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:
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
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Sally-The pictures are breathtaking. I have always dreamed of going to Hawaii and now you have put a very clear picture in my head of an amazing place. The information you provided here provides such clarity for anybody interested in relocating.
Sally, I miss Hawaii. Jay and I have been there 3 times and I'd love to plan a return trip someday soon! You're so lucky living there!
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!
When I was younger I used to climb to the top of the Stairway to Heaven in Haiku Valley behind what is now the H-3 Freeway. That is one of the best views on earth. I am so sorry they have it closed.
Sally, That is the most beautiful mountain range. Your Localisem posts really encourage me to work harder so I can make that family trip I have talked to you about.
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: Another great Hawaiian localism post! If you ever decide to leave real estate, I think that you should head up the tourist board of Hawaii. Fascinating and beautiful.
Adam: After all this writing and stuff I think I could do it part time too..what do you think? Thanks for the compliment Adam!
Sally - Thank you for sharing the beauty of your home this Sunday! What a peaceful video you put together -- you did an awesome job on it! You have a gift for writing about your personal experiences in a meaningful way. Thank you as always for sharing! This will be a great feature for localism!
Mary: Thanks so much for dropping by. I love to hear that people are enjoying my shows as much as i love bringing a little of Hawaii and all it's wonders to you all! Mahalo!
Sally, what an awesome tour. Wow, hopefully I'll get there someday, you are so creative when you share about Hawaii.
Missy: Seems like for such small islands there is plenty to share every single time I do a Localism post. Hey....I guess it shows my love for my home, huh?
Sally,
What an awesome show, the pictures arw breathtaking. Thanks for giving me a little piece of Hawaii today! :)
Sally, That is amazing. As you know I really enjoy your posts about Hawaii. I think the state should use some of your posts for tourism.
Sally, Those pictures (and the history) truly are breathtaking. Funny that I was never much interested in visiting Hawaii and now it's high on my list!
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?
I love this area, it is indeed very beautiful.....nice job showcasing it for all of us to enjoy.
Such a great post, Sally as always. The pictures are indeed breathtaking. You are blessed to live in such beauty. Thanks for sharing.
Sally, you continue to set the gold standard for great articles to help people thinking about relocating to Hawaii and vividly describing and showing us pictures of your loved island. I don't think I'll be making it to Sell-a-Bration there this year because of a conflict, but I'm hoping that my next big vacation will be to Hawaii. The islands are calling...
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!
Sally--I continue to learn so much about Hawaii from your writings. Always a treat to read a new installment! :)
Teri: Good thing they're kind of interesting if not for the pictures I take to keep you all coming back to keep looking! Thanks Teri!
Sally that is an assume sight, but it has to be a little scary to the people who live in that area that "Scientists believe that this dormant volcano will one day come to life again." I know that it would always be on the back of my mind if I lived in that area.
Sally - I love seeing Hawaii thorough your eyes - I know when I have clients relocating to Hawaii I will be calling you - the local real estate expert. Another awesome post!
You are right it is breath taking
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.
Sally ~ what a beautiful place! I love Hawaii. I have only seen a very small portion of the island. I hope to return to see more of the beauty and wonders! How fortunate you are to live in such a magical place.
Hi Joan! I love it too...and if you ever come back....make sure you come and get the points of interest and other stuff so you can be prepared! I tell you what....touristy things are not nearly as exciting as all the places to go for history and scenic wonders.
Sally, That was beautiful! The only time I was in Hawaii, I was only about 12 years old and all I remember is the delicious pineapple, the rocky ocean floor, Don Ho (who I had to sing "Tiny Bubbles" with) and the long plane ride from PA. Kids don't appreciate anything! I want to come back as an adult so that I can enjoy all the beauty of it! Maybe I'll get there someday soon.
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
Hi Sally-yet another beautiful post and photos. Everytime I read one of your posts...I am waiting for the hula girls to greet me with lai's and a mai tai! I always feel like I am sitting or stand next to you....I am there! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful paradise with us!
Hi Sally,
What gorgeous, breathtaking photos you share with us, thank you. I feel like I just took a tour of Koolau Mountain area.
Another beautiful Sally-post. I've never been to Hawaii, but your pictures help me appreciate what a paraadise you live in and inspire me to want to visit. I guess that's the first step, right?
That was absolutely breathtaking! I have never been to your exotic state, but hope to one day make it out there!!!
Hi Sally! I have got to visit Hawaii....these pictures you post are so beauitful. I hope you're well! :)
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!
TLW: And that's why one day you're going to come visit me too!
Sally- Wonderful! Amazing! Love it! WoW! this should get Localism featured! The most beautiful sight in the world are mountains next to oceans! Absolutely breathtaking! You would make a wonderful tour guide. Katerina
Sally, That is cool that your husband is from PA too! I thought I made a big move, he really made a huge move!
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.
Todd: You have to admit that Bertha can sing and dance though!