Oahu] Moai Statue Found on Oahu! Introducing spots where moai statues can be seen and power spots on Oahu.

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

When you think of Hawaii, you probably have an image of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.

Honolulu is the name of the capital of the state of Hawaii and is also the name of one of the counties that belong to the state of Hawaii.

The island of Oahu, which belongs to Honolulu County and is home to the state capital, Honolulu, is Hawaii's most popular resort destination.

The area is home to many famous tourist attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Ala Moana Beach Park, and shopping centers.

It is amazing that more than 5 million tourists from the U.S. and abroad visit the area every year.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii, but its population is considered the largest in the state, exceeding 950,000.

The island has a long history and is the second oldest island in Hawaii, yet it is now the most cutting-edge and trendy place in Hawaii.

Naturally, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is the biggest player for the tourism market, and it is an island with a large and indispensable presence for Hawaii.

Surrounded by the vast ocean, it has numerous beautiful beaches and continues to be loved by many as a southern paradise.

 

How to get to Oahu

Direct flights are available from Japan to Daniel K. Inouye Airport, the gateway to Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu.

It can be reached from Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and other cities.

Departures from Japan are often relatively late, such as in the evening or late at night.

Since Daniel K. Inouye Airport arrives in the morning, it is possible to start sightseeing on the day of arrival.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu attracts many tourists not only because of its easy accessibility.

There are many things you can only experience and places you can only see on Oahu.

I will tell you a lot about the charms of Oahu.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Since Oahu is a southern island, beautiful beaches are not to be missed.

The island has an urban aspect with many resort facilities and hotels, but it also preserves its natural environment, making it a perfect blend of nature and the city.

Oahu also has several beaches.

Curiously, although they are all on the same island, each beach has its own unique characteristics, so you will never be bored with the same beach no matter where you go.

When you visit Oahu, you will experience a variety of beaches and a vast expanse of beautiful nature everywhere you go.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is home to many luxury hotels, huge resort parks, and facilities, and is counted as one of the world's top resort destinations.

Among Japanese tourists, it is often chosen as a destination for honeymoons, graduation trips, and other important trips in life, and is extremely popular as an ideal resort destination.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

With Oahu's numerous shopping centers and markets, shopping is rarely a problem.

In addition, there are many cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy Hawaiian gourmet food, international cuisine, and sweets.

From huge shopping centers like the Ala Moana Shopping Center, to outlet malls where you can buy famous brands at low prices, to markets where you can enjoy farm products and local specialties, there are so many choices that you will never get bored of where to go.

Seafood dishes are especially good at Hawaiian Gourmet.

You don't have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy delicious seafood dishes at a food court or small restaurant.

We invite you to enjoy shopping and Hawaiian dining on Oahu!

 

Moai Statue Found on Oahu

On Oahu, you can even see moai statues!

Moai statues are human-shaped stone sculptures found on Easter Island, an island in the Chilean territory.

Isn't it strange that such moai statues can be seen in Hawaii?

In fact, Chile and Hawaii are classified as a region called Polynesia, as are other island nations such as Fiji and Tahiti.

Therefore, the natives of both regions are of Polynesian descent.

Polynesian peoples also lived on Easter Island in ancient times, so their roots are also connected to the natives of Hawaii.

From this, it is actually not so strange to see moai statues in Hawaii.

 

What is a moai statue?

It is believed that the moai statues were built by the island's resident stonemasons 1,000 years ago, but there are only many hypotheses as to why they were built, with no clear reason given.

What we know from years of research is only how they were built and transported, and that the population of Easter Island was drastically reduced due to the food crisis.

Many tourists visit Easter Island to catch a glimpse of the mysterious moai statues, which are still shrouded in mystery.

The moai statues on Easter Island are large, 3 to 4 meters high, stone statues that resemble a person's face to shoulders.

Each of these statues has its own presence, and it is estimated that there are more than 900 of them. Many of them also have their backs to the island, making them look as if they are standing guard over Easter Island.

Now, like Oahu, it is a famous tourist spot that attracts attention from all over the world, and it is a romantic spot that one would like to visit at least once in one's life.

 

Spots where moai statues can be seen

So where can you see the moai sculptures on Oahu?

I will tell you more details.

 

Polynesian Cultural Center

On the North Shore, a coastal area north of Oahu, you can experience the culture and traditions of the Polynesian people.

It is a theme park called the Polynesian Cultural Center.

This Polynesian cultural center has several stone statues that are modeled after the moai statues on Easter Island and can be seen mainly during canoeing tours.

It may be smaller and inferior in size to the one on Easter Island, but it is a reminder that distant Hawaii and Chile's Easter Island share common roots as Polynesian peoples.

 

thing to note

The Polynesian Cultural Center's main attraction is its large-scale Polynesian dance show, said to be the largest of its kind in Hawaii.

Big events with over 100 performers are held almost daily and are very popular with visitors.

Along with a dinner buffet featuring mainly Hawaiian cuisine, guests can enjoy hula dancing and a powerful fire dance.

In addition to dance shows, the park also offers facilities that embody the Polynesian way of life and canoeing tours of the park, making it a highly recommended place for those who want a deep experience that touches on Hawaii's roots.

 

Access

Access from Waikiki is mainly by bus or car.

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the North Shore, but you can rent a car to get there as there is coin parking available.

Packages with a shuttle bus from the hotel are also available, which is the most convenient option.

For more information, please visit our website.

 

Polynesian Cultural Center Access

https://polynesia.jp/faq/directions-and-parking#shuttle-service

 

Kualoa Ranch

Have you ever heard of a place called Kualoa Ranch?

Kualoa Ranch is a vast area of land that has been sacred since ancient times and was reserved exclusively for Hawaiian royalty.

Now a tourist attraction, the park is open to all.

 

thing to note

Kualoa Ranch is surrounded by mountain wilderness, with private beaches, lush green meadows, and jungle-like areas.

It is famous for its natural abundance and grandeur, and is often used as a location for commercials and movies.

It is attracting attention both in Japan and abroad as a place to experience powerful scenery that looks like something out of a Hollywood movie.

Just by staying at Kualoa Ranch, you may feel as if you yourself have jumped into a movie.

Numerous other activities are available for tourists, such as horseback riding, kayaking, jungle tours, and movie shoots, so you can spend all day there and never get bored.

It is a bit far from Waikiki, but you should definitely visit as an accent during your stay in Oahu.

 

Access

It is about 40 km from Waikiki, so if you are going by car, take the highway and follow the road for about 50 minutes to an hour to get there.

If you are not accustomed to driving, we recommend that you join a tour with transportation.

Many people use this service because the tour bus picks up directly from many hotels in Waikiki and takes them to Kualoa Ranch.

For more information, please contact your travel agency, hotel, or Kualoa Ranch directly.

Kualoa Ranch Hawaii home page (access)

https://www.kualoa.jp/info/access/

 

Feel the mysterious power from the moai statues!

As we mentioned earlier about the moai statues at the Polynesian Cultural Center, you can also see moai statues at Kualoa Ranch.

This replica was used in a film shoot to verify the moai statues on Easter Island, but only one of them is potted on a ranch in Kualoa Ranch.

Like the moai statues in Polynesian culture, the replicas are not very large, but they have a unique presence, and many people stop to take pictures next to them.

The moai statues have a somewhat mysterious charm, and you may be able to sense the power of the Polynesians just by getting close to them!

 

Popular Power Spots on Oahu

There are many other power spots on Oahu that are filled with mysterious power.

I will introduce some famous spots.

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is famous as one of Oahu's most famous power spots.

I explained that the islands of Hawaii were formed by volcanic activity, and Diamond Head is one such mountain that was created by volcanic activity.

There are trails and many people visit the area for hiking and trekking.

The elevation is about 230 meters, which is about the height of Tokyo's Midtown Tower, a skyscraper in Japan.

The name "Diamond Head" is said to have come from an Englishman who once visited the mountain and thought the crystalline stones that shone in the setting sun were diamonds.

Local residents called Diamond Head "Leahi" at the time, but the origin of the name is also unclear, as there are many theories.

In modern times, Diamond Head is often referred to as "Kaimana Hila," a Hawaiian term for Diamond Head.

 

Spot Features

Diamond Head is a well-managed mountaineering area, with a well-maintained trailhead and trails, so anyone can safely climb the mountain.

