Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! 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. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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! 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 Here is the complete series: Food: The 10 Most Delicious and Satisfying Must Eats in Honolulu, Hawaii Instagram: The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Go Cliff Jumping at the China Walls (secret things to do in Oahu). 10 Places the Locals Love on Oahu - Peter Greenberg Travel Detective Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. 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. 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. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay in-between Chinaman's Hat and Coconut Island, and may or may not be covered with water depending on the tide. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. My favorite waterfall hike on Oahu, Kaau Crater Hike leads you up three waterfalls before you navigate a fine ridge on the edge of the crater to reach expansive views in all directions. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. Hollow barrels if big enough. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Where: Ka'ena Point State Park, Waialua, Oahu. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. 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 . This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. 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. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. 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. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining. Where: K Hana Distillers. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. The 71 Best Photography Spots In Oahu in 2023 (With Map) Your email address will not be published. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. gallery icon It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. 4. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. View from Lanikai Pillboxes Hike on Oahu The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is around a mile long and usually takes around 40 minutes, depending on your hiking ability. 2022 13. 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. Book an Airbnb 4. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! Oahu. 303. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. Hawaii Travel Guide. HAWAII: FINDING SECRET SPOTS!! - YouTube 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. I have linked the top-rated tour below. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 21 of the Coolest Places to Visit + Attractions on Oahu, Hawaii There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. Waikiki Beach. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. Starting at $109-139/person. 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. 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. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) The food here is really good. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. 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). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. 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. Hi! Download your copy of our 4. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands 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. Amazing adventures! See All Oahu Hotels. This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Kane'aki Heiau. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience giving guests a close-up view of an array of sea creatures, exotic coral reefs, and numerous sunken vessels without getting wet. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. The circle island Helicopter tour will have you fly above all of the famous locations on Oahu, its simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. Waikiki. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. 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 . Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Take a Hike 5. by: Victoria Derrick. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. 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. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. It is also named Mokuauia Island. 1,547. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. 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. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. Experiences at Waikiki - Prince Waikiki Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. 8 Secret Places To Explore in Hawaii - Travel Off Path Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide - Viator It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Oahu - Hidden Gems, Secret Spots, Tips from Locals | YAHglobal Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. 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. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? 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. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. tively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. 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! I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost When you turn the other way at the top . Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Something that people love about this tour is the staff! The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) Oahu - Wikitravel photo by leonard's bakery. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. Its been a wild ride. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. You wont regret it. Click here to learn more. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! 2022. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. There you will find the places where the locals eat. . Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! Oahu Instagram Spots: 25 Beautiful Places to Visit on Oahu Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. You can actually walk right to it! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. Kaneohe Sandbar. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. Hawaii Hikes. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 - viator.com China Walls. 20. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall.