Whenever we have relatives in town, we always go to Kualoa ranch for our ultimate bonding activity, a two-hour ATV ride exploring the valleys! In the following photos, you will see a different side of Oahu, Hawaii. No bikini-clad tourists and white sandy beach but majestic mountain and rich terrain, the site of many famous TV shows and Hollywood films i.e Hawaii Five-0, Lost, Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, 50 First Dates, among others.
I was fighting a cold when we went to Kualoa last weekend but you know I can’t miss the fun! Believe it or not, the cool breeze and panoramic view helped me feel better somehow.
Kualoa is also home to several WWII bunkers, one of which was converted into a demi-showroom of select Hollywood films’ props and whatnots.
Across the bunker is a sight to behold, the Pacific ocean no less.
There are other touristy-activities you can do inside the 4,000-acre Kualoa ranch, horseback-riding, zip lining, catamaran boat tour, etc; we have done most of them in the past but I will never get tired of ATV. It’s the adrenaline rush, rocky terrain, and close encounter with farm animals. You can tell I love the countryside!
After a morning of dirt and sweat, we proceeded to Byodo-In Temple. It was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th year of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Located at the base of the Ko’olau mountains, this place is so serene. It’s a perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of daily grind. I can live here forever.
’til our next Around Hawaii segment….
Wow, this is really cool! I love traveling and you just took me on an awesome tour 🙂 Now I have to see all of these in person!
You'll love it more in person for sure! xo
wow! Such beauty! and the scenary is gorgeous too 😉
How gorgeous! YOU and the scenery!! <3 I must visit Hawaii one day – it's on my list of places to visit! <3
Many thanks! Come visit the islands.
Everything just looks so beautiful! I can't wait to visit some day!
Yep, visit the paradise Brooke!
What a gorgeous post, Kath! What a wonderful way to entertain guests and bring them to the non-touristy parts of Oahu!
Thanks twinsy, I don't like the typical Waikiki tourist crowd. There are so many things people can do in HI besides sunbathing 🙂
I am so dying to go to Hawaii. Your post reinforced that wish. What a piece of heaven!
You'll love it here and maybe decide to move 🙂
omg this is the coolest thing ever! I want to go so bad!
Amazing! I would love to spend a day with you around Hawaii!
I'll be your happy hostess 🙂
What a beautiful ride you had. The temple is so peaceful that I'd love to hop into the pictures.
Thank you for showing us around Hawaii! The sites look so idyllic.
Some day, I hope to make it to Hawaii! You're so lucky to live there!
Thanks! I'd love to see you when you fly to HI
So jealous! No snow and that scenery… I'm moving 😀
Move asap 🙂
What a beautiful day! I would love to visit each place for sure. I've been to HI once, but didn't make it to the Temple. The four wheeling looks like so much fun!
twas really fun, I can do it any day any time…
How awesome! I love all the photos!
This sounds like so much fun! I am long overdue for another trip to Hawaii.
HI is calling Jamie right now
These photos are so beautiful and make me super envious of your weather right now 🙂 You're totally ok if I come stay with you forever, right?!
Come fly to HI!
Kathryne, I just got homesick viewing this post. Haha. You're so beautiful and I cannot wait to visit soon. I'd love to meet you next time I'm in Oahu. 🙂
Hit me up when you visit Oahu. xox
Gorgeous thanks for sharing!