The summit is about 40 minutes away, so it may not be that far of a climb, but we do not recommend wearing slippery shoes or sandals to the top.

Once you reach the observation deck at the top, from there you can look down on the urban cityscape of Waikiki and the beautiful blue ocean.

Many people visit every day to see this wonderful view.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best power spots in the world, as you can feel the magnificent power of nature from the spectacular view and the earth.

 

Access

Diamond Head is relatively close to Waikiki and can be reached by bus or car in 15 to 20 minutes.

However, for buses, there is some distance from the arrival bus stop to the trailhead, so you will need to walk 15 minutes to the trailhead upon arrival.

Also, please keep in mind that there is a $1 entrance fee to enter the hiking and trekking route from the trailhead.

 

Kukaniroko Birthstone

The Kukaniloko Birthstone, a divine place said to have been used by ancient Hawaiian royalty for childbirth, is another famous power spot.

 

Spot Features

The place has a vast prairie, and the most interesting feature there is a large rock called the Bath Stone.

The Bath Stone is believed to be the sacred rock that gave birth to the king's heir, and many people visit the site to pray for a safe delivery.

It can be seen as a place like a shrine in Japan.

To prevent tampering, it is now regulated not to touch the birthstone itself, but it is possible to see it very closely.

Just by stepping into the place, you will feel a sacred feeling and feel the power of the birthstone and the fresh grasslands filling your body.

Note that the Kukaniroko Birthstone site is covered with red soil, so it is recommended to wear shoes that can get dirty.

 

Access

It can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus or car toward Ala Moana.

Because of the distance, it is convenient to take a tour with a shuttle bus.

 

Pele's chair

Pele's Chair is the most famous and most powerful of Oahu's power spots.

Pele" is the name of the goddess of fire, and it is said that Pele sat on a rock called Pele's Chair to rest right after creating the island of Oahu.

Hawaii is famous for its volcanic activity, and it is said that the six islands that Hawaii has were formed by this volcanic activity.

Therefore, the existence of Pele, the volcano goddess, has been passed down among the people of Oahu as a myth.

The rock that is believed to be Pele's chair is located in front of Makapuu Cape, and it has an unusual shape, as if someone had carried it there and placed it there, so you will be able to find it as soon as you arrive!

 

Spot Features

From the rocky outcrop where there is a rock called Pele's Chair, you can see a spectacular view of the beautiful blue sea and sky.

It is also a popular power spot, so just by going there you can feel powerful feelings and the breath of powerful nature.

It is also said that if you make a wish at that place, it will come true!

However, since Pele is a female deity, she is very jealous, and it is better to avoid making romantic wishes.

The strong power of the volcano goddess may fulfill your need for money, work, or health-related matters.

If you have a wish other than love, please visit!

After receiving so much power from this place, don't forget to return home with respect and gratitude to the Goddess!

 

Access

To see Pele's Chair, you must first go to the famous hiking trail called the Macapoo Trail.

From Waikiki, you can take a bus directly to the nearest bus stop near the entrance of the trail, which takes less than one hour each way.

Once you reach the Makapu'u Trail, take a 20-minute walk from there to Cape Makapu'u.

There are signs and landmarks at the entrance for your reference.

When you get to the cape, you will see Pele's chair right in front of you.

Since this is a mountain trail, be sure to wear lightweight clothing and non-slip sneakers.

 

Hawaii Izumo Taisha Shrine

Did you know that there is a historic Japanese shrine in Hawaii?

Hawaii Izumo Taisha was built approximately 115 years ago (as of 2021) as the Hawaiian branch of Shimane Prefecture's Izumo Taisha Shrine.

Located near Chinatown, it is a favorite of Japanese and Japanese-Hawaiian residents in Hawaii.

Hawaii Izumo Taisha is also a popular tourist destination, attracting many domestic and international visitors every year.

 

Spot Features

It is an essential shrine not only for tourists but also for local people as well, with many people visiting not only for Hatsumode at the beginning of the year but also on a regular basis for prayers and exorcisms for worship, passing exams, and so on.

It is also famous for the fact that the method of worship differs from that of Japanese shrines, but of course, information in Japanese is available, so even Japanese tourists can easily visit the shrine.

Statues of komainu (guardian dogs) are placed on both sides of the shrine's entrance, giving it a solemn appearance that looks no different from any other shrine in Japan.

However, there is also a Hawaiian and friendly aspect to the shrine, such as the lei flower necklace on the guardian dog statue and the colorful and cute design of the red seal book.

 

Access

If you are heading from Waikiki, there are a variety of transportation options.

It is recommended to use The bus, which is used by many people in Hawaii, including locals and tourists, as it is inexpensive to ride.

From Kuhio Street, the main avenue lined with shopping centers in Waikiki, you can conveniently get to the bus stop near Izumo Taisha without having to change buses.

There is also a parking lot, so it is possible to rent a car.

The trip takes about 20 minutes one way, which is not very far.

 

Pupukea Beach Park

Pupukea Beach Park is located on the North Shore of Hawaii's northern coast.

It is also a valuable place, with beaches that are rich in nature, teeming with life and designated as a marine life sanctuary.

Tide pools" are often seen at low tide, when seawater remains in the bumpy hollows.

There, you can also see a variety of rare marine life, so it will be fun to visit with children and family members.

 

Spot Features

Pupukea Beach Park is open for swimming and is equipped with showers and changing rooms, so the beach is always crowded with visitors.

The beach is rocky with relatively high waves, so you need to be a little careful with your foothold.

This beach is often not listed in Hawaii guidebooks for Japanese, but it is worth a visit because it is so beautiful that it is designated as a marine life sanctuary, second only to Hanauma Bay!

Many visitors come to surf, and surfers from all over the world can be seen riding the waves.

Even if you don't swim, you can relax on the beach and watch the surfers.

The tide pools and shallow waters are teeming with beautiful fish, making it suitable for activities such as playing on the shore, snorkeling, and other underwater observation activities.

There is also a cove where small sharks called whitetip reef sharks are said to frequent, but these sharks are usually quiet and do not attack people.

Nevertheless, they are sharks, so if you spot one, please observe it from a reasonable distance.

 

Access

To get to Pupukea Beach Park, first head toward the North Shore to a place called Haleiwa.

From there, take the Kamehameha Highway, a highway, and continue north along the coast to reach the destination.

It is recommended to use The bus, which stops at a bus stop right next to the park.

It takes more than an hour from the city center, so it is best to allow plenty of time.

 

Three recommended tours to power spots

We have a great tour of Oahu's power spots.

We encourage you to take advantage of the following tours!

 

Diamond Head Sunrise Hiking Tour

On this tour, you can see the beautiful morning sunrise from the top of Diamond Head, a famous power spot.

A shuttle bus will come to your hotel, but the meeting time is early in the morning at 5:00 a.m!

It is well worth getting up early because you will be able to see a great view full of power that you will never be able to see at any other time of the day.

Make the most of your morning and enjoy your time in Hawaii to the fullest.

After watching the sunrise, pineapple smoothies will be served.

This smoothie is made with a whole pineapple, so it is sure to be a hit on social media!

Be sure to grab a smoothie and take a photo to commemorate your descent from Diamond Head!

 

Let's get energy from Oahu! Power Spot & Healing Tour

There are also luxury tours that allow you to visit as many as seven power spots, including the Kukaniloko Birthstone with its sacred large rock, which I mentioned earlier, and a locally famous sanctuary called Heiau, where the gods are said to reside!

It is difficult to visit many power spots by yourself, isn't it?

This tour offers a guided tour of unusual power spots and is recommended for beginners to Hawaii.

Tour Oahu's sacred places and experience the power and healing.

 

Koko Head Hiking Choice of Hanauma Bay Snorkel or Kailua Town Exploration Plan

On the mountain side of Hanauma Bay, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, lies Koko Head, a perfect place for hiking.

We will walk along a well-maintained hiking trail in the park to the top of Koko Head.

From the top, the view of the blue waters of Hanauma Bay and the city of Waikiki is breathtaking.

Also, you can choose to go to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling or to Kailua Town as your post-hike plan, so you can enjoy the whole day with this tour alone!

 

summary

Have you found out that there are many power spots on Oahu?

In addition to enjoying the beaches and resorts, why not make your trip to Oahu more powerful by visiting places where you can get in touch with Hawaii's roots and ancient ruins?

It will surely be a wonderful trip that will refresh your mind and body!

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.