Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Oahu Travel. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. 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. 4. Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. Destination & Tourism 2022. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. 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. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Thank for your continued support. Halona Cove They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. 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. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining 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. 1. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Click here to learn more. 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! 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 food here is really good. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. 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. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. 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. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Its one of the top-rated tours on Oahu and makes for a great date night or family night out and will give you an understanding of the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. We all know what to expect for a tourist-dominated location such as the Hawaiian Islands, but there are some places that only the locals know. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. 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. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. 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. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! Take a Hike 5. 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. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. 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! 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. 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. 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. Parasailing is the perfect activity on Oahu as the sun sets so you can enjoy the beautiful colors from up high, looking down on the city. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches 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. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. . The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! Hawaii Beaches. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Hawaii Hikes. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. It is relatively safe but I wouldnt recommend this hike for people in good shape as there are moments where you need to use ropes to pull yourself up steep segments. Sherwood Beach. 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! to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. '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 Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. Oahu (Hawaiian: Oahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. 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. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. 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. 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. 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. Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. Get up early and head to the east coast of Oahu before the sun rises. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. 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. Cant decide? Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. 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. There you will find the places where the locals eat. You can read my full review HERE. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. See All Oahu Hotels. See an Active Volcano by Sea. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. Waikiki beach, Oahu. Kane'aki Heiau. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. (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. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. 2411 Makiki Heights Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822-2547, USA Phone +1 808-526-1322 Web Visit website For some of the best views of Honolulu, take a drive on the road that circles Mount Tantalus. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. 14. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. Where: K Hana Distillers. Hawaii Vacation. 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. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! photo by leonard's bakery. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. You can read a full review HERE. 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. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. 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! The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Download your copy of our The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. 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. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. Starting at $109-139/person. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. Phoa,. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. 1/11 What to do on Oahu? The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. 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. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. 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. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Amazing adventures! . You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Noreen Kompanik Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Panama, Complimentary Advisor Toolkit The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Alan Davis Beach. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. Ala Moana Beach Park Hawaii. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. 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. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. The words The Dead Mans Catwalk were constantly being spray painted on the 6-yard strip that led out to a steep drop-off down the face of cliffs. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. 303. Be incredibly careful in this area as it has claimed the lives of strong swimmers in the past after they were swept off the rocks. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. 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). As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side.