These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. If you walk back towards Waikiki along the coast away from the lighthouse there are a collection of wooden planks hanging out over the crystal clear water at Alan Davis Beach. Here at Best of Oahu, you will be treated to an insider's view of fantastic Honolulu attractions, dreamy Oahu beaches, and unique Hawaiian culture around the island! Hawaii Blog. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. History comes alive before your eyes as you weave your way up the Koolau Mountains to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout where King Kamehameha I battled to unite the Hawaiian Islands. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. Located on the windward side of Oahu, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is simultaneously one of the top attractions in Oahu and also a great place to get (somewhat) away from the crowds in iconic spots like Waikiki Beach. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! The 3-mile long, 1-mile wide sandbar is located a mile or so from the shoreline, and you'll have to kayak or boat out to it. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? What to do on Oahu? 23. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. All Rights Reserved. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. The cove is primarily a lava-rock beach which is a remarkable sight, and you can appreciate the history of the island's formation through these natural features. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Its located on the Northeast side of Oahu and is usually much less populated than many of the other hikes on Oahu despite how beautiful it is. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. If you want a small, intimate luau that feels like you are hanging out in a family members yard, this is the luau to do. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! Starting at $109-139/person. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! 22. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. As much as locals rely on the tourist trade, there are always going to be a few places theyd like to keep for themselves, or at least, not be as well known. $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. (MUST VISIT) 23,013 views Aug 14, 2022 10 Not So Secret Hidden Gems in Oahu Hawaii in 2022 - Secret Places Hidden in Plain Sight. A secluded and remote slice of paradise perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature, Malaekahana is a 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. The tour picks you up at 7:15 in the morning at selected Waikiki hotels and the itinerary includes Diamond Head Lookout, Tropical Hawaiian Coffee, and Macadamia Nut Farms, ChinaMans Hat, North Shore Shrimp Trucks, North Shore Fruit Stand, the legendary Sunset Beach, Turtle Snorkeling, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. There's no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor and towering Diamond Head are still must-dos for first-time visitors, but the real soul of Oahu lies off its beaten paths on roads less traveled. This whole-day tour is a combination of land and water excursion and will show you Oahus famous spots and hidden gems with sea turtle snorkeling on Oahu. Kaneohe Sandbar. Book an Airbnb 4. No worries take a look at these 13 places as potential options (or pick one from each category) and make a plan now before you go! Alan Davis Beach. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. A reef prevents large waves from reaching the sandy shore and it's a terrific place to feel at one with nature and enjoy a quieter stretch of sand away from the tourist crowds. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. My favorite waterfall hike on Oahu, Kaau Crater Hike leads you up three waterfalls before you navigate a fine ridge on the edge of the crater to reach expansive views in all directions. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. Be incredibly careful in this area as it has claimed the lives of strong swimmers in the past after they were swept off the rocks. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . The words The Dead Mans Catwalk were constantly being spray painted on the 6-yard strip that led out to a steep drop-off down the face of cliffs. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Sherwood Beach. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Oahu (Hawaiian: Oahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Hi! Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but you'll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March We all know what to expect for a tourist-dominated location such as the Hawaiian Islands, but there are some places that only the locals know. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Secret Beach Oahu. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. 6. It is easy to climb onto the rock and from there you can join the crowd of nervous jumpers who wait their turn to leap off the rock. - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. tively short hike but dont be fooled. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Waikiki beach, Oahu. Hollow barrels if big enough. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. You wont regret it. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Maybe its because they think twice about the location, or maybe because the call from the Cocktail lounge was far too strong on that day. But it is worth all the trouble! Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Located on the northwest coast of Oahu and surrounded only by remote forest reserves, Makua Beach is hardly ever crowded and is usually rather empty. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. One of the most unique boat tours on Oahu is the Atlantis Submarine, a tour that takes you below the surface to see the beauty of the underwater world. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. gallery icon As a small replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan, this one was built to commemorate the Japanese people who lived in Hawaii for over a hundred years. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. You can read a full review HERE. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. 303. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. 14. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Very popular place for surf lessons because the white water from the set waves out back funnels into the little bay-like setup making it a great place to teach surfing. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu Youll Want to Check Out, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. Oahu Travel. Hanauma Bay. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Do you love Hawaii? The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. It is best accessible when it is low tide. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. Strong swimmers only, please. The food here is really good. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. This neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. Here is the complete series: Food: The 10 Most Delicious and Satisfying Must Eats in Honolulu, Hawaii Instagram: The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Go Cliff Jumping at the China Walls (secret things to do in Oahu). So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Halona Cove There is a great kayak rental at Kaneohe that sets up the kayaks on the beach for you so you can paddle out Chinamans Hat. While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Explore around the corner and try and spot the semi-enclosed salt water rock pool created by someone with much, much more money than myself. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay in-between Chinaman's Hat and Coconut Island, and may or may not be covered with water depending on the tide. Always go with someone and help each other out. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Hawaii Beaches. If you prefer to do the tour with a guide and includes hotel pick/up and drop-off from Waikiki it could be a good option. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. 1,547. The entire Diamond Head Crater hike is quite scenic but it isnt until you reach the top that you have stunning views in all directions. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. Located on Oahu's Western coast, Bellow's Beach is part of the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on Oahu, and many consider it one of the prettiest beaches on the island. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. Big Island Bees The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Were here to help! Hawaii Hikes. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Be sure to do the hike on a day with big swell so you can watch the huge waves roll in one after another from up in the mountains. It is truly a magical experience. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. You must get a picture here! And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Ka'ena Point State Park. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. 5. Tread lightly. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Koko Head. The best way to experience Manoa Falls is with an experienced tour guide who can explain all of the local flora and fauna, most of which is unique to Oahu. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Amazing adventures! Book your tour: Koko Head Trail Guided Adventure. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Not many tourists hit this spot. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Hawaii Vacation. photo by leonard's bakery. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but youll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. . The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Overseen by looming mountains, the fields of cane stand almost proudly while being housed in red dirt and sheltered by banana trees, and dense guinea grass. 9k followers. Its one of the top-rated tours on Oahu and makes for a great date night or family night out and will give you an understanding of the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. If world-class entertainment and food werent enough on the beautiful beaches of Oahu, then why not take to the waters with the Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise. Not necessarily in that order. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. The view makes it spectacular. 1) Mermaid Cave. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! The result of banning the kinds of activities that can hurt or kill marine life is that there is an abundance of sea life in . Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? It's obscured from view by the vegetation that lines the section of Kamehameha Highway, and is deemed inaccessible (to the public) due to its location on the other side of the Moli'i pond. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Gunstock Ranch. Destination & Tourism One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. 3. Watch popular content from the following creators: mellowyellowpay(@mellowyellowpay), Daniella Daniel(@daniella19889), DJ ill Will(@deejayillwill), layla(@lylamatar), kris(@kristheglobetrotter), Ashley Hernandez(@wildlyunconventional), Localkineting(@crazychazu), Ntxhi (See)(@whisperntxhi), Gabby(@gabriellewoolery_), tasia .

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