Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the planet. Not only does it have gorgeous beaches, hike-able volcanoes, and tropical weather all year round, but the island chain’s culture is also one of a kind. It’s no wonder Hawaii is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world.
Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island. It is home to Honolulu, the state’s capital, which makes it a magnet for tourists. Its most iconic site is Waikiki Beach, known for some of the best surfing in the world. Yet even with all the tourists on Oahu, there are still plenty of hidden gems the island has to offer, places where you won’t be surrounded by crowds of other travelers. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Oahu, check out these seven amazing spots.
Mākua Beach
Mākua Beach is underdeveloped and far away from the usual Oahu tourist attraction. In order to get there, you’ll have to drive, as no tour buses make the stop. It’s the second-to-last beach before the end of the road. For these reasons, this gorgeous white sand beach is never crowded. Behind the beach is the Waianae Mountain Range, which keeps Mākua Beach secluded. While many beaches on Oahu are protected by offshore reefs, Mākua is not. That lack of protection means the waves can reach enormous heights, and the current can get pretty strong too. On a calm day, it’s a great place to bodyboard. Otherwise, watching the huge waves onshore is a powerful experience. Mākua Beach has no lifeguard or facilities, so pack your own lunch.
Likeke Falls
Also known as Old Pali Highway Falls, the two-tiered Likeke Falls is fairly easy to access with a map, though it remains a hidden gem of Oahu that not many people venture out to. There are two ways to get there. The first involves a slippery but family-friendly hike of around 90 minutes, with marks on the trees so you don’t get lost. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you get to a beautiful 15-foot waterfall. Because the hike is usually wet, bring hiking boots or at least some shoes with good tread. If you’re not up for the hiking adventure but still want to see Likeke Falls, you can also start from the bottom of Ko’olau Golf Club and walk up for around 15 minutes until you arrive.
Haleiwa Town
Haleiwa Town is about one hour from Waikiki by car and on the island’s North Shore. It’s a charming, historic surf town that’s about as laid-back as they come. Many of the buildings in the center remain from the plantation era and are now art galleries and boutique shops. In other words, Haleiwa Town is rich in history and has an artsy vibe. The town’s beaches, Ehukai, Sunset, and Waimea, are always filled with surfers. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing day to take in some of the unique art, history, and culture Hawaii has to offer.
Kahumana Organic Farm
Kahumana Organic Farms is among the largest of its kind on Oahu. Located in the Lualualei Valley on the island’s west side, this farm celebrates the wealth of nature and culture that is Hawaii. More than just a farm, the land and the people working on it exist in harmony to create a mindful community spirit. On the tour, you will get to taste some fresh exotic fruit, feed the pigs, sheep, and other farm animals, learn about indigenous and other crops, and enjoy a farm-to-table three-course meal on site. Some of the fees associated with the tour directly support homeless families and adults with disabilities on the island.
Makapu’u Tide Pools
On the east side of Oahu are the Makapu’u Tide Pools that formed in the area’s black lava rock. Some people call this spot one of the island’s most beautiful places. To get there, you will have to hike a bit. The first part is paved as you take the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Eventually, you’ll reach a sign on the trail about whales. There, you’ll diverge from the main trail onto a steep downhill trail that involves slippery and often loose rocks. Regardless, the trek is worth it, as not only will you get to experience the tide pools, but you might also even catch a glimpse of the whales.
Kaena Point
Kaena Point is a bird sanctuary and state park on the very western tip of Oahu. It is reachable by hiking only, from either the Waianae or Mokuleia trailheads. This keeps away the more standard tourists who stay on more popular paths. The scenic views from Kaena Point are incredible, consisting of a striking lava shoreline beneath, the Mokuleia coast to the north, the Waianae coast to the south, and the seemingly endless Pacific looking straight west. Because the hike to get there is known for being hot and sunny, make sure to bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Oahu legend says that in ancient times, people would jump off and land in the spirit world to meet the souls of those who died before them. Once you see the view, it’ll make sense why this is a place with such a profound legend attached to it.
China Walls
One of the most incredible sunsets in Oahu you’ll find at the China Walls. These are a stretch of ledges and cliffs made of lava rock that hang over the ocean on the southeastern tip of the island. Not many people know about the China Walls, as they are far off the beaten path in a residential neighborhood called Hawai Kai. The walls themselves are stunning for several reasons. For one, you can see the layers of lava in the rock and how they built up over time. What’s more, in addition to the black lava rock, there’s also a greenish hue that comes from the semi-precious stone Olivine that shines through. From the walls, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. If you do come for the sunset, you might even get to witness some cliffjumpers on the short hike there.
If you are lucky enough to visit Oahu, these seven unique destinations are far less traveled than the typical tourist hotspots.
Jess Lakritz 