The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. All aboard the Haleiwa Queen, enjoy the clear view of the Pacific Ocean floor as you cruise over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaiis shipwrecks. Kaneohe Sandbar. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. This is one of the less popular things to do on Oahu but it was by far one of my favorite hikes on the island. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Hawaii Blog. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. Hawaii Vacation. Hawaii Beaches.
Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. 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. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. 1) Papohaku Beach Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr You will be surprised to find very few people on this stunning beach, which is the longest white sand beach throughout the Hawaiian Islands. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! Cant decide? 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. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. 5. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. 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. Kane'aki Heiau. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. 1Before Visiting these Oahu Hidden Gems 2Byodo-In Temple 3Ka'ena Point State Park 4Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden 5Mermaid Caves/Cove Oahu 6Electric Beach 7China Walls 8Kawela Bay 9Goat Island (Mokuauia Island) 10Kahuku Farms 11Lanikai Pillbox Hike 12Halona Blowhole + Beach Cove 13Moku o Lo'e/Coconut Island 14Waimea Falls 15Sharks Cove Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. It is relatively safe but I wouldnt recommend this hike for people in good shape as there are moments where you need to use ropes to pull yourself up steep segments. by: Victoria Derrick. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are full of colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Ive added the link to some of the top-rated tours in each section so you can book your activities in advance for your vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. Makapuu Lookout. photo by leonard's bakery. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. But it is worth all the trouble! There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! 6. Secret Spots for Shopping on Oahu Global Village Hawaii If you're not in the mood to follow the crowds to bustling Ala Moana Shopping Center, there are plenty of unique boutiques to discover on Oahu. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Oahu. Parasailing is the perfect activity on Oahu as the sun sets so you can enjoy the beautiful colors from up high, looking down on the city. 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). And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Maybe its because most dont find the dairy industry interesting, but for all of us cheese lovers out there this is one not to miss. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters.
This cruise will let you see the beauty of the colorful sunset in Oahu with a view of the island at night as the artificial lights glow and cover the place. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March
Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. 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. 3. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). Your email address will not be published. Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . 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. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. You can actually walk right to it! 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 02:03 PM ET, Mon March 25 2019, 10 Most Sacred Indigenous Sites in the US, How Travel Advisors Can Capitalize on the Latest Travel Trends, Vacation Rental Bookings Rise in January 2023, Kansas City to Open First New Airport Terminal in 50 Years, FAA Adopts New Safeguards After System Failure Delayed, Canceled Flights. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. 1. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 22. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. There is more to this amazing island than meets the eye with many locally owned and secret places hiding in plain sight among the bright lights, Mai-Tais, and flip-flops. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. 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. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. 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. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Any idea where to start? Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. This 5-hour historic tour is a combination tour in which you will be guided through Pearl Harbors comprehensive history see the sunken USS Arizona, get a chance to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and stop by the landmarks of Honolulu metropolitan area. 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. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. 2411 Makiki Heights Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822-2547, USA Phone +1 808-526-1322 Web Visit website For some of the best views of Honolulu, take a drive on the road that circles Mount Tantalus. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. 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. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Waikiki. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. 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. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. Be prepared for masses of tourists. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day
Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. As Melville says, "It is not down on any map; true places never are." So, if you want to find Mermaid Cave, keep in mind that most of us are guests on Oahu, and part of the joy of being in . If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. 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. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. take about thirty minutes. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. This safe, sandy, protected bay is one of the most famous snorkel spots in Hawaii and is often listed as one of the best places to visit on the island of Oahu. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. Click the button below. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. Secret Beach Oahu. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Surf at Sunset 3. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! But this spot is only for the very experienced. 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. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. 1. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. There is a bike path that runs from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay that is a great way to spend the day exploring the hidden spots that . This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. Stunning, Welcoming. Download your copy of our Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. I have linked the top-rated tour below. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. inone day. Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! 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! After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Oahu has some of the finest food on the islands, but when the noise and nightlife gets a bit much, the time has come to look for a more local-driven, quieter experience. 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). Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America.
You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. 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. 5. Lanai Lookout. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! Waikiki beach, Oahu. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. Koko Head. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. 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. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. March 25, 2019. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. Take a tour instead. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. 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. 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 . Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! A few of our favorites include breakfast tacos at Konos, loco moco from Cinnamons, the deli at Foodland for fresh poke, the musubi from 7-Eleven, and shave ice from Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do on Oahu and found a few activities for you and your family to do while on vacation. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Oahu Travel. Hawaii Travel Guide. Lyon Arboretum 430 Gardens Educational sites By Cruiser26741642330 Make your reservation in advance and drive past the busy parking lot and crowd at Manoa Falls to this botanical gem! Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! 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. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! . Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Ka'a'awa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. Halona Cove Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. 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. The best way to find the hidden gems along the north shore is to drive along Kamehameha Highway and to pull over at any fruit stand, beach, or place that looks interesting to you. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! 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. Hawaii. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side.