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. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . Mahalo! If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! 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. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii. 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. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. 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 . 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. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. 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. by: Victoria Derrick. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. There you will find the places where the locals eat. 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. gallery icon I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Source: adamkresina on Instagram. 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. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. 1. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. 1/11 Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . 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. 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. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. One of my favorite things to do on Oahu was to head to spitting cave on the east coast cliffs and watch the divers jumping off. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Be sure to do the hike on a day with big swell so you can watch the huge waves roll in one after another from up in the mountains. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? 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 . 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! With so many great attractions and activities that are perfect for all ages, it may be hard to decide what your favorite spots will be during your vacation. Hollow barrels if big enough. 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 en $ USD Account Overview What's Included Meeting And Pickup What To Expect Additional Info Cancellation Policy Book online or call: (888) 651-9785 Chat now Home Things to do in USA Things to do in Hawaii Things to do in Oahu Oahu Tours Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. 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! Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Visitors just have to know where to find it. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. this is my secret spot !!! There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day 6. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Very popular place for surf lessons because the white water from the set waves out back funnels into the little bay-like setup making it a great place to teach surfing. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Being less common to visit on a trip to Hawaii than Oahu or Maui, off the beaten path Kauai is still quiet and beautiful; nearly untouched. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! I include a map and photos as well! 1,547. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. In fact, most of them have official names, and are relatively easy to find. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Secret Beach Oahu. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. 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. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. That's a lot to explore. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Click here to learn more. Alan Davis Beach. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. photo by leonard's bakery. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. Click the button below. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. 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. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. 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. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) 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. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. 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. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. 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. 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 . Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. . The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. 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. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. 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. This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . 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. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. 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. 5. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. 1. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. 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. See All Oahu Hotels. Oahu. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Were here to help! MERCH!! North Shore Tacos Head to open-air North Shore Tacos (formerly known as Surfin' Tacos) for tacos island-style: laden with fresh fish, cilantro, and the joint's Secret Surf Sauce. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. This is my Journey Era. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Book an Airbnb 4. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Kane'aki Heiau. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. Gunstock Ranch. 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. But it is better to swim to protect the coral below. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. If not, we recommend giving them a try. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. 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. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance 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 It is best accessible when it is low tide. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. 20. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 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. Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. When you turn the other way at the top . 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. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. 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. Kaneohe Sandbar. 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. take about thirty minutes. Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. 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. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. 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. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Phoa,. Hawaii Beaches. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. Stuart Schuffman. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Big Island Bees Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Stunning, Welcoming. Wave direction : Right and left. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. It might seem extreme but it is very controlled and quite safe. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! There is more to this amazing island than meets the eye with many locally owned and secret places hiding in plain sight among the bright lights, Mai-Tais, and flip-flops. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu Youll Want to Check Out, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! If world-class entertainment and food werent enough on the beautiful beaches of Oahu, then why not take to the waters with the Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Bellow's Beach Park. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. Book your tour: Koko Head Trail Guided Adventure. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. 22. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! 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. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air.