Hawaii Vacation. Koko Head. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. This safe, sandy, protected bay is one of the most famous snorkel spots in Hawaii and is often listed as one of the best places to visit on the island of Oahu. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. In fact, most of them have official names, and are relatively easy to find. 3. Hanauma Bay. 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. 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! This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. 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. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Hawaii Hikes. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! 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. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. 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. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. 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. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. 20. Hawaii. However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. 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. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. Lanikai is by far one of the prettiest areas on Oahu, laden with spectacular bechside homes, crystal clear water and the famous Mokoluas also known as mokes (two small islands) out in the ocean. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Take a Hike 5. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. Cant decide? Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Its been a wild ride. You can actually walk right to it! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Download your copy of our Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. 1,547. They also offer beauty and body products. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. 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! Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Click here to learn more. Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. As Melville says, "It is not down on any map; true places never are." So, if you want to find Mermaid Cave, keep in mind that most of us are guests on Oahu, and part of the joy of being in . 3. 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. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. March 25, 2019. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. 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. 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. Where: K Hana Distillers. 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. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. 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. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. 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. 9k followers. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Lanai Lookout. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. 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. 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. 14. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. 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. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. The food here is really good. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. Gunstock Ranch. This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. inone day. 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. The 3-mile long, 1-mile wide sandbar is located a mile or so from the shoreline, and you'll have to kayak or boat out to it. 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. 22. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Were here to help! The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Click the button below. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Do you love Hawaii? 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. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Dream Vacations. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. You can also see a sea cave. 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. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Oahu Travel. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. What to do on Oahu? Something that people love about this tour is the staff! If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Many people still do the hike every day. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience giving guests a close-up view of an array of sea creatures, exotic coral reefs, and numerous sunken vessels without getting wet. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. 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 morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahus famous North Shore from long, high, and extra-quiet zip lines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. . Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. . For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. 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 fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. tively short hike but dont be fooled. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. 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. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 Hawaii Beaches. 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. 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. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. 4. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! There's no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor and towering Diamond Head are still must-dos for first-time visitors, but the real soul of Oahu lies off its beaten paths on roads less traveled. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! 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. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. That's a lot to explore. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. I include a map and photos as well! There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. 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. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Big Island Bees Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. 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. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Watch popular content from the following creators: mellowyellowpay(@mellowyellowpay), Daniella Daniel(@daniella19889), DJ ill Will(@deejayillwill), layla(@lylamatar), kris(@kristheglobetrotter), Ashley Hernandez(@wildlyunconventional), Localkineting(@crazychazu), Ntxhi (See)(@whisperntxhi), Gabby(@gabriellewoolery_), tasia . Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. Stuart Schuffman. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! 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. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. See All Oahu Hotels. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. 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. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Ka'ena Point State Park. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off!