One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. Oahu Travel. But it is worth all the trouble! After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. You wont regret it. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Get Naked and buy local! You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Where: Anywhere off the main strip. 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 . The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. What to do on Oahu? Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! 73 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura 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. 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). The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. 43 Oahu Instagram Spots: All the Best Places to Take Pictures in Oahu We hope you find something new or old favorites when exploring our content about Oahu. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Do you love Hawaii? You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. Oahu. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. 10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation - Travelling Dany Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! inone day. 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. If not, we recommend giving them a try. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. Best snorkeling in Oahu - Top snorkel spots - Snorkel Around The World We all know what to expect for a tourist-dominated location such as the Hawaiian Islands, but there are some places that only the locals know. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food - Wanderly Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. 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. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. All Rights Reserved. Book your tour:Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. 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. this is my secret spot !!! My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Oahu Sacred Places - To-Hawaii 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. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. Download your copy of our It is relatively safe but I wouldnt recommend this hike for people in good shape as there are moments where you need to use ropes to pull yourself up steep segments. Amazing adventures! Take a Hike 5. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. Wave direction : Right and left. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost Always go with someone and help each other out. This neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. . The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. Noreen Kompanik 303. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . 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 The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. This is also a very kid-friendly beach because the waves are almost always calm. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 - viator.com Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. See an Active Volcano by Sea. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches - Hawaii Snorkeling Secrets! The Complete 22. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Experiences at Waikiki - Prince Waikiki Click here to learn more. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) 20. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Dream Vacations. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. 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. Hanauma Bay. Arena for high-performance surfing. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. 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. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. 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. 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (with Map) December 6, 2022 Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, moray eels, and rainbow corals are just a hint of the impeccable underwater world thriving in the North Pacific Ocean surrounding Oahu island. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. 4. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Located in Kahaluu, you can go and walk on these sacred grounds. Hidden Eateries on Oahu You Need to Try - Hawaii Magazine One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. 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. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. This is my Journey Era. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. There is no better way to start your day than with a short sunrise hike overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. 1. 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 . It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Many people still do the hike every day. 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. 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. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. The view makes it spectacular. Discover secret spots on oahu 's popular videos | TikTok Leonard's Bakery. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! (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. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (with Map) 1,547. The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. If you walk back towards Waikiki along the coast away from the lighthouse there are a collection of wooden planks hanging out over the crystal clear water at Alan Davis Beach. It is a great place to visit if you can! Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! Visiting in winter? This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) See All Oahu Hotels. Kane'aki Heiau. 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! Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. 24 Best Places To Eat In Oahu For All Tastes & Budgets This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! 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! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! Not too much to do here, but it is a lot of fun to look at and watch the waves roll by. A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Secret Beach Oahu. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. The Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii - Secret Spots in Oahu - Thrillist There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. 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. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. 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. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Oahu Travel Guide for the Ultimate Vacation Experience Thank for your continued support. MERCH!! Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Visitors just have to know where to find it. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . 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. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. Oahu Snorkel Guide - The Best Beaches For Snorkeling [2021] Where: K Hana Distillers. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 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. This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? 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. This cruise will let you see the beauty of the colorful sunset in Oahu with a view of the island at night as the artificial lights glow and cover the place. by: Victoria Derrick. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Picnic on the Beach 2. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. take about thirty minutes. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. This 5-hour historic tour is a combination tour in which you will be guided through Pearl Harbors comprehensive history see the sunken USS Arizona, get a chance to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and stop by the landmarks of Honolulu metropolitan area. 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. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! 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. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. 14. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. 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. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. 21. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 5. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. China Walls. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. 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. Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu - Heartbeet Kitchen Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are!
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