oahu secret spots oahu secret spots

Mahalo! Oahu. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Waikiki. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. 5. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. 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. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. 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. If you want a small, intimate luau that feels like you are hanging out in a family members yard, this is the luau to do. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. All Rights Reserved. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. by: Victoria Derrick. 303. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. 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. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Noreen Kompanik It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Aloha! A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay in-between Chinaman's Hat and Coconut Island, and may or may not be covered with water depending on the tide. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. It is best accessible when it is low tide. 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. There you will find the places where the locals eat. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. . Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. See an Active Volcano by Sea. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. 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. 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. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Lyon Arboretum 430 Gardens Educational sites By Cruiser26741642330 Make your reservation in advance and drive past the busy parking lot and crowd at Manoa Falls to this botanical gem! 1/11 Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. 1) Mermaid Cave. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. 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. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. 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. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. 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. 30. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. 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). The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. Take a Hike 5. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. 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. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Many people still do the hike every day. I include a map and photos as well! This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Goat Island is a tiny little island off the coast of Laie Bay. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. inone day. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Surf at Sunset 3. 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. 4. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. MERCH!! Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. Any idea where to start? Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. 20. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Do you love Hawaii? Where: K Hana Distillers. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. 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 popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. Leonard's Bakery. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Source: adamkresina on Instagram. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. 22. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. You can actually walk right to it! 2022 13. Hawaii. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? 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. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. 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. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Koko Head. 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. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. Waikiki Beach. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Picnic on the Beach 2. China Walls. 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. tively short hike but dont be fooled. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands Your email address will not be published. But it is worth all the trouble! 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! . Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. See the map below for all locations: 1. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. You can also see a sea cave. this is my secret spot !!! hard (but worth it): Mt. 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. You wont regret it. Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . 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. My favorite waterfall hike on Oahu, Kaau Crater Hike leads you up three waterfalls before you navigate a fine ridge on the edge of the crater to reach expansive views in all directions. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. I did this tour with my family and they loved it. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. 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! A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. I have linked the top-rated tour below. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. 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. Wave direction : Right and left. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Hawaii Blog. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. gallery icon Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. Gunstock Ranch. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. 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. Ka'ena Point State Park. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! 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. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. 23. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. 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. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. Remember, the land and properties are peoples homes, and in many instances, their livelihood is generated from everyday communities, not from those of tourist dollars.. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. Get up early and head to the east coast of Oahu before the sun rises. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Click here to learn more. photo by leonard's bakery. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. 3. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. Where: K Hana Distillers. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. This is my Journey Era. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! Not necessarily in that order. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. 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. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine!