Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. Koko Head. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. Choose from snorkeling, a picnic or simply just take in the surroundings that make you appreciate the history of this rock formation, and of all of Oahus natural beauty. China Walls. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. Any idea where to start? Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. If you do go, be sure to wear some sort of water shoes, because there can be rocks every now and then. 2022. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Cant decide? gallery icon 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 WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Surf at Sunset 3. Many people still do the hike every day. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. A secluded and remote slice of paradise perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature, Malaekahana is a 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? The entire Diamond Head Crater hike is quite scenic but it isnt until you reach the top that you have stunning views in all directions. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Oahu. 3. 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. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Where: K Hana Distillers. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. They also offer beauty and body products. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. 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. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. All Rights Reserved. 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. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Hanauma Bay. Do you love Hawaii? Mahalo! This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. What to do on Oahu? This is a hidden beach that is worth it! Leonard's Bakery. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. If you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax away from tourists, the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is another one of the hidden treasures on Oahu. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! Theres no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harborand 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. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. 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. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. This is my Journey Era. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . 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 . Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. 303. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. 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. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Waikiki. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. Secret Beach Oahu. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . 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. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. It is also named Mokuauia Island. See the map below for all locations: 1. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. 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. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. 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. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. Not necessarily in that order. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. 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. Aloha! 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 . Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! 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. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. Click here to learn more. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. 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. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. Dream Vacations. Get Naked and buy local! You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! 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! It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Be incredibly careful in this area as it has claimed the lives of strong swimmers in the past after they were swept off the rocks. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Waikiki beach, Oahu. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. 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. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. Take a Hike 5. . The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful.