Waialua Oahu: 5 Fun Facts You Need To Know

If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, Waialua might not be the first destination spot on your list. It’s out of the way and doesn’t have too many of Hawai’i’s icons. What it does have, however, is a rich history, cultural sites, a small town, and lots of folklore. 

As I’m writing the second book in my fairy tale retelling series (set in Hawaii, of course), I had to do some research on Waialua, where the book takes place. Why Waialua? I don’t remember why I specifically chose Waialua. Maybe it was simply meant to be. 🙂 I lived in Laie on the North Shore for a time, but the farthest west we went was to Haleiwa. So I enjoyed researching about what’s past Haleiwa and the tales and legends of the area beyond. 

Check out my first Hawaiian fairy tale retelling here: Lehua 

While doing research I thought it might be fun to share a little about the interesting things I discovered about Waialua and some of its folklore. 🙂 

The Name Waialua

Waialua is known for its lush kalo fields. Waialua means “two waters” in Hawaiian. In ancient Hawaii, Waialua was a moku, a district, and had eight ahupua’a within it. The origin of Waialua’s name is uncertain. Speculation says that it was named after a chief, Waia, who was disgraceful and not a good leader. Since “lua” means “two,” Waia was doubly disgraceful, and that’s why when people are called “waia” nowadays, it means disgraceful.

The other suggestion is that two rivers, Anahulu and Helemano-Poamoho-Kaukonahua, make their way into Kaiaka Bay.

Learn more about what sailors, poets, and historians have said about the landscape and beauty of Waialua here: Images of Old Hawaii

‘Olelo No’eau about Waialua

Waialua, ʻāina ku pālua i ka laʻi.

“Waialua, land that stands doubly beclaimed.”
Said in admiration for Waialua, Oʻahu where the weather was usually pleasant and the life of the people tranquil.

-Mary Kawena Pukui (2902)

Loko Ea Fishpond

This 400 year old fishpond has a rich folklore behind it: where an ancient mo’o used to live resides in Waialua.

If you want to learn more about Loko Ea and the malama project for it, check this out: Malama Loko Ea Foundation

Ka’ena Point 

Kaena, correctly spelled Ka’ena, is the “hot point.” It is a wahi pana, a legendary place. Nowadays you can park (you’ll need a permit, which you can get here) and hike to the point, but just be careful. From what I’ve read, t’s a hot, dry, rocky trail and the waves next to the cliffs can be unpredictable at times. 

The Hike to Ka’ena Point

One day, when my husband and I visit O’ahu, we’ll check out Ka’ena Point and I’ll be sure to add pictures. But, for now, let’s discuss some of the features along the trail: 

• Kaneana Cave – The cave got its name from the god Kane. However, another tale says that Kaneana Cave is the home to Nanaue, a man-eating shark. Nanaue’s father was a shape-shifting, and his mother a human. Nanaue would call out to passerbyers, telling them to be careful of the man-eating shark. Then he’d hide and transform himself into a half-shark man, where he’d grab the passerbyers and eat them in the cave. Eventually the people discovered his true identity and killed him.
  • Learn an ‘olelo no’eau about this man-eating shark here:

• Pōhuehue – beach morning glory flowers; these are lovely white flowers that you’ll see all along the hike
• Wai’anae Volcano at Ka’ena Point – Did you know there is a volcano at Waialua? It’s actually called the Waianae Range . It’s not active anymore but provides a beautiful backdrop on the Kaena Point trail.
• Ua’u Kane – Along the way you’ll pass a wedge-tailed shearwater bird sanctuary. Please malama the animals by staying on marked paths. Steering off the path can harm the birds and their nesting grounds.
• Ka’ena was a hard place to live. It literally means “hot place.” Sunlight, wind, drought, and sandy ground make this place somewhat uncomfortable. However,
• Leina a ka ‘uhana – The “jumping place of spirits” is where people would leap into the next life. This is a huge reason why Waialua is a legendary place.

For more info, check out this website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/kaena-point-state-park/ 

Wailua, Oahu Nowadays

Waialua is home to a popular bakery, Paala Kai, which serves Filipino and Portuguese treats, of course, with a Hawaiian twist. 

Aweoweo Beach Park seems to be a popular and recommended beach. Based on the pictures, it sure is beautiful—clear, calm waters, not a lot of people (unlike Waikiki!), and occasional sea turtles resting on the shores. 

In the month of November, DuPont Pioneer Sunflowers showcases it’s lovely, vibrant sunflowers. 

Just outside Waialua, in Mokuleia, is Dillingham Air Field, not open to the public. However, there are a few skydiving businesses in the same area. Kealia Trail is a scenic trail that starts outside the base and overlooks the mountain and ocean. It had some great ratings on Google. 

My Book (that takes place in Waialua, Oahu)

I learned a lot about Waialua. I hope that the next time my husband and I visit Oahu we can visit. And, of course, I’ll update this article with more pictures and content when I see it myself! Thanks for learning about Waialua with me, and be on the lookout for my next book. Sign up for my newsletter or check out my instagram @ladyleialoha to know when the book comes out! 🙂 

Have you visited Waialua? 

Are you from Waialua? What are some stories you remember about it? What are your favorite places within Waialua? Let us know in the comments! 🙂 

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