O‘ahu
The Gathering Place
O‘ahu
The Gathering Place
NORTH SHORE ECOTOURS
Mud, mana, and meaning
There are a million ways to rip around Oʻahu’s North Shore. From surfboards and scooters to soft-top Jeeps with the doors off and Bluetooth speakers blasting reggae. But none of them come close to what Keola Ryan is doing. He’s not just offering an ATV tour, he’s offering a portal.
Keola is the founder of North Shore EcoTours, and while he may hand you a helmet and lead you onto a rugged four-wheeler, don’t be fooled. What he’s really guiding is a deeper journey, one into the wild soul of Hawaiʻi.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill mud-slinging thrill ride. It’s a rolling classroom built on ʻike kupuna, ancestral knowledge, and it might just shake the sand out of your soul.
We meet at a dusty trailhead in Waimea Valley, where the jagged peaks of the Koʻolau Mountains lean in like they’re eavesdropping. Keola greets our small group barefoot, as if to let the land know he’s home. He smiles with the kind of calm that only comes from someone who knows exactly where they belong.
EXPLORE O‘AHU
EXPLORE O‘AHU
“Before we ride,” he says, “we gotta ask permission.” We form a circle. He chants. The mountains echo. It's not performance, it’s protocol. In Hawaiian culture, the land is alive. It has a name, a genealogy, and a temperament. You don’t just trample into it. You introduce yourself. You show respect.
Then we mount our ATVs, engines growling like wild dogs straining at the leash, and rumble into the dense, dripping green. The trail cuts through bamboo forests, guava thickets, and ancient lava fields, climbing steadily until the coastline below becomes a shimmering postcard.
Every stop is a story. Keola pulls us over beneath a lone kukui tree and explains how its oil once lit Hawaiian homes. We learn that this isn’t just a ride through scenery — it’s a journey through an archive of living memory. The ahupuaʻa (land division) we traverse once fed entire communities, with water flowing from the mountain to the sea like a circulatory system. Fishponds, taro terraces, medicinal plants, they’re still here, if you know how to look; Keola does.
He shares the moʻolelo (legends) of Kamapuaʻa, the pig-god who romanced Pele, and of fierce warriors whose bones now sleep beneath the earth. This isn't myth-spinning for tourists, though. It’s about kuleana, responsibility. About seeing Hawaiʻi not as a playground, but as a host with roots deeper than any resort pool.
Yes, the ride is wild. We splash through riverbeds, fishtail around muddy bends, and climb ridgelines so steep they steal your breath. But the adrenaline is secondary. What lingers is the sense of connection, like the land has whispered its secrets to you, and you’re expected to carry them with care.
Back at the base, we’re caked in dirt, grinning like kids, and somehow humbled. Keola gathers us for a closing chant, thanking the land for its generosity. “This ain’t Disneyland,” he says with a wink.
“This is Hawaiʻi. And when you’re here, you’ve got a job to do. Listen, learn, and leave it better.”
North Shore EcoTours doesn’t do mass tourism. Group sizes are small. Guides are born and raised. And every tour funds cultural preservation and land stewardship efforts, ensuring that what you experience today doesn’t vanish tomorrow.
If you ever find yourself on the North Shore, chasing a thrill, do it right. Let Keola hand you the keys not just to an ATV, but to a worldview. Because real adventure doesn’t just get your heart racing, it gets your mind right. And the dirtiest ride you’ll take might just leave your spirit the cleanest it’s ever been.
HAWAIIAN OCEAN ADVENTURES
Voyaging the old way
If you’re going to touch the soul of Hawaiʻi, do it with salt in your hair and an outrigger underfoot. That’s what I tell myself as I duck under the woven sail of a hand-carved canoe and plant my bare feet on the smooth wood.
We push off the sands of Ko Olina, Oʻahu’s sun-splashed leeward coast, where high-rises give way to horizon. No engine. No compass. Just wind, water, and Nakoa Prejean, the closest person to a time traveller I’ve ever met.
Nakoa isn’t a boatman; well, he is, but he’s also a cultural revivalist, a canoe whisperer, a human bridge between ancient stories and the digital now. His company, Hawaiian Ocean Adventures, offers sailing, as well as a glimpse into the lifeblood of Hawaiian heritage.
And today, I’ve got the golden ticket.
The canoe itself is a stunner. Handmade from koa and ohia woods, its hulls are lashed with traditional cordage, and its outrigger sweeps like a crescent moon across the sea. Nakoa built it himself, using techniques passed down over centuries, tools fashioned from bone and stone. It floats and it sings. Every creak is a chorus, every rope a verse in a long, salt-air poem.
“This is how our ancestors found Hawaiʻi,” Nakoa says, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
“Thousands of miles. No maps. Just stars, birds, swells, and guts.”
As we slice through the water, Nakoa tells the story of how his family helped found the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association in the 1980s, a grassroots effort to breathe life back into the lost art of Polynesian navigation. His own voyages have taken him aboard legendary canoes like Hōkūleʻa and Hawaiʻiloa, retracing ancient trade routes across the Pacific. Today, though, he’s guiding a motley crew of tourists and travellers into the past.
But we’re not on a cruise, we’re in a story. Spinner dolphins leap off the bow like punctuation marks. Sea turtles drift beneath us like green ghosts. Nakoa lets me steer for a while, and suddenly the sea feels less like a backdrop and more like a living being: moody, breathing, and very much alive.
“This canoe isn’t just a boat,” he tells me as he adjusts the sail. “It’s a classroom, a church, a vessel for knowledge.” That ethos runs deep in everything he does.
Hawaiian Ocean Adventures hosts free sailing clinics for local kids, teaches traditional paddle techniques, and even offers nighttime SUP (stand-up paddleboard) trips under the stars.
It’s not just a business. It’s a mission.
This is an authentic taste of Hawaiʻi at its salty best. Hop aboard and let the wind write your itinerary. Let the waves do the talking. And sail the old way, because sometimes, the best way forward is straight into the past.
Explore O‘ahu
CULTURE
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana
ʻAuana is Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever resident show in Hawaiʻi, blending world-class acrobatics with the spirit of Hawaiian storytelling.
Opening December 17, 2024, at the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, the show features stunning acts like aerial hoops, roller skating, and the Wheel of Life — each inspired by local myths and legends. Directed by Neil Dorward, ʻAuana weaves traditional hula, multimedia projections, and breathtaking performances into an immersive celebration of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
ADVENTURE
Faith Surf School
Faith Surf School brings the joy of surfing to life right on the sands of Waikīkī Beach.
Founded by pro surfer Tony Moniz and run by a family of wave-loving locals, this school offers lessons for all ages and skill levels with plenty of patience, aloha spirit, and good vibes. Whether it’s your first time standing on a board or you’re chasing cleaner turns, they’ll have you riding waves and smiling big.
EAT & DRINK
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is where island comfort meets real-deal tradition.
Since way back, they’ve been dishing out classic Hawaiian favourites packed with bold flavours and heart. Think tender kalua pork, smoky short ribs, and sides that feel like a warm aloha hug.
This simple yet classic eatery is a feast for the senses and the soul; a place in Honolulu where authentic Hawaiian cooking brings people together, one bite at a time.
ADVENTURE
Faith Surf School
Faith Surf School brings the joy of surfing to life right on the sands of Waikīkī Beach.
Founded by pro surfer Tony Moniz and run by a family of wave-loving locals, this school offers lessons for all ages and skill levels with plenty of patience, aloha spirit, and good vibes. Whether it’s your first time standing on a board or you’re chasing cleaner turns, they’ll have you riding waves and smiling big.
EAT & DRINK
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is where island comfort meets real-deal tradition.
Since way back, they’ve been dishing out classic Hawaiian favourites packed with bold flavours and heart. Think tender kalua pork, smoky short ribs, and sides that feel like a warm aloha hug.
This simple yet classic eatery is a feast for the senses and the soul; a place in Honolulu where authentic Hawaiian cooking brings people together, one bite at a time.
CULTURE
‘Iolani Palace
If you want to delve a little deeper into Hawai‘i's national identity, then the ‘Iolani Palace is the perfect place to do it.
Walk around this National Historic Landmark on your own or join one of many tours that'll give you an insight into the legacy, fashion and everyday life of the Hawaiian royal family in the 1800s.
It's easy to spend a day here, wandering the halls of the meticulously restored Palace or strolling through the manicured grounds, only stopping to admire the gardens fit for a King and Queen (literally).
CULTURE
Na Lei Aloha
Get ready for a luau like no other at the Hyatt Regency with Na Lei Aloha; 100% Hawaiian, with zero fire-knife distractions.
Run by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this show focuses on authentic music, dance, and the true aloha spirit. Set on a Waikiki rooftop, it’s an intimate experience with just three rows of seats—no bad views and plenty of lei vibes.
And you get food! Feast on prime rib, crab legs, sushi, and more while supporting a cause that keeps Hawaiian culture alive and kicking. Now that’s a party with purpose.
CULTURE
Kamoauli
Step off the tourist trail and onto Kamoauli, a traditional double-hulled canoe sailing the southern shores of O‘ahu.
More than just a sunset sail, these tours are a deep dive into Hawaiian tradition; taro pounding, sea chants, and homegrown flavours infused with ancestral knowledge. Led by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, every journey aboard Kamoauli is a living classroom, connecting you to the land, sea, and spirit of Hawaii. Come curious, leave changed …and maybe a little sun-kissed.
CULTURE
Make a Lei
Meleana Estes' lei-making experiences are a joyful, hands-on way to connect with Hawaiian culture, creativity, and community.
Guided by Meleana Estes (designer, author, and lei-maker extraordinaire), you’ll learn the art and meaning behind each bloom, while creating your own stunning floral masterpiece. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Meleana's workshops are filled with beauty, storytelling, and aloha. This is a soulful experience rooted in tradition, made to be shared and remembered.
CULTURE
Mālama Experience
At Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve, the Mālama Experience lets you trade tourist time for something more meaningful.
This hands-on, heart-filling adventure connects you with Hawaiian culture and sustainability through activities like native planting and fishpond restoration. This isn’t your average tour; it’s a chance to leave a positive mark on this sacred place. Come ready to get your hands dirty, learn something new, and walk away with a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi and its people.
CULTURE
Make a Lei
Meleana Estes' lei-making experiences are a joyful, hands-on way to connect with Hawaiian culture, creativity, and community.
Guided by Meleana Estes (designer, author, and lei-maker extraordinaire), you’ll learn the art and meaning behind each bloom, while creating your own stunning floral masterpiece. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Meleana's workshops are filled with beauty, storytelling, and aloha. This is a soulful experience rooted in tradition, made to be shared and remembered.
CULTURE
Mālama Experience
At Kualoa Ranch, the Mālama Experience lets you trade tourist time for something more meaningful.
This hands-on, heart-filling adventure connects you with Hawaiian culture and sustainability through activities like native planting and fishpond restoration. This isn’t your average tour; it’s a chance to leave a positive mark on this sacred place. Come ready to get your hands dirty, learn something new, and walk away with a deeper connection to Hawaii and its people.
EAT & DRINK
Purvé Donut Shop
Purvé Donut Shop might just be Honolulu’s sweetest secret.
Since 2018, this quirky shop has been crafting made-to-order cake donuts that are as fun as they are delicious. From the “Unicorn Butt Sneeze” to the “Na-Na-Nut Buster,” each donut is a playful nod to nostalgia and local flavours.
And the best part is you get to watch your donut go from batter to bliss right before your eyes. A stop at Purvé is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth and a sense of culinary adventure.
NATURE
Stargazers of Hawaiʻi
Stargazers of Hawaiʻi invites you to explore the cosmos under the enchanting Hawaiian sky.
Led by passionate local astronomers, their stargazing sessions blend celestial wonders with Hawaiian mythology and navigation traditions. Whether you're gazing at Saturn's rings or learning about ancient wayfinding, it's a magical journey that connects you to the heavens and the rich heritage of Hawaiʻi.
EAT & DRINK
Waiahole Poi Factory
Waiahole Poi Factory serves up genuine Hawaiian dishes made with heart.
After making poi — a traditional taro-based staple — for nearly 70 years, the factory was reinvented as an art gallery in the 1970s. Then, in 2009, the family brought it back to its roots, turning it into a full-time restaurant that celebrates Hawaiian food traditions.
Today, locals and visitors alike enjoy hand-pounded poi, laulau, kalua pig and the famous “Sweet Lady of Waiahole” dessert — a true taste of the islands.
NATURE
Waimea Valley
Nestled on Oʻahu’s North Shore lies Waimea Valley, a lush, sacred valley that stretches from the Ko‘olau Mountains to the sea.
Once home to Hawaiian royalty, it’s now a living museum where culture and nature thrive. Visitors can stroll through botanical gardens, explore ancient Hawaiian sites, like the Kauhale village, and swim beneath the 45-foot Waimea Falls. Guided tours, including the Kipahele Tour, offer deeper insights into the valley’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Whether you're a history buff or nature lover, Waimea Valley is a must-see destination.
EAT & DRINK
Waiahole Poi Factory
Waiahole Poi Factory serves up genuine Hawaiian dishes made with heart.
After making poi — a traditional taro-based staple — for nearly 70 years, the factory was reinvented as an art gallery in the 1970s. Then, in 2009, the family brought it back to its roots, turning it into a full-time restaurant that celebrates Hawaiian food traditions.
Today, locals and visitors alike enjoy hand-pounded poi, laulau, kalua pig and the famous “Sweet Lady of Waiahole” dessert — a true taste of the islands.
NATURE
Waimea Valley
Nestled on Oʻahu’s North Shore lies Waimea Valley, a lush, sacred valley that stretches from the Ko‘olau Mountains to the sea.
Once home to Hawaiian royalty, it’s now a living museum where culture and nature thrive. Visitors can stroll through botanical gardens, explore ancient Hawaiian sites, like the Kauhale village, and swim beneath the 45-foot Waimea Falls. Guided tours, including the Kipahele Tour, offer deeper insights into the valley’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Whether you're a history buff or nature lover, Waimea Valley is a must-see destination.
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