This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. Cant decide? 2022 13. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! . . Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. 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. 8 Most Beautiful Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Places to Visit There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Oahu Instagram Spots: 25 Beautiful Places to Visit on Oahu Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. One of the most unique boat tours on Oahu is the Atlantis Submarine, a tour that takes you below the surface to see the beauty of the underwater world. 20. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. The food here is really good. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. Secret Beach Oahu. 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. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. I include a map and photos as well! Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! 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. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. 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. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. 23. Lyon Arboretum 430 Gardens Educational sites By Cruiser26741642330 Make your reservation in advance and drive past the busy parking lot and crowd at Manoa Falls to this botanical gem! 6. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 3. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. 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. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Bellow's Beach Park. The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. hard (but worth it): Mt. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 5. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Arena for high-performance surfing. Goat Island is a tiny little island off the coast of Laie Bay. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Hawaii Vacation. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! 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. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March 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. inone day. . For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. (MUST VISIT) 23,013 views Aug 14, 2022 10 Not So Secret Hidden Gems in Oahu Hawaii in 2022 - Secret Places Hidden in Plain Sight. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Waikiki beach, Oahu. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. 1. 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. What to do on Oahu? I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Hawaii Travel Guide. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. 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. 22 Best Oahu Instagram Spots (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. Best of Oahu 2023 Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance This is my Journey Era. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Take a Hike 5. 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. Entrance to the lookout is free, although you do have to pay for parking. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. Alan Davis Beach. 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. Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Book an Airbnb 4. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 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). It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. 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. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu There you will find the places where the locals eat. This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day 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. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . 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. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 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. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. It is truly a magical experience. 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist Where: K Hana Distillers. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. Oahu. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. 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. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. 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! Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Its one of the top-rated tours on Oahu and makes for a great date night or family night out and will give you an understanding of the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Makapuu Lookout. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. The view makes it spectacular. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads When you turn the other way at the top . While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. 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. 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. Oahu - Hidden Gems, Secret Spots, Tips from Locals | YAHglobal 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 use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom 4. Surf at Sunset 3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Ka'a'awa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Hawaii. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. by: Victoria Derrick. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Hi! 2022. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. 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. 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. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (with Map) These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. 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. They also have tours if you are interested in going with a group or want more fun facts about the gardens. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! The 5 Best Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu | Oyster.com You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Wave direction : Right and left. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. 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. 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. Waikiki Beach. 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. 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.. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Tread lightly. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Kaneohe Sandbar. If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Where: K Hana Distillers. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. Aloha! Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Where: Anywhere off the main strip. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Oahu. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. All aboard the Haleiwa Queen, enjoy the clear view of the Pacific Ocean floor as you cruise over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaiis shipwrecks. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. 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. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. 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. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. But it is better to swim to protect the coral below. March 25, 2019. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay in-between Chinaman's Hat and Coconut Island, and may or may not be covered with water depending on the tide. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. 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. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Visitors just have to know where to find it. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel.