Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Waikiki. hard (but worth it): Mt. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). 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. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. 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. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. 21 of the Coolest Places to Visit + Attractions on Oahu, Hawaii Here Are The 12 Best Kept Secrets In Hawaii - OnlyInYourState Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. 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. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. 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! Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. Visitors just have to know where to find it. You'll see the golden yellow sands of Makapu'u Beach down below, a whole bunch of reefs in the turquoise waters, and even a lighthouse! 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. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. 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. 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. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! 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. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. Hawaii. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets 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. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. 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. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. Around the back of the islands, youll find quite a few good cliff jumping spots and also the Queens bath, which is one of my favorite spots on Oahu. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. 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. Koko Head. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! 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. Thank for your continued support. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Stuart Schuffman. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. 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. Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. gallery icon
This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. by: Victoria Derrick. 3. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. 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. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. 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. Hawaii Vacation. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. inone day. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. 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. Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay 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. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. 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. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. Dream Vacations. 2022 13. 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. 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. Any idea where to start? Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. 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. 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. Hollow barrels if big enough. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. 1,547. As the sun rises 20 or more people sit atop the bunker with views all the way to the beach and down into the valleys on either side. What started out as a small roadside shop has turned into a fun place to visit! Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Hawaii Travel Guide. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. Secret Things to Do in Oahu: The BEST Local Hidden Gems 22 Best Oahu Instagram Spots (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. 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. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. 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 . The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. 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. Top Little Known Spots in Oahu - Indefinite Travel Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight
Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either.
The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? 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. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. MERCH!! This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! 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. Its been a wild ride. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! I include a map and photos as well! This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. Were here to help! After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022
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. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! 1/11 Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. 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. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState 1) Mermaid Cave. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. 8 Most Beautiful Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Places to Visit Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist 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. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining
The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. Makapuu Lookout. 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. 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. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . Oahu Sacred Places - To-Hawaii The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. All Rights Reserved. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out 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. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. THE 80 BEST THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Combine all the best parts of Oahu in one awesome yoga session on the Ocean while watching a sunset come down one side of Ala Moana, while palm trees line the other side of the bay. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the Ka'ena Point State Park. Halona Cove A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. The circle island Helicopter tour will have you fly above all of the famous locations on Oahu, its simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. See All Oahu Hotels. 6. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. 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! 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. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. 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. take about thirty minutes. Not necessarily in that order. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. 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! Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Mahalo! Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2.
Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Get Naked and buy local! The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. 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. LOL . Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. If you are lucky enough to explore even a few of them, your stay and the memories created in Oahu can only ever be enhanced. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. 14. 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. There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! Leonard's Bakery. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. Lanikai is by far one of the prettiest areas on Oahu, laden with spectacular bechside homes, crystal clear water and the famous Mokoluas also known as mokes (two small islands) out in the ocean. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. 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. Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Be prepared for masses of tourists. Halona Cove. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. 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. Hanauma Bay. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. Take a tour instead. 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.