Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout.
Noreen Kompanik
Oahu Travel Guide for the Ultimate Vacation Experience
Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. Waikiki. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Hawaii Blog. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. 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. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. 23. 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! 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. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Not many tourists hit this spot. March 25, 2019. Secret Beach Oahu. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight
While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. If not, we recommend giving them a try. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Hawaii Vacation. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Do you love Hawaii? It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Picnic on the Beach 2. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Dillingham Ranch (most instagrammable places in oahu) Dillingham Ranch is one of the best photo spots you can visit in Oahu! do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? 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. Five Hidden Gems Near Waikiki and 'Alohilani - Alohilani Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. 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. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. Lanai Lookout. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. The catwalk referred to the cement slab that some claim was a possible war-era installation or was previously used asa launching strip for hang gliders. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! . inone day. I include a map and photos as well! Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. 303. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. 2022. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu 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. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Wave direction : Right and left. 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. Oahu. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander 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. 8 secret gems on Oahu - Sunset Magazine This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. 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. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] 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. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!)
A reef prevents large waves from reaching the sandy shore and it's a terrific place to feel at one with nature and enjoy a quieter stretch of sand away from the tourist crowds. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. 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 . Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Take a tour instead. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Leonard's Bakery. The result of banning the kinds of activities that can hurt or kill marine life is that there is an abundance of sea life in . 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. 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. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! 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. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Koko Head. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. 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). Many love to jump off China Walls as well. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. It might seem extreme but it is very controlled and quite safe. When you turn the other way at the top . Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. I have linked the top-rated tour below. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. Get Naked and buy local! Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. 1. The glass-bottom floor of the boat allows you to see sea life as it swims by and also gets a great view of one of the many shipwrecks on the coast of Oahu. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! 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. 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. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! 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. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. It is best accessible when it is low tide. 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:), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. Aside from the tiny village of Pu'uwai - home to the island's 200 isolated inhabitants - this privately owned island is otherwise untouched by society. 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! Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. 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 . Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. 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. Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. Ala Moana Beach Park Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide - Viator This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. . You must get a picture here! This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Amazing adventures! See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. 10 Best Surf Spots In Oahu, Hawaii, USA | Trip101 In fact, most of them have official names, and are relatively easy to find. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. 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). Hi! But this spot is only for the very experienced. . Aloha! Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). Were here to help! LOL . Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. 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. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! I did this tour with my family and they loved it. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. 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. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! Surf at Sunset 3. 21. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Oahu - Tripadvisor You can read a full review HERE. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. Oahu Travel. Mahalo! A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. It is also named Mokuauia Island. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour.