Explore Hawaii’s Hidden Gems
January 25, 2022
The Islands of Hawaii boast a rich history, cultural diversity, breathtaking natural beauty, amazing weather year-round, and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems and secret spots well worth experiencing.
Whether it’s the lure of the island life, peace, and seclusion that draws you to Hawaii or immersive, adventure experiences unique to the islands, here’s our pick of top hidden gems in Hawaii to add to your vacation itinerary.
The Island of Maui
Maui is the most visited island in Hawaii and one of the top travel destinations for 2022. The island is scattered with pineapple plantations, coffee farms, chocolate orchards, incredible natural wonders, coastal and upcountry treasures, and miles of beautiful beaches. Here’s our top pick of Maui’s best-kept secrets.
Secret Cove Beach.
Secret Cove Beach: Also known as Pa’ako Cove, lies just south of the popular Makena Beach and is one of the most beautiful and most photographed beaches in Hawaii. While this is not a great beach for swimming on Maui, the contrast of the lava rocks, turquoise waters, and the Kaho’olawe and Molokini Islands in the distance are unforgettable.
Historic Lahaina: The historic town of Lahaina is the former capital of Hawaii and a hub of activity. Traveling up the coast to Lahaina stop by the Olowalu Petroglyphs carved into the basalt cliffs with over 100 ancient drawings. Once in Lahaina spend some time exploring the historic sidewalks, rent an e-bike to cruise the waterfront, visit the Great Buddha at Lahaina Jodo Mission, or picnic in the shade of the sprawling 60’ Lahaina Banyan Tree, the largest banyan tree in the US.
Great Buddha Lahaina Jodo Mission.
Ka’anapali Beach
Snorkel fun for the whole family!
Ka’anapali Beach: Stay oceanfront in Ka’anapali for some of the best ocean adventures on O’ahu. Hop aboard a catamaran for a whale watching tour, learn to e-foil on Kahekili Beach, or venture out to snorkel with sea turtles on the island of Lanai. The Manele Bay Fish Sanctuary in Lanai boasts crystal clear sapphire waters, colorful lava caves, and underwater coral grottoes teeming with brilliant marine life.
Napili Bay: The tranquil shoreline of Napili Bay is quieter than Ka’anapali Beach, a beautiful destination to stay in Maui. Take a scenic drive along Maui’s rugged northern coastline to Kahakuloa with some of Maui’s best-kept secrets along the way. Hike the coastal trails to the Nakalele Blowhole, where the ocean sprays up to fifty feet against the lava rock (best viewed a high tide with extreme caution), and visit the Olivine Pools for a dip in the dramatic lava tidepools.
Napili Bay.
Maui’s black sand beach at Honokalani
Road to Hana: The Road to Hana is the most famous drive on Maui, winding along the scenic coastline from Kahului to Hana. While this is no secret to visitors to Maui, there are plenty of epic Maui hikes, waterfall adventures, and hidden gems on the Road to Hana waiting to be discovered.
Explore the laid-back beach village of Paia, take a challenging waterfall hike through the Bamboo Forest, play in the pools at Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, walk through the Hana Lava Tube and visit Maui’s famous black sand beach at Honokalani. End your Road to Hana journey cliff jumping at Waioka Pond (aka the Venus Pools).
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park: The Haleakala National Park welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors a year and while it’s no secret, it’s a natural wonder not to be missed. The park occupies more than three-quarters of the island of Maui and is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano at a summit of 10,023 feet. Experience world-famous sunrises and sunsets from the summit, stop by the lesser-known Leleiwi Lookout for views of the crater or take to the skies on a Maui helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of Haleakala Crater, Hana Forest Reserve, and the sea cliffs of Molokai.
Incredible hiking opportunities at Haleakala National Park.
Bike around Maui!
Makawao Forest Reserve: The enchanting Makawao Forest in the upcountry is a top destination for hiking and biking in Maui. There are seven trails through fragrant eucalyptus trees suitable for all abilities, pump tracks, skill areas, and stunning views of Maui and the ocean below.
The Island of O’ahu
The island of O’ahu caters to a wide variety of travelers with well-known attractions such as Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbour, authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences, over 125 sun-drenched beaches, and vast expanses of natural reserves and dense rainforests for off the beaten path adventures. Here’s our top pick of O’ahu’s best-kept secrets.
Try paddleboarding at night with Four Oceans!
Ko Olina Lagoons: The Lagoons at Ko Olina are a string of four beautiful man-man beach lagoons joined by an oceanfront path. The protected coves with calm shallow waters, sandy beaches, and grassy picnic areas make this a top family destination on O’ahu. Snorkel the crystal clear waters, experience scuba diving for the first time, watch a spectacular O’ahu sunset, then take a tranquil night paddle on a glowing SUP.
Ka’ena Point State Park: Ka’ena Point State Park lies untouched and secluded on the western tip of O’ahu with scenic sandy coves, white sand beaches, an enclosed bird sanctuary, and prime dolphin viewing and whale watching. Head off the beaten path in O’ahu on a hike along the Ka’ena Point Trail from the end of Yokohama Bay with switchbacks along the uninhabited coastline, vast Pacific Ocean views, and quiet isolation.
Go off the beaten path at Ka’ena Point State Park.
Banzai Pipeline
Swim with sea turtles!
North Shore: The north shore of O’ahu is famous for its big wave surfers and the scenic Waimea Valley. Swim with turtles on Laniakea Beach, visit a unique lava rock beach at Sharks Cove, watch the big wave surfers at the Banzai Pipeline, and hike the paved path meandering through lush botanical gardens and tropical landscapes for a plunge in the pools at Waimea Falls.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: Hanauma Bay lies at the southeastern tip of the island and is one of the top snorkeling spots on O’ahu. Follow the scenic trail to Hanauma Bay Lookout for breathtaking views of the bay and reef, visit the China Walls Cliffs and Spitting Cave for cautious cliff jumping, and hike the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail for views of the windward coastline.
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse.
Explore the crystal clear waters of Hawaii on a kayak!
Lanikai Beach: Head up the coastline to Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach, voted one of the best beaches on O’ahu and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Snorkel the pristine ocean waters, rent a kayak to explore the protected Mokulua Islands (“the Mokes”), or follow the Pillbox Hike trail up to the remains of military bunkers with views of Kailua Town and the Ko’olau coastline.
Kaneohe Sandbar: The Kaneohe Sandbar is one of O’ahu’s top natural attractions located a mile offshore in Kaneohe Bay. Take a snorkel cruise, boat tour, or rent a kayak or SUP to explore the protected reef and sandbar teeming with vibrant marine life. There’s are two nearby attractions often overlooked by visitors to O’ahu, the tropical Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, and the stunning Boyodo-In Temple, an authentic Japanese Buddhist temple.
Kaneohe Bay is perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch: Kualoa Ranch (O’ahu’s Jurassic Valley) was once the training grounds for Hawaiian Royalty and a residence of kings. Today, Kualoa Ranch offers visitors a unique Hawaiian experience with O’ahu’s best activities and award-winning guided tours on the private 4,000-acre reserve. Stay with Ola Properties in O’ahu and enjoy complimentary Kualoa Ranch tours and activities as part of the perfect O’ahu vacation package.
