The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Where: Anywhere off the main strip. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but it's also incredibly fresh in Oahu. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. There isnt a much better way to enjoy than sunset than aboard a yacht with a cocktail! Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. There is a back-way up that is technically legal and all of the information is in the blog post I wrote in the link below. 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. If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Ive added the link to some of the top-rated tours in each section so you can book your activities in advance for your vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular Oahu attractions. You can climb around on the rocks, take in the beauty, or go along the beach shore. See All Oahu Hotels. Bellow's Beach Park. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. Here's our favorite hidden spots on Oahu. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. They also offer beauty and body products. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. 1,547. The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. The entire Diamond Head Crater hike is quite scenic but it isnt until you reach the top that you have stunning views in all directions. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. The glass-bottom floor of the boat allows you to see sea life as it swims by and also gets a great view of one of the many shipwrecks on the coast of Oahu. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! If you walk back towards Waikiki along the coast away from the lighthouse there are a collection of wooden planks hanging out over the crystal clear water at Alan Davis Beach. Crystal clear waters wash upon a long stretch of beach with a backdrop of Makua Valley and cliffs that seem to encapsulate the secluded beach. At the end of the trail is the chimney a vertical rock face you can climb with the assistance of a rope. Arena for high-performance surfing. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. 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. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 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. Lanai Lookout. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Turtles often feed in the area and the rock formations and little caves make a great backdrop for an afternoon chill session. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. 3. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. House of Mana Up Hawaii Features products from local markers and artisans that highlight homegrown ingredients, thriving cultures and woven textiles in the Hawaiian Islands. 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. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) This is one of the best Oahu photography spots for sure. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. 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). Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. Hawaii Hikes. Airlines & Airports, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 Cant decide? ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Noreen Kompanik See the map below for all locations: 1. The Beet Box Caf This organic, vegetarian spot has food so tasty it could turn a meat-eating velociraptor into a gentle brontosaurus. Click the button below. So inspirational is the history and the people responsible for this agri-success (new word!) 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! Sharks Cove is a beach park in Oahu that you'll feel like is a well-kept secret due to its uncrowded and unusual features. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! But it is better to swim to protect the coral below. Waikiki Beach. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. You must get a picture here! Not necessarily in that order. Book your tour: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. Find Dead mans catwalk (or where it used to be), Reach the summit of Wiliwilinui ridge trail, The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and, Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran, Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery, Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise, Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo, Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment, One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people, Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. 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. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. You will find a large pool of water and even a rope swing. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. One of the best parts about Kahuku Farms is the delicious fresh food youll find there. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). 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. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. Visiting in winter? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! It is a natural beauty and should be kept as an off-the-beaten-path on Oahu to ensure it is kept beautiful. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. 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. If you want a small, intimate luau that feels like you are hanging out in a family members yard, this is the luau to do. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! Pickup and drop-off service and equipment are included. - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. Secret Island is a hidden peninsula on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. These secret places arent just great for adults but also perfect for kids as well! Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. See an Active Volcano by Sea. Discover Panama with Taggea Tours by Viajes Yarilena and Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Where: An hour northwest of Honolulu on the leeward coast, In the municipality of Waianae, Oahu. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! All Rights Reserved. Were here to help! Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. 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. This trail is one of the top five most popular things to do on Oahu. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. 1/11 You can read my full review HERE. Hawaii. The Mermaid Caves are literally a secret place in Oahu and should be kept that way! On Oahus, most eastern point sits the Makapuu Lighthouse. Surf at Sunset 3. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March I did this tour with my family when they came for vacation and it was an incredible experience youll never forget. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. 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. 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 . This hike is a popular place for locals to work out, and tourists to take in some incredible sights! 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. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. Bowls range from $6 to $15 depending on where you buy them from. Theres no doubt that lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harborand 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. Halona Cove Many love to jump off China Walls as well. No worries take a look at these 13 places as potential options (or pick one from each category) and make a plan now before you go! Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Book yourticket: Ka Moana Luau with Dinner & Show. 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. They really make sure you are entertained and you will have the best trip to Oahu. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. This is the most popular hike on Oahu and probably the most popular thing to do on Oahu aside from visit Waikiki Beach. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Only minutes from the busy streets of Waikiki, this jungle trail leads you to a large waterfall. Photography Tour: Full-Circle Island Photo Tour, Photography Tour: Sunset Photography Tour. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii Dillingham Ranch (most instagrammable places in oahu) Dillingham Ranch is one of the best photo spots you can visit in Oahu! Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore.