Breathtaking! The Ko'olau Mountain Range is not a "normal" mountain range. The western half that is seen is what is left of the Ko'olau Volcano that was destroyed in Prehistoric times. What happened was the eastern half and much of the summit caldera (feature formed during volcanic activity) slid into the Pacific Ocean.
These fragments were cast 100 miles over the northeast part of the ocean floor. History says the eruption first took place on the ocean floor 2.5 million years ago. It kept growing in elevation (which you see here to the left) and currently stands over 3,000 feet above sea level. Scientists believe that this dormant volcano will one day come to life again.
The map below shows the monstrosity of the Ko'olau Mountains (to the right and all in green) which is the length of our island of Oahu from southern (Honolulu) to northern (North Shore) ends. If you are planning on Relocating to Hawaii this article will give you a little more lore and information regarding our island of Oahu.
We traveled over the H-3 Freeway to get to the windward side of the island (which is basically from central Oahu west of the Koolau's to the east side of Oahu) where Kaneohe and Kailua towns are located. From there we went all along the coast to the North Shore and back to Central Oahu.
After going through Kaneohe town we headed north through and went through the following towns:
- Waimanalo- Country area, plenty of agricultural land and I love to go out there to the orchid farms where you can pick up variety at low cost.
- Kaawa- Macadamia Nut Farm, Koolau Ranch
- Punaluu- Beautiful beaches, waterfront properties and the Crouching Lion restaurant
- Hauula- Country, coastal properties
- Laie- Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU University, Laie Point fishing
- Kahuku- Sugar Mill, Shrimp Farms, Farmland
- Sunset Beach- North Shore Famous Surfing Spot, beaches, coastal and mountain properties.
- Waimea Bay- Beautiful bay, swimming, Autubon society in Waimea Valley
- Haleiwa- Old historic town, quaint shops and beaches
We traveled only 3/4 of the way along the Koolau Mountain Range to the left of us and the ocean to the right. No matter how many times we make this beautiful drive every single time it proves to have such scenic views to behold each and every time. (click the button for the show twice...it has a kink sometimes :)
More articles on Oahu for Hawaii Relocations (or even visitors!) can be found here:
Waimea Valley: History Uncovered, Preserved and Protected
Honolulu County Relocations: A Look into Laie, Hawaii
Relocating to Oahu, Hawaii? A Glimpse into Old Town Wahiawa
Historic Haleiwa Town: North Shore-Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii Coastal Land: *Ponder Before Purchasing*
Purchasing Hawaii Vacant Land? Ancient Hawaiian Burial Sites and Laws
For more information on Hawaii Relocations please contact Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman @ (808) 375-1404
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007©
*All pictures and content property of Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Julie: Thanks so much. I am hoping that's what I'm getting across (plus I love doing these!....so beautiful huh?)
Monika: Give me a call when you get here again!
Randy: Well. We ain't young no more! haha. I hiked from Tantalus all the way to this side overlooking Kaneohe Bay side.
Mana: That's right...and you'll be all prepared with what you want to do when you get here!
Sally,
What an awesome show, the pictures arw breathtaking. Thanks for giving me a little piece of Hawaii today! :)
Suzanne: My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed...it's a peaceful show!
Mathew: You think? Glad you enjoyed!
Carole: Good! And you WILL call when you get here right?
Kathy: You'll see it from Waikiki (at least the southern end to midway down) I do a nice show, huh?
Dan: Oh, good! Glad you enjoyed!
Ricki: Oh, yes I am. When I was married to an AF guy we moved away...when I came back in 86 I realized how much I used to take our beauty forgranted. ...and how much I missed home. I haven't left except for a brief visit to my brother in Sacramento in 97.
Brian: Oh, shucks. I was hoping to get to meet you as well. One day you and your wife will make it her and just be certain...you'll be prepared with a bunch of info!
George: The part that would come alive is under the ocean floor...the Koolau Mountains are what's left of the west side of the volcano....and the east side is all over the ocean floor.
Cyndee: Great! And to think...you even have some info to give them and let them see RES shows! Thanks a lot Cyndee!
Thesa: Ahhhh.....is all I can say.
Roberta: My husband is from PA...he came in 97 and never left.....I think he was thinking about the plane ride..hehe.
Sally,
You always do such a beautiful job showcasing your beautiful island. Thank you for the photos and tutorial. Marlene and I will be there the end of Jan. for the CRS Sell-a-bration.
Beautiful slideshow and history of the mountain range, Sally. It's amazing how powerful a volcano is and how land forms above it that eventually becomes covered in trees.....hard to imagine it as a sleeping giant.
Jo
What gorgeous, breathtaking photos you share with us, thank you. I feel like I just took a tour of Koolau Mountain area.
Linda: Woohoo! I will be looking forward to meeting you two!
Jo: Ah.....who knows. Our island is covered with many more dead ones as well....Diamond Head and Punchbowl being two of them.
Midori: Ha! Those MaiTai's are pretty strong i hear.
Cynthia: You're welcome! Thanks for walking through it with me!
Margaret: Sure is...see you soon!
Barbara Jo/Bill: And maybe one day you will!
Pamela: Yes I am thanks. Hope one day you do...it'll be an enjoyable experiece.
Woo Hoo Sally...
You have to be one of the only member's who garner this many comments on a local post.
Good for you :)
TLW...ROAR!
Katerina: Okay....come visit and we both will open a real estate tour....how's that?
Roberta: He sure did...but hey...he scored me!
This blog may bring back my dream of going to Hawaii that Bryant took away from me thanks to Bertha. Amazing to think how long it took to build that mountain range and how it was formed.