Oahu’s Premiere Jeep Rentals

Hoʻomaluhia is "to make a place of peace and tranquility"

"Strolling or driving through these lush 400 acres in windward Oʻahu, you will truly agree that Hoʻomaluhia is rightfully named "a peaceful refuge." Opened in 1982, this garden in Kāneʻohe features plantings from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically. Geographical regions represented by our botanical collections: Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India & Sri Lanka, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa. The Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe."

"The Makapu‘u Point trail, within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse built in 1909, which makes a stunning picture against the deep blue sea below (the lighthouse itself is off-limits). On a clear day, you may even see Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. The offshore islets are wildlife sanctuaries for Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropicbird. This trail is an excellent place to view migrating humpback whales in season (November – May). Binoculars are suggested for viewing the whales and seabirds. An interpretive sign and viewing scope along the trail help you view and identify the whales seen from this location."
— Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks

Photo: NOAA Fisheries

"The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world. The population overall had been declining for six decades and current numbers, though increasing, are only about one-third of historic population levels. Importantly, however, the current upward trend is in part due to NOAA Fisheries recovery efforts.

...These monk seals are endemic to these islands, occurring nowhere else in the world. Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and State of Hawai'i law.

The Hawaiian monk seal is one of NOAA Fisheries' Species in the Spotlight.

Rocky, the Famous Hawaiian Monk Seal

Rocky became famous in 2017 when she had a pup on a busy beach in Waikiki on the island of Oʻahu. She returned to Kauaʻi on July 14, 2018, and two days later, she was observed with a new pup."
— National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Photo: Hadley Gustafson

Note: NOAA and DLNR recommend, for your safety and the animals' protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles. This image was made with a zoom lens.

"The green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. They are unique among sea turtles in that they are herbivores, eating mostly seagrasses and algae. This diet is what gives their fat a greenish color (not their shells), which is where their name comes from.

Green turtles are found throughout the world. They nest in over 80 countries and live in the coastal areas of more than 140 countries. Historically, green turtles were exploited for their fat, meat and eggs, causing global population declines. Many countries, including the United States, prohibit the killing of sea turtles and collection of their eggs. However, in some areas, the killing of green turtles for their meat or to supply shells to the wildlife trafficking trade remains a threat to their recovery. Bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing gear, vessel strikes, loss of nesting habitat from coastal development, and climate change are the biggest threats facing green turtles."
— https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/green-turtle

Golden Light Photo by Hadley Gustafson creates gorgeous wedding and portrait photography for families, couples, and more. We have seven years of experience making images on the islands. We do Beach Elopements, Backyard Ceremonies, Large Venue Events, Surprise Engagements, Sunset/Sunrise Sessions, Forest Adventure Hikes, and more! LGBTQ+ Friendly.

Specializing in helping you and your loved ones relax and have fun while we give you just the right amount of direction and the right mix of candids and formals.

We are based on Maui and also travel to other islands for important sessions.

We deliver fast, quality edits showing you at your best and making memories to last a lifetime.​

"This stunning Windward Coast Oahu Beach, a Family-Friendly Activity slice of sand, is located about a 45-minute drive from world-famous Waikiki Beach but is a world away in terms of hustle and bustle. But in terms of beauty, it just may be one of the most beautiful you'll see on Oahu.

This beach is ideal for swimming, bodysurfing, and boogie boarding. If you'd rather stay on land, Waimanalo Beach is the perfect place for a stroll... a very long stroll! At about 3 miles long, Waimanalo features Oahu's longest uninterrupted white-sand beach. A large portion the beach is shaded by ironwood trees, which makes for some welcome respite from the sun.

Due to its location on the Windward Coast, it can be quite windy here much of the time. If you plan to spend some time here picnicking during the winter, pack a light jacket, especially for the little ones."

Safety Tips

Photo, Album with leather cover, “Cruise Album - USS Arizona,” artifact in the Monument's museum collection.

"The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawai'i. The Pearl Harbor area was designated a national historic landmark in 1964 for its strategic importance related to the United States' annexation of Hawai'i, and for the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack during World War II. Within close proximity to downtown Honolulu and the resort area of Waikiki, the Pearl Harbor site is the most visited destination on Oahu." — National Park Service

Photo: Hadley Gustafson

"The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor...The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales."

"With not one, but two listings on the US Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places since the 1970’s, Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the eighth generation descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. Kualoa’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by preserving Kualoa’s sacred lands and celebrating its history. Established in 1850, Kualoa’s company vision is to be a role model as stewards of these amazing 4000 acres named Kualoa, Hakipu’u and Ka’a’awa.  Our goal is to protect and enhance the natural beauty of these lands while developing sustainable recreational, agricultural and aquacultural enterprises that are compatible with the environment. All tours and commercial activities enable Kualoa to keep the lands undeveloped so that future generations will be able to enjoy them as well.  We truly care about and strive to educate all visitors … kama’aina, military and malihini … about traditional Hawaiian values, reverence for our natural environment, respect for the host Hawaiian culture and most importantly, the sacred history of Kualoa.”

"The northern region of Oahu is a destination in itself, offering a wide variety of natural wonders and resort activities."

"Sharks Cove has been rated by Scuba Diving Magazine as one of the “Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World”.  Located on Oahu’s world famous North Shore, this small rocky bay forms part of Pupukea Beach Park and boasts blue water and an impressive amount of sea life.  The bottom is made up of large smooth boulders and coral heads forming small caves and ledges for marine life to hide.  The walls of the surrounding cliffs provide calmer water attracting schooling surface fish." — Hawaii Snorkeling Guide 

"The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple in O'ahu is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan.

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty."

"Day Hike that opens up to an amazing view of Lanikai and the bay including the 'mokes' islands, and from there you follow the exposed ridge to the pill boxes. Great for sunrise if you leave before dawn and wear a headlamp."

Photo by Jiang, public domain, Wikimedia Commons 

"The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was established in 1948...From January 4-March 25, 1949, nearly 10,000 World War II casualties were laid to rest in the Punchbowl crater; another 1,777 were interred in June of the same year, prior to the public opening of the cemetery in July. Designed to fit within the circular crater of the extinct volcano, carefully landscaped with native trees and shrubs, and featuring flat granite headstones within the lush grass lawns, the cemetery embraced the Memorial Park cemetery movement."

"Historic Hawaii Foundation has developed a color keepsake map documenting twenty-five historic sites along a five-kilometer route in historic Downtown Honolulu. The self-guided walking tour includes such historic sites as ‘Iolani Palace, Mission Houses, St. Andrews Cathedral and the Hawaii State Art Museum."

"Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside is an impressive view of windward Oʻahu from brink of pali (cliffs) at 1200 feet elevation in the Ko’olau Range. Winds are usually so strong that one can lean against the wall of wind."

Image reproduced from "Pineapple, the Plant and its Culture," by Kenneth G. Rohrbach, Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 5 pp., no date (ca. 1990); original photo courtesy of Dole Packaged Foods Co. 

Photo Ken Lund Flickr

"Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on Oʻahu, covering almost 2 acres. The name is translated as “hill of escape”. Undoubtedly, this heiau played an important role in the social, political, and religious system of Waimea Valley which was a major occupation center of Oʻahu in the pre-contact period. Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau may have been constructed in the 1600s."

"One of the most well-known beaches on the planet, this two-mile stretch of white sand and calm turquoise blue ocean fringed by towering high-rises and boutique resorts is located on the South Shore of Oahu.

From Hilton Hawaiian Village on the west side to Kapi’olani Park in the east, Waikiki is definitely among the most popular travel destinations on the globe. Waikiki means spouting waters in Hawaiian, acknowledging the rivers and springs that once flowed into the area."

Photo Smart Destinations Flickr

"Step back in time to when ‘sugar was King’ and experience the real Hawaii. Hawaii’s Plantation Village is the perfect location for keiki (children,) family and all ages to explore a living history museum and botanical garden. A visit to us opens a door to a time of true hospitality and cultural sharing that sprung from Hawaii’s plantation life.