Efforts aim to designate 2 scenic byways on Oahu

The breathtaking ocean vistas of Waikiki surf, iconic Diamond Head and historic points in between could soon become part of a national program that showcases roads that have a story to tell.

Efforts are underway to add two Oahu byways, the first on the island, to the National Scenic Byways Program, which Hawaii joined in 2009.

The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) is spearheading the application for a Kauhale o Ho‘o­kipa Scenic Byway in Waikiki, while the Diamond Head State Monument Foundation, along with Hawaii’s Thousand Friends, Scenic Hawaii, the Oahu Island Parks Conservancy and The Outdoor Circle, is sponsoring a designated scenic byway that would encircle Diamond Head.

"This would be a major first step since we don’t have any scenic byways on Oahu," said Michelle Spalding Matson, who chairs the Diamond Head State Monument Foundation Scenic Byway Committee and is working on the application, which is due later this month. "I invite the public to our meeting so that they can become part of this process."

The state has three scenic byways on Hawaii island, including the Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor, Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast and the Kau Scenic Byway. On Kauai there is the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway, which highlights historical and cultural sights on the first Hawaiian island sighted by European explorers.

The Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic Byways Program recognizes these roads, which have extraordinary scenic, cultural, historic, recreational, natural and archaeological resources. The designations, which have increased coordination among state, local and federal agencies, have opened up greater opportunities to access resources and to preserve, enhance and promote these areas.

It’s important to expand the Scenic Byways Program to Oahu because it helps inform and educate residents and visitors about the unique qualities of historic areas, Matson said. Diamond Head is a world-renowned symbol of Hawaii, and was designated as a State Historic Monument in 1965 and registered as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, she said. The foundation is proposing that the monument would be the focal point of a scenic byway that would range from Kapiolani Park to the Diamond Head crater and lookouts and encompass parts of Monsarrat Avenue. The Papa‘ena‘ena Heiau, which once overlooked the First Break surfing spot, will be just one of the many historical sites highlighted in the byway, Matson said.

"Papa‘ena‘ena has great significance on Oahu," she said. "It was a surfing heiau and was once the seat of government by Kamehameha. Queen Emma later dismantled it and used the rocks to build a fence for her Waikiki estate."

Waikiki also has a rich history that goes way beyond the beachboy era of Duke Kahanamoku or the days when Don Ho put Hawaii on the map, said John Aeto, president and chairman of NaHHA.

"Waikiki is the focal point of our industry. It was the site of Kamehameha I’s landing, and a lot of the alii had their homes here," Aeto said. "In modern times it’s the place where most of our visitors pass through or stay. It’s the piko (belly button/center) for our state."

While surfboard markers already designate 23 points of historic interest in Waikiki, Aeto said establishing the region as a scenic byway could fund new opportunities.

"It would allow us to put more resources toward a place that is not only historically significant, but is a huge economic engine for the state. The main thing is that we get recognition by the federal government, which would allow us to reinvest in Waikiki and make things nicer," Aeto said. "There’s even talk of making the markers more interactive."

The Kailua Village Business Improvement District on Hawaii island has seen its scenic byway continue to evolve since its 2010 designation. Earlier this year, KVBID launched a free app for smartphones and tablets that connects visitors with content from their byway. The app was paid for through a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Hawaii County Product Enrichment Program, which also is funded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

"A number of businesses along the scenic byway have been able to utilize it as a marketing tool to bring visitors in," said KVBID’s Executive Director Debbie Baker. "It has also raised awareness among residents and increased engagement in our community. Many groups came together to make this happen."

The Koloa scenic byway also has been good for Kauai, said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors and Convention Bureau.

"Any time you increase awareness of an area, it’s good for tourism," Kanoho said. "People are looking for a unique visitor experience. The scenic byway spotlights the unique nature of Koloa."