 90 meters, the observation deck overlooks the Ko'olau Mountains and the lush green windward.

The wind blowing from the northeast is sometimes so strong that it is difficult to stand up straight, and hats and personal belongings can be blown off.

Clouds are also pushed by strong winds, so it is not uncommon to have cloudy days.

 

Access

Take the H1 freeway from Waikiki to the Pali Highway at EXIT 21B.

After 8 km, take the side road to the right and you will see the entrance to the parking lot 300 m ahead.

 

Enjoy the view☆.
Recommended Activities

Oahu offers many activities that can be enjoyed while viewing both the abundant nature and the beautiful ocean.

 

SUP

SUP is a healthy marine sport that originated in Hawaii, where people stand on surfboards and paddle through the water.

It is recommended for those who want to enjoy marine sports while leisurely gazing at the vast ocean and sky, as it allows them to keep their eyes higher than surfing and bodyboarding.

 

Recommendations

This exhilarating activity, which requires no particular skill level, can be enjoyed safely by women and children while enjoying the view of Hawaii's natural beauty and gliding over the ocean.

Recommended spots include Waikiki Beach, which is easily accessible, and Kailua Beach, which is crystal clear.

 

cruising

Cruising on a boat is also a great way to relax and admire the ocean.

There are many variations, including plans that include dinner, tours to enjoy the sunset and night views, and plans to watch fireworks display in the Waikiki night sky.

 

Recommendations

Cruising can be enjoyed in a wide range of ways.

A sunset cruise is a great way for couples to spend a romantic time together.

A daytime cruise is ideal for a lively time with friends and family with your favorite music.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is a marine activity in which participants wear a parachute and float in the sky while being pulled by a motorboat over the ocean.

Like a kite in kite flying, your body floats softly in the air and you can enjoy a fleeting flight in the air.

 

Recommendations

Among the many marine activities, this activity allows you to feel the pleasant breeze all over your body between the wide blue sky and the sea.

Everyone from children to adults can participate without special knowledge or preparation. Experience what it feels like to be a bird.

 

zipline

This is an activity to enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of sliding on pulleys installed on wire ropes stretched between trees, and to enjoy the natural scenery.

This is the perfect sport for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Oahu.

 

Recommendations

It is a bit like an exciting walk in the air, and even adults can enjoy it with a sense of adventure, as if they were a child again.

One of the largest on Oahu is the zip line at Kualoa Ranch.

The contrast between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea is indescribably beautiful.

 

riding horse

Horseback riding is a relaxing way to enjoy a leisurely stroll on a lovely, well-trained horse.

Even if you are interested in horseback riding, there are not many opportunities or places in Japan where you can casually try it.

There are many places on Oahu where you can enjoy horseback riding in peace.

 

Recommendations

Kualoa Ranch is also a good spot for horseback riding.

Here, you can enjoy Western-style riding, where you hold the reins in one hand, just like in the movies.

Along the way, the course offers views of Kaneohe Bay, offshore islets, and Chinaman's Hat.

 

Three recommended tours with spectacular views

Here are some of the best tours to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Oahu.

 

stand-up paddle surfing
(SUP) challenge!

Recommended for beginners, the two-hour lesson includes a detailed lecture on balance, control, and paddling.

You can glide over the ocean while enjoying the beautiful Kailua Beach scenery.

Those who are familiar with marine activities can opt for the unguided plan.

 

Hawaii Parasailing

An exciting experience of looking down on the beautiful Hawaiian ocean and Waikiki from a maximum altitude of 150 meters in the sky.

For a more thrilling experience, request water jets on landing.

 

Horseback Riding Experience

This popular tour offers horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch, an expansive property approximately 450 times the size of the Tokyo Dome.

The 2-hour course is also perfect for movie buffs, as it visits locations where movies have been shot.

 

summary

When most people think of Oahu, they may first associate it with beaches.

However, another major attraction of Oahu is its many spectacular natural scenic spots.

There are many tours available that not only offer spectacular views, but also activities that allow you to get in touch with nature, so be sure to experience them if you visit Hawaii.