Eastern Honolulu is located between the Diamond Head State Monument and Makapu’u Point on the south-eastern tip of Oahu, Hawaii. The area is abundant with natural beauty and pristine sandy beaches lined with swaying palm trees. Eastern Honolulu is home to several shopping malls and international dining establishments, all set in a tranquil location close to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.
Visitors can begin their exploration of Eastern Honolulu at Diamond Head State Monument. This volcanic cone located just east of Waikiki offers the most spectacular views of the resort skyline and surrounding vegetation. Energetic travellers can hike to the edge of the crater’s rim in around 1.5 to 2 hours. Visitors continuing along the east coast can take a break at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The lovely bay, formed within the crater of an extinct volcano is abundant with marine life. The coral reef and rare fish make it an ideal site for scuba diving or snorkelling or visitors can relax with a picnic or soak up the Hawaiian sunshine. Many visitors make a detour to Halona Blowhole or Lana’i Lookout point. Lana’i Lookout juts out from the headland. With striking ocean views and waves crashing onto the rocks, it’s easy to capture a memorable snapshot. Families will enjoy a day out at Sea Life Park, a theme park close to Makapu’u Point featuring marine animal shows and an aquarium. For shoppers, Hawaii Kai Shopping Centre, a large strip mall, is popular with residents of Honolulu and close to the highway for ease of access. Dining out in Eastern Honolulu is an enjoyable experience. There are traditional Hawaiian restaurants, Japanese Sushi Bars and charming eateries serving Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
Reaching Eastern Honolulu is easiest by car, as roads are well signposted. It takes 10 minutes to drive from downtown Waikiki to Diamond Head State Monument and 30 minutes to Makapu’u Point. Buses also service the area from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay and Sea Life Park and Hawaii Kai and Kahala Mall, although they can be infrequent.
Eastern Honolulu is a desirable area, with unblemished, natural, rugged beauty. It has easy road access into Waikiki and downtown Honolulu and is the perfect hideaway close to amenities. The area incorporates the most easterly point on the island, Makapu’u Point. The lighthouse was established in 1909 and is now a popular location for whale watching of viewing the islands of Lanai and Molokai.