11 MOST UNDERRATED ATTRACTIONS IN OAHU- HONOLULU, WAIKIKI HAWAII ESP. DO THESE BEFORE YOU DIE, IN SPRING AND COOLER MONTHS!
If you’ve ever visited a Caribbean island, you probably thought it’s the best ever. Yet, Hawaii is not even in the Caribbean, but its as close as we had gotten to that part of the globe until we visited The Dominican. Funny thing about Island vacations though. You’ll swear the most beautiful island EVER is whichever one you’re currently on.
Waikiki Beach, Diamond head, the Pink Hospital, the International Market, Ala Moana, The Sunflower fields, the Haiku Stairs (get fitter), Hawaii Five-0, Escape to Shangri La, Pearl Harbor & the Arizona Memorial, the not so secret Mermaid head; you have heard it all before right? And all of these places are awesome and you must absolutely visit them if ever in Waikiki Hawaii; but they are getting old.
Every Oahu tourist and visitor talks about them, these places are perhaps overplayed and overrun with tourists! In fact we too hinted about some in our Passion for Travel article!
We had a whole month in Oahu Hawaii. A family get together and we had a whale of a time, touring various places, many off the usual tourist track. We had the luxury of time, family and own transportation to tour to our hearts content!
If you dont have the luxury or the pleasure of belonging to a travel club, you can definitely find things to do and some Super cool Honolulu deals right here! Otherwise hang with us and…
As the saying goes, today we are going off the beaten track. Come let’s share some of the most amazing, beautiful less trampled, awesome, totally Underrated Attractions in Oahu Hawaii that you should do before you die. But keep em private will ya, you don’t want em spoilt lol! 🙂 Shall we…
HERE ARE 11 UNDERRATED ATTRACTIONS IN OAHU HAWAII!
1. Kualoa Ranch, Oahu
Get your fill of the location where Godzilla and Jurassic Park were shot! It’s a real WORKING RANCH over 4k acres. With amazing sand beaches, valleys, cliffs and forests. They offer a variety of experiences and tours including tropical gardens, an ancient Fishpond, horseback rides, the movie sets, Kayaking and a breathtakingly beautiful secluded beach. There is something for everyone, our children absolutely loved it! So will yours!
2. Ehukai Pillboxes
Well the pillboxes are popular, But these aren’t so much. Located on Oahu’s Northshore and not as popular as the Lanikai Pillboxes, Ehukai gives you the most amazing, picturesque views of the Island. Great for Hikers as there are extensive trails to the top, so worth that hike, esp. if you love keeping fit. And we do 🙂
3. Dole Plantation, Oahu
While not strictly one of the underrated attractions in Oahu, we found its not as crowded as you would expect. Claimed as Hawaii’s complete Pineapple experience, another working plantation built in 1950’s. You will enjoy family activities, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze; this was a fav of our little ones. You absolutely must have a serving of the world famous DoleWhip, Yummy. Or you could even enjoy lunch at the Dole Grill. We took with us some juicy pineapples after, super delicious! 😉
4. Kaena Point & a Drive Round the Island
Oahu has a rugged, dramatic, beautiful coastline, we loved it. Spend a day driving along it and enjoy crashing waves, blue skies, and an abundance of wildlife and still get back for dinner. Since we visited in spring it got a wee bit windy & cool so take a warm sweater & scarf. Still take plenty of water, your sunscreen & a hat coz it can get warmer later…Yup funny weather in spring! Make sure to stop & take a the hike to Kaena Point, it’s the only way to get there, approx. 5 miles round trip, and easy too; located on the western tip of Oahu. It’s believed to be the place where ancient Hawaiians Souls moved into the spirit world.
You may spot some dolphins, whales (Colder season) & monk seals. Legend or folklore has it Kaneana a large cave, is where the shark man, Nanue, resided.
