Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. I include a map and photos as well! The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. 6. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. Many people still do the hike every day. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. 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. 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. 30. Surf at Sunset 3. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. 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. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Take a tour instead. The 71 Best Photography Spots In Oahu in 2023 (With Map) 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March I did this tour with my family and they loved it. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. 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. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. Cant decide? Hollow barrels if big enough. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. 303. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. 8 Secret Places To Explore in Hawaii - Travel Off Path Stuart Schuffman. The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. Waikiki. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Hawaii. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy 1. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. There you will find the places where the locals eat. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. 1. That's a lot to explore. They also have tours if you are interested in going with a group or want more fun facts about the gardens. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. Jungle Expedition: One of the Best Kualoa Ranch Tours, 12 Best Places to Eat in Oahu Hawaii | Simply Wander, The Perfect 3 Day Oahu North Shore Itinerary | Simply Wander, Crouching Lion Trail: The Most Underrated Hike in Oahu | Simply Wander, 10 Best Beaches on Oahu North Shore | Simply Wander, Maunawili Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Oahu | Simply Wander, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail: The Best Family Hike in Oahu - Simply Wander, The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List - Simply Wander, South Point Hawaii: A Big Island Hidden Gem | Simply Wander, 9 Unforgettable Things to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, A Utah Glamping Adventure at Whispering Pines, 5 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Durango Colorado in the Winter. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. 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. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. I include a map and photos as well! 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. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! 1,547. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Get Naked and buy local! Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder All Rights Reserved. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. Hawaii Blog. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. . This neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. Do you love Hawaii? Something that people love about this tour is the staff! 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. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions. Hawaii Beaches. Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. This is one of the less popular things to do on Oahu but it was by far one of my favorite hikes on the island. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. The best way to find the hidden gems along the north shore is to drive along Kamehameha Highway and to pull over at any fruit stand, beach, or place that looks interesting to you. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Where: K Hana Distillers. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Mahalo! Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! There is a bike path that runs from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay that is a great way to spend the day exploring the hidden spots that . Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. 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. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Oahu - Tripadvisor The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. 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. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. 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). Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Stunning, Welcoming. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. What to do on Oahu? Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! Explore around the corner and try and spot the semi-enclosed salt water rock pool created by someone with much, much more money than myself. Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 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. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. 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. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. 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. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. Amazing adventures! Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. The food here is really good. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. 15 Places You Can't Miss in Oahu (Hawaii) - Avenly Lane Travel WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. 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 . Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love - Hawaii Guide Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. The view makes it spectacular. Mahalo! Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Your email address will not be published. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau.