Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Honolulu: 1. 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. Jurassic Park and Lost filmed scenes in this lush green area. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands This is a hidden beach that is worth it! Noreen Kompanik Book your tour: Oahu Whale Watching Excursion. Book an Airbnb 4. 10 hidden gems in Honolulu GO Blog | EF United States Not necessarily in that order. Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahus north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. Waikiki Beach. The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy You can read a full review HERE. Lanikai is by far one of the prettiest areas on Oahu, laden with spectacular bechside homes, crystal clear water and the famous Mokoluas also known as mokes (two small islands) out in the ocean. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. Amazing adventures! Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! 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. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! The hike itself is free but it isnt near Waikiki. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. But it is worth all the trouble! Any idea where to start? Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Click the button below. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. 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! I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. 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. You must get a picture here! Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Hawaii's 'Secret Beaches' Are Surprisingly Easy To Find - HuffPost Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! 3. This luau is run by a Samoan family that incorporates a lot of Samoan traditions in addition to Hawaiian culture. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. Off the beaten path Kauai: 18 secret(ish) activities and tips - 2TravelDads There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Lots of visitors to Hawaii hear about luaus in the tourist magazines from the airport. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. It is also named Mokuauia Island. 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. 10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation - Travelling Dany . Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. Top Little Known Spots in Oahu - Indefinite Travel Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About - OnlyInYourState Because it is a non-practicing Buddhist temple, all visitors are welcome. Were here to help! If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. this is my secret spot !!! There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight A reef prevents large waves from reaching the sandy shore and it's a terrific place to feel at one with nature and enjoy a quieter stretch of sand away from the tourist crowds. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! There is a great kayak rental at Kaneohe that sets up the kayaks on the beach for you so you can paddle out Chinamans Hat. 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. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Stuart Schuffman. A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. 1. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Lanai Lookout. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Waikiki beach, Oahu. 10 Best Surf Spots In Oahu, Hawaii, USA | Trip101 This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. Alan Davis Beach. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Top 10 Best Secret Spots in Honolulu, HI - February 2023 - Yelp 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 . 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. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. Oahu Bucket List: 10 Places & Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii) You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. Enjoy Palladium Hotel Group's Cancun Resorts, TBO Empowers Travel Advisors to Control Commission, Explore the Greek Islands on a Fam Trip With Exodus Travels, For more information on Big Island Bees Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Download your copy of our If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. It is a great place to visit if you can! It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. You wont regret it. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! 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. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. 10 Hidden Gems of Oahu | TravelPulse 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. Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy 1/11 This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. 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. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Sherwood Beach. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Thank for your continued support. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Try some of the other local favorites eating spots. 303. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. take about thirty minutes. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. Gunstock Ranch. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. 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. Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! (MUST VISIT) Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos There are shuttle options for those who cannot hike, which is great for families wanting to swim by the waterfall! 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. 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. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. 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. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! This whole-day tour is a combination of land and water excursion and will show you Oahus famous spots and hidden gems with sea turtle snorkeling on Oahu. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Take a tour instead. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. Click here to learn more.