A triple delight: cooling trade winds, crystal clear blue sky, and lush rainforest. The pristine Waimea Valley welcomed us with real aloha spirit.
Where mountains meet the sea on Oʻahu’s North Shore lies Waimea—often called the Valley of the Priests. In Hawaiian, Waimea means “reddish water,” a reference to the rust-colored stream that flows through the valley, tinted by volcanic soil and erosion.
Just across from Waimea Bay on Kamehameha Highway, this 2,000-acre sanctuary is a preserved ahupuaʻa—a traditional self-sustaining Hawaiian community and sacred refuge.
Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts at dozens of sites here, revealing a thriving civilization that depended on a freshwater stream for fishing, farming, and daily life. Stone temples, called heiau, served both high priests and community worship.
(Above images: Hale Hō‘ike, Kauhale, and Kahua Pā‘an cultural sites.)
After paying the entrance fee, we followed a meandering paved path with gentle inclines through the valley. (A free tram is available for those who prefer not to walk the 3/4s-of-a-mile trail to the waterfall.)
One showstopper: a spectacular heliconia. Its bold red, yellow, and green bracts dangled like lobster claws. Stunning! An anole lizard seemed just as impressed. It happily posed for closeups.
As we neared the valley’s pinnacle, a growing roar of water reached our ears. Around one final bend, we saw it: Waimea Falls, cascading 45 feet into a freshwater lagoon and misting the air with cool spray. A vivid rainbow arched across the waterfall as sunlight broke through the trees. Families swam and laughed in the calm waters below.
Imagine life here long ago—ancient Hawaiians gathered in this sacred place, living in harmony with the land, celebrating life’s simple joys in a paradise unchanged by time.
Video Feature
What is the meaning of this Hawaiian gesture? Press play to see him explain.
I discovered that life in a fishbowl is pretty darn amazing—especially when that bowl is the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii.
My snorkeling resumé is modest: maybe a half-dozen dips in the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas, all launched from a boat offshore. But snorkeling Hanauma Bay from the beach? That’s a whole other world. A spectacular one.
HANAUMA BAY
EPIC UNDERWATER VIDEO
BEACH SNORKELING VIEW
O‘ahu’s Crown Jewel
Hanauma Bay State Park, located on the southeast coast of O‘ahu, is hands down the most extraordinary snorkeling destination I’ve ever experienced. But a visit here takes a bit of advance planning.
Reservations are mandatory and must be made online exactly 48 hours in advance. The reservation portal opens daily at 7:00 a.m. HST—and believe me, it fills up fast. Sometimes within 15 minutes. Why the rush? Because Hanauma Bay isn’t just a beach—it’s a protected marine life conservation district. Special protections are in place to preserve its coral reefs and pristine water quality, making it a rare and fragile underwater ecosystem teeming with life.
Step into the water, and you’re instantly immersed in an aquatic dreamscape. The ocean here is glass-clear, revealing a painter’s palette of colors below the surface: black-and-orange striped butterfly fish, solid yellow tang, electric-blue parrotfish with hints of green and orange, red sea urchins tucked into coral, and a dazzling kaleidoscope of sea life.
And the coral—alive, thriving, and hypnotic. It’s like swimming through a watercolor painting.
“Hanauma” is Hawaiian for “curved bay” (“hana” means bay, “uma” means curved), and that curve was carved thousands of years ago inside a volcanic cone. You don’t need to be an expert snorkeler here. Beyond the initial shore break, the surf calms to a gentle rhythm. In many spots, the fish glide by just inches from your mask. Some areas are so shallow, I found myself floating mere inches above delicate coral formations—without ever touching, of course. Contact with coral or marine life is prohibited and can result in steep fines. Feeding fish? Also a big no-no.
Lifeguards are present both onshore and in the water, keeping a watchful eye over snorkelers and sea creatures alike.
We spent about half of our four-hour window in the water, the rest lounging on the golden sand, soaking up the views. The curved bay is hugged by towering green sea cliffs, which form a dramatic contrast to the sparkling blue surf. Across the bay, waves slam into the cliffs with explosive bursts that rise like geysers into the sky.