[RECOMMEND – LOCAL THINGS TO DO IN HONOLULU]
5. Pier 38 Honolulu
Ha ha ha I threw this is in for the early bird…Coz you gotta be there for 5:30 am as that’s when the Bells ring and we suggest you dress warm. It can be chilly this time of year, it was freakin freezing lol. And guess what you’re in for: It’s the FISH AUCTION Bwahahaaaaa… 🙂 For the mahi mahi and Huge Tuna fish lover of course. Grab some breakfast at Nicos Pier 38 after that amazing experience, so worth it! Live a little DO it. 🙂
6. The Halona Blowhole – The Halona Blowhole is truly breath taking. Martin, Paul’s Bro (our official family tour guide,) told us it was formed from molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions. It can allegedly shoot water 30+ high depending on weather conditions. And in the cooler months you might be lucky & see humpback whales, a sight you won’t ever forget. The more known Spouting Horn Blowhole on Kauai doesn’t put Halona to shame. In perfect conditions i.e. a strong wind and tide, both of which we had thank God, the spectacle to behold of water pushing through the hole and spray into the air is spellbinding! Want a swim in perfectly clear waters? You could head down the rocky path to Halona Cove, a secluded beach. 🙂 Watch the blow hole at work in this video courtesy of Yelp.co.uk
Absolutely Do the Honolulu Food, Cultural Walking tour #AlohaLiving #TravelTuesdays Click To Tweet
7. Absolutely Do the Honolulu Food, Cultural Walking tour
This is special on Oahu and you will love it, and its also not as crowded as its one of the underrated attractions in Oahu! So worth the walk and of course you will walk off all that rich holiday food! :p Costs only $5, this 2 Hr guided tour takes you from the Hawaii Heritage Centre 1168 Smith St. thru Honolulu’s Chinatown, a Chinese Bakery, an amazing local marketplace for your gifts & trinkets shopping, the noodle factory and much more. It’s an early start at 9:30 am, done only Wednesdays & Fridays.
You can check us out shopping in Ala moana below!
8. Honolulu Architectural Walking Tour
Another of the underrated attractions in Oahu, often missed tour of Old world Honolulu. If you don’t have a personal friend taking you round, We have Family over there. Then its only $5 for an illustrated guide and so worth it. Paul literally loves architecture; you have heard him waxing lyrical in the posts about Pune India and the Taj Mahal!
Otherwise take the $10 guided tour, approx. 2+ hours of downtown Honolulu, and you will see sites like the Iolani Palace of the Hawaii Five-0 fame, and allegedly where King Kamehameha was born and much more!
9. The Harold Lyon Arboretum
A beautiful tropical rain forest open to the public, yet most tourists and even locals never visit! Your little ones will have a blast & probably learn a thing or 10 and it’s super close to the popular Manoa Falls. Apparently it was named after a plant pathologist. This huge attraction with miles of hiking trails and huge gardens (194-acres) has over 5k plants, including rare and endangered Hawaiian plants. You could explore the nearby less crowded Aihualama Falls too.
10. The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu
Again for the Art Lovers out there, why not go visit this beautiful Cooke-Spalding House on 2411 Makiki Heights Drive? It is open 10 am thru to 4 pm week days! OMG this Museum has an absolutely gorgeous garden; this alone should pull you nature lovers too. Its panoramic views are stunning! You’ll find a permanent David Hockney installation and other exhibitions, now thats rare! And you can grab some shopping in the lil delightful gift shop and coffee in in the wee café.
11. Hunakai Beach
take awesome photo-bomber free selfies, Propose to your boo... 😉 #hawaiilove #dreamtrips Click To Tweet
Hunakai an easy get away from Waikiki, it’s so much more attractive for a solitude moment, to actually enjoy the sea and beach without your view being ruined by drunken tourists. (by the way drinking alcohol on Waikiki beach we learnt literally is illegal, we were made to pour our tipples on the grass and dispose of the bottles in the conveniently placed bins 🙁 .)
