But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! 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. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. 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! Lanai Lookout. 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. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Not many tourists hit this spot. Destination & Tourism You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. Dream Vacations. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. When you turn the other way at the top . That's a lot to explore. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. The catwalk referred to the cement slab that some claim was a possible war-era installation or was previously used asa launching strip for hang gliders. Halona Cove. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. . 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. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. 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 one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. 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. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. 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! Combine all the best parts of Oahu in one awesome yoga session on the Ocean while watching a sunset come down one side of Ala Moana, while palm trees line the other side of the bay. 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. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. 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. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. Your email address will not be published. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. 20. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 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. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. 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. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. What started out as a small roadside shop has turned into a fun place to visit! Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Where: K Hana Distillers. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. Waikiki Beach. I include a map and photos as well! It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. 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. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Ka'a'awa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) 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. Oahu. 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. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. Click here to learn more. 4. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. There's no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor and towering Diamond Head are still must-dos for first-time visitors, but the real soul of Oahu lies off its beaten paths on roads less traveled. 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. Be sure to do the hike on a day with big swell so you can watch the huge waves roll in one after another from up in the mountains. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. 22. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. 1) Mermaid Cave. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Take a tour instead. Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Hollow barrels if big enough. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Be prepared for masses of tourists. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. 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. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. 5. 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. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. 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. 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! Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. The glass-bottom floor of the boat allows you to see sea life as it swims by and also gets a great view of one of the many shipwrecks on the coast of Oahu. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance Heads up this trail is illegal also although still heavily frequented daily. 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. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. (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. The paved trail that takes you there is one of themost popular hikes on Oahu because of how accessible it is and the amazing views it presents. Surf at Sunset 3. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. Hawaii Travel Guide. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Take a Hike 5. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. 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. Hawaii. 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. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. MERCH!! This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities.