Did I mention “rugged?” It is. With a Jekyl and Hyde attitude. Beautiful to behold during the day. Three notches above “rugged” at night with a “tough guy” reputation. Tread carefully.

Waianae ain’t Waikiki. Even Middle East Terrorists don’t go to Waianae at night.

This isn’t to say you won’t enjoy a visit to the Waianae Coast. You will. Remember that Oahu is made up of many neighborhoods, each with their own character and flavor. Waianae is a neighborhood and Oahu “the city” changes character and becomes Oahu “oops, we’re no longer in the city, ToTo.”

In fact, some think a trip to Waianae and the local neighborhoods is like a trip to the outer islands. It’s local, unspoiled by the city’s influence, laid-back, with little desire for pretense or sophistication.

Braving this side of Oahu will net you a few dividends, though.

First, the beaches here are better than any beaches anywhere else on the island. Better than Waikiki (the sand is trucked in from elsewhere). Better than the North Shore (too many rocks, too many surfers in the winter), better than the East Shore (too much wind).

Waianae beaches are pristine and unspoiled. Except for the occasional overturned, burned out car or pickup truck.

Shoreline in Waianae extends over six miles and will eventually get you to Kaena Point, the most western tip of Oahu. In winter, surf along this shore can be treacherous so caution should be exercised.

Do the same for staying after dark.

Makaha Beach is know for surf meets and shark bites. The most notable meet is the annual Buffalo’s Longboard Contest.

Yes Virginia, there is a difference between longboard and short board surfing. Generally speaking, longboard surfing is for older folks, the boards, are, well, long, wide, and slow moving through the water. Be careful if you’re in the area of longboarders. Waves in that area have the surfer’s names written in the wave.

Short boarders, on the other hand, tend to be younger and their style ischaracterized by the slashing back and forth across the face of a wave as opposed to the longboarders who simply “cruise” across the wave.

Which is better?

It’s religion.

Nearby is famous Makua Beach. Calm in summer, rugged in winter. Here you’ll find Dolphin Encounters as the playful animals frequent this area of the island and they love this beach.

Before reaching ultra rugged Kaena Point and the end of the world, is a long sliver of sand sans trees. This beach is known as Yokohama Bay. Decades ago, in the plantation era, many Japanese immigrant laborers fished here.

Surfing is OK at Yokohama Bay as long as you don’t get caught in a fishing net.

Waianae. Nanakuli. Makaha. Surfing. Sharks (a few; both off shore and on shore). And beaches.

Enjoy.

Get home before dark.

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