At 3:00 p.m. sharp, the lifeguards begin to clear the park. We lingered intentionally, lollygagging with a few other stragglers, savoring a nearly empty Hanauma. That moment—still, serene, with the echo of gentle waves lapping the shoreline—will live with me forever.
Video: Stunning Beach Paradise!
🤿 Things To Know Before You Go
Reservations: Non-residents must reserve online at least 48 hours in advance (portal opens daily at 7:00 a.m. HST for spots two days out). No changes or refunds.
Admission: $25 per person (ages 13+). Photo ID must match the reservation name.
Educational Video: All visitors must watch a 9-minute video at the Marine Education Center before entering.
Parking: $3 per vehicle for non-residents (cash only), $1 for Hawai‘i residents.
Snorkel Gear: Bring your own or rent on-site (around $20–$25 for a mask, snorkel, and fins).
Facilities: Restrooms, freshwater beachside showers, and a free tram between the parking lot and the beach.
Food & Drink: Small coolers with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. No large coolers or alcohol permitted.
🤙Final Thought: If you’re visiting O‘ahu and dreaming of snorkeling in warm, turquoise waters surrounded by vibrant marine life and volcanic cliffs, Hanauma Bay is more than a bucket-list destination—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One that feels like slipping inside a living aquarium. Aloha!
The number one tourist destination in Hawaii isn’t a beach, a luau, or an active volcano. It’s Pearl Harbor—a U.S. military base and national memorial that honors the seamen, airmen, soldiers, and civilians who lost their lives in one of the most devastating attacks in modern warfare.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and Oʻahu that changed the course of history. America’s entry into World War II began that day. At the time, Pearl Harbor was home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. Nothing before this moment had ever so deeply shaken America’s sense of safety and strength.
The toll: nearly 5,000 dead and 2,000 wounded—mind-numbing casualties. The battleship USS Arizona sank after being struck by specially designed torpedo bombs dropped from Japanese aircraft, taking 1,177 men down with her. The mission was to obliterate the Pacific Fleet. It was severe—but not a total success. By pure luck, all of the U.S. aircraft carriers, the backbone of the fleet, were out to sea.
A Memorial Experience Steeped In Reverence
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial, managed by the National Park Service, offers a free, deeply moving experience through its exhibits, museums, and memorials. It presents the story of the attack with respect, clarity, and emotional weight.
We arrived on a weekday afternoon to avoid morning crowds—and secured a spot in the visitor lot ($3.00, card only). A month earlier, I booked a 2:45 p.m. reservation online for the Arizona Memorial. The $2.00 fee covers your round-trip Navy shuttle ride to the site. (Reservations are strongly recommended.)
We arrived just after lunch, which gave us plenty of time to explore the grounds. The layout is intuitive and mostly open-air, aside from the theater and gift shop—something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during summer heat. Water is allowed, and refill stations are available near the restrooms. Be sure to pick up the free NPS brochure at the entrance—it’s packed with helpful timelines, maps, historical context, and more.
You could easily spend an entire day here. We focused on the two main galleries: “Road to War” and “Attack”. We chose the self-guided route, though audio tours and ranger-led options are available. I prefer to move at my own pace—ideal for quiet reflection.
The exhibits trace the complex economic, diplomatic, and political history between the U.S. and Japan, showing how tensions escalated into war. Powerful video interviews feature both American and Japanese veterans. One standout artifact: President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s original “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” speech, complete with his handwritten edits—crossing out “world history” and replacing it with the now-iconic “infamy.” Seeing a piece of real history like that hits hard.
A Journey To The Arizona
Boarding the Navy shuttle to the USS Arizona Memorial, I felt a lump rise in my throat. We glided slowly across the water toward the stark, radiant white structure glowing in the afternoon sun. Just beyond, the USS Missouri—the Mighty Mo—stands in solemn watch. She represents the end of the war, the very deck where Japan officially surrendered. The Arizona marks the beginning. Side by side, they tell a story of sacrifice and victory.
As we approached the Arizona, a hush fell over the group—visitors of all ages, some old enough to remember, others too young to yet understand. Our Navy guide reminded us to treat this sacred site with the respect and reverence of a final resting place.
A gentle sea breeze flowed through the memorial as we stood above the submerged ship. Through an opening in the floor called the Viewing Well, you can see the shadowy remains of the hull—a haunting, solemn image. This is where brothers, sons, fathers, uncles, and cousins—many barely out of high school—perished. A melting pot of America. Some survivors even chose to have their ashes returned here, to rest with their shipmates after living full lives.
Press Play To View Video
We stayed just fifteen minutes, but it left an indelible mark. As the shuttle took us back to shore, I turned for one last look—a silent farewell and heartfelt thank you.
(Mellow Wanderer) The Big Kahuna of beaches scores for the second year in a row. Once again, Hawaii comes out on top. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu is #1, the best in America, according to Dr. Beach, who is Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.
Dr. Stephen Leatherman
Dr. Beach issues his annual best list just before Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer’s beach season. Leatherman started dissecting America’s beaches with a surgeon’s precision 25 years ago. He’s a certified beachnik!
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park leapfrogged to #1 in 2015 from 4th place in 2014. Last year’s winner, Duke Kahanamoku Beach, also on Oahu, was put on Dr. Beach’s Hall of Fame list so it and previous #1’s can’t be repeat winners.
drbeach.org
So what makes Waimanalo so special? Here’s Dr. Beach’s diagnosis based on 50 scientific criteria:
“Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is located in the northeastern corner of Oahu in the countryside and is often missed by tourists as they cruise through the small village. Waimanalo Bay is Oahu’s longest beach–extending for more than five miles; it is a great for walking and beachcombing in the soft white sand. The wind is always blowing onshore because of the Trade Winds, making it safe for sail boats. This sandy coral beach slopes gently into the turquoise oceanic waters. Be cautious when swimming offshore because the ocean deepens fairly quickly, and strong currents are sometimes present. Look for the lifeguard tower so that you can swim in protected waters. There are restrooms and showers along with shady areas courtesy of the ironwood trees. In addition to swimming, the shallow sand bar provides for good body-boarding.”
Now I’m salivating, ready for a Tiny Bubbles ukulele jam. No other state has had more beaches in Dr. Beach’s top spot than Hawaii. Florida is the perennial runner-up. Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs, Florida is a bridesmaid again, coming in second place two years in a row- 2014 and 2015.
Here now is Dr. Beach’s Top 10 List of America’s Best Beaches:
1. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
“This beach on the windward side of Oahu is off the beaten path. Waimanalo Bay boasts of the longest beach in Oahu with the best beach along this five-mile beach being Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. The white coral sand is bathed by the turquoises blue waters. The Ko’olau Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop view. Hawaiians who live on Oahu frequent this area.”
Barefoot Beach
2. Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, Bonita Springs, Florida
“This beach in Southwest Florida is 8,200 foot long and located in a 342 acre park. The surf is gentle with waves generally being measured in inches, and the water is very shallow, making this a great beach for bathing and swimming for families. The sand is fine and contains many small shells.”
St. George Island
3. St. George Island State Park, Florida
“The Florida panhandle beaches are known for their powdery, super white sands. The sand here is squeaky clean (just rub your feet on the dry sand and hear it squeak). The State Park beach is on the eastern end of the island. Pathways take you across the “walking” dunes to the bayside. Stingrays are sometimes resting in the shallow waters so shuffle your feet when entering. Birding and fishing are very popular activities.”
photo credit:PKMousie Homoa Beach
4. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
“This pocket beach is rimmed by cliffs covered with palm trees and beautiful flowering vegetation. This crescent beach, which is a mixture of coral and lava sand, is the most famous of Maui’s Hana beaches. The beach is actually inside a breached volcanic crater. To get to Hamoa Beach, one has to take the “Road to Hana”, the treacherous road with drop-offs of over 1,000 feet and sporadic guardrails, which can be an adventure in itself! Taking it slow on this road, with over 50 one-way bridges, is the safest bet.”
Cape Hatteras, NPS
5. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
“Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. Providing some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras attracts beachgoers to its historic fishing villages. Nature lovers adore the excellent beachcombing and superb fishing.”
FL State Parks
6. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
“Cape Florida State Park, located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, provides clear, emerald-colored waters and gentle surf. This fine, white coral sand beach is great for swimming, as waves are knocked down by a large sand shoal offshore. In addition, the Cape Florida Lighthouse allows for a breath-taking view of this beautiful beach.”
Coast Guard Beach, NPS
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
“Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle or shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the glacial cliffs. The sand is fairly coarse, so the beach slopes steeply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. During the summer, beach-goers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean as water temperatures only reach 60-70 degrees.”
Beachwalker
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
“South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park is the public beach located on the southern end of Kiawah Island. This is a nature-lovers coast so visitors should pack their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets. It is also fun to walk or bicycle down to Captain Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds. The water is not clear here, but it is clean and provides for fantastic seafood for low-country cooking. There is concern about the proposal to build 50 houses and a steel revetment on the sand spit in terms of its impact on animal life and visitor access.”
FL State Parks
9. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
“This 166-acre beach park is characterized by sea oats on the sand dunes, backed by cabbage palms and woodlands that provide shaded picnic areas. The beach is composed of fine white sand and millions of seashells. An observation tower within the park allows visitors a good view of this natural enclave within an urbanized area. There are bathrooms, changing stalls, and outside rinse showers. Head to the beach early in the morning or late afternoon in order to avoid the crowds and traffic backups during the prime vacation season.”
SantaBarbara.gov
10. East Beach, Santa Barbara, California
“East Beach is located on the eastern end of the four-mile stretch of beach parks. There are a dozen volleyball courts, picnic tables, playground, bathhouse with showers and full-service restaurant at this beach. Santa Barbara beaches are considered the American Riviera.”
So much for my earlier prediction in a previous post. I bet the house on Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. Guess I’ll have to pull-up stakes and take cover under a palm tree on Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. Just me and my ukulele!
(Mellow Wanderer) Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start of summer with long beach walks, sculpting sand castles, catching waves and slumbering under an umbrella with a steamy summer novel. For the best places to get sand between your toes, just page Dr. Beach.
drbeach.org
Dr. Stephen Leatherman, “Dr. Beach,” directs the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. He’s logged more beach miles than a sand crab. Just before Memorial Day weekend, Leatherman releases his annual America’s Best Beaches list.
Beach friendly communities anxiously await his top choice every year, finger on the PR trigger, ready to shout “WE’RE #1!” Whoever gets the top spot on Leatherman’s list claims bragging rights forever, cause once you’re declared #1, that beach stays on Dr Beach’s Hall of Fame list. However, beaches can be booted off the list, according to Dr. Beach, if caretakers let quality slip. And he’ll know, too. Leatherman incorporates significant science when he evaluates every beach. Check it out. This dude is serious about sand and surf!
drbeach.org
In advance of Leatherman’s 2015 top pick, let’s break down his previous lists and try and predict how the good doctor will go.
Logic tells you Barefoot would take the top spot this year, but hold onto your flip-flops, beach bums! Hawaii and Florida have traditionally pulverized the competition like a wave rolling over a sand castle; No other state even comes close to having more #1 beaches than those two. So, I am going against conventional wisdom–maybe even Vegas odds– and betting on a dark horse: Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, on the outskirts of Charleston, South Carolina. Beachwalker came in 9th on last year’s list. Plus, the Carolinas are about due to represent at #1. Cape Hatteras, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, checked-in at #6 on 2014’s list and could make a run at #1, and that’s most likely to happen.
Cape Hatteras, NPS
We’ll see. So here’s my prediction: Beachwalker (1), Cape Hatteras (2), Bonita (3). They’ll be doing the shag at #1 on the South Carolina coast this summer! Bet the house on it. If I lose, guess I’ll be living on the beach with a roll-up blanket. Stay tuned for the results.
Click on the video below to see the 2005 winner of America’s Best Beaches: Ft. DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL
