Oahu Adventures on the Windward Side

The island of Oahu is a beautiful place to live with many attractions to see and new places to explore. Around every bend is a new experience and we enjoy exploring new sites and revisiting old favorites. Last week we traveled to the windward side of the island.

 

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm

I love stopping by the Macadamia Nut Farm anytime we are on the windward side of the island. It is an authentic Hawaiian experience, tucked in between a canopy of trees with chickens or roosters standing in your way. As you walk through the door, you can sample Kona Coffee and a dozen flavors of Macadamia Nuts (everyone loves free samples). For a fee, there are guided tours daily that are worth checking out.

They have a little gift shop with tropical lotion, jewelry, and a few knick knacks for the home. I thought this mug was perfect for me!!! And if you are craving the taste of the islands, you can purchase their amazing Macadamia nut ground coffee and different flavored macadamia nuts HERE.

My son loves heading straight to the back of the building where there is a huge bin of macadamia nuts in the shells and a nut cracking station. You have to be quick when opening them because the chickens don’t waste any time trying to steal them away. There is a sign that says “Do Not Feed The Chickens,” but it is really hard to avoid it.

There are little shacks selling items from pearls and coconuts.

Chinaman’s Hat  (Mokoli’i Island) – Can’t you feel the peacefulness it brings!

For those visiting the windward side of the island, Mokoli’i Island is such a beautiful and common sight to see. It is just about two minutes north of Tropical Farm on Kamehameha Highway and is a small hat-like island (you can’t miss it).  I could sit and enjoy the peacefulness it brings all day long, but those who are feeling a little more adventurous could kayak, paddle by surfboard, or walk to it during low tide.  Those choosing to walk or swim to the island must check the times of low and high tides.

I love sharing the Hawaiian legends with my son and listening to his inquisitive mind ask so many questions about the island. Each time we visit this sight, it is as magical as the legend lends. There is a children’s book called  “The Story of Chinaman’s Hat” that my son loves to read. You can find it HERE. Although this is just an artistic interpretation, he is positive there is some truth to the fable.

Kualoa Ranch & Private Nature Reserve 

The world’s most famous private nature reserve is a sixth generation kama’aina family-owned enterprise. This place offers many guided tours and is packed with activities for the whole family.

The views are absolutely breathtaking and there is lush green everywhere you look. The ranch provides endless entertainment and could be an all-day affair.

On this particular day we just went for the sights, but in the past have gone out to the Secret Island and have taken the Jungle Expedition & Nature Tours. My son was 3 at the time, so I would recommend both to anyone with small children (3 minimum age). Another popular tour is the Movie Site Tour  where popular movies and TV shows such as Jurassic Park and Lost were filmed.

Many visitors and locals enjoy horseback riding and ATV tours as well.

 

If you are not feeling like a tour, you can walk around and just admire the beautiful land around you. There is a free petting area for the keiki (children) and my son was fascinated with the huge tortoise and the new donkey named Sweet Pea.

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Kualoa Ranch is something everyone should see when visiting the island of Oahu and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The island has a way of making me feel peaceful and alive.  I hope everyone gets a chance to at least see it once in their life and be able to take a little bit of Aloha home with them.

I can’t wait for our next traveling adventure.