10 Hidden Gems In Oahu For Your Hawaii Dream Vacation

The ultimate goal of many people is to visit all the sights on Oahu that they’ve been dreaming of, since the planning stage. However, not everyone likes the huge crowds.
Here are 10 hidden gems in Oahu that will turn your Hawaii vacation into a dream trip!

Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii, and also the one with the highest population. It attracts more than 10 million visitors every year. Escaping the crowds can be quite hard, if you don’t have a plan. Let’s discover the best Oahu secret spots you should add to your bucket list! While not all of them are completely unknown, they’re still worth visiting. Even on a short trip to Oahu.

Are you planning your trip to Oahu last minute?

Let us help!
Here you will find at a glance our favorite activities, tours, hotels and more. Everything you will need to make this unforgettable!

Top Activities and Tours in Oahu:
1. USS Arizona & Mighty Mo Private Tour
2. Luau Dinner & Show
3. Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki
4. Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise & Snorkeling
5. Oahu Helicopter Tour
6. Waikiki Sunset Cruise + Cocktail

Click to search the best (updated) deals to rent a car!

Our Favorite Hotels in Waikiki:
1. Sheraton Waikiki
2. The Royal Hawaiian
3. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki
4. Moana Surfrider Wakiki Beach
5. Prince Waikiki

Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about.
This gorgeous park is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is home to many secluded beaches and hiking trails.

The main 2.7 mile-long trail (4,3 km) goes along the shore, and up steep rocks. The views are absolutely jaw-dropping!
If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Oahu, this is where you absolutely want to go.

The main highlights include the volcanic coast, natural rock arches, tide pools, caves and even dolphin sightings, if you’re lucky!

The state park is also home to the Kaena Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1909.
It still works today and can be visited by driving up the steep dirt road that leads to the lighthouse.

While you can’t exactly consider Kaena Point one of Oahu secret spots, it’s still widely underrated. So much so that not many travelers add it to their bucket list!

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Kawela Bay

If you’re not fond of crowds, Kawela Beach is everything you could ever ask for, because almost no one visits this gem of a place in Oahu!

You’ll realize just how secluded this place is, when you pull in the car park. Usually half-empty. Then head towards the entrance.
Once you walk through, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best private beaches you’ve ever seen.

Kawela Bay is absolutely one of the hidden gems in Oahu, maybe in Hawaii. Especially when it comes to dream beaches.
It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. And it lets you reconnect with nature.

Kawela’s waves are very calm, most of the time. This is why you should also consider it as a great Oahu beach to go to, when you’re traveling with kids.

Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards and umbrellas at the beach, and hang out all day with a good book and a cold drink.
Sometimes, you can even spot sea turtles and sea otters in the distance! 

Make sure you add reef-safe sunscreen and a camera to your Hawaii packing list.
This is one of the must-visit places in Oahu you will need to add to your itinerary!

Goat Island (Mokuauia)

Mokuauia Island, also known as Goat Island, is a tiny, secluded island, located in Laie Bay.
What makes it special?
Well, this islet is made of lithified dunes. That alone makes it a truly unique place!

In the past, goats lived in Mokuauia, hence why this nickname. Now, while there are no goats on the island, you’ll still find plenty of nesting seabirds!

Mokuauia can be considered one of the places in Oahu off the beaten path. Yet you can easily reach it by swimming from the beach. If you know where to go.
It’s also super close to Malaekahana State Recreation Area.

Beware: the coral reef underneath can cut your feet quite badly, so walking to Goat Island is not a good idea. If you’re not keen on swimming, you can reach the island by paddling, or using a surfboard!

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Click to watch our video with a ton of ideas for couple activities!

Mokuauia Island boasts three different beaches. All of them are known as hidden beaches on Oahu, even by the locals.

Our favorite one is located on the left side of the island.
Because it’s protected from the waves by its cliffs, it’s the perfect spot to spend some time.

