6 Parks and Forests close to Oahu Luxury Resorts

Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the third largest and the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands. As the island is blessed with natural treasures, visitors staying in Oahu luxury resorts can explore Oahu's state parks and forests. Pack your hiking boots and bring your camera to document the wonders of these parks and forests close to Oahu resorts.

Ahupuaa 'O Kahana State Park

Located approximately 26 miles from Honolulu, Ahupuaa 'O Kahana State Park can be found just off Kamehameha Highway on the windward side of the island, between Kaneohe and Laie. Spanning 5,230 acres, the park features a beach area known for swimming and bodysurfing and hiking trails through a scenic valley. In the park, visitors can also go camping, picnicking in a coconut grove, pig hunting in a hunting area and fruit picking in a vegetated forest.

Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park

Located approximately 10 miles east of Waikīkī, the 100-acre Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park is one of the most famous snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the whole of Hawaii. Hanauma Bay is a deep cove with calm, shallow waters and a white sand beach spanning 2,000 feet. The park also features hiking trails that are somewhat steep. Other facilities include a pavilion with nature exhibits, a shop, a theater, toilets, showers and picnic areas.

Heeia State Park

Located near the town of Kaneohe and Kaneohe Bay on the island's eastern windward coast, Heeia State Park is a 18.5-acre park which features a marvelous vista of the bay, the Koolau Mountains and the Heeia Fishpond. The park also features the Haiku Stairs Hiking Trail and the nearby Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor, which has 3 launching ramps, 54 moorings, 21 boat slips, a fish hoist, showers and restrooms.

Kaena Point State Park

Located at the end of Farrington Highway on the island's far western tip, Kaena Point State Park features 780 acres with views of the Makua coastline, natural stone arches, tide pools and a hiking trail. Keawaula Bay's vast sandy beaches attract bodysurfers and swimmers during the summertime when the waters are calm. In the park, visitors can see porpoises near the mouth of Kaluakauila stream and view Kaneana, a sea cave known for being the home of Nanue the shark man.

Sacred Falls State Park

Located approximately a mile south of Hau'ula Town, Sacred Falls State Park is named after the 80-foot waterfall within the park. Spanning 1,370 acres, the park has been closed to the public since the tragic incident of May 1999. Eight people were killed and 50 others were injured when a landslide took place on the narrow canyon where Sacred Falls is located.

Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Encompassing approximately 4,525 acres, the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge is located on the upper slopes of the northern Koʻolau Range. The refuge is home to 15 endangered plant species; at least 4 species of endangered pūpū kani oe (O'ahu tree snails); and endemic birds such as native honeycreepers, pueo, 'i'iwi and Oahu 'elepaio.

Revel in Oahu's natural beauty. By searching at Vamoose.com for the most ideal of luxury resorts, your dream vacation in one of America's most splendid destinations is within reach.