Not many tourists hit this spot. 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. Hawaii Vacation. 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. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own . They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. do you need a permit to fly the drone in Hawaii? But you cant visit the North shore without trying some famous Garlic Shrimp. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. It is relatively safe but I wouldnt recommend this hike for people in good shape as there are moments where you need to use ropes to pull yourself up steep segments. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! See whales, guaranteed, or come again for free! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Hawaii Blog. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! 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! The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. Another amazing Oahu luau worth checking out is the Experience Nutridge luau. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. 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. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. 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. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! However, the beach area is only for extremely talented swimmers due to the strong waves. Hidden on this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! I include a map and photos as well! 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! $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Hollow barrels if big enough. At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Tread lightly. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. 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. 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. inone day. The fireworks usually begin at 7:45 and hundreds of people fill the beachto watch the fireworks launch from along the shore. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Our team is constantly working on new content for this blog so make sure to subscribe below and check back often for updates! This article will provide a list of the best hidden gems in Oahu that are perfect for your next trip. For exmaple, they havent had any injuries or incidents in 20 years of operation. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. Destination & Tourism, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. Here are some of the secret beaches in Oahu! Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. 5. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. Hawaii Beaches. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. Cockroach Cove is right next to Halona Blowhole. From hiking trails and waterfalls to beaches and luaus, we have everything covered in this guide. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Located at 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu. Noreen Kompanik Discover short videos related to secret spots on oahu on TikTok. 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. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. 4. . Ive got you covered with them all so see how many items on this Oahu bucket list you can tick off! This is another great place to watch the sunrise. You wont regret it. You must get a picture here! This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. A secluded and remote slice of paradise perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature, Malaekahana is a 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach. Its a whole evening of presentations, games, activities, and some of the best luau food Ive ever had. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. (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. This small beachside campground on Oahu's northeastern shore might just be the prettiest campground in the Aloha State. These 12 places are some of Hawaii's best kept secrets, though don't worry, I haven't given away all of their locations. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. The water here entices you in where you will catch a glimpse of the varied sea life. by: Victoria Derrick. March 25, 2019. This is also a great place to watch the sunset in the summer or spot whales in the winter. 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 is my secret spot !!! photo by leonard's bakery. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. 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. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. Book an Airbnb 4. 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. This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. However, the beaches of this island are incredible. Subsequently, you have likely heard that the only way to get to the If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. One of my all-time favorite beaches is the one at Waimanalo Bay Park. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. It can be hard to spot, especially because it is in a forest-type area! Famous for being shaped like a wine glass, it is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. The Byodo-In Temple is another secret of Oahu worth sharing. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. And in 2000, she won a James Beard Award. Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. Marvel at the Views from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) 1,547. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. 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. While it is quite beautiful and such a fun adventure, this snorkeling location is not for beginners. Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. 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. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. Kaneohe Sandbar. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Visitors just have to know where to find it. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. take about thirty minutes. Everyone hates waiting in a long queue but on this tour, youll be able to skip lines for a hassle-free excursion. 303. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. If not, we recommend giving them a try. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. You are picked up from your Waikiki hotel and taken to the harbor for a short boat ride to a few secret snorkeling spots. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. hard (but worth it): Mt. 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. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. 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. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. Book your tour: Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! 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. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. No tours are going to the Mermaid Coves, and for a good reason. Stunning, Welcoming. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Off the beaten path, amongst a Honolulu neighborhood you'll find Helena's, she's been serving authentic Hawaiian plates since 1946. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. They also offer beauty and body products. See the map below for all locations: 1. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Phone +1 808-768-6861 Web Visit website This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Alan Davis Beach. I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. Hi! These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein.