Manoa Valley, a suburban community that serves the downtown Honolulu area is known for its quiet streets, nice homes, and convenient location. With many Oahu homes for sale in the area, there is a constant shift of people into and out of the valley. The silence of Manoa is broken on game days for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, a division one NCAA squad. Under the direction of 34-year Head Coach David Shoji, the Wahine have quickly become one of the hottest sports teams in Hawaii, and have often garnered national attention as consistent Western Athletic Conference champions and NCAA Tournament participants. Over the years, the Wahine have won three NCAA tournaments and have been runners-up and final four teams in over ten more tournaments.

The Wahine have called the Stan Sheriff Center on the Manoa Campus of the University of Hawaii home since 1994. The special events arena can seat up to 10,300 people and was named after a former university athletic director who lobbied for its construction. Besides hosting several sell-out crowds for the Wahine, the center also hosts the men’s basketball and volleyball teams as well as the women’s basketball team. The center also allows high school tournaments and other special events to be held at its facility.

Having the ability to explore the forests, deserts, bays, and waters of Hawaii is the primary goal of visitors looking to tour the islands of Hawaii. Instead of finding a hotel in the midst of tourist districts, the ability to utilize Hawaii real estate rentals for short periods of time might possibly be the best solution. Staying outside of designated tourist areas might be advantageous, especially when visiting places like Hanauma Bay on Oahu, miles away from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. A marine embayment formed as a result of a volcanic cone as part of the Koolau Range, Hanauma Bay is a sheltered cove that serves as both a scenic beach and nature preserve. As a Marine Life Conservation District, Hanauma Bay Beach Park is different from most other beaches by requiring visitors to abide by certain rules and regulations to protect the present wildlife. Visitors are not allowed to touch, walk on, or otherwise contact coral as well as various other forms of marine and ocean life – animals and plants. Green sea turtles, known in Hawaii as “honu,” also frequent Hanauma Bay. For people who wish to explore the lesser traveled areas of the Hawaiian islands, finding rentals instead of hotels may be the best way to go.

On Oahu’s northeastern coast there are thirteen kilometers of shoreline that comprises Kaneohe Bay. Unlike the other beaches on Oahu, this beach doesn’t have white sand and clear water. Instead, it has so many unique factors that make it one of the most studied marine ecosystems in the world. This bay is one of the best places on Oahu, and with beautiful scenery and great activities, it is easily one of the best places in the state.
The waters of Kaneohe Bay are guarded by a barrier reef that was created by the trade winds and waves and is characterized by the many reefs and fringe reefs scattered all over the water. The beauty of this bay is never lost; whether you view it from the park or from the Pali Lookout, you’ll see the wide spectrum of blues and brown reefs that dot this bay. In the middle of the bay is a sandbar which is only accessible during times with low tide. Many boaters and kayakers like to visit this spot when it is visible.

You can access many points from Kaneohe Bay. Heeia Pier is popular spot for fishing and is the primary spot for launching small boats. Kualoa Beach is also found here, and there is a park and campsites and views of Mokolii (Chinaman’s Hat) Island. You can walk out to this island during low tide, but it is a very bad idea since the incoming tide can keep you from returning to shore.

The size of Kaneohe Bay makes boating or kayaking around this area ideal. When the winds are light or southerly in direction, the now smooth waters are perfect for gliding over and admiring the reef hidden under the sea.

When it comes to weddings, you’ll be pleased with everything you experience on Oahu, especially if stay in the Kailua area. This primarily residential community has a commercial district located along the main road, Kailua Road. Kailua, however, is best known for its beaches which are considered some of the best in US. In fact, Dr. Stephen Leatherman named it the number 1 beach of the US in 1998.
This 2 mile long, crescent shaped beach has warm waters with light waves, perfect for surfing and body-surfing. The trade winds that frequent this area make Kailua Beach great for wind and kite boarding. The many activities that can be done at Kailua Beach make it one of the best places to stay, especially if you’re getting married on this wonderful island.
Oahu Hawaii Weddings & Honeymoons
Oahu weddings are considered both charming and beautiful in this corner of the world. Not only are you surrounded by romance, but the terrains in Oahu offer beautiful backgrounds to your event, such as beaches, towering mountains and stunning vistas. Once your wedding is over, you can golf, scuba dive, swim or anything else in this beautiful Hawaiian Island.
These beautiful views are actually a large part of the real estate in Hawaii. Properties in areas like Kailua sell in the real estate market. Properties of all kinds are available on the islands, waiting to be looked at. When choosing a vacation home, base it on your preferences, like if you want to stay by the beach or mountains. They come in all designs and locations, and you can find a wide array of choices on Oahu Hawaii vacation rentals. You will find a rental that will fit your wedding and vacation needs.

The overshadowed Kalama Bay is flanked by some of Kailua’s more popular locations, such as Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai. In fact, Kailua is considered one of the best beaches in the US. While Kalama Beach isn’t in this list, you definitely shouldn’t eliminate it as a place to go, as it is one of the most relaxing beaches on the island.
Like the rest of the Kailua Beach area, Kalama Bay has white powdery sand and the views of the Mokulua Islands that can be seen from the shore. Unlike its neighbors, Kalama Beach has fewer crowds, making it one of the quieter beaches on this island. Another reason for this is because of limited parking and the fact the beach closes at 6.
At Kalama Beach, you will still find Oahu’s infamous waves, except mellower, perfect for novice surfers and body boarders. In fact, King Kamehameha and King Kalakaua were said to have surfed here. Dogs and their owners also frequent this beach, and many of them rarely wear leases. If you’re not a dog lover, this beach may not give you the inner peace you’re looking for.
Kalama Beach doesn’t have the iron-wood trees, so you won’t have to stepping on the cones as you skip towards the sea. While here, be sure to watch out for stinging limu and the Portuguese man-of-war, as they are present on this side of the island, especially through the months of June to September.

Kaneohe Bay doesn’t have the white sand beaches that Oahu’s other beaches have, but don’t let that mislead you. This is the state’s largest bay and reef-protected lagoon. With patches of reefs, the color of the water is every shade of blue. Kaneohe Bay is nothing short of extraordinary when compared to Oahu’s other beaches.
Surrounding Kaneohe Bay are five islands that provide a dramatic background to those playing along the coastline. These islands are Chinaman’s Hat, Turtleback Island, Kapapa Island, Coconut Island, and a sandbar in the middle. While this sandbar disappears during high tide, it is a popular landing spot for boaters and kayakers in low tide.
Kaneohe Bay is a beautiful sight to behold. To enjoy the views of this beach venture to the Pali Lookout, or even at the Kaneohe Beach Park if you want to enjoy this place up close. You can also launch your kayak from this site or enjoy a picnic on the shore.
The rich marine ecosystems found here make Kaneohe Beach Park a fascinating area to study. In fact, its underwater coral formations and marine life makes this the most studied marine ecosystem in the world.  Even with the bay, however, the water in the bay is silted, and its shallow water is described as tidal flats, making it unsuitable for swimming.
Even if you can’t swim in the bay, you can join many others in admiring the beauty of the nature in Kaneohe Bay.