Discover the diverse beauty of Oʻahu—from city to rainforest—on an airborne tour.
Nestled deep within the lush folds of Waiahole Valley, Waiahole Farm feels like a journey into another era of Oʻahu’s history. Surrounded by towering green ridges where clouds drift lazily over the peaks, the land opens into fields of kalo—taro—stretching toward the horizon, their wide heart-shaped leaves shimmering in the light. This is not just a farm but a continuation of centuries-old Hawaiian practices, where food, community, and culture are grown side by side.
Tucked away on Oʻahu’s leeward coast, the Maili Pillbox hike feels like a secret trail known mostly to locals. While sunrise seekers flock to Lanikai or Pink Pillbox, this lesser-known path rises quietly above the sleepy neighborhood of Māʻili, offering breathtaking ocean views without the crowds. It’s a place where the ridgeline unfolds in soft golden light, the sea glitters endlessly in shades of turquoise, and the air carries the warmth of the island’s dry west side.
If you want to experience the heartbeat of local island life while discovering treasures you can’t find anywhere else, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Honolulu is the place to be. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the grounds of the iconic Aloha Stadium transform into Oʻahu’s largest open-air market, a vibrant circle of tents and stalls where locals and visitors gather in a colorful mix of culture, shopping, and community.
Situated along the Kalanianaʻole Highway between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach, Hālona Blowhole Lookout stands as one of Oʻahu’s most dramatic natural features. Easily accessible by car, this scenic roadside stop offers a front-row view of an ocean-powered geyser, created by lava tubes beneath the surface and the unrelenting energy of the sea. With sweeping views of the Ka Iwi coastline and nearby Hālona Cove, it’s an ideal place to pause during a drive along the island’s southeastern edge.
Stretching along Oʻahu’s rugged Waiʻanae coast, Māʻili Beach Park is a place where the island’s west side spirit shines through. With its wide sandy shoreline, shimmering turquoise waters, and an endless view of the Pacific, it offers both locals and visitors a chance to slow down and embrace the beauty of a coastline that feels more open, less crowded, and deeply connected to community.
It starts with a view. From the launch point above Keana Farms, the world falls away into a patchwork of lush green, red dirt, and distant ocean. Below, the North Shore stretches out in soft, rolling waves of farmland and jungle. But the moment your feet leave the platform and the harness catches, that view shifts—you’re no longer just seeing the island. You’re flying through it.
Just beyond the bustling surf breaks and world-famous beaches of Oʻahu’s North Shore lies a small country gem that captures the essence of local living—Kuilima Farm Stand. Tucked into the rolling landscape near Turtle Bay, this charming stopover brings together the flavors of the island in their purest form. Here, the air carries the sweetness of ripe mangoes and papayas, while bunches of freshly harvested bananas and pineapples are stacked neatly, inviting passersby to slow down and enjoy a taste of the land.
Tucked between Diamond Head and Koko Head, the Kāhala Lookout is a lesser-known roadside stop that offers peaceful views of the Kāhala coastline and the Pacific Ocean beyond. It’s not a major destination, but it provides a welcome breath of fresh air for travelers enjoying a slow, scenic drive along Oʻahu’s south shore.
Nestled quietly along Oʻahu’s windward coast, Sherwood Beach—also known to locals as Waimānalo Bay Beach—is one of the island’s most enchanting and untouched shorelines. Here, the white sand stretches for what feels like forever, edged by a dense ironwood forest that seems to guard its peacefulness like a secret. With the looming Koʻolau Mountains watching over and the rhythmic pulse of turquoise waves brushing against the shore, Sherwood Beach offers an unfiltered glimpse into Oʻahu’s more tranquil, raw beauty—far from the crowds and clamor of Waikīkī.
Nestled at the edge of Waikīkī and shaded by the slopes of Lēʻahi, the Honolulu Zoo is an unexpected pocket of wonder where tropical gardens meet a chorus of animal calls. Whether you're visiting with keiki in tow or exploring solo, the zoo offers a blend of curiosity and calm — a place where giraffes stretch against a backdrop of palm trees, and Sumatran tigers nap in the shade just steps from Kalākaua Avenue. It's not your typical zoo experience. It's Oʻahu, after all — wild and gentle at once.