The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii

by ajohnson | Jun 19, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

If you’re in the planning stages of your vacation to the Aloha State, chances are you’re feeling pretty daunted with the number of options available, especially when it comes to beautiful beaches worth checking out.

Hawaii’s coastline is absolutely dreamy and pretty extensive, which pretty much means you can’t really go wrong when it comes to deciding what beach to head to next. One thing you definitely need to keep in mind, though, is that where you ultimately decide to go will depend entirely on your interests and overall travel style.

Whether you’re traveling with small kids, want to spend a day surrounded by luxury, or prefer to mix things up and combine a beach day with time out in nature, Hawaii is guaranteed to please. Below is a list of the best beaches to visit in Hawaii!

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii

1. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

If what you’re after is a spot that combines beach time and nature, look no further than Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on the island of Oahu.

Located only thirty minutes away from Honolulu, Hanauma is a perfect place to head to in order to escape the bustle and hustle of the city without straying too far away from the city’s amenities.

While here, you can spend the day snorkeling through its glass-shaped bay. Where chances of spotting Honus (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) from a close distance are pretty high as they love swimming close to the shore.

After you’re done exploring the surface, you can continue scouring the preserve on foot by following the Koko Bay Trail, which will take you all the way up to a volcanic crater!

2. Wailea Beach

Love luxury and want a chic place to hang out for a day? If a resort vibe sounds like your jam, Wailea Beach is a must on your plans.

Wailea Beach is actually not only ranked as one of the best beaches in Hawaii. But it also often makes it to the top beaches in the world. Amenities are aplenty at Wailea, including cabanas, bars, and food. This means all you really have to worry about during your visit is choosing what bikini to wear.

Another highlight of Wailea is that it offers a wide array of activities. Including snorkeling, body surfing, and boogie boarding in case you feel like getting out into the ocean.

Plus, Wailea is considered a prime spot to catch sights of migrating whales during the winter months!

3. Lanikai Beach

Not only is Lanikai considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Hawaiian Islands, but also in the entire world.

Wrapped up by miles and miles of bright blue water and soft white sand, Lanikai offers views like no other. In fact, Lani Kai translates into “heavenly ocean” in Hawaiian language. Which is a pretty fitting description of what being here feels like!

Thanks to its calm waters, Lanikai is a perfect place for swimming. Kayaking is also a favorite activity to try while at Lanikai. And you can actually kayak your way to two small islands that sit close to the shore!

4. Punaluu Beach

Set right between Pahala and Na’a’ehu on the Big Island of Hawaii, Panauluu Beach is one of the seven black sand beaches on the island, all of whose dark-colored sand was created by lava from the nearby Kilauea Volcano.

Aside from admiring the natural wonder that is black sand, Punaluu Beach is also a popular spot to see endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles. So make sure you keep your eyes out for them! Moreover, Punaluu also provides picnic spots, snorkeling opportunities, camping grounds, and various beautiful hiking trails.

5. Kapalua Beach

Back in the 90s, Kapalua beach was considered the best beach in the entire United States. While that’s no longer the case, it still remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui and entire Hawaii.

Kapalua provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience a classic Hawaiian beach feel. With a palm-fringed shore featuring golden sand. And blue waters as clear as they can get. The weather and environment on this northern part of Maui is also something to see. As it’s vastly different than the beaches a bit south. 

A popular activity at Kapalua is simply relaxing under the sun’s rays, but snorkeling here is another prime thing to do, especially for first-timers. Thanks to the fact that there is a coral reef located right by the shore, you can spot tons of colorful fish and even a few sea turtles without having to stray too far away from the shore.

6. Makalawena Beach

If you’re into quiet beaches and usually prefer to go to places away from the typical tourist route, Makalawena Beach is a perfect place to do just that.

Set on Hawaii’s Big Island, Makalawena is located pretty close to Kekaha Kai State Park, making it a great destination to combine beach and nature on a day trip.

Despite its unraveled beauty, this beach still remains a bit of a hidden gem due to the fact that it’s a bit tough to reach it. To get to it, you will either need to drive on a 4×4 or walk for about half an hour from the parking lot. Still, once you get there, the extra effort is definitely worth your while!

Are you currently planning your beach-hopping adventure in Hawaii? Which of these beaches sparks your interest the most? You can’t go wrong and won’t be disappointed in any of the choices! I’d love to know which one of them you are most excited to check out, so let me know in the comment section below! 

The Most Scenic Drives in Hawaii For Jaw-Dropping Views – Oahu

by ajohnson | Apr 27, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

Offering a fusion of ancient, modern, and natural wonders, it’s not hard to imagine why the island is commonly referred to as “The Gathering Place”. With so many iconic sights to visit all over the island, the most surefire way to get to see as much as possible is to buckle up and hit the road in search of mesmerizing vistas.

If you’re currently in the research stages of your trip to Oahu, chances are you’re feeling a bit confused with the number of amazing scenic roads on offer. The good news, however, is that most of the top drives in Oahu are relatively short, which pretty much means you can fit in a lot of them in your schedule!

If you’re still unsure which ones to tackle, I’ve curated a list of the most incredibly scenic drives in Oahu, Hawaii you absolutely cannot miss out on driving during your trip!

The Most Scenic Drives in Hawaii For Jaw-Dropping Views

Lagoon Drive

If you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to waste time, the Lagoon Drive is a must for you. Located right next to Honolulu Airport, this is a drive you can do as soon as you land and rent a car, making it the perfect way to kickstart your Oahu adventure.

Lagoon Drive is super short at just 5 minutes, but despite the short distance, it still manages to provide the best views of the ocean sprinkled with dozens of small islets, which is a pretty warm welcome to receive when you’ve just landed in Hawaii!

Moreover, there’s a parking lot at the end of the drive, where you can sit in and watch views of the landscape and planes landing and taking off from the airport.

Highway 3

When it comes to awe-inspiring views, Highway 3 is sure to please. Beginning in the city of Honolulu, this gorgeous drive will take you all the way to the eastern tip of the island through the fascinating Koolau Mountain Range and the Haʻikū Valley, guaranteeing fascinating vistas every mile of the way.

Lush mountain views are the norm all over the drive, with surprises like views of Kāneʻohe Bay and Oʻahu’s windward side awaiting to mesmerize drivers. Seriously, you’ll find yourself wondering if you’re dreaming on a pretty constant basis while driving!

Pali Highway

Pali Highway is another drive that, although short, doesn’t lack gorgeous views all over. Starting in downtown Honolulu, the road ends in Pali Lookout after just 15 minutes, where you’ll get amazing panoramic vistas of the southern part of Oahu.

Even though Pali Lookout point is the main reason to drive this road, the entire drive is also an experience worth appreciating, with ocean views to one side and a mountainous backdrop to the other. As you exit the tunnels on Honolulu, you’ll reach the east side of the Koolau Mountain Range, where you’ll feel as though you’re eons away from the bustle and hustle of the city.

Windward Oahu

While the drive to the east coast from Honolulu to Kaneohe is one of the most popular scenic drives in Oahu, here’s a little insider tip for those looking for lesser-driven roads: If you drive further on towards the North Shore, you’ll discover one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.

Called the Windward Coast, this part of Oahu will have you curving your way through a much lesser-known coast, where gorgeous views of the ocean changing from a light turquoise tone to dark blue will leave you awe-struck. Moreover, the entire coast is dotted by tiny beaches hidden inside a verdant landscape, so keep your eyes out for them, and don’t forget to plan more time than you’ll think you’ll need in order to stop at a few of them!

Other incredibly interesting stops to make along the way include the Valley of the Temples and Mokolii, a small island more commonly known as “Chinaman’s Hat” due to its shape. While at Mokolii, you can hit a few hiking trails or simply stretch your legs while enjoying a picnic with gorgeous views galore.

Tantalus Round Top Drive

Tantalus Round Top Drive may be extremely short, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for with some of the most iconic views in entire Oahu. When you get to the final viewpoint of the drive, Tantalus Lookout Point, you’ll be treated to some of the most fabulous views of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean!

Tantalus Lookout Point is a popular spot to watch the sun go down, so, if possible, try getting there right before sunset.

Have you ever driven any of these scenic roads on the island of Oahu? Which of them was your favorite and why? Let me know all about your experience in the comment section below!

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii – Oahu

by ajohnson | Apr 22, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

Hawaii’s beaches are as close as you can get to paradise on Earth. Being the third-largest island in the state, Oahu is home to some of the best ones in the entire archipelago, making it a great destination to head to if your plans in Hawaii revolve mostly around beach-hopping.

If you’re currently planning a getaway to Oahu, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed deciding which beaches to visit first. The good news is that, with 227 miles of coastline, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great experience no matter where you go.

