It is best accessible when it is low tide. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. So, lets go and see what we can find that may be less crowded and more akin to the peace and gentle Hawaiian nature that will have you coming back again and again. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. 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. The words The Dead Mans Catwalk were constantly being spray painted on the 6-yard strip that led out to a steep drop-off down the face of cliffs. This 5-hour historic tour is a combination tour in which you will be guided through Pearl Harbors comprehensive history see the sunken USS Arizona, get a chance to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and stop by the landmarks of Honolulu metropolitan area. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. But it is worth all the trouble! They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Mahalo! Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. 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. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. 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. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Sherwood Beach. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. Top Little Known Spots in Oahu - Indefinite Travel Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. 1. I have linked the top-rated tour below. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Aloha! Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. 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. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Were here to help! You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. 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! 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. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. Alan Davis Beach. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Oahu Travel Guide for the Ultimate Vacation Experience Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Hawaii Travel Guide. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit 14. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. Parasailing is the perfect activity on Oahu as the sun sets so you can enjoy the beautiful colors from up high, looking down on the city. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. Ka'ena Point State Park. You can read a full review HERE. Oahu. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. 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! The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder Best Sunsets in Oahu + Places to See Them - Adventures & Sunsets Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander Enjoy Palladium Hotel Group's Cancun Resorts, TBO Empowers Travel Advisors to Control Commission, Explore the Greek Islands on a Fam Trip With Exodus Travels, For more information on The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. You wont regret it. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. THE 80 BEST THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Visitors just have to know where to find it. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. That's a lot to explore. Panama, Complimentary Advisor Toolkit Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 02:03 PM ET, Mon March 25 2019, 10 Most Sacred Indigenous Sites in the US, How Travel Advisors Can Capitalize on the Latest Travel Trends, Vacation Rental Bookings Rise in January 2023, Kansas City to Open First New Airport Terminal in 50 Years, FAA Adopts New Safeguards After System Failure Delayed, Canceled Flights. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Stuart Schuffman. hard (but worth it): Mt. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. Enjoy the buffet meal, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. 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. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. Dream Vacations. 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. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Do you love Hawaii? 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. Jungle Expedition: One of the Best Kualoa Ranch Tours, 12 Best Places to Eat in Oahu Hawaii | Simply Wander, The Perfect 3 Day Oahu North Shore Itinerary | Simply Wander, Crouching Lion Trail: The Most Underrated Hike in Oahu | Simply Wander, 10 Best Beaches on Oahu North Shore | Simply Wander, Maunawili Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Oahu | Simply Wander, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail: The Best Family Hike in Oahu - Simply Wander, The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List - Simply Wander, South Point Hawaii: A Big Island Hidden Gem | Simply Wander, 9 Unforgettable Things to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, A Utah Glamping Adventure at Whispering Pines, 5 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Durango Colorado in the Winter. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. 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. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets 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. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 3. tively short hike but dont be fooled. Ask a local. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom The tour picks you up at 7:15 in the morning at selected Waikiki hotels and the itinerary includes Diamond Head Lookout, Tropical Hawaiian Coffee, and Macadamia Nut Farms, ChinaMans Hat, North Shore Shrimp Trucks, North Shore Fruit Stand, the legendary Sunset Beach, Turtle Snorkeling, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. They also offer beauty and body products. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. Noreen Kompanik Starting at $109-139/person. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. 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. Maybe its because most dont find the dairy industry interesting, but for all of us cheese lovers out there this is one not to miss. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. 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. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. A secluded and remote slice of paradise perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature, Malaekahana is a 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. Halona Cove Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. Visitors just have to know where to find it. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! . You must get a picture here! The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. (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. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. 6. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Hollow barrels if big enough. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. 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. Many people still do the hike every day. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. 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. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . March 25, 2019. LOL . 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 . During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! 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. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. Arena for high-performance surfing. Entrance to the lookout is free, although you do have to pay for parking.