Aulani Taro Patch and Secluded CovesThe tour begins at 8:00am with a trip to the taro ponds at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, where guests will learn about the sacred and vital tradition of taro that sustained native Hawaiians for hundreds of years. Guests will also view Aulani’s exquisitely curated art collection.The tour then meanders along secluded covers for photographs and, often, encounters with green sea turtles, or “honu”, considered by many to be a sign of good fortune. It’s important to keep your distance from the gentle creatures, as they are protected by law.Yokohama BeachThe West Side Tour then continues to remote and vast Yokohama Beach, known officially as Keawa’ula Beach. It translates to “red bay”, so named for the schools of squid that can still be found in the area. Visually stunning, the area can produce dangerous currents and high surf year-round. It was an influx of Japanese fishermen to the area decades ago that gave the area its more familiar name of Yokohama Beach.Makua CaveAfter a visit to Yokohama Beach, the West Side tour then ventures to Makua Cave, one of Oahu’s most stunning and storied geological features. The cathedral-like cave towers far overhead and extends more than 450 into darkness (don’t worry, we have powerful flashlights). It is estimated by researchers at the University of Hawaii to have formed over 150,000 years ago.There are many legends associated with Makua Cave, known originally as Kaneana, or the “cave of Kane.” Kane was a shape-shifting demigod who could assume the form of a shark. Legend holds that when the people of the area learned of his sinister ways, the hunted and destroyed him.Makaha Beach West Side Tour guests are then treated to a visit to world-famous Makaha Beach, home for generations to legendary surfers. The surf at Makaha can be very dangerous, with a strong rip-tide when high surf arrives. If conditions permit, guests may want to take a refreshing dip under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards there.Pokai BayThe 5th stop on the West Side Tour is a
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