Things to do in Wahiawa

Located in the “central valley” between two mountain ranges, Wai'anae Mountain and Mount Kaʻala (the highest peak on Oahu) is Wahiawa. Wahiawa is often called the piko (belly button) of Oahu, but "Downtown" Wahiawa is not really considered a tourist destination as agricultural fields and military bases surround it. Wahiawa is also surrounded by Lake Wilson, the second largest reservoir in Hawaii, and is used to irrigate agricultural fields including the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

However, there are lots of fun activities and things to do in Wahiawa. It’s 20 miles north of downtown Honolulu, but the central valley is worth the trip if you want to explore cool, hidden parts of Oahu, or if you’re headed to the North Shore.

Valley of the Temples Memorial Park

The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is an authentic slice of Japan, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The centerpiece of the park is the 1960’s replica of the Byodo-In Temple, a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan. The ornate temple is open to people of all faiths and the temple ground is also used for wedding ceremonies and more. The Byodo-In Temple is also a stop on IMI’s Circle Island Tour

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Learn more about the history of growing pineapples on Oahu at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Enjoy the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, the world's largest plant maze, and visit the country store for a Dole Whip. The Dole Pineapple Plantation is also one of the stops on Circle Island Tour.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden

Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a 27-acre forest featuring many native and naturalized Hawaiian plants. The local sugarcane farmers started the garden 80 years ago as an experiment. The Wahiawa Botanical Garden offers a stunning mix of the manicured plants and wild, tropical ferns and forests of bamboo. Several paths are also wheelchair friendly.