oahu secret spots

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. 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. Dying to take your loved one to a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? 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. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. Visiting this beach is one of the most special things to do on Oahu. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Were here to help! 5. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. 4. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . 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. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Any idea where to start? gallery icon See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. . Get Naked and buy local! Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Always go with someone and help each other out. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. Being less common to visit on a trip to Hawaii than Oahu or Maui, off the beaten path Kauai is still quiet and beautiful; nearly untouched. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. Not many tourists hit this spot. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! 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). . Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. 1) Mermaid Cave. 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. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. Hi! Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. Take a Hike 5. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Alan Davis Beach. 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. Stunning, Welcoming. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 02:03 PM ET, Mon March 25 2019, 10 Most Sacred Indigenous Sites in the US, How Travel Advisors Can Capitalize on the Latest Travel Trends, Vacation Rental Bookings Rise in January 2023, Kansas City to Open First New Airport Terminal in 50 Years, FAA Adopts New Safeguards After System Failure Delayed, Canceled Flights. I have linked the top-rated tour below. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. You must get a picture here! 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. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. 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. 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. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. Oahu has some of the finest food on the islands, but when the noise and nightlife gets a bit much, the time has come to look for a more local-driven, quieter experience. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. Be prepared for masses of tourists. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. 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. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. 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. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. Hawaii Blog. A traditional coconut pudding many locals crave. 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 is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. 30. 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.. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. Leonard's Bakery. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Noreen Kompanik The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. They also offer beauty and body products. Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Take a tour instead. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Lanai Lookout. to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. Makapuu Lookout. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) 2022 13. The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. 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. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. Bellow's Beach Park. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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). However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. You wont regret it. Halona Cove Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. 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. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. 1. Koko Head. Located on the northwest coast of Oahu and surrounded only by remote forest reserves, Makua Beach is hardly ever crowded and is usually rather empty. 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. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. Tread lightly. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. 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! Because the trail is so clearly marked (unlike many of the hikes on Oahu) it is completely foolproof and great for beginners. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. You can also see a sea cave. Hawaii. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. 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 . A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. 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 3-mile long, 1-mile wide sandbar is located a mile or so from the shoreline, and you'll have to kayak or boat out to it. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. Starting at $109-139/person. Dream Vacations. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. 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. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. 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. You can read my full review HERE. 3. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! 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. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage.