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. You wont regret it. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. Electric Beach got its name from the power plant close by, well, right across the street! Visitors just have to know where to find it. 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. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. It is also named Mokuauia Island. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. Maui's Secret Cove, for example, is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and Kauai's Secret Beach can be found easily on Google. 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. Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. 6. Book your cruise: Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki. Known as "The Forbidden Isle", Niihau island is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. 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. Its only a few years old, so most tourists havent heard of it. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. 1/11 They also offer beauty and body products. Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. Strong swimmers only, please. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. You also need to complete a few basic rock climbs to complete the trail. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Hidden Gem Spots the Oahu Locals Love. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. 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. In fact, most of them have official names, and are relatively easy to find. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. Oahu. Were here to help! From Lanikai or Kailua Beach a kayak to the mokes will take about thirty minutes. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. The North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour is the most easily the most epic and most unique activity on Oahu. One of the best spots to get a Haupia Pie after a day of beaching it on the north shore is Teds Bakery. Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. Hawaii. If not, we recommend giving them a try. The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. Amazing adventures! The Makapuu Lighthouse hike is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. 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 neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii will give you a surfing experience like no other. Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 3. 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. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. It does have strong currents, so wear fins and be extra cautious as you snorkel. Thankfully, tourists do not visit this beach and park area, so you can have the beach almost all to yourself! Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. It's a little slick in spots so just be cautious! The 2-hour experience of seeing whales will for sure take your breath away. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Join a full-day tour and discover all of Oahus best locations. Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. The hike is short and on the same trails as the Luakaha Waterfall. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Honolulu. Set sail along the turquoise waters of Hawaiis coast heading towards Ko Olina coast. It is a 3.5-mile hike and is not too difficult. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Bellow's Beach Park. 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! At the Hoomaluhia Gardens, you can paint, fish, and explore the beautiful surroundings. Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii 1. Fringed by a beautiful beach of white-tinged sand, it all sits in a volcanic crater protected from the elements. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. 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. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. 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. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze) 8. Check out this list of the 10 best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. It is accessible by kayak or a short swim. But what they don't realise is that there is a lot . These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! The circle island Helicopter tour will have you fly above all of the famous locations on Oahu, its simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. gallery icon Book your tour: Koko Head Trail Guided Adventure. Pictured below is a shot I took at Waimea Bay a week before the Eddie. Waikiki is a famous spot for surfing. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. Ka'ena Point State Park. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. Koko Head. 1. Most often, you dont see volcanic rocks on Oahu. And Kauai has the colorful Waimea Canyon and tropical North Shore coastline. The paved trail that takes you there is one of themost popular hikes on Oahu because of how accessible it is and the amazing views it presents. Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March (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. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? by: Victoria Derrick. Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Be prepared for masses of tourists. 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 can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. The beach is roughly 40 minutes from . The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. As the sun rises 20 or more people sit atop the bunker with views all the way to the beach and down into the valleys on either side. It sounds like there would be few venturing into the water however, this is the most crowded beach on a weekend. Below are our favorite off-the-beaten-path places on Hawaii's Big Island. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the first place you should add to your Oahu bucket list. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. The road is narrow and has several hairpin turns with beautiful homes along the way. 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. Lanikai is by far one of the prettiest areas on Oahu, laden with spectacular bechside homes, crystal clear water and the famous Mokoluas also known as mokes (two small islands) out in the ocean. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. This site has a lot more to do than just a waterfall; you can explore the botanical gardens and eat delicious food! This is easily one of THE MOST POPULAR tours on Oahu. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. 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. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. 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. Halona Cove. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. 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. Always go with someone and help each other out. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. There are beautiful trees along the beach, which is another great Oahu photo spots! Cant decide? Oahu (Hawaiian: Oahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Hawaii Travel Guide. When he surfed the quarter-mile-long wave into the bay he thought it resembled the Great Wall of China. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! 13 Not So SECRET HIDDEN GEMS in OAHU HAWAII ! This means that state law prohibits certain activities (like fishing for one), within these areas. 5. - https://teespring.com/stores/zay-solis-merchUSE CODE "zay20"(no caps) FOR 20% OFF PURCHASEGET TRANSITIONS HERE - https://sellfy.com/p/Xg51/SEND FAN. There is an option for a fully guided kayak tour, including a professional guide, safety gear, and lunch! Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. You wont believe how beautiful all of these spots are until you see them yourself. 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. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! The view makes it spectacular. Another hike on Oahu worth waking doing for sunrise is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Take a tour instead. In fact, according to a photographer, the reason for this is because of its essence. The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. 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. But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. Aloha! 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. Riptides can also occur, so be prepared. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! 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. Stuart Schuffman. The Chinamans Hat is a small island near Kualoa Ranch. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. Gunstock Ranch. This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! However, its most popular feature is a giant rock resting half in the water half on the shore. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. If you are lucky enough to explore even a few of them, your stay and the memories created in Oahu can only ever be enhanced. You could also try Night SUP yoga with Led lights in what is an epic experience near Waikiki. 2022 13. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Hawaii Vacation. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge. Painted pink as a testimony to breast cancer victims and survivors, the abandoned military pillbox isnt hard to spot. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. When you turn the other way at the top . Do you love Hawaii? to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. 303. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you won't be able to keep to yourself.
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