Go beyond the beaches and uncover hidden gems.
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.
The Sunrise Shack has become a beloved staple on Oʻahu, known for its colorful smoothie bowls, superfood drinks, and bright, laid-back island vibe. What began as a small roadside stop has grown into multiple locations across the island, including the original stand at Sunset Beach, a spot in bustling Waikīkī, a cheerful shack in Haleʻiwa, and a café-style space at Ala Moana Center. Wherever your adventures lead, there always seems to be a Sunrise Shack nearby, ready to fuel your day with something fresh and vibrant.
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 into the verdant slopes above the city, the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve is one of Oʻahu’s most vital yet underappreciated natural treasures. This vast expanse of protected land, stretching across ridges, valleys, and mountain peaks, safeguards the island’s freshwater supply while preserving an extraordinary range of native ecosystems. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to step into a world where towering ʻōhiʻa trees, lush ferns, and the songs of native birds fill the air—a living reminder of Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage.
Tucked away on the east side of Oʻahu, bEASTside Kitchen is a locally run gem that brings bold, flavorful comfort food to the island’s scenic shoreline. Born from food truck roots, it blends the creativity of street-style cooking with the heart of classic Hawaiian plate lunches, focusing on bold seasoning, fresh ingredients, and portions that more than satisfy. It has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike who are looking for no-nonsense, crave-worthy meals before or after a day of island exploring.
Tucked behind a school parking lot and shaded by the soft light of a Kailua sunset, the Kailua Farmers’ Market is one of those places that feels more like a weekly tradition than an event. It begins to buzz before the sun dips low, as families, couples, and barefoot locals arrive with canvas bags and open appetites. The market isn't massive, but that’s part of its charm—it’s intimate, focused, and full of flavor.