Accessibility while sightseeing

I started researching some of the Activities on island yesterday.  The beautiful drive around the west side of Oahu.  From Kailua, thru Waimanola, around the coast into Hawaii Kai.  I have driven this route so many times... as a means to get to town, showing out of town friends the sights and just to enjoy the view myself.  This time, I paid special attention to the layout and what it has to offer everyone.  

In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised.  Ok - Hawaii roads are a mess - and that means the parking lots are not going to be much better.  So - with all of that aside, I focused on the location itself.  The stops I made were Makapu'u Lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, Lanai Lookout and China Walls.  I tried to stop at Hanauma Bay - but guess what - they are  closed on Tuesdays.  ha ha ha  Foiled again!  I will get there in a few days.  We also finished the day stopping at the Pali Lookout on the way back to Kailua.  

The drive - if you are able to rent a vehicle, join a tour or charter transportation, you will enjoy an amazing drive along this route.  The views are spectacular on both sides of the road.  The sharp peaks and green cliffs are as impressive as the blue waters and black rocks.  So be sure to have your eyes open the entire way.

Makapu'u Lookout:  This is the actual lookout point, not the parking area for the Lighthouse path.  The lookout has a parking lot and a large slowly inclining ramp up to the observation area.  This is actually very well paved and user friendly.  There is a 3 step down, lower lookout area - which does not have a ramp, but honestly - the higher view is stunning.  There is a bar barrier on top of the wall (which almost stops knuckleheads from climbing where they shouldn't), but visibility over and under that bar still gives a great view.  It is generally pretty windy up there, so hold on to your hats.  And during migration season, you can see whales out in the distance.  ​

Halona Blowhole Lookout:  Another surprisingly friendly spot.  The biggest challenge with this location is not getting down to the observation area, but the high fence.  You can see guests standing on the ledge of the fence to look over.  With it being so open, you can still get a great view (if the conditions are right), of the water spouting out.  My favorite part is actually the oohs and ahhhs of visitors when it does spout!  If you follow the sidewalk to the far right, you can over look the famous Eternity Beach - made famous in the movie "From Here to Eternity".  Again, seeing over the natural rocks cliffs you are standing on that jut out might make some visibility a bit blocked.  

Lanai Lookout:  This is just a quick pullover.  If you need some fresh air or just want to stop moving, stop here.  Or if you like looking at black rocks.  It is a beautiful view of the water in the distance the coastline you are driving, but there is not much else there.  (I didn't even take a pictures, lol)

China Walls:  This is a definite no go.  It is even a challenge if you are able bodied.  It is only street parking, then the paver lined path down the grassy park.  You have to climb down uneven rocks to get to more flat yet uneven rocks to see anything.  If you would like to see this view, I recommend just driving down to the end of the cul de sac and taking a look from the car.  You can also drive down into Hawaii Kai and stop at one of the beach parks to see Diamond Head crater from this side.  

Pali Lookout:  The Pali Lookout is at the top of the Pali Highway on your way into or out of the Windward side.  It is accessible from both directions and is a tour bus favorite.  The view is spectacular - and so is the wind!  The entire walk way and observation areas are well paved and easy to get to.  The views are all around you.  Again - it is almost always windy and cold, so be prepared and hold on to your hats, and parking is $3 for non-residents.  And don't forget the local chickens who inhabit the area.