North Shore of Oahu

I grew up surfing waves on the North Shore, flying over it can be just as exhilerating. Away from mountains, and crazy helicopter tours, the North Shore is less crowded then practice areas over Mililani and Wahiawa. Dole plantation is nearby with acres of pineapple fields perfect for ground reference maneuvers. For flight maneuvers I'll stay a few miles offshore.

In a Cessna 172, Haleiwa is a ten minute flight from Honolulu Airport. You can either follow the base of the Ko'olau Mountain range, or fly above H-2 (northbound freeway). The quickest way is through the center of the island, where you will pass over Wheeler Army Airfield. The tower is in operation Monday through Friday. You will need contact Wheeler tower to transition through their airspace. During the weekend courtesy position reports are the norm.

There she blows! From October until May Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii. I've seen most Humpback Whale pods abeam Mokuleia Beach. Because they are protected you must stay at least 1000 feet above them. Most whales will disappear if they hear your engine. Circling at 1500 feet usually works best.