8 Secret Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii

Planning a trip to Oahu soon? Check out this post for the 8 secret things you can do in Oahu while you’re there.

Oahu, Hawaii is one of Hawaii’s most-visited islands in the archipelago! It is defined for containing the state capital, Honolulu, as well as the royal place, Iolani. As a peak destination for tourists, Oahu’s tropical climate, natural scenery, and extensive beaches sets it apart. You are free to hike to as many places while you’re there and visit the beaches like Waikiki, Magic Island and Lanikai. So, if you’re planning on visiting Oahu for the first time, I highly recommend reading through this blog post. It will break down all of the non-touristy things you can do while you’re there as well as some hidden gems.

Oahu Bucket List Series

P.S. This is a post in my Oahu Bucket List series. Here is the complete series:

Food: The 10 Most Delicious and Satisfying Must Eats in Honolulu, Hawaii

Instagram: The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu

Hidden Gems: 8 Secret Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii

Go Cliff Jumping at the China Walls (secret things to do in Oahu)

The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump in Oahu, Hawaii! The walls are located in the Koko Kai Mini Beach Park and they can be very dangerous. Although there are no lifeguards on site, a lot of people tend to cliff jump the walls at their own risk. My only disclaimer would be to only do this with an experienced local. They’re more familiar with the area and it may decrease the risk of you getting injured or even dying. Therefore, for your sake, I highly recommend not doing this alone. Taking pictures at the China Walls instead can also be another alternative.

Explore the Mermaid Caves like H20: Just Add Water (secret things to do in Oahu)

The Mermaid Caves in Oahu, Hawaii are luminous sea caves that have been formed by the ocean over time. So, in other words, these sea caves are essentially hollowed out lava rock lining the coast. To find these sea caves, drive to the West Coast of Oahu at Zablan Beach. On the south end of the beach, there should be a small parking lot on Laumania Ave. Once parked, head to your left to visit an outcrop of unassuming lava rocks. These lava rocks are on top of the Mermaid Caves and they have gaping holes that can show you directly what’s underneath. If you want to enter the Mermaid Caves completely, head to the back of the rocks near the road. There should be a shallow entrance to the Mermaid Caves there as well as an 8 foot drop.

Take a stroll through Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens (secret things to do in Oahu)

The Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens is another secret spot to go to in Oahu, Hawaii! It is used as a place of peace for many people since the name “Hoʻomaluhia” means “to make a place of peace”. To find this botanical garden, go to Oahu’s Windwardside in Kāneʻohe. Once there, you’ll notice all of the extremely enchanted jagged mountains hovering overhead. They are a part of the gardens surroundings as well as the large reservoir in the middle of the complex. So, if you’re planning on visiting the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens for the first time, I highly recommend bringing a camera. You can use it to take pictures and vlog!

Get Fresh Food at the Kahuku Farms (secret things to do in Oahu)

The Kahuku Farms is the home of the first ever Hawaii-grown Acai bowl. The farms were started by two farming families that span back to four generations in Hawaii. At the farms, you can visit the cafe for fine country gifts, chocolate from the cacao orchard, fresh island fruit, and tasty treats! You can also use the farms’ open garden area in the back for picnicking and self-guided tours. So, if you’re planning on visiting the Kahuku Farms for the first time, I highly recommend getting an acai bowl. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a smoothie-like breakfast bowl layered with fruit, coconut, and etc.

Go Scuba Diving at Shark’s Cove (secret things to do in Oahu)

Shark’s Cove is one of the most popular places to scuba dive in Oahu! In this area, you can find an abundance of wildlife, caves, caverns and swim throughs. However, you won’t see any reef sharks underwater when you’re there. This is because the name behind Shark’s Cove has nothing to do with seeing sharks. However, the outline of Shark Cove’s reef looks like a shark, hence the name. So, if you’re planning on going scuba diving in Shark’s Cove for the first time, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof camera. This will help you take pictures underwater as you document your scuba diving experience.

Grab Shave Ice from Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (secret things to do in Oahu)

Masumoto’s Shave Ice is a family owned shop that was established in 1951. At the shop, you can order a lot of things that include but are not limited to shave ice, original t-shirts, and goods. To order a shave ice at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, you must tell the cashier what size, extra and flavor you want. For sizes, Masumoto’s Shave Ice has small, large, and Ichiban special. For extras, Masumtoto’s Shave Ice has condensed milk, mochi, beans and vanilla ice cream. For flavors, these include but are not limited to strawberry, bubblegum and ume. So, if you’re planning on getting shave ice at Masumoto’s Shave Ice for the first time, I highly recommend trying the ume flavor. It’s slighty tart like a Japanese plum and it has a distinct sour taste.

Hike to Ka’ena Point (secret things to do in Oahu)

Ka’ena Point is a state park that includes a hike to the westernmost tip of the island. The tip is known for its scenic views and for being the place where ancient Hawaiian souls would jump into the spirit world. For the hike, visitors can choose between two trailheads. One trailhead starts from the north side (Mokuleia side), while the other trailhead starts from the south side (Leeward Coast side). So, if you’re planning on hiking to Ka’ena Point for the first time, I highly recommend bringing a lot of sunscreen and water. The suncreen and water can help you stay refreshed as you endure this long, notoriously hot hike.

Watch Sea Turtles at Turtle Beach (secret things to do in Oahu)

Laniakea Beach is a great beach to watch the sea turtles in Oahu. In fact, these Hawaiian sea turtles (honu) are known for calling the island its home. You can visit them at any season during the calendar year except for winter. This is because when the waves are larger around winter, it makes it harder for the turtles to come inland. However, in the fall, spring and summer, the calmer waves make it more easier for the turtles to come ashore. So, if you’re planning on watching sea turtles at Laniakea Beach for the first time, I highly recommend visiting the beach between 11am and 1pm. This is the best time to arrive during peak viewing so that you can see the turtles.

Overall, I really hope you enjoyed this post on the 8 secret things you can do in Oahu Hawaii! Please let me know in the comments down below which thing you would like to do the most! I would love to hear from you. 🙂

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