During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! 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. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. Some things are happy to remain in the shadows. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Hi! If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. 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. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. 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. 10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation - Travelling Dany 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! 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) Best of Oahu 2023 There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers Makapuu Lookout. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. 23. Thanks to the calm, shallow waters, Hanauma Bay is Oahu's best snorkeling spot for everyone but especially fun for families with children. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. 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. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. 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 . Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. inone day. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. 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. 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. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. Secret Beach Oahu. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Halona Cove 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. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! Hollow barrels if big enough. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. I have linked the top-rated tour below. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. Wave direction : Right and left. 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. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Oahu Travel. With so many great attractions and activities that are perfect for all ages, it may be hard to decide what your favorite spots will be during your vacation. 14. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. 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. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! Tread lightly. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. 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. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Do you love Hawaii? Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. 8 secret gems on Oahu - Sunset Magazine It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Halona Cove. Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but youll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. 3. The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! 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. Water rushes in with waves, filling the cave before being spat out with great force. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. Aloha! It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Leonard's Bakery. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. Ala Moana Beach Park Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. 1) Papohaku Beach Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr You will be surprised to find very few people on this stunning beach, which is the longest white sand beach throughout the Hawaiian Islands. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. 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. 9 Of The Greatest Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii - Journeying The Globe Cant decide? You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! 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. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. 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 . They also offer beauty and body products. Visiting in winter? From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. Oahu. tively short hike but dont be fooled. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Waikiki beach, Oahu. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Its been a wild ride. 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? You can read my full review HERE. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! 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. Stuart Schuffman. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Not too much to do here, but it is a lot of fun to look at and watch the waves roll by. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. 9k followers. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. 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. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. The food here is really good. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). I did this tour with my family and they loved it. 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). 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. It is truly a magical experience. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. You can actually walk right to it! 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Hawaii - The Crazy Tourist Lanai Lookout. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. 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! The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. 303. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. 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. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. 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! Always go with someone and help each other out. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. 22 Best Oahu Instagram Spots (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. Any idea where to start? Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). Find Dead mans catwalk (or where it used to be), Reach the summit of Wiliwilinui ridge trail, The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and, Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran, Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery, Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise, Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo, Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment, One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people, Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. 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. If not, we recommend giving them a try. 2411 Makiki Heights Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822-2547, USA Phone +1 808-526-1322 Web Visit website For some of the best views of Honolulu, take a drive on the road that circles Mount Tantalus. 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. 6. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. Kaneohe Sandbar. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. this is my secret spot !!! Gunstock Ranch. 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! Five Hidden Gems Near Waikiki and 'Alohilani - Alohilani Hawaii Travel Guide. 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). Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. You can read a full review HERE. Once down on the rocky coastline, a number of tide pools are deep enough to jump into and a few blowholes might give you a surprise too. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful!