Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Gunstock Ranch. Choose from snorkeling, a picnic or simply just take in the surroundings that make you appreciate the history of this rock formation, and of all of Oahus natural beauty. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and 1. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. 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 . Oahu. 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. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. 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. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People You wont regret it. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. 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. If you prefer to do the tour with a guide and includes hotel pick/up and drop-off from Waikiki it could be a good option. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. Secret Things to Do in Oahu: The BEST Local Hidden Gems Hanauma Bay. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. 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 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. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. 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. 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. 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. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. . 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. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . 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. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. Be prepared for masses of tourists. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. 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. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Where: K Hana Distillers. 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. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. 1/11 Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM 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. Noreen Kompanik WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Starting at $109-139/person. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. 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! It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Experiences at Waikiki - Prince Waikiki 5. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Click the button below. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. 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. 22. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! But it is worth all the trouble! 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. They also have tours if you are interested in going with a group or want more fun facts about the gardens. But this spot is only for the very experienced. I did this tour with my family and they loved it. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Oahu Instagram Spots: 25 Beautiful Places to Visit on Oahu Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. Located on the windward side of Oahu, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is simultaneously one of the top attractions in Oahu and also a great place to get (somewhat) away from the crowds in iconic spots like Waikiki Beach. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? Stunning, Welcoming. 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. March 25, 2019. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. Big Island Bees This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. See the map below for all locations: 1. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! 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. Not many tourists hit this spot. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! 2022. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands I have linked the top-rated tour below. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. You can read a full review HERE. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. 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. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. Stuart Schuffman. 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse photo by leonard's bakery. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. Ala Moana Beach Park This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. 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 . The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. The 71 Best Photography Spots In Oahu in 2023 (With Map) The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. Book an Airbnb 4. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love - Hawaii Guide The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. 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). Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen Wave direction : Right and left. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! Get Naked and buy local! Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. Watch popular content from the following creators: mellowyellowpay(@mellowyellowpay), Daniella Daniel(@daniella19889), DJ ill Will(@deejayillwill), layla(@lylamatar), kris(@kristheglobetrotter), Ashley Hernandez(@wildlyunconventional), Localkineting(@crazychazu), Ntxhi (See)(@whisperntxhi), Gabby(@gabriellewoolery_), tasia . 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. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. The entrance fee is just $5 but if you prefer to join a guided tour to show you the way and share stories and history with you, I can recommend this top-rated tour, which combines Diamond Head hike and the easy Manoa Falls hike in one day! The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) 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. 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. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. It is best accessible when it is low tide. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura 6. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. Visitors just have to know where to find it. 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. 303. Click here to learn more. 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. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. It is a great place to visit if you can! These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Do you love Hawaii? Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. Were here to help! If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. History comes alive before your eyes as you weave your way up the Koolau Mountains to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout where King Kamehameha I battled to unite the Hawaiian Islands. 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. 15 Places You Can't Miss in Oahu (Hawaii) - Avenly Lane Travel Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. 10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu - Discover Hidden Gems in Oahu Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Five Hidden Gems Near Waikiki and 'Alohilani - Alohilani 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. 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. 8 Most Beautiful Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Places to Visit There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes.