Waianae

this is a beautiful place on the WEST side of oahu. it’s got a more tone-down local feel down in town along the water. lots of local dining and the people are so wonderful. as you drive along farrington highway, you’ll come to a hotel and a big beautiful beach where surfing tournaments take place. i went to one back in late february and there were so many people and food and music, it was great! as you continue east on farrington, you’ll find more quiet and less populated beaches. unfortunately, the truth of the island becomes so evident as you pass hundreds of tents and cars along the beachside where local homeless people now live with their families and children because they can no longer afford the costs of living. imagine 10 dollar gallons of orange juice and little shack houses that go for under 100,000 dollars on the mainland going for 300,000 dollars here on the islands. it’s a really rough life and all the rich people are moving in. it’s really sad. but it doesn’t kill the spirit of the people. sure, it creates some hostility, but all in all, the local people are STRONG and loving and passionate people. i cannot express STRONG enough.