It's only 25 miles from Waikikii to Oahu's Leeward Coast, but they may as well be in another universe. Located on the coastal side of the Waianae Mountain Range, the Leeward Coast is everything Waikiki is not: untamed and wide open.

Leeward Oahu includes the communities of Nanakuli to the coast of Maili, Waianae and Makaha. The climate is generally dry and sunny, and the coastline offers pristine white sand beaches that are prime spots for swimming, snorkeling and fishing. The Leeward beaches also provide the best seat in the house for the island's most spectacular free show: sunset.

The winter months bring some of the world's best surfers to the Leeward Coast, as large waves roll toward Makaha and Yokohama beaches. One of Hawaii's best-known surfing spots, Makaha Beach offers great action for both surfers and boogie-boarders. Yokohama Bay, the last sandy beach on the Leeward Coast, represents one of few places on Oahu completely unspoiled by development.

It doesn't require a leap of any kind to discover the beauty of Oahu's west side. While few visitors make the trip to the Leeward Coast, those who do are rewarded with a generous taste of "local Hawaii."