I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. Oahu (Hawaiian: Oahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. Book an Airbnb 4. 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. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. Secret Things to Do in Oahu: The BEST Local Hidden Gems Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. 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. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. 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. Surf at Sunset 3. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. The food here is really good. 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. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. March 25, 2019. The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. 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. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. 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. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe Any idea where to start? While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. 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. Best snorkeling in Oahu - Top snorkel spots - Snorkel Around The World Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. 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! China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! Halona Cove. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets 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. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder Hidden Eateries on Oahu You Need to Try - Hawaii Magazine 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. 1,547. Starting at $109-139/person. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. 4. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. Not necessarily in that order. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. The 25 Best Things to Do on Oahu - Wandering Wheatleys 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. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! Hanauma Bay. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Top 10 Best Secret Spots in Honolulu, HI - February 2023 - Yelp New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. 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. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Hawaii Hikes. 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. The 5 Best Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu | Oyster.com However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. LOL . These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. 21 of the Coolest Places to Visit + Attractions on Oahu, Hawaii There is a back-way up that is technically legal and all of the information is in the blog post I wrote in the link below. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Hawaii Blog. 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. 1. 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. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. 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 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. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. Sherwood Beach. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Kane'aki Heiau. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. 5. 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. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide - Viator Download your copy of our Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! hard (but worth it): Mt. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. by: Victoria Derrick. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . 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. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. THE 10 BEST Hidden Gems in Oahu's North Shore (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor The view makes it spectacular. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! But this spot is only for the very experienced. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander 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. Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities With so many great attractions and activities that are perfect for all ages, it may be hard to decide what your favorite spots will be during your vacation. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. 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. 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. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. 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. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the 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. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! 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. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. 1/11 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. 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Arena for high-performance surfing. 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. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Were here to help! For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist If not, we recommend giving them a try. All Rights Reserved. Not too much to do here, but it is a lot of fun to look at and watch the waves roll by. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Goat Island is a tiny little island off the coast of Laie Bay. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Kaneohe Sandbar. I include a map and photos as well! Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot.