March 5, 5024 - Mokuleia

Aloha, Friend!

The first two months of 2024 are done, finished, complete. Here’s to March! I hope you are all having a fantastic week. Thank you for being here.

This week, we continue exploring the North Shore of Oahu and are looking at the coastal town of Mokuleia. Here are the highlights:

  • Design in the Islands: Mokuleia Beach Park…Windsurfing, Spearing, Snorkeling, and Humpback Whales

  • Vibrant Lifestyle: Kaena Point Trail

  • Oahu Neighborhoods: Polo Fields

  • Real Estate in Honolulu: What’s Happening in Mokuleia?

Design in the Islands: Mokuleia Beach Park…Windsurfing, Spearing, Snorkeling, and Humpback Whales

Mokule'ia Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore is an excellent destination for windsurfing enthusiasts. Unlike other crowded beaches, it offers a serene environment with a stunning white sand beach and a shallow reef ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. During winter, the beach is a hub of kite and windsurfing activities, but it's essential to be cautious of strong swells and rip currents that can sweep an individual out to sea. It is strongly advised to avoid swimming in the water if you lack experience and to keep a close eye on the ocean conditions. You can relax on the soft white sand or under the beach's beautiful trees.

January through March is the peak of the whale-watching season. While the best locations to see whales from shore are on the South Shore of Oahu, you also see these beautiful, magnificent mammals on the North Shore. Each year, these migratory creatures travel 3,000 miles from Alaska into our Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth, then travel back to cooler waters so their calves can feed and grow.

Be responsible when viewing these majestic creatures. Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards, whether observing from the sea or land. This distance helps prevent disturbances to the whales' natural behaviors and reduces the risk of accidents or harm to both the whales and the observers.

For more information about these beautiful creatures, click here.

Vibrant Lifestyles: Life on the Coast!

Explore the trail to Ka'ena Point, a hidden gem in O'ahu's western point that will take you through breathtaking landscapes. Follow the old railroad bed and former dirt road to reach Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve, a protected area that harbors some of the island's last remaining coastal dune habitat.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of this secluded area, home to native plants and seabirds, and catch a glimpse of whales along the shoreline during the winter months. Be prepared for the hot and sunny weather, and don't forget to carry a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your trek.

Depending on your pace, the trail may take 1 to 3 hours to complete, but the experience is well worth it. However, it is essential to note that the wave-exposed coast can be hazardous, and it's best to avoid it if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Explore Ka'ena Point and create unforgettable memories in this stunning natural wonderland.

Two napping Hawaiian Monk seals. Visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal for more information on one of the most endangered seal species in the world.

At the end of the Kaena Point Trail….Beautiful views of Makaha on the west coast of Oahu.

Oahu Neighborhoods: Polo Sunday!

Come and experience the thrill of polo at the Hawaii Polo Club in Mokuleia. While the 2024 season has yet to begin, matches are on Sunday afternoons. Gates open at 11:30 and close at 8 pm; matches are at 2:30 and 3:30, with music at 5 pm. Watch as expert riders and their horses race across the field, hitting the ball with precision and grace. You'll be on the edge of your seat as the teams battle it out, with the lead changing hands and the tension mounting.

But it's not just about the game but also the atmosphere. The lush greenery surrounding the field and the Pacific Ocean beyond provides a stunning backdrop, while the cheers of the spectators create an electric energy that's hard to resist.

If you're feeling adventurous, take a leisurely ride along the beach on horseback, reveling in the cool ocean breeze and stunning scenery. And as the sun sets at Mokuleia, you'll be left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Real Estate in Honolulu: What’s happening in Mokuleia?

Mokuleia is a beach community with many properties facing the Pacific Ocean. Much of the North Shore is part of the Special Management Area (SMA), a State law determined as an area of land close to the shoreline. SMA is part of the Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM), which aims

“to provide for the effective management, beneficial use, protection, and development of the coastal zone.”

Source: https://planning.hawaii.gov/czm/special-management-area-permits

Properties within the SMA may require an SMA permit and a building permit before construction begins. The process can be long, tedious, and costly, but knowing the State CZM policy is to “protect the natural resources of the coastal zone” is comforting. It’s what helps to keep Hawaii, Hawaii!

“to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone of Hawai‘i. Pursuant to HRS § 205A-5, all state and county agencies shall enforce the CZM objectives and policies defined in HRS § 205A-2.”

Source: https://planning.hawaii.gov/czm

That’s all for this week’s highlights. Check our website for more design, lifestyle, and real estate tips.

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