-  West Oahu  -

It's only 25 miles from Waikikii to Oahu's Leeward Coast, but they may as well be in another universe. Located on the coastal side of the Waianae Mountain Range, the Leeward Coast is everything Waikiki is not: untamed and wide open.

Most visitors to the Leeward Coast will be coming to visit the beautiful Ko Olina resort area. Home to the J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa and the new Disney Resort, The Aulani which is scheduled to open in 2011. this 640-acre Resort and Marina offers stretches of beautiful shoreline, ample opportunities for water sports and championship golf. Other attractions in the area include the Paradise Cove Luau and the Wet n’ Wild Hawaii water park. Local beaches include Makaha Beach, one of the first spots where surfers began big wave surfing, and Yokohama Bay. At the end of the road you can take a hike to Oahu’s western most point at sacred Kaena Point

 Leeward Oahu includes the communities of Nanakuli to the coast of Maili, Waianae and Makaha. The climate is generally dry and sunny, and the coastline offers pristine white sand beaches that are prime spots for swimming, snorkeling and fishing. The Leeward beaches also provide the best seat in the house for the island's most spectacular free show: sunset.

The winter months bring some of the world's best surfers to the Leeward Coast, as large waves roll toward Makaha and Yokohama beaches. One of Hawaii's best-known surfing spots, Makaha Beach offers great action for both surfers and boogie-boarders. Yokohama Bay, the last sandy beach on the Leeward Coast, represents one of few places on Oahu completely unspoiled by development.

It doesn't require a leap of any kind to discover the beauty of Oahu's west side. While few visitors make the trip to the Leeward Coast, those who do are rewarded with a generous taste of "local Hawaii."