Sharon Hamblin - Oahus Windward Coast: Kahala, Hawaii Kai, Kailua & Beyond

Oahu's Windward Coast: Kahala, Hawaii Kai, Kailua & Beyond

Sharon Hamblin

Hunter Publishing, Inc.

Web site: www.amazing-adventures.net

E-mail: michael@hunterpublishing.com

2013 Hunter Publishing, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

This guide focuses on recreational activities. As all such activities contain elements of risk, the publisher, author, affiliated individuals and companies disclaim any responsibility for any injury, harm, or illness that may occur to anyone through, or by use of, the information in this book. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of information in this book, but the publisher and author do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability or any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misleading information or potential travel problems caused by this guide, even if such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Aloha!

T his book will help you navigate the fascinating island of O`ahu with ease and show you some of my favorite spots to eat, shop and spend the night.

The guide was a lot of fun (and work!) to write and I owe mahalos to many people who helped make this endeavor possible.

First of all, Id like to thank publisher Michael Hunter and the staff at Hunter Publishing for offering me the job and fine-tuning the manuscript. Thank you, Michael, for giving me this chance and for my previous book Adventure Guide to Maui which has opened so many doors for me!

My family in California has also helped make many of my dreams come true. Thank you Dad, Romane, Marc and Judy, Keith and Jana, Bibi and Eric, and all of my little inspirations Amanda, Jared, Donovan and Olivia. Mahalo to my younger brother Dale who promoted my Maui book with his own marketing style and always encouraged me while I was writing this one.

Thank you very much to my biggest fan, Paul Ogden. Youre the best! Thanks to Betty Young, who always has a smile on her face, for her endearing loyalty.

More mahalos to Vinnie Coln, who gives me tons of support and advice on life, writing and on following your dreams. Also, thanks to Jessie Fitzgerald, who I hope someday gets the chance to live in Hawaii.

As with my last book, I dedicate this tome to my late mother, Karen Hamblin, who provided me with unconditional love and tons of support. I love you so much and wish you were here to share my happiness.

Writing a book is a huge undertaking and I cant believe Im doing it again. There are another hundred people I need to thank, including all of those in O`ahu, such as the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau and all of the other public relations officials across the island. I couldnt have done this without the editing help of Mary Davis I hope you make it to Hawaii someday!

And thank you to Buttercup, my miniature schnauzer, who shows me daily how to let go and see the beauty in chasing a leaf across a field.

Ive tried to be as accurate and up-to-date as possible with this book but O`ahu is an ever-changing oasis. If you have any suggestions or comments, please do e-mail me at sharonhamblin@sbcglobal.net.

I hope you enjoy the book and O`ahu a spectacular island with so much to offer!

Sharon Hamblin

Preface

Y ou may have been to the island before, but this time be prepared for a whole new Waikiki and O`ahu!

The island, especially the famous and fabulous Waikiki stretch, is experiencing a huge revitalization. First of all, the Waikiki Beach Walk has been created, providing a facelift to the iconic beach and the surrounding area. Years of planning and over $535 million in renovations have created a brand new Waikiki with a stylish shopping district full of Aloha Spirit with its new shops, restaurants and ongoing free activities.

O`ahu, the main island in the Hawaiian chain, is only 44 miles long and 30 miles wide, but its full of adventure at every angle. There is so much to explore and experience that you could spend every moment of your vacation on the move. Or, leave that to the adventurous types, and spend your days taking some sunshine and enjoying an afternoon Mai Tai before an elegant dinner cruise on the Pacific Ocean.

This diverse island brings you a little bit of what each of the neighbor islands has to offer. You have the nightlife of Maui, the beaches of Kauai, the exotic quality of the Big Island of Hawaii, the old Hawaii atmosphere of Moloka`i, and the luxury of Lana`i.

During my travels, I found this poem, which made me cry. The copy I have is a version created by Nancy Lake, who found the complete poem at a library in the Big Island. The author is unknown.

I Shall Never Leave the Islands

I may go tomorrow and never return.

But still, I shall never leave.

My heart is in the beating surf.

My breath is in the touch of the trade winds.

Forever the fragrance of plumeria shall be with me.

I cannot close my eyes

without finding there these fluid, emerald mountains.

And in my ears the sounds of the islands:

lilting doves, waves crashing against coral reefs,

palm fronds whispering softly

and always, Hawaiian music.

I shall never leave the islands.

Enjoy your trip to O`ahu and I hope this book helps you enjoy all that this fabulous island has to offer.

Aloha!