Kaneohe
Places to visit > Kaneohe - More in this category > Honolulu > Haleiwa > Hanauma Bay > Kailua > North Shore > Pearl City > Pearl Harbor > Sunset Beach > Wahiawa > Waikiki > Sea Park > Honolulu Zoo > WaterfallsKaneohe is windward Oahu's second largest town, but not very big when comparing it to Oahu's other major towns. However, there is one thing that Kaneohe does have that is greater then everything else in the state of Hawaii, and that is the biggest and most beautiful bay. Throw in a valley of temples and the county's largest botanical gardens and you have yourself a major tourist attraction.
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Kaneohe Bay stretches from Mokapu Peninsula to Kualoa Point. The bay is rather silted and therefore not so good for swimming; however the view alone is worth the trip. An additional way to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the bay is to embark on a sailing trip. The calm water and constant wind make Kaneohe Bay a perfect sailing spot. From He'eia Kea Pier you can experience a pleasure cruise on the glass-bottomed Coral Queen (235-2888) and relax as you take in the awesome beauty of your surroundings.
For more natural beauty, head to the country's largest botanical gardens at the top of Luluku Road. The Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is not the usual landscaped flower garden. It is more like a wild natural preserve. Several walking trails lead through the wilderness to a 32 acre lake, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a bottle of water. Guided two hour hikes are held at 10am on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. Although you may be lucky enough to just be able to join a group, it is highly recommended that you call ahead to register. The visitor's center has some interesting displays of flora and fauna and tells the history of the park. Free camping is allowed at the park and the grounds are known as one of the safest on Oahu.
Probably the best known tourist attraction in Kaneohe is the Valley of the Temples and Byodo-In. This is a cemetery situated in a beautiful setting just off the Kahekili highway. Several religions have temples or monuments here, but tourists are usually drawn to the Buddhist Byodo-In, meaning 'temple of equality'. This is a replica of the 900 year old temple in Uji, Japan. It was built here in the 1960's to celebrate the centenary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii. The temple symbolises the mythical phoenix that rises from the ashes of its own demise. At the entrance, beside a fishpond, is a brass bell. It is said to bring tranquillity and good fortune to all those who ring it, so give it a go. Inside Byodo-In's main hall is a 9ft gold-lacquered Buddha sitting on a lotus.
The Heeia State Park is on Kealohi Point and has a great view of Heeia fishpond. The pond was built by ancient Hawaiians to enclose the lagoon to raise fish for royalty. Just offshore is Coconut Island, used in the opening sequence of the TV series Gilligan's Island. Today the island is occupied by the University of Hawaii for research purposes.The other islands of Hawaii - Big Island - Kauai - Lanai - Maui - Molokai - Cruises
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