gallery icon Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. This island is home to seabirds, not goats. Simply Wander | Family Friendly Travel Guides. This is my Journey Era. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. Waikiki beach, 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. 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 . Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but you'll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. 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. It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. 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. See Tripadvisor's 116,798 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore hidden gem attractions. This tour is perfect for visitors who stay in Oahu for a short time but still want to see what Oahu has to offer. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Oahu. This is the only remaining real dairy farm business in Hawaii, and long shall it remain so. 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. Waikiki. I tried quite a few of them during my time on Oahu and of the more well-known trucks, I enjoyed Romys. As Melville says, "It is not down on any map; true places never are." So, if you want to find Mermaid Cave, keep in mind that most of us are guests on Oahu, and part of the joy of being in . This is located in Waimnalo and is also a camping site. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Noreen Kompanik Be prepared for masses of tourists. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. 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. You dont need to be a good swimmer as you just hold on inside the cage. Huge waves crash directly onto sand or only a few feet of water. Due to the power plant emitting warm water into the ocean, the sea life there is stunning. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! However, a beautiful hike winds around the cliffs above the bay leading towards the oceans edge. 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. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Utilize Oahu Public Transportation 9. While there will be people, its not overcrowded, and somewhere that locals will take their younger children for an outing. 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. Goat Island is a tiny little island off the coast of Laie Bay. China Walls got its name from Richard Okita, one of the first to surf this wave at Portlock Point in 1948. :), These images are incredible and well informed knowlege of oahu. As the waves crash into the cliffs under the rocks the water surges out of a blowhole shooting into the air. I have createdthe Ultimate Oahu bucket list for inspiration about the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii. Hi! Maybe its because they think twice about the location, or maybe because the call from the Cocktail lounge was far too strong on that day. Around the corner is the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. A sunset cruise on a 53-foot catamaran takes you south toward Hawaiis iconic Diamond Head. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Oahu. Amazing adventures! Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. 1. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. Visiting in winter? Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Many love to jump off China Walls as well. The views from each location are simply breathtaking and will leave you speechless when you arrive at each spot. This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. 1. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. When parking in the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail carpark, there is another attraction close by. Lanai Lookout. 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. 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. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! The Maunawili hike is another trail into the jungle! Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining If you happen to venture out of the inner city, dont forget to try locally grown and made traditional foods. Hawaii Vacation. Away from the city at Kaena Point or at Makapuu seem to be the most popular. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. 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 can take a tour of the farm and even sample the fresh fruits right off the vine! The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. If you go, be sure to try the acai bowl, it is the best Ive tasted! They are protected so once they swim onto the shore you must keep a safe distance from them and definitely dont touch them. However, what most people dont do is venture down the cliffs to the tide-pools on the waters edge. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. 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. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. Definitely a must-do excursion on Oahu! 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Warm white sand and clear blue water along 227 miles of coastline make Oahu snorkeling a top activity. Samurais in Aiea for awesome ice treats. 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. Strong swimmers only, please. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. Gunstock Ranch. The surf here gets a reputation for toying with even the most experienced riders. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). While it is illegal, the stairway is still frequented by a small number of people on most mornings. story that you dont even have to be a huge fan of rum to appreciate what has been accomplished here. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . 6. Where: K Hana Distillers. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! This is something your friends back home wont believe and it is one of the unique activities in Oahu. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. 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. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. One of the coolest luaus in Hawaii is Toa Luau up at Waimea Valley in North Shore Oahu. Waikiki Beach. Guided tours are a great way to learn about those little places, activities and off-the-beaten-path gems. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. The Pillbox hikes on Oahu are another favorite photo spot for tourists. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Every December through April, thousands of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. This is another great place to watch the sunrise. Secret Photo Spots Oahu 25. Download your copy of our Starting at $109-139/person. Enjoy a series of ziplines, rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, and more. Aloha! Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. The Kaena Point State Park connects the Westside and North Shore sides of the island. The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Nicknamed Neck Break Beach the waves at Sandy Beach are unforgiving. 1. In order to restore the marine life, the bay is a nature preserve . Looking out over Kahana Bay, the Crouching Lion Hike offers amazing views, steep drop-offs, and beautiful lush surroundings. The hike is 2.7 miles one way and shows off the volcanic coast, tide pools, arches, and so much more. 1/11 The soft serve pineapple whip is like no other ice-cream youve had before. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) 6. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! I was lucky enough to see a few monk seals both in the ocean and on shore. . Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. When it comes to hotels in Oahu, it's hard to find a refuge that hasn't already been discovered by the teeming hordes. However, China Walls shows that side of this volcanic island! Watching a surf comp is one of the best things to do on Oahu no matter what island you are on. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. Support of local industry allows Hawaii and its business owners to remain viable and self-sustaining. Despite what its name might suggest, the Dead Mans Catwalk provided more amazingviews than perils. Sherwood Beach. There are several photography tours on Oahu and I will link them below. This is an iconic photo spot 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. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills. Makapuu Lookout. Whether you want to take stunning photos there or love exploring geology, be sure to visit China Walls! If you want to visit a waterfall during your vacation in Hawaii, check out Waimea Falls. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Destination & Tourism, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. The cement platform might be gone but the epic view is still as amazing as ever. Source: adamkresina on Instagram. hard (but worth it): Mt. Or if you are like me you will need a lesson. Its the only luau Ive ever been to that has a traditional Samoan kava ceremony as part of the festivities. 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. Hanauma Bay and Nature Preserve. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. Poke Bowls became my favorite food on Oahu. Go there to avoid the crowds and the touristy, overpriced restaurants on Waikiki. Halona Cove Oahu. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head on O'ahu. The Stairway to Heaven was one of my favorite things to do on Oahu. There are no paved roads or commercial buildings here, just beautiful Hawaii nature as far as the eye can see. If not, we recommend giving them a try. Youll never run out of things to do on this fantastic island. Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. That's a lot to explore. Oahu Bucket List Series P.S. History comes alive before your eyes as you weave your way up the Koolau Mountains to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout where King Kamehameha I battled to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma bay is a longtime favorite of water lovers, but sadly, the big number of tourists caused serious damage on the reef. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! The result of banning the kinds of activities that can hurt or kill marine life is that there is an abundance of sea life in . Turtle Bay Resort Oahu . What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. The Kuliouou Ridge Trail isnt what you would expect on Oahu. With regular waves breaking perfectly for beginners' surf lessons, Waikiki beach is one of the first beaches that visitors to Honolulu flock to. Locals flock to get barrels before getting dumped and the beach is always full of action. In the mountains overlooking the famous Pipeline beach and the North Shore of Oahu, the Peace Hike provides a great vantage point. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. A beautiful canoe or kayak paddle to theMokulua is a great escape for the day to an isolated island. Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. Chinatown on Oahu isn't particularly beautiful, but that's exactly what qualifies it as a secret Oahu destination. I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow what amazing place to go backpacking, fabulous post! Helena's Hawaiian Food: As you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge a restaurant by it either. One of the most unique boat tours on Oahu is the Atlantis Submarine, a tour that takes you below the surface to see the beauty of the underwater world. Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian islands. And you find this hidden oasis of Oahu! Picnic on the Beach 2. 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. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surf, beaches, and the chill vibes. A trip well worth it, and a secret, hidden gem you wont be able to keep to yourself. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day.

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