Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! 1) Mermaid Cave. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . 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. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. Waikiki. Amazing adventures! 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. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) 1. 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. Its been a wild ride. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. Only a few blocks back from Lanikai Beach is the beginning of the Lanikai Pillbox Trail(Kaiwa Ridge), known for being one of the easier trails on the island of Oahu. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. 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A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity 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. This neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. 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. . 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. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Overseen by looming mountains, the fields of cane stand almost proudly while being housed in red dirt and sheltered by banana trees, and dense guinea grass. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are full of colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. 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. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. 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. 1. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! China Walls. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance You wont regret it. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. 22. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. 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. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse See the map below for all locations: 1. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. Sharks Cove is a beach park in Oahu that you'll feel like is a well-kept secret due to its uncrowded and unusual features. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 - viator.com Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. 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. 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 . If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. Where: K Hana Distillers. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Hi! The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. It's obscured from view by the vegetation that lines the section of Kamehameha Highway, and is deemed inaccessible (to the public) due to its location on the other side of the Moli'i pond. Hawaii Blog. Hawaii Beaches. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! 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. Halona Cove. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? 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. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! 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. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. Get Naked and buy local! The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. inone day. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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! Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. The result of banning the kinds of activities that can hurt or kill marine life is that there is an abundance of sea life in . Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. It is easy to climb onto the rock and from there you can join the crowd of nervous jumpers who wait their turn to leap off the rock. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Phoa,. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. Gunstock Ranch. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. 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 If world-class entertainment and food werent enough on the beautiful beaches of Oahu, then why not take to the waters with the Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise. 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. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . 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. It might seem extreme but it is very controlled and quite safe. Bellow's Beach Park. If not, we recommend giving them a try. Starting at $109-139/person. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Oahu. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. 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! Click here to learn more. take about thirty minutes. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities Enjoy the buffet meal, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. The food here is really good. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. 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. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Aala (highest peak on Oahu) or Stairway to heaven - super nice views (payoff at the top is really worth it) Treats/Deserts: Jung's shave ice on King st. for cheap and good shave ice. Ala Moana Beach Park Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. 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. Kane'aki Heiau. Arena for high-performance surfing. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Ask a local. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. Ka'ena Point State Park. 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. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! Stuart Schuffman. 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. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! Thank for your continued support. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. 5 Secret Oahu locations - Luxury on Points Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates!