Best Secret spots on Hawai‘i’s island of O‘ahu

Hawai‘i is famous for its perfect postcard scenery, but pro travellers know that there’s always more to explore off the beaten track. In O‘ahu you can uncover little-known hikes to try, the best place for a poke bowl and pupu platter or make your own Hawaiian-style mozzarella…if you only know where to look. From Maui to Kaua‘i and the Island of Hawai‘i here are some secret places to see in Hawai‘i- ones you won’t read about in a guidebook.

Wildlife at Ka‘ena Point Trail
Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791, USA

The good eats close to Ka‘ena Point Hike are few, so fill up on kalua pig fried rice and boca-rota pupu pizza at Uncle Bo’s Pupu Grill (about an hour’s drive from the point on the Mokuleia side). Then, head to the hike entrance for a low-sweat but stunning wander through rolling low grasses, along rocky outcrops and to the top of bronzed mountains, all framed by unforgettable blue water. Throughout the year you can spot blackfooted albatross, nesting shearwater birds and sunbathing monk seals to admire from a distance. It’s the kind of place only the truly dedicated will discover, so you can enjoy a little piece of private paradise in Hawai’i. Hot tip: Get some pro help booking so you can figure the best time to visit depending on what you want to see (for example the albatross nest from January to March and whales pass by throughout December). We like the Flight Centre website for all the best info.

Surfing Sea Turtles Waimea Bay Beach
North Shore, HI 96712

You can head back to the North Shore and visit Waiema Bay after your Ka’ena Point hike if you’ve got limited time on O’ahu, but tbh we recommend setting aside a whole day for a bay visit if you can, because SEA TURTLES. Waiema Bay has crazy clear water that’s perfect for snorkelling the whole year round, but the real draw is the chance for turtle sightings. There are so many Hawai‘ian sea turtles at Waimea you can catch a glimpse of them in waves on the reg. Head to Matsumoto before or after to grab a classic local snack, a coconut shave ice from Aoki’s (ask for a scoop of ice cream on the side!)

Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery
6344 Kuwale Rd, Waianae, HI 96792, USA

Wine and cheese already have good game, but Naked Cow takes it next level by helping you make your own cheese. Yes, that’s right, you can make your own personalised mozzarella in the wine and cheese tasting class, or mix it up and book a beer and cheese combo class. Or just take a tour- a look around the creamery is a total memory maker, and you can stock up on local cheeses like chilli, guava smoked or pink peppercorn cheese. The best time to book a visit is right now, as the cheesemaking classes are small and sell out quickly and the tours are popular, so you’ll need a reservation to make the cut. Get some help from an expert at Flight Centre who can suggest the best plan.

Central O‘ahu Manulele Distillers
Kō Hana Distillers, 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia, HI 96759, USA

When it comes to rum, Ko Hana Rum is the real MVP. This rare blend skips the traditional molasses in favour of sugarcane, using the Hawaiian cane juice and combining it with honey or cacao. But to try it, you must visit O‘ahu, where Manulele is the island’s only rum distillery that offers tours and tastings so you can take a sip of the hand-harvested nectar of the gods. A visit to O‘ahu is a great value choice for anyone travelling in a group (or with the fam!), even without the lure of rare rums, because it offers thrillseekers the chance to have grand adventures while the more refined types can enjoy relaxation and cultural experiences with a stop somewhere like Manulele Distillers. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Poke bowl from Tamura’s Market
86-032 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, USA

Competition for the best poke bowl in Hawai’i is fierce, but with Tamura’s rep you can’t go wrong. It’s a good sign when the bowl list changes daily, based on the local fishermen’s catch of the day! The spicy ahi poke, limu poke and oyster sauce poke are your best bet, but they all use fresh and ono sashimi grade ahi. The supermarket itself has been serving up fresh seafood plus offering groceries and loads more (like a pharmacy and a catering service!) since 1920. If you’re on a super strict budget (or just a savvy traveller) make sure you check out any deals or offers that might save you some cash around the time of your trip. Websites like Flight Centre’s are invaluable for finding out about fantastic offers and amazing deals

Papaya Frozen Yoghurt at KCC Farmers Market
Kapiolani Community College 4303 Diamond Head Rd

This is the kind of crazy, crowded market that Saturday mornings are made for. Get amongst the hustle and bustle of vendors and try everything you can – but we recommend the tangy Otsuji Farms papaya frozen yogurt, wild-caught shrimp, acai bowls, fried green tomatoes and abalone…and that’s just for breakfast. There’s also spots offering fresh flowers and some cool gifts for someone back home (or yourself). If you’re on a budget or you just like to bag a bargain, you might find this market the best place for a good deal. Plus, it’s always a good time to go, as the markets are year round but ever-changing so you’ll find something new every time you go. Pro tip: take cash, lots of stalls won’t accept cards, and make sure you arrive with an empty stomach!

Fresh Ground Coffee from Old Waialua Sugar Mill
67-106 Kealohanui St, Waialua, HI 96791, USA

Some people say the Old Mill site gives you a glimpse of the true Hawaiian spirit of days gone by, especially browsing on relaxed Saturdays when the storefront expands from coffee-making and chocolate-sampling to a miniature farmer’s market offering seasonal flowers and fresh fish for punters to purchase. Saturdays aside, any day is a good day to visit and sample the Old Sugar Mill Waialua coffee- the coffee mill is about ten steps from the front counter, and the site is surrounded by coffee trees, so it’s as fresh as it gets! Then spend stock up on locally made treasures like handcut soaps, papaya seed salad dressing and chocolate.

If you’ve been thinking of going to Hawai‘i, now is the time to book! Check out Flight Centre for all the latest deals.