{Favorite Places} Oahu's Leeward Coast

When I first moved to Hawaii, everyone is my office there told me right away that there were some parts of the island that I shouldn't go venturing into alone, especially because of my skin tone and the fact that I'm very obviously not a local.  One of those places was Wainae, on the Leeward side of Oahu (very Western coast).

So while I lived there, I never went over to that side of the island for the reason that there are some rough areas, however last August when Nick and I were there on our annual trip together, my parents drove us out to that part of the island, which they had recently just discovered themselves.  And while the towns out there might be a little rough, traveling in a group I think you're fine.  

The coastline there is beyond incredible and a spot that you won't find any tourists.  The rocky beaches that meet the bases of giant volcanic mountains is truly one of my new favorite spots on the island.  It was so different than any of the other major areas of the island and the Wainae Coast is truly spectacular.  We pulled chairs out and sat for a while, watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.  It was a spot that felt so undiscovered, so genuine Hawaii but without the hassle of tourists or of crowds of people.  It felt so very raw and in that, so very beautiful.

Photo copyright to Nick Nieto

Photo copyright to Nick Nieto