The best way to decide which beaches will make it to your itinerary is to consider your interests. So I decided to create a list of the best beaches in Hawaii’s Oahu island for every type of traveler. Whether you’re taking the kids or looking for pristine shores surrounded by nature, this list is sure to have the ideal spot for you!

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach

Set on the coast of Honolulu, Waikiki might very well be the most popular beach on the island of Oahu for locals and tourists alike, if the 5 million annual visitors that go there are any indication. If you like bustling, lively locations and don’t mind the crowds too much, you’ll love it here, especially if you’re into swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.

Waikiki’s gentle waves are ideal for beginner’s surfing lessons. So if learning how to brave waves is one of the items on your bucket list, look for one of the many instructors available and take a class, or just relax at the beach and watch while others do it.

Lanikai Beach

Set on the island’s Windward Coast, Lanikai boasts some of the softest sand and the bluest waters in Oahu. Add the two beautiful offshore islets in front of it, and you’ll be set for a day in beach heaven.

Of course, you can spend the whole day relaxing. But if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can kayak your way to the Mokes (a nearby islet). Or hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to catch some of the best vistas Oahu!

Haleiwa

Haleiwa Beach is located about an hour’s drive away from Honolulu in the North Shore area of the island, discreetly hidden behind a grove of Pride Indian trees.

This laid-back surfer town distills country flavor and a local ambiance that enchants visitors. While here, you can spend the day at the beach. But you can also dedicate a few hours to exploring the town itself. 

Various small art galleries and local boutiques are favorites for all. And for history buffs, the old Emerson Mission homestead and the ruins of Waialua’s Female Seminary remain from the days of missionary work in the area. 

Keep in mind that Haleiwa Beach has a rocky and shallow ocean bottom, so it’s not ideal for swimming. But it is great for surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and boat racing! 

Waimea Bay

Located in the North Shore area of Oahu, Waimea is mostly famous for its giant winter waves. Which can reach up to 30 feet and make it a favorite of serious, hardcore surfers. Watching these ocean masters is an exciting experience in itself. Which makes it a location worthy of getting a place in your Oahu itinerary if you happen to be there during the surfing season. 

With summer come calmer waters and Waimea becomes a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the views of the blue ocean and overall beach ambiance.

Sunset Beach

Set right outside Haleiwa Town, Sunset Beach is another bucket list-must haven in Oahu, especially if you’re in search of a kid-friendly beach that’s good for swimming and light snorkeling during the summer. The sunsets here are really special, which explains the name given to this place, so make sure you stay around to witness at least one of them during your stay on the island!

During the winter months, Sunset Beach becomes a prime destination for surfers, because it’s the longest stretch of rideable surf in the world! Accordingly, various surfing events are hosted here, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, so plan your dates right if you’re interested in checking out one of them.

Kailua Beach Park

Kailua Beach Park is one more picture-perfect beach park with soft white sands, low waves, and great amenities, making it ideal if what you want is a super relaxing day at the beach. 

Families traveling with kids love it here, as well as windsurfers, and sailboarders, but there are plenty of things to do here for everyone. While here, you can spend your time simply enjoying the light-colored sand, blue waters, picnic areas, and beach volleyball court. 

You can also rent some water sports equipment at the boat ramp if you’re in the mood for some water adventures, and then head to nearby Kailua and check out its many restaurants and shops. 

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 

If you’re after enjoying a quiet location amid nature, Hanauma Bay should be next on your list!

Only 30 minutes from Honolulu, this unique bay is known for its wine glass shape and for the fact that it seems it’s eons away from the bustling capital city, which make for a perfect outing if a day of nature goodness sounds appealing to you.

Snorkeling is the top activity here, as hundreds of marine species inhabit the area, including lots of honus, which are the green sea turtles that have made Hanauma their home! Hiking the Koko Bay Trail to a crater is another favorite for exploring the lush hills that surround the bay and catching some breathtaking ocean views.

Laniakea Beach – Turtle Beach

Laniakea translates into “wide sky”,  and you’ll see why this extensive beach was given that name when you venture past the first 30 yards where most people hang out. 

Aside from its beauty, the top attraction at Laniakea is giant green turtles that live there. It’s hard to believe that they were once on the endangered species list, but thanks to the protection efforts of government and volunteers, they can now be easily spotted swimming and frolicking around the island.

Have you visited the island of Oahu in Hawaii? Which were your favorite beaches? Let me know in the comment section below!

The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers – Oahu

by ajohnson | Apr 15, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

Hawaii is world-renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters. Beach goodness is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a trip to Oahu. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a fantastic place for all sorts of outdoor adventures!

Even though most people who visit Oahu tend to focus on the coast, the island is also a mecca for exploring nature. If you’re currently on the lookout for ways to enjoy Hawaii beyond its beaches or you just want to craft a rounded itinerary that includes a bit of everything, here’s the perfect Oahu bucket list for all things nature!

The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a volcanic cone that soars high above Waikiki and Honolulu’s skyline. As one of the most iconic natural landmarks, you’ll probably recognize it right away from seeing it on almost every Honolulu postcard!

If you’re looking for an epic hike but don’t necessarily want to travel too far away from the capital, the Diamond Head Summit Trail is just what you’re after. This 1.6-mile trail will take you to the summit of the volcano. And while the distance may be short, the hike can get pretty challenging due to the rapid altitude gain. 

Luckily, the entire trail is paved and stairs are provided on the steepest portions of the hike. Moreover, there are plenty of viewpoints with benches along the way, giving you plenty of reasons to rest your legs!

Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

If you love natural scenery but don’t necessarily feel like hiking a volcano or walking deep into the forest, Hommaluhia Botanical Gardens is just what you’re looking for.

Surrounded by the majestic Koolau Mountains, this 400-acre property boasts some of the most idyllic settings on the island (think dreamy lakes, streams, and beautiful hiking trails), a visit to Hoomaluhia is a wonderful way to get to know the flora of Hawaii (and beyond) up close.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Located on the southeastern side of Oahu inside the Koko Head Volcanic region, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a perfect combo of beach goodness and adventures out in nature. Especially if you want to explore Oahu’s beaches and mountains in one go!

Thanks to its relatively low-key status, snorkeling here is an absolute dream. Hundreds of species love swimming around Hanauma’s wine glass-shaped bay. Including several endemic animals. While here, keep your eyes out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, who love hanging out around the bay!

After exploring under Hanauma Bay’s waters, you can continue scouring its lush surroundings by hitting a trail or two. A must while here is braving the Koko Head Crater Trail, which will take you all the way up to the volcano’s crater. Another great hike is the Makupu’u Lighthouse Trail. Which is a wonderful option for beginners or those not looking for a very challenging trail.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Legend in ancient Hawaiian folklore has it that Ka’ena Point is the jumping off point for souls leaving this world and hopping into the spirit realm to join their ancestors.

Located at the northwesternmost tip of Oahu and lined by a volcanic coastline, Ka’ena Point State Park boasts some of the most fabulous views in Oahu. With lots of hiking trails available to enjoy the glorious vistas from different angles.

The Ka’ena Point Trail is a must while visiting. This 5-mile hike will have you rocking your way (get the pun?) along the volcanic coast, where you’ll get to catch fabulous views of the Pacific Coast, stumble across tide pools, and have wildlife encounters all throughout.

Waimea Falls Park

If you’ve always dreamt of hiking in the rainforest, Waimea Falls Park provides a wonderful experience that will have you feeling as though you were somehow transported into the Amazonas.

Set on the North Shore of Oahu, the hike to Waimea Falls is considered one of the best trails on the island. The fact that it’s short and accessible makes it perfect for pretty much anyone keen to tackle it. And even though it’s not a very long trail, it still manages to awe visitors with views of lush botanical gardens, walls covered by enormous plants, and vistas of a striking 45-foot waterfall crashing down into a natural pool.

Moreover, Waimea Falls Park is a wonderful place for those looking to learn about Hawaiian culture and the importance nature has to its people. With lots of educational presentations and workshops on offer for curious visitors to enjoy during their visit.

I hope this list of amazing nature spots in Oahu inspired you to visit a few of these places! Even though the entire island is home to stunning views and places worth visiting, these destinations, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity to get more personal with the nature of Oahu.

Which of these places are you most excited to visit? Feel free to let me know all about your nature-filled Oahu itinerary in the comment section below!

Hidden Gems in Hawaii You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

by ajohnson | Mar 25, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

As the most populated island in Hawaii and the most visited one of them all, Oahu is usually the first island most first-timers in the state visit. Boasting a vast shoreline, volcanoes, and idyllic forests, there’s plenty to do in Oahu to keep you entertained no matter how long you’re visiting.

With so many visitors flocking to the island, it’s easy to imagine that escaping the crowds in Oahu is not an easy feat. But don’t despair if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to avoid tourist hotspots. With a little effort, you can visit some really sweet hidden gems here!

