You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. 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. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. This is my Journey Era. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! 1. Bellow's Beach Park. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! 21. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! 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. 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. 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. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Surf at Sunset 3. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. 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. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. 15 Places You Can't Miss in Oahu (Hawaii) - Avenly Lane Travel What to do on Oahu? Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Koko Head. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. 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. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos 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). Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. 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. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. March 25, 2019. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. 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. You can read a full review HERE. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. What started out as a small roadside shop has turned into a fun place to visit! The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Its located on the Northeast side of Oahu and is usually much less populated than many of the other hikes on Oahu despite how beautiful it is. 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. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Not many tourists hit this spot. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Oahu. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. 2022. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. 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. It is also named Mokuauia Island. 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. Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Off-the-Beaten Path Oahu Activities & Adventures | Marriott TRAVELER This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. Ive added the link to some of the top-rated tours in each section so you can book your activities in advance for your vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. Do you love Hawaii? Tread lightly. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. take about thirty minutes. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. Mahalo! See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. 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. 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. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Hawaii Blog. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 - viator.com Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! 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 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. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. 22 Best Oahu Instagram Spots (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! 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. Always go with someone and help each other out. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. 1/11 All Rights Reserved. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. 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. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. . Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. Any idea where to start? 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. You wont regret it. to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are full of colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean. 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. 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. Where: K Hana Distillers. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Find Dead mans catwalk (or where it used to be), Reach the summit of Wiliwilinui ridge trail, The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and, Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran, Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery, Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise, Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo, Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment, One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people, Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. See an Active Volcano by Sea. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. 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. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. 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. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. LOL . Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. 10 Places the Locals Love on Oahu - Peter Greenberg Travel Detective China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. 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! A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. Get Naked and buy local! Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. 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. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. But it is worth all the trouble! cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. 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. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. 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. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. 1. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) 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. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. Waikiki Beach. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. 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 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). 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation - Travelling Dany 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. 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. 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. 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 3. Where: K Hana Distillers. Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. 1. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. 1Before Visiting these Oahu Hidden Gems 2Byodo-In Temple 3Ka'ena Point State Park 4Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden 5Mermaid Caves/Cove Oahu 6Electric Beach 7China Walls 8Kawela Bay 9Goat Island (Mokuauia Island) 10Kahuku Farms 11Lanikai Pillbox Hike 12Halona Blowhole + Beach Cove 13Moku o Lo'e/Coconut Island 14Waimea Falls 15Sharks Cove Arena for high-performance surfing. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. That's a lot to explore. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. When you turn the other way at the top . 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. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Strong swimmers only, please. 3. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. 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! by: Victoria Derrick. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings.