Kapolei vacation rentals

Put the yahoo into Oahu on a Kapolei vacation

Known as the Gathering Place, the volcanic island of Oahu is one of America's most popular vacation destinations. The main town on its southwestern quarter is Kapolei, a charming master-planned community and Oahu's second city. Get your Hawaiian adventure off to a great start by booking a well-placed Kapolei vacation rental within easy reach of the island's top beaches and family attractions. Cool off at Wet'n'Wild Hawaii water park, zipline through the rainforest at the Coral Crater Adventure Park, or embrace Hawaiian culture at Paradise Cove Luau. Meanwhile, the stunning, palm-lined sands of White Plains beach are a mere 10-minute drive away.

Let's get Wet and Wild in Hawaii

While the thrill of the Pacific Ocean is a big draw for surfers, some of us crave the thrills and spills only a water park can give. On the outskirts of Kapolei is Wet'n'Wild Hawaii, the only water park in the state. Set in 29-acres of tropical gardens, it promises 25 different rides, from relaxed lazy rivers and extreme speed slides, to surf simulators. If you're more into Hawaii's plantation history than hanging ten on a surfboard, then venture 7 miles east to Hawaii's Plantation Village which offers a fascinating insight into life on a 1900s sugar plantation.

Everybody's gone surfin', surfin' Kapolei

Boasting over 200 miles of palm-lined shores, Oahu vacations are all about the beach. Just ask any surfer. While the pro surfers flock to Waikiki Beach or the North Shore to catch the best breaks, there are dozens of great beaches on the Leeward Coast. White Plains is the closest beach to your Kapolei vacation rental, and usually less than 15 minutes' drive away. The white-sand beaches have all the facilities, including communal barbecues, picnic tables and showers, plus plenty of shade. It's a great beach for beginner and advanced surfers, and it also has a safe channel for swimmers.

Hawaii Five-0 - Kapolei has perfect year-round temperatures

Hawaii is blessed with year-round sun and balmy temperatures, usually around 80-84 degrees. Much of the Leeward Coast benefits from Hawaii's warm, breezy trade winds which brings a natural ventilation to Kapolei. Hurricane season runs from June through to November, when the threat of tropical storms and severe high winds is a little higher. The busiest time of year on Oahu is in the long summer months, from May to September. It's also a popular spot at Christmas, when the snowbirds descend, so for the best choice of Kapolei vacation rentals visit in spring or fall.

For old souls and seals, head to the Leeward Coast

The second largest city on Oahu, Kapolei lies due west of Honolulu towards the craggy Leeward Coast. From the Farrington Highway, hikers can choose from several rugged trails out to Kaena Point, a sacred spot and bird sanctuary on the western tip of Oahu. These 4-5 mile coastal hikes peak at Kaena Point, where legend says the souls of old Hawaiians would leap off into the spirit world. But you're more likely to see wild seals than old souls, in addition to dolphins and whales. There are no facilities along this stretch, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

How to get to and around Kapolei

The nearest airport is in Daniel K. Inouye Intl. Airport (HNL), located 8.8 mi (14.2 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Kapolei, HI (JRF-Kalaeloa), which is 1.8 mi (3 km) away.