oahu secret spots

Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! 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! Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining China Walls. 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! There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Destination & Tourism Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. Hawaii Hikes. 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. 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The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. 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. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. 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. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Dillingham Ranch (most instagrammable places in oahu) Dillingham Ranch is one of the best photo spots you can visit in Oahu! But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. The white sand, clear blue water, and never ending small waves make this a perfect spot for beginners to become a grommet (supposedly this means beginning surfer). Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. Hanauma Bay. 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. . Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, 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. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. 5. 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. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. 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. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. 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. But it is worth all the trouble! Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. 22. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. 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. 20. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Big Island Bees Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 3. 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. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. 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. 1) Papohaku Beach Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr You will be surprised to find very few people on this stunning beach, which is the longest white sand beach throughout the Hawaiian Islands. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. 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. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. Hawaii Vacation. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. 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. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. 1. 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. You can actually walk right to it! Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day 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. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. You wont regret it. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 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. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. Many people still do the hike every day. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. (MUST VISIT) 23,013 views Aug 14, 2022 10 Not So Secret Hidden Gems in Oahu Hawaii in 2022 - Secret Places Hidden in Plain Sight. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Arena for high-performance surfing. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. It is best accessible when it is low tide. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! 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. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . 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. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. Noreen Kompanik But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. 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 tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Here is the complete series: Food: The 10 Most Delicious and Satisfying Must Eats in Honolulu, Hawaii Instagram: The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Go Cliff Jumping at the China Walls (secret things to do in Oahu). Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. That's a lot to explore. 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. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. All Rights Reserved. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. 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. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. Book your tour: Koko Head Trail Guided Adventure. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Mahalo! This is my Journey Era. You can read a full review HERE. 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. LOL . Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. Phoa,. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. Oahu. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. I include a map and photos as well! Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the Mahalo! There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . 9k followers. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. 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 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. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. Sherwood Beach. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. It is also named Mokuauia Island. Not too much to do here, but it is a lot of fun to look at and watch the waves roll by. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. 303. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Surf at Sunset 3. 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. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. The best way to experience Manoa Falls is with an experienced tour guide who can explain all of the local flora and fauna, most of which is unique to Oahu. by: Victoria Derrick. 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.. Makapuu Lookout. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. Ask a local. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. See the map below for all locations: 1. Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but you'll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. I include a map and photos as well! 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 hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. 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. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Maybe its because they think twice about the location, or maybe because the call from the Cocktail lounge was far too strong on that day. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Global Village Hawaii is one of our favorites! Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. 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. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands 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. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining.

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