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. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. The food here is really good. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! Oahu. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Starting at $109-139/person. Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Being less common to visit on a trip to Hawaii than Oahu or Maui, off the beaten path Kauai is still quiet and beautiful; nearly untouched. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Halona Cove. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Visitors just have to know where to find it. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Oahu - Wikitravel 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). Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets LOL . Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. 303. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . THE 10 BEST Hidden Gems in Oahu's North Shore (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor 20. 9k followers. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. 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. 14. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide - Viator 8 Most Beautiful Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Places to Visit 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. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! Experiences at Waikiki - Prince Waikiki . The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads 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. Explore around the corner and try and spot the semi-enclosed salt water rock pool created by someone with much, much more money than myself. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. 2022. I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. 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. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. Hawaii Blog. China Walls. 3. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Stuart Schuffman. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe The 3-mile long, 1-mile wide sandbar is located a mile or so from the shoreline, and you'll have to kayak or boat out to it. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Strong swimmers only, please. 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. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. 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. Halona Cove Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. Get Naked and buy local! This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. 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. But it is better to swim to protect the coral below. 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. It is best accessible when it is low tide. Waikiki Beach. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. . 21 of the Coolest Places to Visit + Attractions on Oahu, Hawaii 2022 13. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. See All Oahu Hotels. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. 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. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. . This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. This area is really beautiful during sunrise and just after as the mountains will be lit perfectly and Chinamans Hat is a nice silhouette out in the water. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. tively short hike but dont be fooled. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. 22. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! 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. Its been a wild ride. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! I include a map and photos as well! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. 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. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. Makapuu Lookout. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. 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. :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. 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. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Download your copy of our Be sure to do the hike on a day with big swell so you can watch the huge waves roll in one after another from up in the mountains. Bellow's Beach Park. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Tread lightly. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. 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. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. As Melville says, "It is not down on any map; true places never are." So, if you want to find Mermaid Cave, keep in mind that most of us are guests on Oahu, and part of the joy of being in . 1,547. Entrance to the lookout is free, although you do have to pay for parking. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu Ask a local. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. March 25, 2019. Its located on the Northeast side of Oahu and is usually much less populated than many of the other hikes on Oahu despite how beautiful it is. 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. 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. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Hidden Eateries on Oahu You Need to Try - Hawaii Magazine Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Visiting in winter? Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. That's a lot to explore. 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. Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. 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. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. 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. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Amazing adventures! Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. 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. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. You wont regret it. 5 Secret Oahu locations - Luxury on Points My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. Off-the-Beaten Path Oahu Activities & Adventures | Marriott TRAVELER Oahu Surf Spots / A Guide to the Top Surf Breaks in Oahu - Lush Palm They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Thank for your continued support. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! Here at Best of Oahu, you will be treated to an insider's view of fantastic Honolulu attractions, dreamy Oahu beaches, and unique Hawaiian culture around the island! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! 5. There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 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). Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. 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. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. A few of our favorites include breakfast tacos at Konos, loco moco from Cinnamons, the deli at Foodland for fresh poke, the musubi from 7-Eleven, and shave ice from Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha. 15 Places You Can't Miss in Oahu (Hawaii) - Avenly Lane Travel The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. 4. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. They also offer beauty and body products. 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. The view makes it spectacular. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. 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. This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. 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! The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. Aloha! And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! All Rights Reserved. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Something that people love about this tour is the staff! Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. 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. You can also see a sea cave. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. 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. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below.