Picnic on the Beach 2. 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. Its been a wild ride. Noreen Kompanik There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. 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. Enjoy Palladium Hotel Group's Cancun Resorts, TBO Empowers Travel Advisors to Control Commission, Explore the Greek Islands on a Fam Trip With Exodus Travels, For more information on They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! hard (but worth it): Mt. When you turn the other way at the top . The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. 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. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Oahu Sacred Places - To-Hawaii If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. Panama, Complimentary Advisor Toolkit Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. 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. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. 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. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. 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. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 1. Hanauma Bay. Five Hidden Gems Near Waikiki and 'Alohilani - Alohilani Cant decide? Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Secret Things to Do in Oahu: The BEST Local Hidden Gems 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. 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. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. . Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Thank for your continued support. This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Best of Oahu 2023 Download your copy of our You must get a picture here! Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. 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. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! 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.. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. 303. Aloha! 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. 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! This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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! You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! Surf at Sunset 3. I include a map and photos as well! The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. The entire Diamond Head Crater hike is quite scenic but it isnt until you reach the top that you have stunning views in all directions. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. gallery icon The view makes it spectacular. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. I include a map and photos as well! Makapuu Lookout. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. 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. Top 10 Best Secret Spots in Honolulu, HI - February 2023 - Yelp But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. 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. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. Choose from snorkeling, a picnic or simply just take in the surroundings that make you appreciate the history of this rock formation, and of all of Oahus natural beauty. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. Kaneohe Sandbar. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. It is best accessible when it is low tide. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. 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! There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). 9k followers. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. March 25, 2019. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 3. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. Halona Cove. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. Not necessarily in that order. Arena for high-performance surfing. Find Dead mans catwalk (or where it used to be), Reach the summit of Wiliwilinui ridge trail, The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and, Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran, Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery, Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise, Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo, Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment, One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people, Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. 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. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. 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). Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. Off-the-Beaten Path Oahu Activities & Adventures | Marriott TRAVELER Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Oahu. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. The food here is really good. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. 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. 22. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. 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. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Parasailing is the perfect activity on Oahu as the sun sets so you can enjoy the beautiful colors from up high, looking down on the city. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day 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. Amazing adventures! Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Take a tour instead. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. See an Active Volcano by Sea. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. 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. 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. Wave direction : Right and left. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. Visiting in winter? Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime!