Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. Hi! If not, we recommend giving them a try. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Always go with someone and help each other out. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Cant decide? For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Stunning, Welcoming. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. 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. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. 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. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! It is an official seabird sanctuary, so some parts of the island are marked, and you cannot enter. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. There you will find the places where the locals eat. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! (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. But it is better to swim to protect the coral below. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. On the island of O'ahu, AKA 'The Gathering Place', Honolulu has long drawn international visitors with promises of sunny beaches and reliable waves. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. . If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! It takes about 30-minutes to reach the top of the trail to find old war bunkers. 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. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you just want someone to show you, the best option is to take a professional with you. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Notable competitions are the Billabong Pipe Masters and the Eddie a big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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! Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! 1) Mermaid Cave. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. They also invite guests to cook Samoan food, which is a fun opportunity. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? Ka'ena Point State Park. The food here is really good. Visiting in winter? Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . Go for a walk to see where your next dining experience will take you. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. 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. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. Click the button below. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. 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). This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. 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. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. 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. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. 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 Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Oahu (Hawaiian: Oahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. Waikiki beach, Oahu. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. 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. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! Waikiki Beach. Noreen Kompanik Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Panama Blog, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . hard (but worth it): Mt. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 3. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. 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. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Not too much to do here, but it is a lot of fun to look at and watch the waves roll by. Wave direction : Right and left. 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. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. 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. Despite this, Oahu has its share of magic just like the other Hawaiian Islands. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. . Destination & Tourism 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. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. 21. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. cooland on keeamoku for assortments of cold treats. 23. Mahalo! Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. 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 list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! 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. 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. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. What to do on Oahu? However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Click here to learn more. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. As much as locals rely on the tourist trade, there are always going to be a few places theyd like to keep for themselves, or at least, not be as well known. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Bellow's Beach Park. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance 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.