5 Overlooked Things to Do on Oahu’s West Side

Hawaiian Railway Society Cane Train

Like many of the Hawaiian Islands, sugar cane was once a major industry and driving economic force on O’ahu. The sugar cane companies built railroads and irrigation canals across the islands to support their efforts, and many of them still remain today.

On O’ahu’s west side is the Hawaiian Railway Society Cane Train, which runs from Ewa to Kahe Beach Park and back. The scenic 90-minute rides take place every Saturday and Sunday ($15) and retell the stories of the sugar cane trains, the sugar cane plantations, and other historical points of interest on the west side.

Climb Mt. Ka’ala via the Mt. Ka’ala Trail

Mt. Ka’ala is O’ahu’s highest peak, topping out at more than 4,000 feet. The first three-quarters of the trail is littered with ridiculous views of Waianae Valley and the ocean. As you climb towards the top, the terrain changes. Though the summit of Mt. Ka’ala does not have a true overlook, it is unique in that it is considered a cloud forest, with many species of plants that are hard to come by anywhere else on O’ahu.

Note: This hike is not for beginners due to its steep nature and big elevation gain, two factors that keep it less traveled.

Kaneana Cave

Just south of Yokohama Beach and Ohikilolo Ridge is the Kaneana Cave, also called Makua Cave. It is the remains of an old lava tube, considered a sacred site by Hawaiians for its attached legends—one pegs it as the birthplace of man. Take caution when exploring around the cave (bring a flashlight if you plan to go inside) as it is not maintained, and of course, being a scared site, it deserves the proper respect.

Take a Dolphin Excursion

The arrival of the humpback whales gets so much attention during the winter months that people forget the islands are also home to three types of dolphins: spinner, bottlenose, and spotted. The west side of O’ahu is a prime place to see them. Tours leave regularly out of Waianae.

Beach Hopping and Barbecue

Though not as conveniently reached as South Shore and Windwardside beaches, West Side beaches like Makaha, Yokohama, and Nanakuli are on par, aesthetically speaking, with any others you will find on the island. What’s more, the West Side is where you’ll see the best glimpse of local life, away from the regular tourist beaches of the aforementioned areas. Fire up the grill at one of the beach parks and become a part of it.