Hawaiians have a connection to the land and sea that starts at the very beginning for locals. Spending any amount of time in Hawaii will make it clear just how important nature is to native Hawaiians. There’s a long cultural history of caring for nature that exists through many avenues, including preservation, enchanting botanical gardens that can be found on many of the islands, and aloha ‘aina.
Aloha ‘aina is commonly translated as “love of the land”, but it has a much deeper and heartfelt meaning to many. The ‘aina means much more than simply sand or dirt, it denotes a deep emotion carried from ancestral times when all people lived as an integral part of nature. Humans considered nature a sibling born from the same parents when time began. Humans depended on nature to thrive and therefore always gave it the respect and love it deserved.
Aloha is often defined as affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, civility, kindness, charity, and hospitality. It is a love that extends to all with good will and it is given without restraint or for want of anything in return. And so people were taught aloha ‘aina, aloha kai, “love the land, love the sea” and only take what you need.
This belief and tradition extend to the present day, in which visitors and experience the love and care that many locals still put into nature with lovingly maintained botanical gardens. Some of the best botanical gardens to visit follow.
Ho’omaluhia translates to “a peaceful refuge”. The 400-acre Oahu botanical garden surrounded by the Koolau Mountains definitely fits the title. The gardens were designed in 1982 to create flood protection and it features plants from the Americas, Africa, India, Melanesia, Polynesia, and Hawaii. The lake offers catch-and-release fishing in the large lake and is ideal for lazy afternoons in the sun.
Waimea Valley covers nearly 2,000 acres and features the 45-foot-tall Waimea Falls. The ancient ruler of Oahu, Kamapuaa, named it the “Valley of the priests” because native Hawaiian high priests and their descendants lived in and cared for the valley for centuries. The park is now home to thousands of tropical, native, and endangered plants. Visitors can explore the trails and swim in the falls.
Foster Botanical Gardens is nestled right in the center of Honolulu, and offers a bit of piece from the bustle of city life. The park is 14 acres and is the county’s oldest botanical garden with a large collection of tropical plants and trees. They also house an outdoor butterfly garden and a prehistoric flora collection. One of the greatest lures is the amorphophallus titanum plant, also known as the corpse plant.
Love of the land is a hallmark of Hawaiian culture and it’s easy to get involved and help preserve the nature that has been so vital for hundreds of years. For more information and other great places to visit on Oahu please visit Ola Properties today.
Visitors to Oahu often spend their time seeing the island’s most popular places: Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbor Memorial, and the Diamond Head crater. To truly soak in Hawaiian culture, however, you also don’t want to miss a visit to a heiau in Oahu. These Hawaiian temples were once used by native islanders to pray and make offerings or sacrifices to gods, goddesses, and spirits.
Heiaus were abandoned or destroyed in the 1800s when Christianity came to the Pacific islands. Today, the ruins of the surviving temples are preserved in historic sites that you can visit.
Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site in Oahu’s North Shore is the largest heiau on the island. According to historians, this site was overseen by priests and consists of three walled enclosures that once likely held structures. Worshippers may have lit a fire to communicate to the heiau on Kauai. The Pu’u O Mahuka name means “hill of escape,” perhaps because volcano goddess Pele jumped from here to the neighboring island, Molokai, after feuding with her sister, Namakaokahai. From the historic site, you can view the Waimea Valley and Oahu’s North Shore.
Inland from Kailua Bay, you’ll find Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. What was once a large structure, possibly a tower, is now a 30-foot-tall mound of rocks near a stream and marsh. It is believed native islanders used the area for farming fish and growing crops. Legend says the area may have been built or inhabited by Menehune, or little people who lived on the islands before Polynesians settled here. Today, visitors to Ulupo say they feel a sense of peace.
The sacred site of Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area was once a heiau for healing. People who were sick or injured would come here to visit the kahuna, to pray, and be healed. The kahuna would also train other healers here and store medicines. Historians believe that healing plants used to grow here, but now Keaiwa Heiau is a forested park with a 4.8-mile hiking trail and a campground. The trail provides views of Pearl Harbor. This is also a beautiful place for a picnic.
If you’re looking to see a native Hawaiian building at a heiau, visit Hale O Lono Heiau in Waimea Valley. This is the site of a temple dedicated to Lono, the god of fertility, peace, and rain. This heiau dates back to 1470 AD and is still used today for traditional practices. Many people visit the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and hike to the waterfall here.
On the eastern end of Oahu, take in the beautiful ocean views at Makapu’u Beach Park, where you can see a small heiau. You’ll see a low stone wall with signs. While you’re in the area, see the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and take the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail for more beautiful views of the eastern shore.
There are more heiaus on Oahu — including the lesser-known Pahua and Maunawila heiaus — and on other islands across Hawaii. When visiting these sacred sites, respect these ancient temples and let them stay intact for their preservation of Hawaiian culture.
If you’re like most people, and the thought of experiencing majestic dolphins fills you with wonder and happiness, it should come as no surprise that you can make that dream a reality in Hawaii.
Oahu’s western shores are known for having some of the clearest and calmest waters. In addition, these waters are rife with tremendous marine life, such as hundreds of fish species, dolphins, and even whales. And in true Hawaiian style, there’s a way to experience it all.
The Waianae Boat Harbor rests on the Western shores of Oahu, in Waianae. It is from here that you can begin your dolphin excursion experience. Twice a day, at 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM, boats leave to take visitors and adventurers on snorkeling adventures, whale watching tours, or your own customized dolphin excursions in Oahu, year-round. No matter the day, long as the weather permits, Hawaii allows you the opportunity to see and experience the natural wonder of dolphins.
Dolphin Excursion Details
Once you’ve boarded the boat that will take you to see the dolphins, your journey begins. It takes you along the scenic coast of Oahu in search of these magnificent creatures. The exciting adventure provides you with multiple hours on the water. The Hawaiian habitat makes the ideal playground for dolphins to provide spectators with a brilliant show, in their natural habitat. Viewers can enjoy a plethora of delightful dolphins, take photos, and take in their true, natural beauty. What you see on your dolphin excursion is sure to be remembered forever.
Hawaii’s marine life is one of the most beautiful in the world, with varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles, whales, and of course, dolphins. Dolphin excursions on the Western shores of Oahu provide you with views of 3 types of dolphins, in fact.
This species is the most commonly seen dolphin by spectators and visitors. They tend to stay near the shore during the daytime, after spending all night foraging for food. They are long-beaked and smaller, known for their “spinning” and incredible aerobatics as they leap from the water.
Commonly referred to as the most intelligent of the species, Bottlenose dolphins are larger and entirely grey. These dolphins are often found engaging in playful activities with other dolphins and visitors, like “bow riding,” where the dolphin rides waves created by surfers or even whales.
This species can be easily confused with Spinner dolphins because they are very similar in size and appearance. But Spotted dolphins have a white-tipped beak and the adults have a unique, spotted body. These dolphins do not stay close to the shore and often travel in schools of up to hundreds of dolphins.
Come experience Hawaii’s Dolphins with Ola Properties and Dolphin Excursions as your guide. We’ll help you find the perfect rental for your vacation and point out the most amazing experiences you and your family won’t want to miss out on. So, don’t wait! Secure your rental today.
Hawaii is a multicultural state, and it attracts people who want to share aspects of cultures that they love. One of those people was Doris Duke, the daughter of a New York tobacco and hydroelectric tycoon who used her inheritance to fund a wide range of interests, charitable giving, and traveling through the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. In 1937, she had a home built in Honolulu where she could share one of her major interests, Islamic art, with the world.
She was born November 22, 1912 to Nanaline Holt Inman and James Buchanan Duke. She grew up in New York and New Jersey, and she became famous for her colorful personal life and interests in horticulture, philanthropy, and art. Part of her charitable work included working in a canteen for sailors in Egypt during WWII, giving money to medical research and child welfare groups, and creating a charity to preserve historic colonial homes. She died in 1993 from a pulmonary edema following a severe stroke.
