Overview
Wai`anae is on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waianae
Kane'aki Heiau, Makaha Valley
The ancient gods of Hawai'i made specific places on the island sacred. One such ancient Hawaiian heiau can be found deep in Makaha Valley and is one of Hawaii's best maintained archeological sites. The Kane'aki Heiau was…
Kaneana Cave, Makua
Located near Mauka Beach, about one mile before the end of Farrington Highway. Kaneana cave is about 150,000 years old and was once underwater, carved by the sea. It stands 100 ft high and 450 ft deep on Farrington Hwy. …
Marine Life
Waianae is known for the productivity of its waters, including dolphins, whales of many species and coral reefs, complete with turtles and tropical fish. Please take care on the reefs. Coral is a living organism, and fis…
Wild Side Specialty Tours
Sail with whales, dive with dolphins, snorkel with turtles, with the marine biologist led crew.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HNL Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Oahu — 18 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MKK Molokai Airport, Kaunakakai — 73 mi away. Directions
Take the H1 freeway west. As you round the SW corner of the island you will see the Waianae Coast laid out before you, with the expanse of blue ocean to your left. You will know you are home.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Kane'aki Heiau, Makaha Valley, Kaneana Cave, Makua
- Lunch Hale Nalu
- Afternoon Marine Life, Wild Side Specialty Tours
- Dinner Bliss
- Evening Beaches
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
Take the H1 freeway west. As you round the SW corner of the island you will see the Waianae Coast laid out before you, with the expanse of blue ocean to your left. You will know you are home.
Get around
The City Bus will get there, but rental car is the best bet. Just as in other places, don't leave valuables anywhere in your car when checking out the sites.
See
See Kane'aki Heiau, Makaha Valley
The ancient gods of Hawai'i made specific places on the island sacred. One such ancient Hawaiian heiau can be found deep in Makaha Valley and is one of Hawaii's best maintained archeological sites. The Kane'aki Heiau was built in the 15th century and was known to be both an agricultural heiau and a war temple. As a war heiau human sacrifices were performed on the first prisoners of war. The huge stone to the south of the heiau is "Pohaku O Kane"(Stone of Kane. This is one of the forms of the god Kane, the uppermost of the four major gods, was worshipped by the many 'ohana that lived that ahupua'a. In modern times, it has come to be regarded as the guardian over the heiau and is still venerated by some people. These sites are sacred to the Hawaiian people and possesses mana (spiritual power) and should be treated with the utmost respect
See Kaneana Cave, Makua
Located near Mauka Beach, about one mile before the end of Farrington Highway. Kaneana cave is about 150,000 years old and was once underwater, carved by the sea. It stands 100 ft high and 450 ft deep on Farrington Hwy. The ancient shark-man deity who made his home in this sea cave would disguise himself as a human and lure his victims into the cave, then turn into a shark and devour them.
See Marine Life
Waianae is known for the productivity of its waters, including dolphins, whales of many species and coral reefs, complete with turtles and tropical fish. Please take care on the reefs. Coral is a living organism, and fisheries and other wildlife can easily be impacted by rude behaviors such as chasing, circling and loud boat noise.
Do
Buy
Rent surfboards, snorkel equipment and bikes.
Eat
Eat Bliss
A health food store caters to diabetics and features salads, sandwiches, homemade soups and other healthy foods to go. All produce is organic and most ingredients are from local farmers.
Eat Kaiona Restaurant
Located in a beautiful valley, overlooking a tropical golf course and the Pacific Ocean, this spot has beautiful sunsets and selection of both American and local cuisine. Weekends they have a variety of dinner buffets.
Eat Korean BBQ
If you want to eat where the locals eat this is the place to do it!
Eat Southern Swell
A great BBQ house that makes most of their items from scratch.
Eat Taco's and More
The owner is from Mexico City and has an authentic Mexican menu. They also offer Mexican beers and margaritas.
Drink
Drink Beaches
Local dive bar is a good place to mix with the locals, shoot pool and sing Karaoke. The food however is a risk not worth taking.
Drink Surfer Smoothies
A great place for a light lunch and smoothies made with local ingredients such as haupia (coconut), pineapple and mango.
Sleep
Stay Makaha Golf Resort
Go next
Beaches: In general strong shore breaks and rip currents are prevalent during the winter, while the water is much calmer during the summer months. Always bring water, sunscreen and shoes (hot sand). Don't leave valuables in your car and it's always a good idea to check with the lifeguards about the current conditions.
- Makaha Beach : good for swimming, surfing, body boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving. The middle part of the beach is good for swimming. Sharp reef at the right side of the beach (near the hotel). Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, street parking and lifeguards.
- Kealakekua (Yokahama) Beach: at the end of Farrington Hwy is a delicate beach with long sandy shores. A spot for expert surfers only and swimming is risky as the currents and riptides are strong. However the beach is great for sunbathing and for that feeling of peaceful isolation. We like to lay our towel down past the last lifeguard stand or "third dips" as the locals call it.
- Ka‘ena Point The Northwest tip of Oahu is a sacred area. It is referred to as a "jumping-off point" for souls departing this world for the next. It is also a nature reserve where albatross breed and lay their eggs. The lowland dune ecosystems is a hot 2.5-mi (4-km) hike one way so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if you decide to check it out.
Nearby
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My experience
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