Hidden Gems in Hawaii You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 

Kaena Point State Park

Lying placidly at the northwestern most tip of the island, Kaena Point State Park is a beach park not many people know exists.

Although Kaena’s is not a great place for swimming because of the strength of the waves here, hiking here is absolutely splendid. A 2.7 mile-long trail runs along the shore and up some steep rocks, which pretty much guarantees stunning views every step of the way. Some of the highlights you’ll get to appreciate are the volcanic coast, tide pools, caves, and even some natural rock arches. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins. But you have to get there early in the morning!

Kawela Bay

If you don’t exactly love crowds, Kawela Beach is just right for you because very few people visit this off-the-beaten-path gem in Oahu! This beautiful beach has trees lining the entire shoreline, which makes for a very unique scenario. Kawela may just be one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Hawaii. Especially when it comes to gorgeous beaches.

Moreover, Kawela’s waves are very calm most of the time. Making it a great Oahu beach to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

Goat Island

Located a mere 720 feet from Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Mokuʻauia Island, or Goat Island as it’s more commonly called by the locals, is a flat islet in Laie Bay. 

What makes it very special is the fact that it’s made of lithified dunes, a truly unique sight. There are no goats on Goat Island, though. But there are lots of seabirds, as they’ve made it their nesting point! 

Pro tip: This is a protected seabird sanctuary. So it’s important to stay away from the center of the island, where the seabirds lay their eggs. But you can still see them at a distance.

Goat Island is close enough to the beach that you can swim over. Wading your way over is not recommended at all. Because you can cut yourself with the coral reef underneath, damaging it in the process too. If you’re not too fond of the idea of swimming over, you can paddle on a bodyboard or surfboard!

Mokuauia Island boasts three different beaches. But your best bet is the one located on the left side of the islet because this beach is protected from strong waves by cliffs, which make it perfect for floating in very calm waters with gorgeous views of Oahu’s mountains in the background. 

Kahuku Farms

If you love organic dining and want to live a truly unique experience in Oahu, go to Kahuku Farms, where you can tour the estate and sample fresh fruits directly from the vine!

What began as a small roadside shop a long time ago has turned into a great place to visit. After strolling through the farm and eating farm-to-table-goodies, you can also shop for some natural beauty and self-care products!

Byodo-In Temple

Oahu has its very own small replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan. This version was built in Kahaluu as a homage to the Japanese people who inhabited Hawaii for over 100 years. As a non-practicing Buddhist temple, it is open to the public and visitors are welcome. So you can feel free to walk around and take pictures.

Mermaid Cove

Mermaid Cove is probably one of the biggest hidden gems in Oahu, to the point that there are no tours for visitors available to this off-the-beaten-track location. You’ll have no problem getting there. Though, if you’re willing to walk a bit and find your way through some tunnels. Just head to Nanakuli Beach Park and you’ll be sure to find it.

The magical thing about Mermaid Cove is that its caverns are partly underwater. Creating a stunning effect when sunlight is reflected on its walls. Seeing this unique light spectacle is a reward well worth the effort of getting there.

Electric Beach

Electric Beach is certainly an unusual name. But there is a logical explanation for it. A power plant was built across the street from this location so that just about explains it. 

What makes this beach so delightful, though, is the fact that the warm water that is thrown from the plant into the ocean attracts marine life like a magnet! Needless to say, snorkeling here is an almost otherworldly experience. Make sure to go close to the water pipe because that’s where tons of animals like to hang out.

China Walls

China Walls is a very particular formation of rocks jutting into the ocean. Which produces an alluring view as the ocean waves crash against the rocky walls. Here, you can also enjoy splendid views of Oahu’s volcanic side, making it a real gem worth visiting if you love amazing vistas.

Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems on Oahu or know of others? If you’ve got any other exciting places to visit on the island that didn’t make it to this post, let me know all about them in the comment section below!

7 Places in Hawaii You’ve Got To Visit – Oahu

by ajohnson | Mar 3, 2022 | Blog, Hawaii, Travel

Commonly dubbed “The Gathering Place” because it’s the most populated and most frequently visited island in Hawaii, Oahu is a fantastic destination full of culture, nature, and, of course, fabulous beaches. The island is so diverse that you lounge on the beach, drive up a mountain, explore a volcano crater, and dine in a busy city – all in the same day!

