One of the six main islands of Hawaii, Oahu is known for being home to the capital city of the state of Honolulu and its fantastic access to the outdoors and nature. Home to around 1 million people, there are many beautiful and unique places on the island that the locals love to explore. If you’re looking for an exciting place to visit, look no further than we reached out to locals to share their favorite beautiful spots on Oahu. So whether you’ve recently moved to a apartment in Waikikia house in kailuaor just want to know where to go, be sure to check out this list.
chinese walls
Located in the Hawaii Kai area of East HonoluluChina Walls offers spectacular sunsets, lava flows, and several places to relax.
“I like China Walls because it’s a great place to surf, hang out with friends and watch the sunset,” shares the local photographer. jonathan moeller.
sandy beach
Sandy Beach is located on the south shore of Oahu. It’s a great place to watch the waves crash against the shore due to the strong currents.
“One of my favorite places on Oahu is Sandy Beach,” says Oahu Photo Tours, a photo tour company that takes you around the island. “It is a beautiful place to see the sunrise and the powerful waves. The waves are powerful and close to shore so most people can’t get in. The locals have perfected body surfing on this beach, and it’s worth visiting to see them ride the huge waves.”
waimea bay
Waimea Bay is located on the North Shore of Oahu and is best known for its big waves.
“My favorite beach on O’ahu is Waimea Bay. During the winter it is amazing to see the best surfers in the world ride huge waves. During the summer, there is an incredible jump from rock to cliff into the calm ocean,” reveals the Hawaiian escape photographer. Aloha Zoe Photography.
Hūnānāniho (Waimanalo Bay Beach Park)
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is a hidden destination filled with beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand.
“Waimanalo Bay Beach Park (recently renamed Hūnānāniho) is a stretch of white sand beach with azure blue water and good waves for swimming. It’s the kind of place where you have to blink to make sure you’re not dreaming,” he praised. Jeanne-Marie Photo who has lived on Oahu’ for 16 years.
Kualoa Regional Park
eternal creation, a portrait business says: “My favorite place on Oahu is Kualoa Regional Park on the east side of Oahu. It has the most impressive up-close view of our jagged mountains. It is also the only place where you can sit on the beach and see the Ko’olau Mountains with the ocean in front of them.”
If you’re lucky, as the sun sets in the west, you’ll see shafts of light peeking through the clouds and across the mountains in brilliant diagonal stripes.
“Kuoloa Regional Park is also home to many Hollywood productions,” he reveals. Hawaiian Minister of Weddings. “It is everything you would want to see on an island, sandy beaches, spectacular lush mountains and swaying coconut trees can be seen in every direction.
He also shares that there are many activities to do, from lounging on the beach, kayaking to a small uninhabited island, or going on a rewarding hike.
Photo courtesy of Evermore Creation
Wahiawa Botanical Gardens
The Wahaiwa Botanical Garden is a 0.9 mile loop that takes you through a magical rainforest.
“One of my favorite places to take a break from the ‘big’ city of Honolulu is the Wahiawā Botanical Garden,” shares the wedding photographer. studio 3511. “If you’re lucky, you might catch blooming jade vines on the fence by the entrance, find ‘ohi’a lehua, wiliwili or loulu palm trees while looking at other native Hawaiian plants.”
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a 4.7 mile moderate out and back trail located near Honolulu. It is best to go early in the morning so that you can reach the top before the clouds disappear.
“It is unique because it is wild and seems untamed, but there is a clear path to follow through misty mountains. As you walk, you will see a ladder jutting up into the clouds. When you go up the stairs and look down, you can see the distant city of Waikiki, the vastness of the ocean, and feel that you really are on top of the world”, the creatives enthuse. fern and fountain.
Oahu Wedding Villa (formally Hale Koa Estate)
“Located in Hau’ula, Hawaii is the beautiful Hale Koa Estate, a one of a kind wedding venue. Make the most of the finca by inviting your loved ones to stay for the weekend to enjoy the large garden area, pool/jacuzzi and large kitchen. Every corner of the estate represents Hawaii, from the front door to the koa wood accents throughout the home,” say locals. Kiilani Gallery.
Not to mention that the farm is right next to the beach.
Photo courtesy of Ki’ilani Gallery
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. Located on the east coast, Kailua boasts beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand.
“I might be a little biased because I grew up a couple of blocks away, but my favorite place on Oahu is Kailua beach,” the wedding photographer shares. Ikaika Pidot. “With a protective outer reef, the waves are always small and inviting, making it a great place for families and kids. The trade winds also blow almost daily, making it perfect for any wind sports enthusiast, from beginner to advanced.”
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is considered part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. It’s a great way to see the different sights of Hawaii and is open year-round with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
“One of my favorite places on Oahu is the stunning Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, which has so many beautiful vantage points and is far from the hustle and bustle of the city,” shares the local photographer. michelle jost. “From the majestic mountain range to the romantic lakeside setting, this picturesque location has something for everyone to enjoy.”
new wave photographyadds a local family photographer: “You can walk or drive through the botanical gardens and see tropical plants from all over the world. Plants are great, but my favorite part of Ho’omaluhia is the jagged Ko’olau ridge that runs along the outside of the gardens. When it rains, huge waterfalls flow between the crevices of the mountain.
Photo courtesy of New Wave Photography
lanikai beach
Lanikai Beach is often considered the most beautiful beach on Oahu. It has spectacular views and great scenery, and is a fantastic place to watch the sun and the moon.
brittany hamann, an intimate wedding photographer who specializes in elopements in the Hawaiian Islands notes, “One of my favorite places on Oahu is Lanikai Beach. It is an absolutely beautiful beach on the windward side of the island. The water is always calm and clear, and the sand is incredibly soft. You can see the Mokulua Islands from the beach, and there are always lots of dogs here too.”
Ko’olau Summit Trail
Ko’olau Summit Trail is a challenging 0.7 out and back offering beautiful views of mountain ranges and the ocean.
“My favorite beautiful spot on Oahu is the Koʻolau Summit Trail (KST), which is a cross-island hike,” she reveals. Photography by Noah Lang. “It’s rugged, it’s raw and it’s more challenging than any other mainland hike I’ve come across. If I had to pick a spot along the summit trail, I’d probably choose Kōnāhuanui. It’s the highest peak in the range, and I love the summit area itself, which is home to unique plant species that don’t exist anywhere else on earth.”
