See Oahu's 10 Most Picture-Perfect Attractions On This Natural Wonders Road Trip
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Jackie Ann
Author
Home to historic landmarks, diverse cultures, and epic landscapes, Hawaii’s third-largest island is breathtakingly beautiful. Planning a visit to O’ahu can be overwhelming, but have no fear! We’ve compiled an epic natural wonders road trip in O’ahu that will take you to some of the most beautiful spots on the island, with a few hidden gems thrown in for good measure. This itinerary will guide you along the way, but feel free to add your own spots.
Once you’ve landed and dropped your bags off at Best Western’s The Plaza Hotel, you’re ready to hit the road!
1. Waimano Falls
Waimano Falls, O‘ahu Hawaii, USA, Pearl City, HI 96782, USA
Our first stop is Waimano Falls, a picturesque waterfall near Pearl City. You can access this dreamy cascade via a moderately difficult three-mile trail that’ll lead you through the Ewa Forest Reserve. While it is one of the more popular waterfall hikes in Hawaii, it can be a bit of a challenge, so make sure you’re wearing some good shoes. Your efforts will be rewarded once you reach the waterfall where you can splash around in the water.
2. Waikīkī Beach
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Waikīkī Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world. With more than four million visitors every year, a visit to O’ahu isn’t complete without putting your toes in the sand at this iconic beach on the South Shore. Waikīkī is great for beginner surfers, and since Waikīkī is actually made up of a few different beaches, you’ll have a few different options of where you’d like to soak up some sun and enjoy those beautiful views of Lēʻahi.
After a long day of exploring these natural wonders in O’ahu, check into the Best Western The Plaza Hotel for a good night’s sleep before you tackle the next day.
After a long day of exploring these natural wonders in O’ahu, check into the Best Western The Plaza Hotel for a good night’s sleep before you tackle the next day.
3. Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, 2390 Okoa St, Honolulu, HI 96821, USA
With incredible mountain ridge and ocean views, the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is easily one of the best hikes in Oahu. The trail clocks in at about five miles with an elevation gain of 1,617 feet, so make sure you give yourself enough time to hike this trail. As you make your way along the spine of the Ko’oalu Mountain Range, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the entire island.
The trail is located within a gated community in Honolulu, and you’ll need a pass to gain access. The guard at the gate has a limited number of passes to give out, so get there early to ensure you can get one. As hikers come back down the trail, the passes recirculate, so you can always come back later in the day if they are all taken.
The trail is located within a gated community in Honolulu, and you’ll need a pass to gain access. The guard at the gate has a limited number of passes to give out, so get there early to ensure you can get one. As hikers come back down the trail, the passes recirculate, so you can always come back later in the day if they are all taken.
4. Mānoa Falls
Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
This beautiful two-mile round-trip hike will lead you through bamboo and banyan forests before opening up to the majestic Mānoa Falls. Since it’s one of the easier hikes on Oahu, it’s one of the more popular, so you can expect other travelers on the trail. The waterfall clocks in at a staggering 150 feet, and when you’re standing before it and surrounded by the lush greenery of Manoa Valley, you’ll fall in love with this little slice of paradise.
Many hikers continue on to the ‘Aihualama Trail towards Upper Manoa Falls, but this is only recommended if you’re an experienced hiker. This trail is steep, slippery, and dangerous for the inexperienced!
Many hikers continue on to the ‘Aihualama Trail towards Upper Manoa Falls, but this is only recommended if you’re an experienced hiker. This trail is steep, slippery, and dangerous for the inexperienced!
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5. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Nu?uanu Pali Lookout, Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Our next stop on the journey takes us to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, a historical landmark with panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Located on the Windward Coast, this spot is known for its strong winds so make sure your tripod is extra sturdy. The views of the Ko’olau cliffs and Windward Coast are simply mesmerizing!
This is another good stopping point for the day. You’re welcome to head back to Best Western The Plaza Hotel and call it a day, but if you’ve still got some energy, carry on north to explore the North Shore of O’ahu.
This is another good stopping point for the day. You’re welcome to head back to Best Western The Plaza Hotel and call it a day, but if you’ve still got some energy, carry on north to explore the North Shore of O’ahu.
6. Laʻie Point State Wayside
La?ie Point State Wayside, End of Naupaka Street, HI-83, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Rocky coastlines and thunderous waves await you at our next stop. Laʻie Point State Wayside is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s located at the end of a small residential neighborhood, so it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Adrenaline junkies flock here for its cliff jumping, but if that’s not your idea of fun, no worries. From October to March, you might catch a glimpse of a humpback whale in the distance!
7. Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, North Shore, HI 96712, USA
Next stop: another waterfall! This one is a family-friendly hike that doesn’t disappoint. Nestled in the Waimea Valley, the Waimea Valley Trail is just shy of two miles out-and-back and it’s an easy, well-maintained paved path with only 272 feet of elevation. You’ll have delightful views of the surrounding tropical rainforest and the botanical gardens before reaching the glorious falls. This is a popular swimming hole, and if you’d like to take a dip you’ll need to pick up a life jacket beforehand.
8. Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach, Kahuku, HI 96731, USA
Oahu’s north shore is an amazingly beautiful side of Hawaii, and a visit to Turtle Beach is a must. Named for its famous residents that call the beach home, Turtle Beach (aka Laniakea Beach) is home to more Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles than any other beach on Oahu. While they are beautiful, it’s important to remember that they are protected by federal law and you cannot touch them! No matter how cute they are, do not boop the snoot.
9. Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach Park, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA
This is one beach you’ll want to get your timing right on! As the beach’s name would suggest, this is one spot you’ll want to visit around sunset so you can soak in those beautiful sunset colors over the water. During the winter, Sunset Beach offers some killer waves to surf, but you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and epic sunsets year-round.
10. Kaʻena Point State Park
Ka?ena Point State Park, Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96791, USA
Our last stop on this epic Oahu road trip takes us to the westernmost tip of the island. This state park offers a little something for everyone, so take your pick! The park has two sections: the Ka‘ena Point Mokuleʻia Section (north shore) and the Ka‘ena Point Keawa’ula Section (west side).
The west side is where you’ll find the beach where you can go board surfing and body surfing. Swimming is also on the table, but only in the summer when the winds and waves are calm.
The wild coastline dominates the north shore side, with endless rocky coves, tide pools, and sand dunes everywhere you look. A great spot for hiking.
The west side is where you’ll find the beach where you can go board surfing and body surfing. Swimming is also on the table, but only in the summer when the winds and waves are calm.
The wild coastline dominates the north shore side, with endless rocky coves, tide pools, and sand dunes everywhere you look. A great spot for hiking.
At the end of the day, head back to the comfort of your hotel room at the Best Western The Plaza Hotel. Planning on taking this natural wonders road trip in O’ahu? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re island hopping, be sure to check out our Maui road trip which will take you to the best swimming spots and sweet treats in Maui.