If you are looking to get past the touristy centers and find some of the secret things to do in Oahu, you have come to the right place. From hidden coves to local sunset spots, there are plenty of hidden gems in Oahu that will leave you speechless.
Hawaii’s Oahu Island may be the third-largest island, but it’s the most populous and most visited. Oahu, meaning “The Gathering Place” certainly matches its name with both busy city life and an abundance of natural scenery both visitors and locals love.
Unlike any United States destination, Oahu is a world unlike any other, from its culture, history, and scenery. Those seeking culture, fun, and natural experiences will find everything they want from these hidden gems in Oahu.
Before Visiting these Oahu Hidden Gems
In this article, we’ll cover off the beaten path Oahu that ocean lovers, hikers, foodies, and families can all enjoy. The best way to get around Oahu is by car. There are also buses and organized tours, but driving a car is easier.
As these are hidden gem destinations, you won’t find organized tours to many of them. We recommend renting a car to drive around the island and make your own way to these unique places.
If you cannot rent a car but still want to visit some of these secret spots, this Oahu loop tour visits 3 of the destinations on this list. But you won’t find a tour with more than that!
To make things extra convenient and hire a driver to do a customized tour, try the private customizable tour of Oahu.
Prepare for the weather! While Oahu is renowned for its warm climate and sunshine, it still has one of the rainiest cities in the US. Bring an umbrella!
Save Other Oahu/Hawaii Content to Plan your Trip:
- Best Sunset Spots in Oahu
- Maui Hidden Gems + Secret Spots
- Unique Places to Stay in Maui Hawaii
- Kauai Sunset Spots
Byodo-In Temple
The Byodo-In Temple, which means “Temple of Equality” is a Japanese Buddhist temple located in Oahu’s Valley of the Temples. A smaller replica of the original temple in Uji Japan, the Byodo-In Temple is a unique thing to do in Oahu as it tells the story of Hawaii’s history. Constructed without a single nail, the temple commemorates Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants.
This off-the-beaten-path destination is surrounded by green hillsides, featuring an 18-foot tall Buddha inside the temple and a tranquil Koi pond outside.
To get to this hidden gem in Oahu, located approximately 10 miles outside Honolulu, visitors can get there by car, Uber, or public transportation.
Ka’ena Point State Park
The Ka’ana Point State Park is one of the top secret spots in Oahu for bird watchers, surfers, and nature lovers. Located on the Western tip of the island, this park’s lava-formed shoreline hike features tide pools and incredible views of the Makua coastline.
For ocean lovers, Keawa’ula Bay is the spot for surfers and swimmers to visit – but only in the summer when water conditions are calm and safe. And for the hikers, be sure to bring water and a hat as the rough terrain doesn’t provide much shade.
When visitors arrive early enough, they can even spot dolphins near the Kaluakauila stream mouth.
Unfortunately, public transportation isn’t available to get to this hiking destination on Oahu Island, but it can be reached by car in an hour from Honolulu.
Oh, and did we mention entry is free?!
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Another free unique thing to do in Oahu is visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. Opened to the public in 1982, the gardens just celebrated their 40th anniversary of “a space of peace and tranquility.”
In addition to walking along and enjoying the outdoors, the gardens offer art classes to paint the majestic scenery and camping for those who simply aren’t ready to leave. As for a pro tip, if you’re trying to get the perfect Instagram captures, arrive early before the gardens fill up with people.
Located 15 miles outside of Honolulu, it’s recommended to get here by car or Uber as there is public transportation, but the nearest bus stop is about a mile from the entrance.
Mermaid Caves/Cove Oahu
The Mermaid Caves are a true adventurers’ destination – from the experience of finding them to exploring the caves. If you’re looking for secret things to do in Oahu, this should be at the top of your list.
The cavernous natural destination invites visitors to explore the various-sized holes along the coastline – even being able to jump into them and into the refreshing water.
With this, visitors must be wary as the way to enter these caverns is by jumping right in! Avoid going during high tide when visitors can risk getting pulled out into the open sea. Instead, visit during low tide when it’s safe. Also, the caves of this hidden gem in Oahu are formed by hardened lava, which can be dangerous if one’s not careful moving around — but they do provide nice places to sit!
To get here, travel to the small town of Nanakuli, accessible by car and public transportation, and go to Kalaniana’ole Beach State Park. From there, head towards the rocky side of the beach where you’ll have to crawl over some jagged shoreline to reach the caves. Other visitors will likely be there so don’t be afraid to ask or follow visitors who know what they’re doing!
Electric Beach
Named due to its proximity to an electric plant, Electric beach is a secret spot in Oahu popular for underwater corals and sea life, making it the perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Located in Kahe Point Beach Park, visitors can access the park by car (about 30 minutes from Honolulu) and by public transportation. It’s also located nearby the Mermaid Coves in Nanakuli, making this a great option for ocean lovers to visit two hidden gems in Oahu in one trip!
Pro tip: Although the waters are not as turbulent as Ka’ena Point State Park, it’s recommended only experienced divers and swimmers visit this beach. To reach the dive site, visitors need to swim 100-200 meters from shore and may need to bypass strong currents – don’t forget your fins!
China Walls
The China Walls get their name after the Great Wall of China, but instead of being man-made, it’s the thousands of years of lava build-up that form these “walls.”
Located on the South-Eastern tip of Oahu, this beautiful geographical site is worth the visit for vacation photos, viewing the sunsets, and during the day are perfect for laying out and enjoying the ocean – despite the fast there isn’t any sand in sight! But be sure that the water is calm if you want to lay-out, as rough waves can sweep visitors off the rocks.
During the summer months, the surf picks up and for experienced surfers the waves are a challenge! And if you’re not a surfer, then it’s certainly a marvel to admire the brave souls that take on these massive waves.
Kawela Bay
In contrast to the rough waters along Ka’ena Point State Park, Kawela Bay, located on the Northern tip of the island, is a tranquil ocean lovers’ paradise.
An hour’s trip from Honolulu by car or bus (okay, maybe an hour and a half by bus), this secluded beach features calm waters year-round. Of all the destinations covered in this “secret things to do in Oahu” article so far, Kawela Bay is one of the most family-friendly ocean activities due to being safe for the whole family to swim no matter how young.
If you’re seeking a bit of paradise and tranquility, hidden away off the beaten path in Oahu, Kawela Bay is the place to visit.
Goat Island (Mokuauia Island)
We know what you’re thinking – an island paradise filled with goats?! Sign me up! Well…
Unfortunately, this island has no goats, but it is still one of many of the more secret things to do in Oahu. Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia Island, is great to visit due to its tranquil beaches and beautiful views.
This seabird sanctuary is the closest islet off of Oahu. In fact, it’s so close that during low-tide, visitors can swim from the shore to reach the island. Yet it’s recommended to get over on a paddle board or surfboard to avoid stepping on and potentially damaging corals under the surface.
Located on the Northern end of Oahu, this destination can be paired with other secret spots on Oahu, such as visiting Kawela Bay (only about a 10-minute drive away).
Kahuku Farms
Aside from its beaches and incredible nature, food and culture are also a part of Hawaii’s story and a reason to visit. Our next hidden gem in Oahu is Kahuku Farms. A farm passed down for four generations, it was originally established by two families who migrated from Japan to Hawaii.
The Kahuku Farms are more than just a farm but have a Cafe with farm-to-table food and products such as handmade soaps and chocolates.
The farms offer tractor-pulled wagon tours Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, which allow visitors an in-depth look at the fields building a deeper understanding of the process that goes behind growing the food to putting it on local shelves.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox hiking trail is not to be missed by nature lovers visiting Oahu. This 1.5-mile round-trip hike provides some of the best views of Lanikai and Kailua. Be aware this hike is no stroll in the park but includes some steep slopes, loose rocks, and no guardrails. Yet for those who are up for the challenge, the views at the top make all the effort worth it.
I mean, have you seen the photos of the views of this destination?! Breathtaking.
To get to this destination, visitors can reach here in about 30 minutes by car or take public transportation (but be warned there’s quite a walk to access the trailhead from the bus stop!)
Halona Blowhole + Beach Cove
The Halona Blowhole and Beach Cove are one of the top secret things to do in Oahu for adventure seekers.
Located about a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, the Halona Blowhole is a thousands of years old natural wonder formed by molten lava. It spouts water over 20 feet during high tides, which amazes visitors.
The Halona Beach Cove, made famous by the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity” is a small patch of beach nestled between Oahu’s epic cliffs. To access the beach cove from the blowhole viewing deck, visitors must hike down the cliffs, so proper footwear is advised to stay safe on slippery rocks.
Because the beach does not have a lifeguard and can endure rough waters, the summer months are the best time to experience calm waters.
Moku o Lo‘e/Coconut Island
If you were a 90’s baby exposed to their grandparents’ favorite classic TV old shows, then you’ve definitely seen this island before as it was the set where the famous television show opening “Gilligan’s Island” was filmed.
This island is one of the coolest hidden gems in Oahu as it has a wealth of history – ranging from being a movie set, a wealthy playboys getaway, to the home of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.
With rich sea life, including sea turtles, reef fish, and corals, the Marine Institute offers private educational tours of the island.
Waimea Falls
It’s about time we get to our first Oahu secret spot waterfall of this article: The Waimea Falls of Waimea Valley.
The entrance fee to the park fees vary, but non-resident adults can expect to pay $25 to experience this natural oasis located on the North-Western side of Oahu, accessible both by car and public transportation.
The .75 mile long path to the waterfall is just a warm-up to the beauty visitors will behold once they reach the 30-foot tall waterfall. And in case you’re wondering, yes you can swim there!
Aside from the waterfall, the gardens offer a plethora of activities from cultural and educational programs to the botanical gardens that include over 52 themes, making this destination ideal for nature and adventure lovers.
Sharks Cove
Contrary to its name, you’re more likely to see turtles at Sharks Cover than sharks! Considered one of the world’s top shore dive sites, both scuba divers and snorkelers are bound to be amazed by the pristine water and abundant sea life of Sharks Cove.
Located an hour’s drive from Honolulu on the North shore of Oahu, Sharks Cove is quite an adventurous local destination so be sure to prepare accordingly.
It’s not advisable to bring young children here as getting into the water involves treading over sharp and potentially slippery lava rock, yet there are tide pools nearby that families can enjoy and still see some sea life.
As for the best time to visit, the summer months are the only time to snorkel as the currents and waves in winter are too rough and dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
Makua Caves Hike
We’ve talked about beaches, waterfalls, and underwater caves – but what about the caves in the hills of Oahu for the next Oahu hidden gems?
If you enjoy exploring mother nature beyond walking trails or simply taking in the view, then the Makua Caves Hike is a treat.
This Oahu secret spot trail is a perfect hike for experiencing Hawaii on little time – it’s quick, has incredible views, and has massive caves (venture in if you dare!) Because the path is dry, loose rocks that can make steep sections of the trail a slipping hazard.
To get there, head to “Kaneana State Park” and park in the lot. Once parked, you’ll see the lower Makua Cave across the highway. Keep heading West 100 meters along the road, and that’s where you’ll come across the unmarked, yet clearly taken path that will lead you to the Upper Makua Caves.
That’s it for amazing secret things to do in Oahu! Wel, they’re not all COMPLETELY “secret” but they are sure secret spots that locals love. Let me know in the comments below which hidden gems in Oahu you like the most!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.