Go beyond the beaches and uncover hidden gems.
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.
Located in the fertile heart of Oʻahu’s North Shore near the town of Kahuku, Sun Farm Hawaiʻi is more than just a farm—it’s a lifestyle destination dedicated to health, sustainability, and vibrant living. Known for its focus on plant-based nutrition, organic farming, and eco-conscious practices, Sun Farm has earned a loyal following among locals and travelers who value high-quality food and mindful connection to the land.
Just a short drive from downtown Honolulu, the Lulumahu Falls Trail leads to a secluded waterfall nestled deep within Nuʻuanu Valley. Though unofficial and unmaintained, this trail has become a favorite among locals and visitors looking to step off the beaten path and into the heart of Oʻahu’s lush interior.
Just a short drive from Honolulu’s bustling city center, the Tantalus Lookout at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers one of Oʻahu’s most breathtaking urban views. From the lookout platform, you can see the full sweep of the Honolulu skyline, the turquoise waters off Waikīkī, and Diamond Head rising proudly in the distance. As the sun sets, the entire scene transforms into a golden panorama with the city lights beginning to twinkle below.
From the moment you step out onto the sands of ʻEhukai Beach Park, there’s no mistaking where you are. The salt-heavy breeze from the Pacific hits with a kind of exhilaration only the North Shore can provide. Towering ironwood trees line the park’s edges, casting long, slanted shadows over a grassy lawn where locals nap in hammocks, kids chase each other barefoot, and surfers wax boards with the practiced rhythm of ritual. But it’s the ocean—the wild, booming, hypnotic ocean—that dominates everything.
There’s a moment, just after the door swings open and the wind comes rushing in, when your breath catches and your world narrows to the edge of the sky. Below, the coast curves into golden sand and blue reef, the mountains roll into green velvet folds, and the Pacific stretches out like a mirror forever. And then—just like that—you let go.
Just outside the heart of historic Haleʻiwa town, where the air smells faintly of salt and sugarcane, Tsue’s Farm unfolds like a quiet breath along the banks of the Anahulu River. Tucked beside Kamehameha Highway and shaded by tall ironwoods, this family-run property offers something rare on the North Shore—a place to slow down, paddle gently, and let the rhythm of the island reveal itself.
At the far western tip of Oʻahu, where the paved roads end and the coastline turns wild, the Kaʻena Point Trail leads to one of the island’s most remote and untouched natural areas. This relatively flat but rugged coastal walk can be accessed from either the North Shore near Mokulēʻia or the west side near Mākaha, and both routes offer sweeping ocean views, lava rock shorelines, and a rare encounter with native Hawaiian wildlife.
Tucked into the creative pulse of Honolulu’s urban core, Drip Studio HNL isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s a canvas where artistry, caffeine, and community intersect. From the moment you step through the door, the space whispers intention. Clean lines, minimalist design, and pops of bold color set the tone, hinting that everything here—from the espresso to the layout—has been curated with a designer’s eye. It’s a café that doubles as a gallery, where the experience is as carefully crafted as the brew in your cup.