Anyhoo, take long walks, enjoy your kindle, take awesome photo-bomber free selfies, Propose to your boo… 😉 It’s literally hidden behind some truly amazing Cribs-worthy mansions. Clear tranquil blue waters, palm trees, open stretches of white sand, Bliss! Add it to your itinerary.
And now we live you with some of our memories of Oahu Hawaii Enjoy xoxo
What do you think are the most underrated attractions in Oahu, Hawaii? How many of these have you visited or intend to Add to YOUR Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!
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This List!! I lived on Oahua for 3 years and from your list I checked of 4 things… I think that’s a definite sign that we need to go back asap! 😀
hey Tiffany,
Wow you lived there? Then again may of us live in amazing destinations and we never see even a 1/4 of it 🙂 Go back and enjoy 🙂
Thanks for this list. I sometimes avoid places that are overrun with tourists, even if I am a tourist myself. I would rather explore virgin beaches and other places away from the crowds. I will make sure I see these places you suggested if we get the chance to fly to Oahu.
Definitely check out those attractions when you are in the Oahu neck of the woods 🙂
These sound like great attractions! I haven’t made it to Hawaii yet, but it is high up on the list. I would love to check out Pier 38. My husband would love the fish auction.
I bet you would enjoy Pier 38 too Kait 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the heads up on the cool things to do.
You are most welcome Patrick Weseman 🙂
We love visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the Blowhole, such great spots and you’re right, usually not very crowded!
Hey Justine,
Happy to know you have been and agree with us 🙂
I’ve never been to Hawaii but of course I’d love to gooo! Especially after seeing your suggestions
Happy to Inspire the Traveller in you Emely, Who knows you might get there soonest! 🙂
I so want to visit Hawaii! Who am I kidding I want to go there and never leave. My family is debating going there for our annual trip but it’s ways for us as we’re all on the east coast. The Caribbean is just closer and more affordable. I shall dream of Hawaii tho!
Hahaha a girl after our own heart, Go to Hawaii and Live there 🙂 Yes you can, whats stopping you. The Caribbean is beautiful too though decisions huh!
It’s been so long since we last went to Hawaii! It’s so nice to discover new places to check out! I really appreciate this list!
Its our pleasure to share Carol and Inspire more travelers and wanderlusters 🙂 Go #SeeDoBeMore
Love the post… no.4 is what got me most excited of all.. drive around the island. Omg so dreamy 🙂
Absolutel scenic, dreamy amazing, beautiful, fun, and can be done in a day. Just awesome Amma <3 🙂
i love hawaii! and the beaches also there.
We love hawaii too Kelli 🙂
I had no idea that there are so many amazing things to do!!! I´ver never been to Hawaii but one day i have to go 🙂
Amen to that Stephanie, Schedule your trip, envision it and set a date cos someday does not exist in a calendar! 🙂
I really hope I get the chance to travel there and check these out!
We say amen to that Carly! 🙂
so much to see and do. Thanks for sharing the world through your eyes
The pleasure is ours Angie, thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Wow! So many great ideas! Hawaii is such an amazingly diverse state. I also didn’t know Jurassic Park was filmed there or that you could visit it (and it’s a 4K acre ranch…that’s HUGE!).
It is Huge and Yes Jurassic Park is the venue for the movie. You Should Visit! 🙂
I’ve always preferred these unexplored, underrated locations. They are cheaper and have less people around.
Exactly Courtney And thats why we had to share 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
I have been to Maui and Kauai , but never Oahu. However, there seems like to many things to do. I would like to be able to do all the islands. My destination list is very long haha
Lol You only do the ones you are Passionate about Yes Ashley? go have fun hun! 🙂
I’ve only been to Hawaii once and it was a huge let down, that being said, I was 14 and with my parents. All I wanted to do was go hang out with boys, but my parents were cramping my style! LOL!
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Love all the info here soo good to know so that you can totally enjoy !!~~ Other wise it could be a disaster !!~
lol No disasters in this hub 🙂 Buy We know what you mean!
PKJW~
Awesome post Julie. I always ask who has been to our next destination, what to avoid and more importantly…what to do.
Love this!
Hi Steve,
Thats a great ay t find out about a location, who has been there and what can they share 🙂 Glad to inspire your next trip and destination and be of help!
PKJW~
Wow! Never been to hawaii and it has never been on my bucket list but now it’s ABSOLUTELY on. Thanks for the eye opener. I am soo going to Hawaii… thanks for sharing this. love it
Hi Andy….
Wow Glad to Inspire…Hawaii is such an amazing place to visit…start saving up Bro and grab that DreamTrip 🙂 RMD Woot ….
PKJW~
way to go sis…
Cheers Andy Bro Thanks for your time 🙂
PKJW~
Wow great post!
Pleasure Manuel 🙂
PKJW~
Wow Julie! I felt like I was right there with you ! I will definitely Follow your advice and Visit these awesome Not so Touristy Attractions When I visit Oahu!
Boom, thats awesome Tara to be able to take yo on a visual journey amazing, Thanks for joining us and for your support 🙂
PKJW~
This is a great list. Now I have some more ideas to add to my bucket list.
Yeppers Kenny, Hawaii calling you Ta for stopping by 🙂
PKJW~
Hawaii is one of my favorite places to visit. I got some great ideas from this post, thanks a bunch!
Glad you got inspired Josh Hawaii awaits 🙂
PKJW~
Some Beautiful places to visit and stay !!~ the way to go Lovely blog post with soo much info !!~ thank you for sharing ♥♥☺☺
Yes You should go Sandra and Thanks for your time 🙂 we love to share value as you know!
PKJW~
Definitely adding Hawaii visit to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing Julie
You are most welcome Yemi & ta for stopping by!
PKJW~
Looks amazing! I haven’t been to Hawaii before but this makes me want to book a trip soon. Thanks for the recommendations.
Our Absolute Pleasure Kay and ta for stopping by! 🙂
PKJW~
Hawaii is definitely on my “to go ” list, currently in school but once i graduate oh am definitely visiting all these places.
Simply Uneeke
Hi Unekee,
Let us know when yo are ready, always a deal to be had at the right time 🙂
ta for your time!
PKJW~
Wow, Julie what an amazing post, and what an amazing place. It looks awesome there.. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Keith,
Its a pleasure to share and Ta for stopping by 🙂
PKJW~
Love Hawaii and Oahu! Looks like you guys had an amazing time. Other great options to visit include the zoo, Chinatown and movies on the beach. I can’t remember the name of the park that hosts the movies but it’s right at the end of Waikiki beach. Can’t wait to go back there soon! Found your post at the Bloggers Pit Stop
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by from then BPS we love it 🙂
And tanks for the contributions…more places to see when we head back to Hawaii 🙂
PKJW~
Awesome, that’s a must visit. I thought Maui is the best of the islands.
Every one has their best and we dont claim to know which it is Eliza, but we know Oahu is beautiful 🙂
Ta for stopping by!
PKJW~
We’ve only been to Hawaii once and didn’t see ANY of these things! Guess it’s time to head back there!
Guess it is Scott for you and us too 🙂
PKJW~
I have not seen any of this, only a brief stop at the airport 🙁 . I would love all those locations and experiences, a month there sounds nice. Amazing flight prices from Australia $740 AUD return.
Thanks for making the Blogger’s Pit Stop so interesting and informative.
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Well well get doing Hun and thanks for hosting too!
PKJW~
Amazing attractions. A must visit indeed in Hawaii. Love them all!
Hawaii is indeed uniquely awesome to see and yes you should visit Ron! 🙂 Gla dyou love!
PKJW~
I would love to go to Hawaii with my family sometime. The Dole Plantation sounds especially interesting!
You would love the working plantations too Heather, esp. the kids would. 🙂 Ta for your time!
PKJW~
Sounds amazing! How I wish I can bring my family there. Thanks for sharing!
