For those looking to slow down and savor a different side of Oʻahu, Green World Coffee Farm offers a tranquil and flavorful escape. Nestled along Kamehameha Highway just outside Wahiawā, this charming farm and café is a welcome retreat from the bustle of the beaches—a place where coffee is more than just a drink; it's a connection to the island’s rich agricultural roots.
Located along Oʻahu’s rugged leeward coast, far from the buzz of Honolulu and the polished resorts of Ko Olina, Mākaha Beach Park feels like a different island entirely—one steeped in local rhythm, raw natural beauty, and surf culture history. With golden sands stretching wide along a crescent bay and the dramatic Waiʻanae mountain range rising just inland, this west side classic offers a refreshing contrast to the more touristed beaches of the south and east shores. The scenery alone is reason to visit: swaying palms, turquoise water, and sunsets that bathe the coast in amber light.
Tucked deep within the lush, serene Valley of the Temples in Kāneʻohe, the Byodo-In Temple feels like a step into another world. A replica of a 950-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan, this peaceful landmark is one of Oʻahu’s most unique and tranquil escapes—an unexpected pocket of stillness set against the dramatic backdrop of the Koʻolau mountains.
Tucked away in the Waiʻanae Valley on Oʻahu’s west side, Mountain View Farms offers a quiet yet meaningful glimpse into Hawaiʻi’s modern agricultural revival. This small, family-operated farm is known for its commitment to sustainability, education, and community connection. For visitors looking to explore beyond the usual resort itinerary, a visit to Mountain View Farms offers an enriching stop—where you can see how food is grown, meet the people who cultivate it, and enjoy the scenic mountain views that give the farm its name.
Above the picture-perfect sands of Lanikai Beach in Kailua, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail offers one of Oʻahu’s most iconic short hikes. Known officially as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, it begins with a steep climb that pays off almost immediately with panoramic views of the Windward coast and the famed Nā Mokulua islets.
Tucked into a small shopping center along Kamehameha Highway in Kāneʻohe, Adela’s Country Eatery is a casual takeout restaurant that offers a menu centered around house-made noodles using locally grown ingredients. With its innovative use of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural products and emphasis on takeout-friendly service, it has drawn interest from both residents and visitors.
Tucked into the campus grounds of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, just a few minutes from downtown Honolulu, the Kaiwiʻula Night Market offers a lively and heartfelt celebration of community. Held on select Friday evenings throughout the year, this growing event brings together local chefs, makers, musicians, and families in a setting that reflects the vibrant spirit of Oʻahu’s neighborhoods.
There’s something undeniably magical about an Oʻahu morning—the trade winds just beginning to stir, sunlight glinting off the waves, and the promise of another day in paradise stretching before you. Nestled quietly in the heart of Honolulu, Coffee Cove Hawaii feels like the kind of place meant for such beginnings.
Tucked along the leeward coast of Oʻahu, Ko Olina Beach Park offers a refined beach experience that combines natural beauty with resort-style serenity. Located just 45 minutes from Waikīkī and adjacent to the Ko Olina Resort community, this public beach park invites visitors to enjoy manicured lagoons, soft golden sand, and calm, swimmable waters—with easy access and a tranquil atmosphere.
For travelers ready to elevate their visit to Oʻahu—both literally and visually—Magnum Helicopters offers one of the most exhilarating and scenic ways to take in the island. Based in Honolulu, this premier helicopter tour company is inspired by the iconic Magnum, P.I. television series and flies the same MD 500 helicopters made famous in the show. Specializing in doors-off flights, Magnum Helicopters gives guests an unobstructed look at Oʻahu’s dramatic landscapes, from lush mountains and hidden waterfalls to world-famous coastlines.