The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. But it is worth all the trouble! There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Picnic on the Beach 2. New Orleans & Company, Complimentary Itinerary Building Assistance All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. See All Oahu Hotels. That's a lot to explore. 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. 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. Ka'ena Point State Park wraps its far-reaching and rugged arms around the coast of one of the most photogenic places on Oahu. 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. Kaneohe Sandbar. The trail takes you through a steady incline surrounded by trees until eventually, you emerge to a beautiful view that stretches out. Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Where: K Hana Distillers. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted with a number of narrow parts of the trail with steep drop-offs. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. 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. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. We saw sharks, turtles, plane wrecks, and shipwrecks. 2022. Hilo, Hawaii Kaumana Lava Tubes Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves. Halona Cove. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. Only a short drive or a 30-minute walk up the hill from Waikiki is the much more relaxed Cromwells beach. Learn from your guide the rich plantation history and describe how this famously sweet plant became a symbol of Hawaii. Kawela Bay, Oahu A lovely secluded and protected beach, Kawela Bay is close to Oahu island's northern tip. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top 13 hidden gems in Oahu! Ask a local. Mahalo! Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. What started out as a small roadside shop has turned into a fun place to visit! 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. 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. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also the best Oahu Instagram spots to capture stunning pictures. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. A cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest is a peaceful spot to enjoy the afternoon. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! 20. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. 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. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. Maybe not so much hidden but a gem to be experienced, nonetheless. 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. 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. Taste of Leonard's Bakery starts with malasadas - a deep-fried ball of dough that tastes like heaven. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. It is also named Mokuauia Island. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. Because it is on a small island off the bay, it is protected from high surfs. 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. 1. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. 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! During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. Definitely a must-do excursion 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. HALE'IWA, OAHU (ALI'I BEACH PARK): Reef break. But after sleeping at more than 50 Oahu hotels, Oyster reporters have come across a good handful of under-appreciated hideaways. 2411 Makiki Heights Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822-2547, USA Phone +1 808-526-1322 Web Visit website For some of the best views of Honolulu, take a drive on the road that circles Mount Tantalus. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. 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! You will mainly be hiking along a paved trail. 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. 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. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. Ka'ena Point State Park. Secret Beach Oahu. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Essentially a poke bowl is raw fish, most commonly Ahi and rice. See the map below for all locations: 1. The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. Oahu Instagram and Photography Spots Overview. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. This is my Journey Era. Maybe its because most dont find the dairy industry interesting, but for all of us cheese lovers out there this is one not to miss. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining There are plenty of food trucks lining the coast all claiming to be the best and the original. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! Be prepared for masses of tourists. Are you looking for some new adventures on Oahu? Book your tour: Manoa Falls Guided Tour (with hotel pick/up). Best secret spots near me in Honolulu, HI Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now 1. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! Aug 28, 2013 4 min read. If you are looking for a place to snorkel on Oahu, this is the best place . Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of creation, was driven from island to island until she found sanctuary in Kilauea. Not many tourists hit this spot. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. 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. 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. Click here to learn more. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Amazing adventures! Once on the path, you will begin to feel the spray from the ocean. Primarily primitive lava rock, this is perfect for those who like a bit more peace and quiet. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 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). After Diamond Head Hike, Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu. 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. Theres a great deal that offers you a one-hour and riding a wave lesson for two people at once. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. 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. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! 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. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island and you just about are! Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. My personal best was 12:15 but I have seen people fly up much quicker. Its been a wild ride. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. (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. 6. 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. If you see yourself as someone who prefers the roads less traveled some of these may be for you. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. Sandbar sharks circle around you as you snorkel out in the open ocean. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Dont worry about the gear as the tour guide will provide you snorkel gear like goggles and masks. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. 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. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. 1) Mermaid Cave. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. Ala Moana Beach Park This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. However, you can get a bowl with octopus, squid or other types of seafood. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. tively short hike but dont be fooled. See an Active Volcano by Sea. Oahu also draws more visitors than any other . Come along see these beautiful mammals at their best on our exciting eco-friendly whale watching excursion. by: Victoria Derrick. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. This is one of the Honolulu secret spots right in town. Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. 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. 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 . Respect the land and try to keep it a relaxing and peaceful spot for everyone else around you. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. Oahu Travel. - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. 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. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. The hike takes a few hours if you are quick and 5-6 hours if you are a slower hiker. by: Victoria Derrick. Waikiki. 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. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. The tour takes you just a few miles offshore where you will put on a snorkel and get inside a cage. READ NEXT 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!) The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. If you struggle with being on a beach with hundreds of tourists, check out Kawela Bay. North Shore Tacos Head to open-air North Shore Tacos (formerly known as Surfin' Tacos) for tacos island-style: laden with fresh fish, cilantro, and the joint's Secret Surf Sauce. One of my favorite things to do on Oahu was to head to spitting cave on the east coast cliffs and watch the divers jumping off. This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. Image by Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images. This area is really beautiful during sunrise and just after as the mountains will be lit perfectly and Chinamans Hat is a nice silhouette out in the water. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Theyll be able to explore nature like never before while learning about Hawaiian culture along the way too! From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. A traditional, magnificent example of Hawaiian self-sufficiency where rums are made from heirloom sugar cane. Where: Anywhere off the main strip. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! The Aloha State has six unofficial beaches that are all called "secret." Ironically, some of these hidden spots aren't really so undiscovered. You can camp in the Sherwood Forest part and be a few steps away from this amazing hidden gem on Oahu. Hawaii Hikes. There you will find the places where the locals eat. 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. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. $; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau'ula, www.north-shore-tacos.com. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Maui has tons of gorgeous waterfalls along the Road to Hana as well as the lush Upcountry Maui. Discover amazing hidden Oahu waterfalls, the rugged & rustic Oahu North Shore, and famous Hawaiian surfing spots. It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM LEARN MORE. 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.