It sure is amazing and you can bring your family to Oahu if you set the intention Nicole 🙂
PKJW~
It’s great to know the underrated attractions because there will be fewer people there which makes it easier to enjoy the view and the activities. My favorite on the list would be the Hunakai Beach! It’s really beautiful!
Hunakai beah…paradise Eliza. Its simply beautiful and unspoilt by tourists..yes Our Fav too 🙂 yet that blow hole and its cove are amazing …
PKJW~
Oh! My Dream Place.. I wish to travel to Hawaii someday in future.. Your photos looks great!~
Kylie….Kylie…Someday??? it never comes babe! Fix it in your mind. Fix a Date doesnt have to e set in stone and start saving up. Look up deals and see just what you could do….hats how you set Intentions 🙂 and Enjoy the planning xoxo
PKJW~
Amazing photos! I need to visit Hawaii before my journey on Earth ends! You have made me realised that I need to move it up on the bucket list! Thanks . 🙂
Hey Claudette,
Ya need to move traveling this planet way up on your priority list..we feel its a necessity not an optional extra in life 🙂
And Cheers for your support!
PKJW~
I spent a large portion of my childhood growing up in Oahu, so this brought back SOOO many memories! We would always pass the Dole plantation when we were driving to the beach. Great suggestions. You should also visit Giovannis Shrimp truck if it’s still there at North Shore. OMG, they make the BEST shrimp I’ve ever had…..EVER!! lol.
Wow now that is awesome..growing up in Paradise…Oh Yes Please! 🙂 Why did you leave?
Giovanni’s shrimp truck is on our bucket list on our return Trip Woot, cheers for the recommendation!
PKJW~
A whole month in Hawaii – what a dream! I’ve heard about the Dole plantation – I would love to see that specifically!
Yup a whole month in Hawaii and we were hooked. We truly envied our family who live there…paradise on earth some places are Kristen!
Dole Plantation will be fun for the liluns!
PKJW~
I have been to Oahu but there were things on there that I have never done and want to do now. I love the idea of the food tour. I love exploring all of the food and being around the local haunts. Thanks for the recommendations!
Hi Alison,
The Food tour is amazing, and it wasnt crowded, well apart from the locals who you would expect to be there lol Such fun, such tastebud delights go do it 🙂
PKJW~
Thanks for the great tips. Back about 10 years we went to Hawaii but went to Maui!
We haven’t been to Maui and we are planning an attack of it soonest after going to the big Island where we have family too Carrie. Oahu is uniquely beautiful and the less trampled one we imagine!
PKJW~
Wow Julie. These pictures are awesome. I’ve heard Hawaii is a beautiful place and you definitely made me see why. Thank you so much for sharing. Will be book marking this page for sure and adding it to my bucket list 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
I urge you to plan your trip, you have a huge why and the world is your oyster gal!
PKJW~
This is a great list! Makes me want to go now! My friends are headed there for their anniversary and they invited us to join them. I really want to now!
Camesha…Whats stopping you. Go Go Go…and enjoy every moment and bit of Hawaii! Wow I would be gone already lolol 🙂
PKJW~
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii! Your pictures are gorgeous and make me want to go even more 🙂
Awwww thanks Cole, glad you like and hope you do go one day too!
PKJW~
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Hawaii. it looks like you and your family had an amazing time. I hope to be able to visit on day!
Hi Roxy,
MAke it a priority and it will happen, and keep then dream alive. Ta for stopping by 🙂
PKJW~
OMG what an experience! Hawaii is a dream for now but hiking the Pillboxes has been on my bucketlist for an age! As well as eating way along the North Shore 🙂
Hiking the pillboxes was a dream too Amy and it gets you ready for a nice meal afterwards…all that fresh air 🙂 Go do it gal
PKJW~
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. This is a great overview of some really fun places to visit and when I finally get the chance I’ll be excited to check some of these out 🙂
Absolutely Make the CHANCE Emily, we create our lives its a fact 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
PKJW~