13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few.
It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. 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. 9k followers. So, lets go and see what we can find that may be less crowded and more akin to the peace and gentle Hawaiian nature that will have you coming back again and again. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. 14. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! Off-the-Beaten Path Oahu Activities & Adventures | Marriott TRAVELER You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! 10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation - Travelling Dany The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. 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. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. tively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Panama, Complimentary Advisor Toolkit
You can actually walk right to it! If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. 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. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. View from Lanikai Pillboxes Hike on Oahu The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is around a mile long and usually takes around 40 minutes, depending on your hiking ability. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance
However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahus famous North Shore from long, high, and extra-quiet zip lines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. North Shore Tacos Head to open-air North Shore Tacos (formerly known as Surfin' Tacos) for tacos island-style: laden with fresh fish, cilantro, and the joint's Secret Surf Sauce. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Oahu Nicknamed Christmas Tree Park for the giant metal tree that glows green during the holiday season, this little park was once called Telegraph Hill, a lookout where King Kamehameha's troops. 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. 2022 13. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. 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. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. Oahu's capital city of Honolulu has an average yearly coastal water temperature of between 76F (March) and 81F (September) - that's only a 5F change all year! You can read a full review HERE. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Book your tour: Koko Head Trail Guided Adventure. 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. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! It might seem extreme but it is very controlled and quite safe. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots.
Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. . Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. Hawaii. 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. 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. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. Crystal clear waters wash upon a long stretch of beach with a backdrop of Makua Valley and cliffs that seem to encapsulate the secluded beach. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Oahu Travel. 1. THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Oahu - Tripadvisor 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and
When you turn the other way at the top . Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. The white sand, clear blue water, and never ending small waves make this a perfect spot for beginners to become a grommet (supposedly this means beginning surfer). 21 of the Coolest Places to Visit + Attractions on Oahu, Hawaii 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu Remember, the land and properties are peoples homes, and in many instances, their livelihood is generated from everyday communities, not from those of tourist dollars.. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu.
* Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Being less common to visit on a trip to Hawaii than Oahu or Maui, off the beaten path Kauai is still quiet and beautiful; nearly untouched. 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! . Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. 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. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. 8 Secret Places To Explore in Hawaii - Travel Off Path 10 Places the Locals Love on Oahu - Peter Greenberg Travel Detective On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! 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 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 tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. This neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. That's a lot to explore. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Its been a wild ride. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at.
Leonard's Bakery. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day
Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. 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. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. 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). Here Are The 12 Best Kept Secrets In Hawaii - OnlyInYourState HAWAII: FINDING SECRET SPOTS!! - YouTube These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. 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.
We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight
4. photo by leonard's bakery. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (with Map) December 6, 2022 Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, moray eels, and rainbow corals are just a hint of the impeccable underwater world thriving in the North Pacific Ocean surrounding Oahu island. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. From authentic Hawaiian fast-food joints to picturesque drives usually overlooked by visitors, here are nine Oahu secret spots to make your next trip unique. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! 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. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Phoa,. The entrance fee is just $5 but if you prefer to join a guided tour to show you the way and share stories and history with you, I can recommend this top-rated tour, which combines Diamond Head hike and the easy Manoa Falls hike in one day! Visitors just have to know where to find it. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. 1. 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! Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. by: Victoria Derrick. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. 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. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. 10 Best Surf Spots In Oahu, Hawaii, USA | Trip101 I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Destination & Tourism
Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Experiences at Waikiki - Prince Waikiki 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 . Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! 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. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love - Hawaii Guide This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. I include a map and photos as well! Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike.
Visitors just have to know where to find it. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. 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. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet Enjoy the buffet meal, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. 30. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. 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 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. The 71 Best Photography Spots In Oahu in 2023 (With Map) Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. 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. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. . On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. 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. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. 5 Secret Oahu locations - Luxury on Points Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Once down on the rocky coastline, a number of tide pools are deep enough to jump into and a few blowholes might give you a surprise too. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States Oahu Surf Spots / A Guide to the Top Surf Breaks in Oahu - Lush Palm Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! Hawaii Blog. 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. Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Amazing adventures! Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March
Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Top Little Known Spots in Oahu - Indefinite Travel There you will find the places where the locals eat. If you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax away from tourists, the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is another one of the hidden treasures on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. 21. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete 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. Get up early and head to the east coast of Oahu before the sun rises. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu The view makes it spectacular. Hawaii Beaches. Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost 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! Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. China Walls. Bellow's Beach Park. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining. 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.