Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. 6. Remember, the land and properties are peoples homes, and in many instances, their livelihood is generated from everyday communities, not from those of tourist dollars.. 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 Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. 9k followers. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. 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. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. (MUST VISIT) 23,013 views Aug 14, 2022 10 Not So Secret Hidden Gems in Oahu Hawaii in 2022 - Secret Places Hidden in Plain Sight. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Hollow barrels if big enough. All Rights Reserved. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Get Naked and buy local! As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. 23. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. 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! Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. 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. 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. 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. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! 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. 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. 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. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. 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. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. I include a map and photos as well! Halona Cove Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. 1. 1. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. You must get a picture here! There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. by: Victoria Derrick. But this spot is only for the very experienced. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! 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. 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. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. by: Victoria Derrick. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. 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 . Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes 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! Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. March 25, 2019. Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. If not, we recommend giving them a try. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Parasailing is the perfect activity on Oahu as the sun sets so you can enjoy the beautiful colors from up high, looking down on the city. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. 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 unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. 3. 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. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. photo by leonard's bakery. If you prefer to do the tour with a guide and includes hotel pick/up and drop-off from Waikiki it could be a good option. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. 4. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . Where: K Hana Distillers. One of the lesser known thingsto do on Oahu but definitely one to enjoy from a safe distance. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. Cant decide? Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. 3. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. 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. Phoa,. Global Village Hawaii is one of our favorites! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. 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. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. 2022 13. . 1) Mermaid Cave. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. 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. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! 22. Visiting in winter? Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Lanai Lookout. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Strong swimmers only, please. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! You can actually walk right to it! The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Picnic on the Beach 2. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Take a tour instead. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. 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. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. It is a great place to visit if you can! Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. Waikiki beach, Oahu. This was one of my all-time favorite things to do on Oahu. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Any idea where to start? Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. 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. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. The words The Dead Mans Catwalk were constantly being spray painted on the 6-yard strip that led out to a steep drop-off down the face of cliffs. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. hard (but worth it): Mt. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! 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. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Hawaii Travel Guide. inone day. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Oahu's capital city of Honolulu has an average yearly coastal water temperature of between 76F (March) and 81F (September) - that's only a 5F change all year! 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 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Very popular place for surf lessons because the white water from the set waves out back funnels into the little bay-like setup making it a great place to teach surfing. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! Secret Beach Oahu. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island.
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