5 Best Sights in Waianae, Leeward and Central Oahu

Stop by one of the largest organic farms on Oahu to learn about Hawaii’s natural and cultural environment from dedicated community members. Tours of the 31-acre property, tucked between mountains in the scenic Lualualei Valley, take place on Thursday at 4:30 and include exotic-fruit tastings, farm-animal feedings, and crop harvesting. If you can’t join a tour, try to pick up local merchandise at the gift shop, whose proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization’s programs that serve unhoused families, people with disabilities, and food-challenged youth.

This beach provides a slice of local life that most visitors don't see. Families string up tarps for the day, fire up hibachis, set up lawn chairs, get out the fishing gear, and strum ukulele while they "talk story" (chat). Legendary waterman Buffalo Keaulana can be found in the shade of the palms playing with his grandkids and spinning yarns of yesteryear. In these waters, Buffalo not only invented some of the most outrageous methods of surfing, but also raised his world-champion son, Rusty. He also made Makaha the home of the world's first international surf meet in 1954, and it still hosts his Big Board Surfing Classic. With its long, slow-building waves, it's a great spot to try out longboarding. The swimming is generally decent in summer, but avoid the big winter waves. The only parking is along the highway, but it's free. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming.

You may have to do a little exploring to find Papaoneone Beach, which is tucked behind three condos. Park on the street, and then duck through an easy-to-spot hole in the fence to reach this extremely wide, sloping beach that always seems to be empty. The waters are that eerie blue found only on the west side. Waves can get high here (it faces the same direction as the famed Makaha Beach), but, for the most part, the shore break makes for great easy rides on your bodyboard or belly. The only downside is that, with the exception of a shower, all facilities are for the condos at the adjacent Beach Lovers Hawaii, so it's just you and the big blue. Amenities: showers. Best for: solitude; swimming.

This gorgeous swimming and snorkeling beach is protected by a long breakwater left over from a now-defunct boat harbor. The entire length is sand, and a reef creates smallish waves perfect for novice surfers. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

You'll be one of the few outsiders at this Waianae coast beach at the very end of the road. If it weren't for the little strip of paved road, it would feel like a deserted isle: no stores, no houses, just a huge sloping stretch of beach and some of the darkest-blue water off the island. Locals come here to fish and swim in waters calm enough for children in summer. Early morning brings with it spinner dolphins by the dozens just offshore. Although Makua Beach up the road is the best spot to see these animals, it's not nearly as beautiful or sandy as "Yokes." Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; swimming.