It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Its a really intimate luau that has lots of family activities, hands-on experiences, and super tasty food. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu. 4. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 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. This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails. A friendly low-key environment on the beach while surfers ride some mental waves out in the water. Book your tour: SUP, Kayak & Waterfall Hike Oahu Tour. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. There you will find the places where the locals eat. Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. . During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance Its been a wild ride. Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . gallery icon Oahu - Wikitravel Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. 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. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. 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. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most beautiful places in Oahu for landscape photography. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. If you want a more authentic experience, these are hands-down the best luaus on Oahu. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. 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. 40 Things You Have To Do In Oahu - The Globe Wanderers What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. This is another one of the top-secret spots in Oahu to visit if you can. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about - Lonely Planet Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. A great afternoon adventure for the whole family and a very unique experience. Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. This rental company is a not-for-profit, with proceeds helping to fund Kamaaina Kids and Heeia State Park! tively short hike but dont be fooled. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. 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. You can read my full review HERE. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Do you love Hawaii? There is an epic tour that takes you all around the island to all of the iconic spots including to the dole plantation. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! 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. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. 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. The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu | Travel and Blossom But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. Bellow's Beach Park. Just inside the Koko Head volcanic region. The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! 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! Get Naked and buy local! Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. But these are some of the best hidden gems in Hawaii that will take your vacation to the next level! 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 I'm off to Oahu on Wednesday, what are some hidden treasures - reddit I have linked the top-rated tour below. Aloha! A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. The 5 Best Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu | Oyster.com Source: adamkresina on Instagram. All Rights Reserved. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. 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. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. There are some great underwater scuba diving adventures, best Oahu . Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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 Take a Hike 5. 23. Noreen Kompanik Surf at Sunset 3. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay in-between Chinaman's Hat and Coconut Island, and may or may not be covered with water depending on the tide. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Five pillboxes in total line the ridge, which takes less than an hour to hike. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. 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. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. A Local's Guide to the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Oahu Activities Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day 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 . Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. 9 Somewhat Secret Spots in Oahu Hawaii - Simply Wander . Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. inone day. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. 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 Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. 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. Not necessarily in that order. Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Koko Head Stairs is a relatively short hike but dont be fooled. 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. 1. This is by far the cheapest boat tour on Oahu but also one of the most interesting. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. They guarantee to have you standing up and riding a wave! The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. What started out as a small roadside shop has turned into a fun place to visit! 8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii | Travel and Blossom Hollow barrels if big enough. Oahu Travel Guide for the Ultimate Vacation Experience This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. Entrance to the lookout is free, although you do have to pay for parking. by: Victoria Derrick. Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. But can you get off the beaten path and find the bridge? This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. 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. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Leonard's Bakery. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. 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. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . 23 Best Oahu Instagram Spots & Photography Destinations (2023) These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. Lunch is included and the food is really good too, youll love the kalua pork! Secret Beach Oahu. The best way to find the hidden gems along the north shore is to drive along Kamehameha Highway and to pull over at any fruit stand, beach, or place that looks interesting to you. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! . Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Get up early and head to the east coast of Oahu before the sun rises. You must get a picture here! Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 5. View from Lanikai Pillboxes Hike on Oahu The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is around a mile long and usually takes around 40 minutes, depending on your hiking ability. It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. Oahu Nicknamed Christmas Tree Park for the giant metal tree that glows green during the holiday season, this little park was once called Telegraph Hill, a lookout where King Kamehameha's troops. 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. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Oahu. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. Book an Airbnb 4. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. 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. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. It's kinda dangerous for the kids to walk down" more 2. Best of Oahu 2023 to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Book your tour: Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Hawaii Beaches. Where: K Hana Distillers. Punchy rights and lefts on offer. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Book your lesson: One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. Locals know the best areas, after all, this is their island. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. From here, you will have amazing views over Waikiki and the ocean. '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 22 Best Oahu Instagram Spots (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahus famous North Shore from long, high, and extra-quiet zip lines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Many people still do the hike every day. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Who knows, you may just find your own secret restaurant. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. MERCH!! THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Ultimate Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii | Oahu Surf Spots - My Wave Finder 8 secret gems on Oahu - Sunset Magazine The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. 4. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. You can actually walk right to it! See an Active Volcano by Sea. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself. The Dole Plantation is a great spot to stop at on the way to the north shore for a tasty pineapple treat. Global Village Hawaii is one of our favorites! While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM HAWAII: FINDING SECRET SPOTS!! - YouTube Descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure in itself. Here Are The 12 Best Kept Secrets In Hawaii - OnlyInYourState