From the North Shore to Waimea, down the coast to Kaneohe and Lanikai and then to the other side of the island and Paradise Cove Luau, there are many little-known places to see on the island of Oahu. This is a comprehensive guide to these places and some local tips.
Remember to bring a light jacket and an umbrella. The weather changes rapidly.
The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to apply a thick layer of sunscreen before getting dressed every day. This allows it to be absorbed into your skin before the sun’s rays hit. Be sure to take a bottle with you on your travels. While the locals are tanned from years of exposure to the Hawaiian sun, SPF is a must for everyone. While it may not seem sunny, the Hawaiian sun burns skin quickly.
To begin our journey we started on the North Shore in Haleiwa Town. One of the best restaurants in Haleiwa is the Grass Skirt Grill. The owner gets his tuna there fresh every day from the local fisherman down the street at the marina. Because the fish is delivered fresh every day, the wait is not uncommon. The butter garlic marinade the chef uses melts in your mouth. They serve organic veggies with a light coating of the best papaya seed dressing on the island. The Ahi lunch plate also comes with a side of brown rice and the sweetest pineapple chunk.
Once you’ve filled your stomach, be sure to shop for a while at Haleiwa. Take a look at Strong Current for great t-shirts and stickers. Just up the road on the left is Matsumoto’s world famous Shave Ice. The Hawaiian with ice cream is delicious. If you’re on the North Shore at sunset, stop by Jameson’s By the Sea. Request deck seating, sit back, sip a mai tai or lava flow, and enjoy the best sunset Oahu has to offer.
Once you exit Haleiwa, turn left onto Kamehameha Hwy in the direction of Waimea Bay. A few miles down the road is what the locals call Turtle Beach. Crowds gather when sea turtles are sunning themselves on the beach. Be careful not to touch or disturb these beautiful creatures. They are a protected species. After taking some pictures of the turtles, head down the coast to Waimea Bay on your left and the Waimea Valley Audubon Center on your right. The bay parking lot is full most of the time. If you’re in the mood for a delicious lunch, take the short, easy hike to Waimea Falls, just across the street from the bay at the Audubon Center. Most days, you can even swim to the falls. Take this hike at a relaxed pace to enjoy the beautiful trees, flowers, and shrubs on the way to the falls.
If you worked up an appetite on your hike, head east to the town of Kahuku, home to good scrumptious garlic shrimp. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck has a very short menu of hot and spicy shrimp and garlic prawns, but they are by far the best.
Even further east, go on Kamehameha Hwy, you will pass the Polynesian Cultural Center. While many choose to pay for a true Hawaiian experience, the Bishop Museum in downtown Honolulu offers a better experience. The next stop once you pass the cultural center is the town of Kaneohe and the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. The Byodo-In Temple is worth a tour of the memorial park. The sheer serenity of this place is breathtaking, even if you are not a Buddhist. The temple is an exact replica of the Byodo-In temple in Uji, Japan.
Continuing on the Kamehameha Highway, Kailua is the next stop. While Kailua Beach is pretty and convenient with its parking and beach facilities, the best beach is Lanikai Beach. Although it is a public beach, there are no parking lots or public parking areas. This beach has some of the best views on the island. Lanikai Beach is crowded most days, even without parking or facilities.
Last but not least, travel to the opposite side of the island. Take H-1 West to the Ko’olina Resort for the best luau on the island. Paradise Cove Luau is located in a secluded spot of paradise on the Leeward Coast. This little luau features a private beach, the best mai tai on the island, and a beautiful cast of dancers for the show. There are many cheap things to do on Oahu, but this is not one of them. Buy the expensive seats. Not only will they bring the banquet to your table instead of having to visit the buffet, you’ll also have the best seats in the house for the show. Hawaiian artisans are on hand to show guests how to weave a plumeria flower embellished leaf headband. Guests can also experience the Imu ceremony and the hukilau, signaled by the blowing of the conch shell. During dinner, a beautiful show of dancers offers the best that Polynesia has to offer. This is a must see luau experience. Paradise Cove is a truly unforgettable experience.