You can just hop on a floatie and relax. The view on Oahu and its mountains from this beach is absolutely unforgettable!

While Mokuauia is a tiny bit of paradise in Oahu, you should still keep in mind that it’s a protected seabird sanctuary. 
So make sure you stay away from the center of the island. It’s where the seabirds lay their eggs!

Kahuku Farms (Oahu North Shore)

The foodies out there like me will absolutely love Kahuku Farms. Same goes for the couples who love farm-to-table outings.

Kahuku Farms provides a truly unique Hawaiian experience!
Not only you’ll get to pick your own fruit, but you can also eat it fresh, and take a tour of this gorgeous estate.
Make sure you bring your camera!

Visiting Kahuku Farms is one of the most underrated things to do in Oahu.
What once was a tiny roadside shop, has in fact turned into a great place. The locals love it, but the tourists don’t even know it exists!

After strolling through the farm, eating organic food, you should also check their shop.
You’ll find amazing Hawaii souvenirs, especially if you’re into natural beauty and self-care products!

Planning a road trip?
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ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST!

2022 Update

Tours have been momentarily suspended, but you can still eat at the cafe and shop for souvenirs.
Keep up with the Kahuku Farms social media to know when they will start again!

Byodo-In Temple

One of the truly hidden gems in Oahu is the smaller-scale replica of Byodo-in Temple in Uji, that we visited on our trip to Japan.

It was built in Kahaluu, to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the arrival of Japanese people and culture to Hawaii. It dates back to 1968!

Located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe, it’s hidden away in the middle of a green valley.

You’ll have to specifically drive there from Honolulu to see the temple. And then look for it some more, between large Catholic statues, crypts and mausoleums.

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The Byodo-in Temple is not a functioning Buddhist temple. So you won’t find a resident monastic community.
It welcomes people of all faiths to participate in its traditions, and it’s often used for weddings, photo sessions… or as a set for movies and tv-series

The wildly popular TV series Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I. and Lost featured the Byodo-in Temple in several episodes!
Even the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor was partly filmed in this gorgeous temple.

To visit the temple grounds and take a few pictures, you have to pay a $5 ticket per person (aged 13-64). Visitors over 64 will pay $4 and children under 13 can get a discounted ticket for $2.

Mermaid Cove

Mermaid Cove is probably one of the best hidden gems in Oahu. So much so that you won’t find tours to visit this underwater gem.

This place is a half-submerged cave. And it’s also truly unique, because when light reflects on its walls, it creates a surreal sight!

Getting to Mermaid Cove isn’t easy. Which is why this can be easily considered one of the most underrated places on our list of Oahu secret spots.

The first thing to do is to plan a day trip to Nanakuli Beach Park.
As you face the ocean, follow the street towards the water, until you get to the lava rock. Then turn left.

You will have to walk on the lava for a while, until you get to a hole, a little away from the water. That’s the entrance to the Mermaid Cave in Oahu!

Electric Beach

We truly believe that Electric Beach is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Oahu. Especially if you’re into snorkeling like us!

But why is this place unique and… honestly. What about this weird name?
Back in the day, a power plant was built right across the street from this beach, which was known as Kahe Point.
Since then, the locals have nicknamed it “Electric Beach“!

The warm water emitted by the plant into the ocean has since then attracted a lot of marine life. Snorkeling at Electric Beach is one of those lifetime experiences you’ll never forget.

As you snorkel, make sure you swim a bit closer to the water pipe. There are a lot of fishes and the water is warm!

Because of the cross currents in the area, and the waves that hit the beach, wearing life vests is a great idea.
While this Oahu beach is tiny, there are lifeguards patrolling the area, to make sure everyone is ok.
So we felt pretty safe!

Note: Electric Beach is also considered the best snorkeling place in Hawaii. Yes, it’s that special!

China Walls

Are you planning to visit Oahu but you’re worried of getting tired of just hitting the Waikiki nightlife? How about you add an uncommon secret spot to your itinerary?

China Walls is a formation of rocks, jutting right into the ocean, which creates a mesmerizing view when ocean waves crash against them.

It’s a cool day trip from Honolulu, as it’s located on the way to the Spitting Cave Trail, one of the most instagrammable places in Oahu!  

Couples who have planned a Hawaii honeymoon will love to know that China Walls is a great sunset spot. Super romantic and very quiet.

Jumping from the cliffs is very dangerous, due to the strong waves. So if you want to visit, be careful and do so just for the sunset and the views!

The area is marked as Koko Kai Mini Beach Park and it’s in a residential neighborhood.
Because Hanapepe Place, the street where you’ll find the entrance, is a designated “Tow Away” zone, you can park your car at Hanapepe Loop instead.

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Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach is one of the hidden beaches on Oahu. Because it’s located next to a blowhole lookout, people stop there… and they never think to actually enjoy some beach time.

The locals know this place as “Eternity Beach“, because this was the place where an iconic romantic scene was shot. It belongs to the 1950’s Burt Lancaster movie “From Here to Eternity“.

If you do recognize the area, but haven’t seen the movie, you’re right. Even Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides used Halona Beach Cove as a filming location!

To get to Halona Beach Cove you have to hike down from the blowhole lookout point. Make sure you pack sturdy shoes with a bit of grip. Wearing flip flops in fact is not a particularly good idea.

Due to the fact that this beach is truly isolated and almost never crowded, there are no public facilities, nor lifeguards on duty.

Me and Al consider Halona Beach one of the hidden gems in Oahu because here you can also see cute sea turtles resting on the warm sand.
There aren’t many people around, so they don’t get scared.

Take as many pictures as you want, but please do not get too close and definitely don’t touch them!

Makua Beach

Are you one of those who believe that “hidden gems in Oahu” means isolated, wild and unknown places? If so, this is the perfect spot for your itinerary.
The nearest store or restaurant is over 10 miles (16 km) away.

Makua Beach is the one beach you go to for complete isolation.
In case you find it familiar, it’s because the first season of the TV show Lost was filmed here. Back then, in fact, Makua Beach was one of the secret spots in Oahu only the locals knew about.

What about now?
Well, more people know about this place but they have no idea how to get there. Or maybe they stick to the popular (and crowded) beaches in Oahu, and they don’t have enough time to look for Makua Beach.

In winter you might find quite a few surfers here, due to the fact that the waves are absolutely perfect. Unless you’re a great swimmer, stick to the beach or stay close to the shore. The ocean currents can be pretty dangerous!

Makua Beach is also a good spot to see sea turtles and lots of tropical fishes. You won’t even need a snorkeling mask: they will be swimming through your legs!

How to find the hidden gems in Oahu

Many travelers who are planning to visit Hawaii make a few mistakes. The kind of mistakes that can turn a unique trip into a somewhat boring vacation.

I have a few tips for you that can be useful not only to have fun, but also to find and explore the off the beaten path places you’ve only just heard about.

First things first, staying at your resort the whole time won’t really help you find all the secret spots in Oahu!
Make sure you rent a car and explore the island. It’s the best way to make unforgettable memories.

Another good idea is also to avoid scheduling every minute of your trip.
While allocating time slots for certain activities is great, being spontaneous can be even better. Especially if you’re looking for the less crowded places.

Last but not least: talk to the locals. Make new friends!
No one better than them knows all the secret places in Oahu. And I mean no one!

Our personal experience was particularly positive.
People from Hawaii were super friendly, and always willing to offer friendship and assistance.
The Aloha spirit isn’t some sort of marketing strategy, it’s a way of life!

We discovered some of our favorite places to visit in Oahu thanks to the locals.
How did we get to talk to Hawaiians?
Well, just don’t be shy. We met a lot of friendly locals at lunch, or in the evening while hitting a dinner place!

Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems in Oahu?
If you’ve got any other exciting places to visit on the island that I missed, let me know all about them in the comment section below!

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