oahu secret spots oahu secret spots

Destination & Tourism Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in 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. 3. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Alan Davis Beach. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on 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. Where: K Hana Distillers. Waikiki Beach. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. 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. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! 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 4. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. 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. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands 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. 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 . Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. 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. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Aala (highest peak on Oahu) or Stairway to heaven - super nice views (payoff at the top is really worth it) Treats/Deserts: Jung's shave ice on King st. for cheap and good shave ice. 1) Mermaid Cave. You can actually walk right to it! If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. Starting at $109-139/person. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. 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. 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. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. 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. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. This whole-day tour is a combination of land and water excursion and will show you Oahus famous spots and hidden gems with sea turtle snorkeling on Oahu. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. 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. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 1Before Visiting these Oahu Hidden Gems 2Byodo-In Temple 3Ka'ena Point State Park 4Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden 5Mermaid Caves/Cove Oahu 6Electric Beach 7China Walls 8Kawela Bay 9Goat Island (Mokuauia Island) 10Kahuku Farms 11Lanikai Pillbox Hike 12Halona Blowhole + Beach Cove 13Moku o Lo'e/Coconut Island 14Waimea Falls 15Sharks Cove Arena for high-performance surfing. 5. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. 14. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Click the button below. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. But it is worth all the trouble! Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Oahu Nicknamed Christmas Tree Park for the giant metal tree that glows green during the holiday season, this little park was once called Telegraph Hill, a lookout where King Kamehameha's troops. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. 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. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. 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. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to 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. 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 is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also named Mokuauia Island. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. Say hello to Pickles the cow and her friends while basking in the lush environment, certainly conducive to happy animals and resulting in a better product. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. This is my Journey Era. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! Waikiki beach, Oahu. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. 4. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Were here to help! 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. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . This is another great place to watch the sunrise. 1. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. 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. . Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. 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. Take a tour instead. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. You can read a full review HERE. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. 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. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. 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. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. March 25, 2019. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. It is truly a magical experience. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! Get Naked and buy local! HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. The catwalk referred to the cement slab that some claim was a possible war-era installation or was previously used asa launching strip for hang gliders. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. Only a few blocks back from Lanikai Beach is the beginning of the Lanikai Pillbox Trail(Kaiwa Ridge), known for being one of the easier trails on the island of Oahu. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. You can also see a sea cave. 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. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. 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. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. 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. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. 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. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. Amazing adventures! But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. There you will find the places where the locals eat. 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. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. The view makes it spectacular. 1. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. I did this tour with my family and they loved it. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture.