oahu secret spots
Its one of the top-rated tours on Oahu and makes for a great date night or family night out and will give you an understanding of the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo . It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! The current is pretty strong on the way to Goat Island, especially when the tide rises, so be extra careful. Waikiki. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Take a tour instead. After twenty minutes of hiking, you will find a small platform/pillbox that has a peace sign painted on it. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! For a few dollars, you can rent yourself a surfboard and join the masses trying their hand at surfing at the famous Waikiki Beach. 14. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. 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. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. 1. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. Hanauma Bay is the most popular spot for tourists to spot a turtle or explore the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Get Naked and buy local! A helicopter tour over this amazing island will be the number one memory you take home with you from your vacation. Secret Beach Oahu. Stunning, Welcoming. 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. Sandys is right around the corner if you get bored and want to go get smashed by some waves. Accents Pick up take-home treasures, accessories, and jewelry at Accents, our on-site gift shops. If you prefer to do the tour with a guide and includes hotel pick/up and drop-off from Waikiki it could be a good option. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. I did this tour with my family and they loved it. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. They also have tours if you are interested in going with a group or want more fun facts about the gardens. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. 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. 20. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Visitors just have to know where to find it. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. This safe, sandy, protected bay is one of the most famous snorkel spots in Hawaii and is often listed as one of the best places to visit on the island of Oahu. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. This is one of the lesser known Oahu attractions. 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. Koko Head. Be prepared for masses of tourists. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! 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. See an Active Volcano by Sea. You can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. 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). The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Dream Vacations. 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. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. 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. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Book an Airbnb 4. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. You must get a picture here! As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots 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. 23. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. 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! story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. hard (but worth it): Mt. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. by: Victoria Derrick. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. 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. If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. 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. It is best accessible when it is low tide. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. 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. 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. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Here at Best of Oahu, you will be treated to an insider's view of fantastic Honolulu attractions, dreamy Oahu beaches, and unique Hawaiian culture around the island! You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. this is my secret spot !!! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. 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. 'Secret Spots' of Oahu Photography Tour 2023 en $ USD Account Overview What's Included Meeting And Pickup What To Expect Additional Info Cancellation Policy Book online or call: (888) 651-9785 Chat now Home Things to do in USA Things to do in Hawaii Things to do in Oahu Oahu Tours Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. 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. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of 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. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. All Rights Reserved. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. Locally produced means the finest in all dairy products, which is exactly what this dairy farm offers. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive 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. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. 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). They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Your email address will not be published. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. Always go with someone and help each other out. 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 . Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. 21. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. So, lets go and see what we can find that may be less crowded and more akin to the peace and gentle Hawaiian nature that will have you coming back again and again. Oahu Travel. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Lanai Lookout. . Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. Acai berries are a superfood native to Central and South America. Leonard's Bakery. 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. Watch popular content from the following creators: mellowyellowpay(@mellowyellowpay), Daniella Daniel(@daniella19889), DJ ill Will(@deejayillwill), layla(@lylamatar), kris(@kristheglobetrotter), Ashley Hernandez(@wildlyunconventional), Localkineting(@crazychazu), Ntxhi (See)(@whisperntxhi), Gabby(@gabriellewoolery_), tasia . This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do on Oahu and found a few activities for you and your family to do while on vacation. But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp.