One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Goat Island is a tiny little island off the coast of Laie Bay. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. Not necessarily in that order. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder 3. Makapuu Lookout. The 25 Best Things to Do on Oahu - Wandering Wheatleys The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. 8 Secret Places To Explore in Hawaii - Travel Off Path The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! 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. 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. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. 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! Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. 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. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. HAWAII: FINDING SECRET SPOTS!! - YouTube You must get a picture here! 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. Here Are The 12 Best Kept Secrets In Hawaii - OnlyInYourState Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. 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. 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. 2022 13. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Oahu - Tripadvisor 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. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Kane'aki Heiau. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. But this spot is only for the very experienced. While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. take about thirty minutes. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. 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. One of my favorite things to do on Oahu was to head to spitting cave on the east coast cliffs and watch the divers jumping off. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Theres no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harborand 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 neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. 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. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. 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. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. 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. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. Ala Moana Beach Park Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. 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. 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. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Where: K Hana Distillers. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets 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. Thank for your continued support. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. 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. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF GO Blog Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. Take a tour instead. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! 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. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. 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. Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. 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. Oahu Travel. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Lanai Lookout. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 20. All Rights Reserved. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. 1/11 1) Mermaid Cave. . If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. 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. Surf at Sunset 3. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. Hawaii Blog. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. Where: K Hana Distillers. 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. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! 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. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. 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. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. 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. 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 . Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience giving guests a close-up view of an array of sea creatures, exotic coral reefs, and numerous sunken vessels without getting wet. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. 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. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. LOL . Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. . 1. 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 paved trail that takes you there is one of themost popular hikes on Oahu because of how accessible it is and the amazing views it presents. Many people still do the hike every day. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. 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. Click here to learn more. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. 5 Secret Oahu locations - Luxury on Points I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. 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. 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. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. 9k followers. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Leonard's Bakery. The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist Visiting in winter? Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. . The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. Hi! Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). See an Active Volcano by Sea. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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.