Doris Duke traveled extensively. In 1935, she visited the Taj Mahal and was inspired to build something similar. She and her then husband, James Cromwell, bought land at Diamond Head in 1936, and had an airy, spacious home built there in 1937. The home consists of multiple open-air courtyards teaming with fountains and foliage, themed rooms such as the Mihrab room and the Syrian room, and a separate peristyle building at one end of a pool called ‘the playhouse.’ They called this home Shangri La.
She decorated Shangri La with furniture, colored-glass windows, and screens from Moroccan workshops, but she did not stop there. She spent years collecting Iznik tiles, a type of pottery from Turkey that has a clear lead glaze, and used it in her home decor. She reconstructed the Mughal Garden (she loved horticulture and had a whole farm dedicated to it) and brought an 18th-century Syrian interior home with her.
During WWII, she couldn’t go to her Shangri-La, so she let soldiers stationed in Honolulu use it for recreation. Afterwards, she created the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art to encourage the study of the sort of art she had filled her Hawaiian home with. The foundation still owns the house and uses it as a museum, sponsoring cultural programs and residency programs for artists who promote the understanding and appreciation of Islamic art. They also preserve the 2,500 pieces of art she had collected. The museum itself is a piece of art, with many of the exhibited collections, such as her Iznik tiles, being part of the structure. There are pieces from many countries including Spain, Iran, Egypt, and Morocco, and the art spans multiple time periods. If you go there, you will see everything from silk carpets to pottery made throughout the world.
The foundation gives guided tours of the grounds in partnership with the Honolulu Museum of Art. In fact, the tours start and end at the Honolulu Museum of Art, so you can get a two-for-one art experience if you want to. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday, at 9 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Guests will have to reserve tickets in advance, but they get a shuttle ride to the museum and a knowledgeable tour guide.
If you would like to preview what you might see at this lovely museum, check out their temporary homepage at https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/. You’ll find events, artists, and information about joining tours.
Hawaii may seem like the land of eternal sunshine, white sand beaches, and gently waving palms, but there are a few factors to consider when planning your paradise getaway.
Temperature itself isn’t a primary concern. Most beaches, including Waianae, stay warm throughout the year, with cooler temperatures hitting their low from November through January. If you’re hoping to avoid the rainy season, stick to late spring and summer. The surf is also highest during the winter, which may be a plus or a minus depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. Not feeling brave enough to conquer the surf head on? Viewing the mountainous waves from the safety of the sand is an awe-inspiring experience and well worth a winter visit.
Winter is also prime whale-watching time. The return of the kohola — or humpback whale — is a time of renewal. A guided tour boat is the best option for viewing whales, though during the winter months, many humpbacks migrate close to beaches.
But be warned; flights during the holiday season are often the most expensive. Late spring and fall are considered off season and may be more budget-friendly for the frugal adventure seeker. If traveling during the winter or summer, book early to save yourself some Mai Tai money.
The beautiful coast of Waianae offers so many opportunities for sand and surf that choosing the right beach can be difficult. Consider a stop to these Top 3 Beaches before heading out.
Commonly known as Turtle Beach, this hidden gem along Oahu’s west shore is home to waves of green sea turtles. The turtles feed on seaweed along the reef and often rest near the shoreline. The water of Turtle Beach also takes on an emerald hue. A fantastic snorkeling spot, water is clearest in the summer months.
Catch some waves at one of Waianae’s best surfing beaches. Nanakuli’s soft, white sand is the postcard beach of your Hawaiian dreams. Warm year round, this beach offers a wide sandbar, calm swimming conditions, and lifeguards on duty. Showers and bathrooms available. Nanakuli is the perfect spot for families and beginner surfers looking to challenge the waves.
No luck finding turtles at Papaoneone? Aki’s Beach is a lesser known spot for viewing Waianae’s sea turtles. The beach itself is smaller than most, but well worth a drive to get up close and personal with some curious sea turtles. This beach can be tricky to find — make sure you map the location beforehand.
