Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. 6. by: Victoria Derrick. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Your email address will not be published. Take a tour instead.
Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Mahalo! Phoa,.
If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. The view makes it spectacular. 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. hard (but worth it): Mt. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. 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. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker.
Leonard's Bakery is a spot that takes you back to the old days, with their old-fashioned storefront. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. 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. 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. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. 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. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. The paved trail that takes you there is one of themost popular hikes on Oahu because of how accessible it is and the amazing views it presents. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. I include a map and photos as well! Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. 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. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. Visitors just have to know where to find it. What better way to see Oahu than from hundreds of feet up in the air. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Were here to help! It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. 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 Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. inone day. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! 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. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. 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! Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. 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 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! Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. Koko Head. 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. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. 1/11 While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. But it is worth all the trouble! The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. Click the button below. As the sun rises 20 or more people sit atop the bunker with views all the way to the beach and down into the valleys on either side. Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. 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! Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. 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. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. 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. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! 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
The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. 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. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. 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. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. 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 Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. This area is really beautiful during sunrise and just after as the mountains will be lit perfectly and Chinamans Hat is a nice silhouette out in the water. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. . Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. Picnic on the Beach 2. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. Hanauma Bay. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. 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. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Keep scrolling to see my top 13 Oahu hidden gems worth adding to your Oahu itinerary! China Walls. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Do you love Hawaii? Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. This is a residential area as well, so people need to be aware that extreme noise will cause disruption for local people. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. 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. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! 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 . If you are lucky enough to explore even a few of them, your stay and the memories created in Oahu can only ever be enhanced. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. 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! Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people.