The Wai'anae coast off leeward Oahu is the best spot to view dolphins in Hawaii. Spinner dolphins are often located just moments from the harbor. Let our trained professionals introduce you to the dolphin environment and take you snorkeling or scuba diving at the best reefs on Oahu.
Waianae: Not Just Any Old Town
Rochelle Lino Honorable Mention in Articles
Between the beautiful blue Pacific ocean and mountain range called Mount Kahala, lies the town of Waianae. Waianae is a community separated from the urban activity of downtown Honolulu. In Historic Waianae: A Place of Kings, author Bob Krauss writes, The rugged Waianae Range forms a majestic wall which separates this leeward shore from the rest of Oahu.
The Waianae Coast received its name from the mullet that was once farmed here. These fish were once produced in large amounts. Wai means water, and ëanae means large mullet. This small community was once well known for its agriculture, sugar mill, fishing, and religion.
In the early 1800's, one important resource for the people of Waianae was fresh water, used for bathing, drinking and irrigation. Those who lived near the ocean received very little fresh water; their only source was whatever flowed downstream from the mountain. However, toward the valleys and mountain inlets, water was available in larger quantities and the vegetation was more lush, and the ground more suitable for the cultivation of crops.
Taro planting required more water for cultivation than both sweet potatoes and yams. As told by Edward Beechert, author of Working in Hawaii: A Labor History, The planting of taro was done on wet or dry lands. Another supplement to the taro were sweet potatoes and yams. Taro planting was done by the men in strict religious ceremonies; whereas, the women planted the sweet potatoes and yams without restrictions. Today taro is farmed in Waianae by local families who own land.
Fishing was another important source of food for those who lived on the Waianae coast. Various types of seafood were obtained through two methods. The first method was deep sea fishing. Because of the abundance of fish, canoes were used to haul in the nets. Many types of fish were caught in these nets
including ahi, aku, marlin, mahimahi, and ono.
The second method was shoreline fishing. Only two men in a smaller canoe were required to catch fish like the papio, ulu, kawakawa, and weki in smaller amounts. Opihi (limpet) and Papaë (crab) were picked off the reefs. Farmers also kept pigs, chickens, and ducks as other food sources.
Hawaiians, past and present, base their religion on animals and plants and believe that spirits live in the environment. For example, according to Dennis Kawaharada's book, Hawaiian Fishing Legends, Kapu on catching or eating certain kinds of fish might vary from family to family, depending on the fish form of the families aumakua, or ancestral god The breaking of kapu was believed to cause sickness or death.
In an attempt to show respect, offerings were given during prayers to the aumakua. In addition, Hawaiian communities once worshipped a God of Nature and Creation, and Heiaus (temples) were used for sacrifices, prayer, and fertility wishes and nowadays are symbols of Hawaiian culture and tradition.
Sacrificial prayers were for those who broke laws, as stated in Man, Gods, and Nature, by Michael Dudley, The chief regularly demonstrated his special place in relation to nature in heiau (temple rituals). These rituals were conducted by priests, but they acted only in the place of, and for, the chief. It was believed that the chief had the power to effect then and there the changes in nature which had been sought, and that he did this with the command Amama, Let it happen.
Cultivation prayers were done in order for crops to grow and fertility prayers were performed for women who were not able to conceive. Rocks were wrapped in ti leaves and even today offerings of food items can still be found placed at the altar of a heiau. The sandalwood tree, one of the first economic resources for the Hawaiian people, was also found in Waianae. The Hawaiian people admired the sandalwood for both its beauty and its sweet smelling fragrance which they used to scent tapa.
Information obtained from the author Joseph Morgan shows Alii's (Chiefs) were owners of large tracts of land where the sandalwood was collected. By the early 1800s the economic importance of sandalwood had grown. This began to take a toll on the health of the commoners who worked for them as enormous amounts of time and effort were spent harvesting sandalwood. Over time the land owned by the working commoners started to show their neglect.
The Waianae Sugar Mill was the first mill developed on Oahu that produced sugar and, for more than seventy years, was a great economic resource for the community. Because of the dryness of the area, developers were initially wary of taking on this venture. The mill was eventually built with a reservoir, and water was irrigated to the fields of sugar cane. A railroad track was laid out for seven miles to transport the crops and field workers. By the time operations closed, developers had obtained more than four hundred acres of land and built longer railroad tracks. Plantation workers had a small community of churches, houses, and even mail delivery.
At one time Pokai Bay was a fishing village and was later used as a port. Before rail provided access, boats would bring in food not found on the Waianae coast and until a new harbor was built, the boats would park in the bay. A breakwater was developed in the late 1950s which turned the bay into a beach park, filled these days with people enjoying water sports and families, both local and military, picnicking or eating at the restaurant.
In the early morning those walking along the beach might catch a glimpse of dolphins. Calm, warm ocean water allows for swimming laps and, on the other side of the jetty, roaring surf can be found for boogie boarders and surfers, both for the rentals and the locals.
Driving down into the Waianae coast on Farrington Highway, you see the blue ocean that once provided fish, the blue mountains that collected fresh water, or the valleys that cultivated food, prayers or economic resources. The west side is filled with history created by the people, for the people.[
Makani Kai Helicopter Tour
Enjoy a breath taking adventure with Makani Kai Helicopter Tours as they tour you over Hanauma Bay!
Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park Hawaii offers a fun-filled experience with Hawaii dolphins and marine life
Polynesian Cultural Center
The center celebrates traditional Polynesian culture, and gives you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the lifestyles, habitats, entertainment and hospitality of seven Polynesian villages
Paradise Cove Luau
Twelve oceanfront acres come alive with island games and crafts, a traditional Hawaiian feast, and a spectacular Oahu luau show.
Airport Lei Greeting
Honolulu Lei Greetings offers a Hawaiian-style reception that won't soon be forgotten.
Discover Honolulu's Hidden Waterfalls
Visit two beautiful Oahu waterfalls, and enjoy an informative narrated driving tour of some wonderful scenic and historical spots.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure Waikiki
Marvel at Hawaii's marine life, two sunken ships and the remains of two airliners on a high-tech submarine dive!
Hawaiian Parasail
Take the ride of your life with Hawaiian Parasail! Soar up to 600 feet above the spectacular Honolulu coastline .
