Ka'ena Point State Park. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. 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. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Sharks Cove is a beach park in Oahu that you'll feel like is a well-kept secret due to its uncrowded and unusual features. See an Active Volcano by Sea. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. But it is worth all the trouble! The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. 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 . Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. 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. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Bellow's Beach Park. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu Visitors just have to know where to find it. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. 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. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. Sherwood Beach. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. 8 Secret Places To Explore in Hawaii - Travel Off Path While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. As a small replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan, this one was built to commemorate the Japanese people who lived in Hawaii for over a hundred years. Hi! This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. gallery icon
I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. 22.
If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. It is a great place to visit if you can! Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . This island is home to seabirds, not goats.
If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Oahu Instagram Spots: 25 Beautiful Places to Visit on Oahu 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. Your email address will not be published. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. 3. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Hanauma Bay. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight
This is another great place to watch the sunrise. 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. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! There is a great kayak rental at Kaneohe that sets up the kayaks on the beach for you so you can paddle out Chinamans Hat. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Oahu Travel. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022
You can read a full review HERE. It is also named Mokuauia Island. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. Off-the-Beaten Path Oahu Activities & Adventures | Marriott TRAVELER Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Hawaii Travel Guide. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. 1. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. 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! 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! 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. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. 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. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day
Secret Beach Oahu. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. 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. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. 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 . 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. Five Hidden Gems Near Waikiki and 'Alohilani - Alohilani Oahu's capital city of Honolulu has an average yearly coastal water temperature of between 76F (March) and 81F (September) - that's only a 5F change all year! Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean.
Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. 10 Best Surf Spots In Oahu, Hawaii, USA | Trip101 From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. 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. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. Waikiki Beach. by: Victoria Derrick. Halona Cove. All Rights Reserved. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. Dream Vacations. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. It is easy to climb onto the rock and from there you can join the crowd of nervous jumpers who wait their turn to leap off the rock. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. 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. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and
Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. 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. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay.
Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Waikiki. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. 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. You must get a picture here! There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads Aloha! Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen This is my Journey Era. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. The 5 Best Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu | Oyster.com They also offer beauty and body products. 14. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. 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. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. 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.