Enjoy a night out on Oahu — out on the open ocean that is! A dinner cruise is the perfect way to explore the island’s wonder and beauty while wining, dining, and dancing the night away. It’s easy for first time visitors to be overwhelmed by the wide array of cruises offered. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 3 Best Dinner Cruises on Oahu to make island living a bit simpler.
This is the cruise you’ll want to put on a postcard and send home to friends. A classic Hawaiian atmosphere sets the mood of the voyage, complete with a complimentary beverage. Although the Makani Catamaran is the smallest on our list, the route — and outstanding views — more than makes up for the smaller quarters. Guests will experience luxury dining options alongside a “fishing boat” vibe. Enjoy frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins from the comfort the trampoline net hammocks located at the back of the ship.
Traditional island style buffet awaits, with main courses offering a variety of options from BBQ chicken to curry tofu veggie wraps. All dining ware is eco-friendly and biodegradable. The ship tours Honolulu, Waikiki, and ends with a sunset view of Oahu’s famous Diamond Head. Depending on the season, guests may even spot a humpback whale!
Makani Catamaran sets sail from 5:30 to 7:30 on most days. Be sure to reserve a spot well in advance as seating fills up quickly!
From the smallest to the largest, the Star Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show offers an extravagant experience for a reasonable price. Start the night off right with a free Mai Tai and head over to the show. “60 Years of Aloha” is a theatrical event for the whole family. This 232-foot luxury liner features 4 panoramic decks and tours Oahu’s Diamond Head. 6 dining rooms, featuring the option to upgrade to a 5-star menu, make The Star of Honolulu the largest dinner cruise on the island. All-you-can-eat crab and delicious beef tenderloin will keep you coming back for seconds.
Book cruises on a Friday to take in the weekly fireworks show over the water.
A wide selection of exotic wines sets this cruise above the rest. The Majestic is ideal for parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and any occasion to celebrate! A great cruise for guests who prefer indoor dining options. Live music sets the soundtrack to a magical journey across the waters of Waikiki and Oahu. Sunset colors paint the waters an ethereal orange while you take it all in from the comfort of the 3 main decks.
Reserve a spot early! Cruises depart at 5:30 each day.
It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in West Oahu, (like most of them are) and it’s time to get out and go for a drive. A great trip for such a Saturday is the drive up the Leeward Coast to the Waianae Farmer’s Market. It’s a beautiful drive of less than 12 miles from Kapolei, with the ocean on your left and the Waianae Mountains on your right, that only takes 20 minutes or so.
The Farmer’s Market is an open-air affair that is held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to Noon. There are a whole host of different types of vendors selling their products and wares. There are all kinds of fresh, locally grown, fruits and vegetables as well as several types of prepared foods ranging from plate lunches to, Thai food and Southwestern chili. If you’re in need of additional caffeine to get you through the morning, Starbucks is right there in the same parking lot where the market is held. One can also find fresh flowers, handmade arts and crafts, jellies and jams and perhaps a few items you’ve never seen or heard of before.
All the vendors I’ve met at the market are friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have and will also offer samples of their foods if you ask. I particularly like buying the fresh fruits and vegetables for use during the week rather than going to the grocery stores for produce. My last trip up the coast, I stopped on my way to Makaha and bought some really nice Roma tomatoes, fersh sweet corn and broccoli right off the farm. I couldn’t resist and on my way back to Kapolei, I stopped again and had a bowl of chili from one of the vendors. Onolicious!
Give it a try next Saturday; I think you’ll enjoy it!
I’d like to take a moment to highlight my wife, Arlene Kelly, who may need no introduction if you are already a privileged client of hers. As the Broker-In-Charge for Ola Properties (Ola), Arlene helped grow the company into one of the best full service Real Estate and Property Management Brokerages on the beautiful island of Oahu. She takes pride in her profession and loves her work with clients like you!
West Oahu is Arlene’s market specialty, but since Ko Olina Resort has been home for almost 16-years, Arlene has been cruising around the resort like it’s her own. It seems like everywhere we go, she runs into people she knows wanting to talk real estate with her! Just ask her anything about KoOlina and watch her face light up when she shares intricate details of the resort communities. There’s really no one better to represent you than an agent who is knowledgeable and passionate about her work and for the Leeward Coast of West Oahu.
Arlene is also competitive, which means if she is your REALTOR®, you can be rest assured that she works diligently for you, with your best interests at heart. Her Sellers know that as their agent, she will research the market to ensure their property will have the best representation, placement and positioning in the market. Arlene’s Buyers are confident that she knows the inner details of the properties for sale and can make recommendations based on their needs and desires. Additionally, Arlene is always in tune with the pulse of the market by keeping in touch with many owners and agents who may not have their properties on the market, yet may be selling soon, which gives her prospective clients “an edge.” Add in her professionalism, negotiation skills, trustworthiness, friendly personality, and excellent customer service, it’s no wonder why Arlene is the “Go To Gal” with many repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
Whether you are buying or selling, her valued clients highly recommend her. Below are just a few comments from her clients:
In addition to her Hawaii Real Estate Broker’s License, Arlene holds a Master’s Degree in Business and has also achieved the CRS designation as a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), which only 3% of REALTORS® have attained. I have been privileged to stand beside Arlene and call her my wife, and I invite you to meet her, either over the phone, via email or in person to see all that she is, all that she offers, and why I’m so proud. Reach out to Arlene at: Ph: (808) 781-7248; Arlene@OlaProperties.com; or https://ajkelly.olapropertysales.com/about-me
Regards,
Larry E. Oldfield, R
Principal Broker
Ola Properties, Inc.
The hub describes the center of the wheel where all spokes meet. A hub describes a centralized city where all flights of a particular airline come together, where passengers can get off one plane to transfer to another to get to their destination. What ever you describe, the hubis the most important segment of a product or business. This describes Larry Oldfield, the hub of Ola Properties’ rental operations.
Locally owned and operated since 2002 by Arlene Kelly and Larry Oldfield, Ola Properties, Inc started as a real estate office. Owners that purchased property through the “KO Team” started asking Arlene and Larry to rent their units for them. What started out as a favor to a few turned into a thriving business. A few years ago Larry saw the need to fix and maintain properties and started Aloha Property Care, which takes care of upkeep, repair and maintenance owners’ assets. Today Ola Properties’ rental division is large enough to divide into four departments: Vacation Rentals, Long Term Furnished, Long Term Unfurnished, and Estate Maintenance.
Larry tends to be more low key but he can also be quite playful and enjoys a good laugh. And because Larry is well read and keeps up with Hawaii’s crazy laws Ola Properties has been able to turn some very uncomfortable situations into opportunities. Larry’s competitive spirit can be compared to a long distance runner, as he’s not one that sprints out of the gate without a plan. A consistent, strategic pace is how to last the long run, there’s less chance of burn out, more chance of being able to sprint to the finish at the end. Sustainability has been the key in Hawaii to weathering a bad storm or lasting an unseasonable drought. As many successful long distance runners do, Larry also makes connections (with other competitors) along the way making strong relationships that are mutually beneficial. “There’s plenty of business for all of us, we just all have to learn to play fairly along side of each other. They may be our competitors today, but you never know when we might be working together.” In the long run, Larry wants to be able to make a difference, and he knows that it may take many hands together to make that difference.
It has been our absolute pleasure to work for Larry, and look forward to the next challenge he has in store for all of us.
Debi, Jack, Chad, Kevin, Pam, Carolyn, Mike, Mary, Ashley, Jeb, Frank, and Camaran
Many of us like the idea of being larger than life, either helping a cause or winning over evil. If we had a minute to pay tribute to a particular hero, who would you choose? We asked our Ola ohana and had fun with some of the responses!
Click through the gallery and see who we chose. Who is your hero?