Oahu has so many worthy locations that choosing exact destinations for exploring the island is certainly not an easy task, especially if you only have a few days for your trip. If you’re a first-timer, though, the best way to go is to create an itinerary that includes a bit of everything the island offers, with these 7 destinations being non-negotiables on the list!

7 Places in Hawaii You’ve Got To Visit

1. Honolulu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. And a must-visit to live the state’s metropolitan side. Located on the island of Oahu, the third-largest island in the state, Honolulu is a bustling city right by the coast that offers an amazing variety of cultural, gastronomical, arts, entertainment options. 

As if that weren’t enough reason to pay the capital a visit, all of that is mixed with paradise beaches, volcano scenery, and tropical flavor, making Honolulu a metropolis that truly has it all! 

2. Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is Hawaii’s most iconic historical landmark. Whether you’re a history buff or not, visiting this place is an enriching experience that will help you learn more about one of the most pivotal events in United States history. As well as give you the opportunity to honor the victims of the infamous attack on the island that led to the country’s incursion into WWII. 

We took our family and the girls in November of 2020, when the islands were just starting to reopen after the Pandemic. It was probably the best time to go since there weren’t many people. But we didn’t go out on the tour of the USS Arizona because I wasn’t sure I would be able to handle that. My grandparents met as a result of the attack on Pearl Harbor. So it has a real meaning and life effect for me. It’s very sobering as well as emotional being on the site and at the memorial. I’m glad we took our girls when they would remember it, not when they were too young.

3. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is one of the world’s most visited beach destinations in the world. In fact, this 2-mile long stretch of beautiful shoreline receives roughly 5 million visitors every year! 

Even if crowded tourist hotspots may not sound very appealing, dropping in for an hour or two during your stay on the island is highly recommended. Think soft white sand, clear blue waters, spectacular vistas, delicious food, exotic drinks, great shopping. And some of the best nightlife the entire island has to offer.

Moreover, make sure you visit on a Friday evening, when a firework show illuminates the night sky. It’s an experience meant to remind you you’ve made it to Hawaii!

4. Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is Oahu’s most iconic natural landmark, one you can see in most of Honolulu’s postcards. A trek from the center of the volcano’s crater up to the summit is, well, almost an obligatory experience for everyone who visits the state capital. 

The hike is relatively short (just under two miles), but the rapid elevation gain does make it a bit challenging. Once you get to the top, though, the views are spectacular, so the effort is well rewarded. Don’t let this deter you, though – the trail is paved the entire way and there are multiple benches and viewpoints spread along the way, making it a great hike for beginners summiting a mountain for the first time.

Fun fact: British sailors thought Diamond Head was so beautiful that climbed the volcano searching for diamonds during the 1800s. Even though they never actually found the gems, the name stayed!

5. Laniakea Beach

Commonly referred to as Turtle Beach because of the creatures that call this place their home, Laniakea Beach is a definite must when visiting Oahu. 

For decades, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have loved making Laniakea their favorite hangout spot, and watching these once-endangered critters frolicking in the ocean is a truly heart-warming experience. This place will give you the chance to perceive the island’s nature in its full splendor. 

Most people don’t go much further than the “turtle area”, but if you walk about 100 yards, past the rocky trail along the shoreline, you’ll find yourself in Chun’s Reef, a beautiful and secluded beach that doesn’t see many visitors.

6. Manoa Falls

Falling a striking 150 feet down into the landscape, Manoa Falls gives the impression of being a lot higher when you stand at the bottom looking up at the seemingly endless water cascading down. 

The trail leading to the waterfalls is quite an experience too, so take your time and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you hike to get to them. Seriously, there are so many huge plants and exotic dwellings by the trail path that you will feel as though you’re in the middle of a rainforest!

7. Hanauma Bay

If you’re yearning for a quiet and crowd-free location surrounded by nature, Hanauma Bay has you covered. Set a short 30-minute drive from downtown Honolulu, this unique wine glass-shaped bay will give you the impression that you’re worlds away from the city and its hustle and bustle.

Snorkeling is the main attraction in Hanauma. Hundreds of marine species swim right under the waves, including lots of Hawaiian Honus, the green sea turtles that have made their home here! 

If you’re in the mood for a hike, the Koko Bay Trail to the area’s volcanic crater is the way to go, especially if you’d like to explore the verdant hills that surround the bay and, of course, catch some really spectacular views.

Are you currently plotting your Oahu itinerary? Which of these 7 places are you looking forward to visiting the most? I’d love to know all about your plans in Oahu!