With sunny, tropical weather even in the deepest months of winter, O’ahu is a gorgeous island that’s a popular choice as a vacation destination year-round. If you’re planning an upcoming trip to this island, here are 8 off the beaten path things to do that are sure to be memorable!
1. Explore The Mermaid Caves
The mermaid caves are a group of partially submerged caves located near Nanakuli Beach Park. These stunning formations are truly breathtaking to see, and you can even go for a dip in the pools they form! You’ll want to check the tide before heading out – you’ll want to go at low tide to make sure the caves are accessible. Getting there also requires hiking over some lava rock formations, so some somewhat sturdy shoes may be a good idea as well.
2. Swing By Kahuku Farms
Pick up some fresh, local produce with a trip to Kahuku Farms! This working farm features a shop that offers a wide variety of products, including all-natural beauty products, and even an onsite cafe that offers smoothies, acai bowls, and more. You can also go on a tour of the farm for those interested in learning more about its background and daily operations!
3. Check Out Kawela Bay
If you’re looking for a less crowded, family-friendly beach, consider checking out Kawela Bay! Located near Turtle Bay Resort. It’s a bit more secluded than many beaches on O’ahu and doesn’t draw nearly as many crowds as more popular ones. Despite this, it’s also fairly well protected from the surf and features generally shallower and calmer waters.
4. Enjoy Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, consider strolling around Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. This sprawling garden features a huge variety of plants native to the island. It’s also entirely free to visit, making this a great option for those looking for some budget-friendly things to do!
5. Explore Ka’ena Point State Park
This is another great choice for those looking to enjoy the beauty of O’ahu without quite as many crowds. Ka’ena Point State Park is located in the northwestern part of the island. The main trail is a 3-mile long trek that includes tide pools and volcanic rock formations along the way. It can get hot, and there’s no water available along the route, so be sure to bring plenty yourself when heading out!
6. Hike Kaiwa Ridge
If you’re looking for some gorgeous views of the island and some fresh air, this is the option for you! Kaiwa Ridge Trail is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that leads up to some gorgeous views of the island and features the remains of old military bunkers along the way. Sections of the trail do get a bit steep, so this may not be the best option for those with young children.
7. Visit A Submarine Museum
See an actual historic submarine with a trip to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Guests can view a variety of historical artifacts related to submarine use in the military, including letters from soldiers during war and wartime submarine battle flags. Generally, guests can also go on a tour of the USS Bowfin, a large fleet attack submarine used in WWII. However, the tour is currently closed for scheduled maintenance until November 1st – for those planning a trip later in the year, be sure to check their website for tour information!
8. Visit An Escape Room
An escape room probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of O’ahu. However, if you’re looking for a fresh twist to throw into your vacation plans, it may be just the thing! Visiting a room such as those offered by Breakout Waikiki can be a great bonding activity for couples, friends, and family alike and is sure to make some priceless memories.
