The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. 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. Try out this hidden gem of Honolulu if you can swim extremely well, climb up wet rocks, and need an adrenaline rush! You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. The entrance fee is just $5 but if you prefer to join a guided tour to show you the way and share stories and history with you, I can recommend this top-rated tour, which combines Diamond Head hike and the easy Manoa Falls hike in one day! Hawaii Vacation. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. History comes alive before your eyes as you weave your way up the Koolau Mountains to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout where King Kamehameha I battled to unite the Hawaiian Islands. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . 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. You might also be interested in reading about the best turtle beach in Hawaii! Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the The tour picks you up at 7:15 in the morning at selected Waikiki hotels and the itinerary includes Diamond Head Lookout, Tropical Hawaiian Coffee, and Macadamia Nut Farms, ChinaMans Hat, North Shore Shrimp Trucks, North Shore Fruit Stand, the legendary Sunset Beach, Turtle Snorkeling, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. You can book yourself onto a guided tour that includes pick/up and drop-off from your Waikiki hotel. Click here to learn more. 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. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. 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. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. 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. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you dont mind camping, it is totally worth it to see this beach! Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. Take a tour instead. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. The Koolaus will loom behind you in the darkness as you wait for the sun to creep over the horizon. Hawaii Hikes. Its located on the Northeast side of Oahu and is usually much less populated than many of the other hikes on Oahu despite how beautiful it is. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Only a few blocks back from Lanikai Beach is the beginning of the Lanikai Pillbox Trail(Kaiwa Ridge), known for being one of the easier trails on the island of Oahu. Its one of the top things to do in Oahu for adrenaline junkies. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! Where: Anywhere off the main strip. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 5. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. 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. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Oahu Travel. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. 23. This cruise will let you see the beauty of the colorful sunset in Oahu with a view of the island at night as the artificial lights glow and cover the place. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Hike up the Diamond Head Crater for epic views of Waikiki. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. China Walls. Wave direction : Right and left. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. 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! You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. inone day. 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! If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. Mahalo! Picnic on the Beach 2. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. photo by leonard's bakery. Waikiki beach, Oahu. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Kaneohe Sandbar. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. 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. That's a lot to explore. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. Starting at $109-139/person. Secret Beach Oahu. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. 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. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos 22. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. 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. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! There is a tour that includes transport, assistance, food, and someone to carry your water and guide you along the way. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Book your tour: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. 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. Hanauma Bay. They also offer beauty and body products. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. Your email address will not be published. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Most Acai bowls often come topped other fruits and berries and even granola, sothey are actually quite filling. Get up early and head to the east coast of Oahu before the sun rises. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Plan out your next trip today by checking out this article right now! Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. 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. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . Bellow's Beach Park. Not many tourists hit this spot. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. 1. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise. 5. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are full of colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean. 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. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. tively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. Book your tour: Kayak Kailua Tour including Lunch. Choose from snorkeling, a picnic or simply just take in the surroundings that make you appreciate the history of this rock formation, and of all of Oahus natural beauty. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu Youll Want to Check Out, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! What to do on Oahu? Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. 1. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Thank for your continued support. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Take a Hike 5. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. 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. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery.