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| The Kaneohe sandbar |
On the
Windward coast of Oahu, soon after leaving the city of Kaneohe and traveling North
off a sleepy, shore-hugging loop of Kamehameha Highway lies the beautiful,
rustic Heeia Kea Pier.
It is an old fishing pier that juts
into the aquamarine water. Even if you are not a fisherman or local the whole
landscape is very inviting, that you are bound to make a right turn to take a
break and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. Anchored here are also few dozen houseboats
and rusty-hulled fishing boats giving you the feel of Hawaiian countryside. As
you drive to the end of pier you come across a ramshackle bait-and-coffee shop
that has served the fishermen and surfer the basic diner grub.
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| The Heeia Kia Pier Deli |
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| The Heeia Kia Pier Deli |
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| A view of Ko'olau Mountains |
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| The food benches at the pier |
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| Ko'olau Mountains |
In earlier days, the General store and
Deli was run by Mark Noguchi, a native Hawaiian from Big Island. Cook and entrepreneur
he has worked with some of the Honolulu Top eating joints. At He’eia he serves the traditional
Hawaiian plate lunch using local staples, fresh fish and meat.
“Hawaii
has always been a melting pot of ethnicities, cultures, and cuisines, as much
as New York or Miami, if not more so,” Noguchi says. “Look at us: we are
fusion. Here it’s not just a concept or some fleeting trend—it’s a way of
life.”
The
deli serves one of the best Sweet potato fries, along with Garlic and skinny
fries and phenomenal cheeseburger. It is also famous for guava chicken, Kuahiwi
hamburger, fresh fish, ahi katsu, oio and luau stew.
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| A eating table inside the deli, with Photos of the Catch from the sea |
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| Lion coffee and skinny fries |
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| chartered boats to Kaneohe sandbar |
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| A beautiful, rustic chair at the pier |
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| A view from inside the deli |
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| The parking lot at the Deli |
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| Ko'olau mountains |
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| Coffee at the pier |
Mark
is also known to cook with many local overlooked ingredients such as such as
akulikuli (a.k.a. sea purslane), a tidal succulent that he harvests just down
the shore. He uses it to make a zesty salad with pickled limu seaweed, Hawaiian
chiles, and plump local tomatoes.
In
2012 , Mark Noguchi is left Heeia Pier General Store and Deli, and the place is
currently run by his business partner Russ Inouye. While he has kept the old
menu intact he has added some kids' menu, an expanded breakfast menu, and some
cheap and quick dishes for around $5.
There
are several picnic tables which offer a mystic, majestic view of Kaneohe bay
and cloud covered Koolau Mountain Range.
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| Picnic Table overlooking Kaneohe bay |
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| Tourists off to Kaneohe Sand Bar |
Just
15 minutes from the shores of Kaneohe Bay, surrounded by the Koolau Mountains
and its reef-protected waters, lies a slice of paradise not known to routine
flock of tourists in the Waikiki area. It is the largest saltwater sandbar in
the world, which becomes an island at low tide.
The
locals call it as "Ahua Laka," translated "Altar of Laka",
or "Sand Bank of Laka," as suggested in an Hawaiian chant. According to Hawaiian tales, the chief Laka
was born in Kipahulu, Maui but died here in Ahua-a-Laka, hence the place is
named after him.
The
sandbar is protected by an impressive barrier reef, leaving it in seclusion as
it shimmers and shines beneath the clear and calm, crystal waters. At high
tide, its depths can vary from one to three feet, making it the perfect spot
for snorkeling, swimming and simply relaxing the day away! Kids and beginner
swimmers especially can benefit from the shallowness of the sandbar, as it
creates a rare opportunity for them to jump in and splash around to their
heart's content, without having to worry about safety!
You
can also be greeted by friendly Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles swimming along the
surface and saying "Aloha!" in this breathtaking area!
One
visit to Kaneohe Bay and the sandbar, and you will easily understand why it has
been chosen as the location for numerous Hollywood movies including
"Gilligan's Island," "Pirates of the Caribbean,"
"Journey to the Center of the Earth," "50 First Dates,"
"Godzilla," and "Jurassic Park!"
The
view of Kaneohe Bay from the sandbar is nice. Being protected by the barrier
reef it remains calm throughout the year giving it the name - God’s country. Coconut Island, Kekepa Island and Chinaman's
Hat Island can also all be seen from this vantage point, as of course, can the
majestic Koolau Mountains.
The
sandbar is not approachable by land and the only way to explore these pristine
surroundings, is to take a kayak or charter a private boat.
You
can also take a catamaran ride from the Heeia Kea Pier. Many tour operators regularly
charter rides from this location. Here is a link to the top tour operators in
this area.
Directions
to the Heeia Kea Pier and Kaneohe sandbar
