Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sized in rough water near Molokaʻi. Eddie decided to go for help - he grabbed his
surfboard and set off to paddle over a dozen miles to shore to raise the alarm. He
was never seen again. His companions survived, but the legendary waterman was
gone.
Today an annual big-wave surfing event, called the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie
Aikau, takes place during winter at Waimea Bay. It's invitation-only and only runs
when waves are giant enough (ie 20ft minimum), meaning the bay picks the day. It
doesn't happen every year and you can't predict the waves - but that's somehow
fitting. People like Eddie are one in a million, and waves that honor his memory are
worth the wait.
Sights & Activities
The shady, paved and mostly flat
Ke Ala Pupukea Bike Path
extends more than 3 miles
between Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, continuing beyond Sunset Point to Velzyland
surf break. Based in Haleʻiwa, Deep Ecology (
Click here
) leads scuba diving trips all
along this coast, including at Sharks Cove and Three Tables.
Waimea Valley
GARDENS, PARK
(
638-7766;
www.waimeavalley.net
; 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy; adult/child 4-12yr $15/7.50,
waterfall shuttle one-way/round-trip $4/6, guided walking tours from $5; 9am-5pm;
)
Craving more jungle than beach? This 1800-acre Hawaiian cultural and nature park, just
inland from Waimea Bay, is a sanctuary of tropical tranquillity. Wander among the botan-
ical gardens, planted with over 5000 native and exotic plant species. Amble alongside
Kamananui Stream for a mile (shuttle available) to take a dip at the base of 45ft-high
Waimea Falls.
Also interesting are the replicas of buildings ancient Hawaiians dwelled in and a re-
stored heiau dedicated to Lono, god of fertility and agriculture. Daily cultural activities
like lei-making, hula lessons and traditional Hawaiian games of skill and chance are de-
signed for tour-bus crowds. Guided botanical walking tours are often given on the first
and third Saturdays of the month (call ahead to check schedules).
Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument
TEMPLE
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; off Pupukea Rd; sunrise-sunset)
A cinematic coastal
panorama and a stroll around the grounds of Oʻahu's largest temple reward those who
venture up to this national historic landmark, perched on a bluff above Waimea Bay. It's
