It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. 9k followers. 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. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? tively short hike but dont be fooled. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. . If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . In fact, most of them have official names, and are relatively easy to find. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. Mahalo! 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! Dream Vacations. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. 3. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? 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. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. 1) Mermaid Cave. Ka'ena Point State Park. Makapuu Lookout. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. It is best accessible when it is low tide. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! . So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) 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. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. 2022. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. 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! Punchy rights and lefts on offer. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Halona Cove. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. 1) Papohaku Beach Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr You will be surprised to find very few people on this stunning beach, which is the longest white sand beach throughout the Hawaiian Islands. 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. See the map below for all locations: 1. 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. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. 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. 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. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. There's no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor and 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 located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. You must get a picture here! Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. 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. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Gunstock Ranch. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. Surf at Sunset 3. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. Its been a wild ride. Were here to help! This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Waikiki beach, Oahu. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. 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. Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. What to do on Oahu? Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. Hawaii Blog. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. 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. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. Oahu. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. 1,547. 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 . At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. 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. Sherwood Beach. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. 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. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. 5. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. 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. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of 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. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Kaneohe Sandbar. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. Hollow barrels if big enough. Waikiki. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Located on Oahu's Western coast, Bellow's Beach is part of the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on Oahu, and many consider it one of the prettiest beaches on the island. 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. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. You can actually walk right to it! Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. You wont regret it. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. Lanai Lookout. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Hanauma Bay. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Amazing adventures! These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. When you turn the other way at the top . Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. 20. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. 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. 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. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! 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. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 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. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. LOL . Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. Take a tour instead. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. take about thirty minutes. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. . Arena for high-performance surfing. It's obscured from view by the vegetation that lines the section of Kamehameha Highway, and is deemed inaccessible (to the public) due to its location on the other side of the Moli'i pond. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! Download your copy of our Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! 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. Always go with someone and help each other out. 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. Your email address will not be published. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers.