Hawaii (State of) Off The Beaten Path

  South point
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  • South point
      South point
    by kyoub
  • Pololu road
      Pololu road
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  •   Off The Beaten Path
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  • The Haiku Steps
      The Haiku Steps
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  • La perouse Bay
      La perouse Bay
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Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii (State of)

1.

Waterfalls   Honolulu

Waterfalls, Honolulu

 9 Reviews  Just a few short miles from Waikiki this 1.3 km hike is a great way to see some nature while on Oahu. The elevation is 800 feet. You're feet will definitely get muddy, so I'd definitely wear some... 

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2.

Beaches / Bays   Kailua-Kona

Beaches / Bays, Kailua-Kona

 6 Reviews  Panaluu black sand beach. It's pretty far south, but on the way to the Volcanoe National Park. Although we didn't snorkel there, I understand the snorkeling is very good there. Plus it's suppose to be... 

 See All 37 Off The Beaten Path in Kailua-Kona

3.

Cruising Waikiki & Beyond   Waikiki

Cruising Waikiki & Beyond, Waikiki

 6 Reviews  Oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel 2335 Kalakaua Ave Go in here to see all the photos of Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic swimmer, sheriff of Honolulu, and local icon. The photos are scattered... 

 See All 11 Off The Beaten Path in Waikiki

4.

Waterfalls   Hilo

Waterfalls, Hilo

 3 Reviews  * Akaka Falls Rd * Off Hwy 19, Honomu, HI 96728 * My first day on the Big Island, my friend Kawika took me to these amazing sheer pits of 'awe' known as 'Akaka Falls. A 442 foot tall waterfall... 

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5.

Devastation Trail & Overlook   Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Devastation Trail & Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 4 Reviews  We stopped at the Pu’u Pua’i Overlook & Devastation Trail. There was a picnic table here under shade so we decided to eat our packed lunches. The weather was perfect for a picnic and it turned out to... 

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6.

Steam vents   Volcano

Steam vents, Volcano

 1 Review  Not really off the beaten path, but there were two very large steam vents here, with a huge amount of scorching steam coming out. One guy put his arm into it, and I can tell you, he jumped away... 

 See All 3 Off The Beaten Path in Volcano

7.

Beaches / Coastlines   Oahu

Beaches / Coastlines, Oahu

 51 Reviews  Kaena point is the far western tip of Oahu, and it is one of the few truly wild places left on the island. At the very tip lies a wildlife refuge where monk seals relax and albatrosses nest from... 

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8.

Green Sand Beach   Hawaii (Big Island)

Green Sand Beach, Hawaii (Big Island)

 5 Reviews  Green Sand Beach has to be seen up close to be appreciated. There are tons of green olivine crystals in the sand, which is pretty cool to see. You've got to hike to get there, unless you have a... 

 See All 90 Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii (Big Island)

9.

Hiking / Walking   Honolulu

Hiking / Walking, Honolulu

 13 Reviews  Hiking is a great recreational activity in Honolulu. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and get great exercise! When you go hiking you can escape from the crowded areas of the city and relax with... 

 See All 194 Off The Beaten Path in Honolulu

10.

Ka Lae, Ka'u   Kailua-Kona

Ka Lae, Ka'u, Kailua-Kona

 5 Reviews  visit the boat docks at south point. Also on the way towards the volcano. I don't believe the hoists are used anymore. The water was an unbelieveable blue color here! We even saw snorkelers here.... 

 See All 37 Off The Beaten Path in Kailua-Kona

11.

Auction   Waikiki

Auction, Waikiki

 1 Review  One of the most unique things we did while on Oahu was attend a fish auction at the United Fishing Agency. This auction goes on M-Sat., occurs pretty early in the morning, and is the main source of... 

 See All 11 Off The Beaten Path in Waikiki

12.

Halema'uma'u Overlook   Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Halema'uma'u Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 3 Reviews  Halema'uma'u changed greatly during the 20th century. In 1924 it was only 1,500 feet in diameter but was filled by a lake of molten lava that bubbled and boiled 2,100 degrees in Fahrenheit. There is... 

 See All 16 Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

13.

Haiku Stairway   Oahu

Haiku Stairway, Oahu

 4 Reviews  Kaneohe's Haiku Stairs, often referred to as the Stairway to Heaven, have been closed to the public for years, but that didn't stop my hardy foursome from making the ascent in April 2009. Technically,... 

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14.

South Point   Hawaii (Big Island)

South Point, Hawaii (Big Island)

 6 Reviews  This place is definitely off the beaten track. When I went here in August it was just my family, some cliff divers and I. The southern most point is this big rock face that overlooks the ocean. There... 

 See All 90 Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii (Big Island)

15.

Beaches & Coastlines   Honolulu

Beaches & Coastlines, Honolulu

 22 Reviews  The Mokolii Island is located off the Windward Coast of Oahu. The island is commonly referred to as "Chinaman's Hat" due to its resemblance to the hats worn by immigrant Chinese farm workers. The... 

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16.

Watersports   Kailua-Kona

Watersports, Kailua-Kona

 3 Reviews  Kayak through a historical sugar plantation on a guided cultural wilderness adventure - fun for the whole family! On hot summer days on the old plantations, the most daring kids would grab an... 

 See All 37 Off The Beaten Path in Kailua-Kona

17.

Hiking Diamond Head   Waikiki

Hiking Diamond Head, Waikiki

 1 Review  This is a moderate hike, with a strenuous 99 steps near the top. Be sure to take water, flashlight, and wear very comfortable walking shoes. This is a dry area, so it's quite dusty, and brown (not... 

 See All 11 Off The Beaten Path in Waikiki

18.

Kipuka   Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kipuka, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 1 Review  Something that a lot of people look at, but do not really see, are the untouched lengths of land that were cut off from their normal environment when lava flowed all around them. When lava flows move... 

 See All 16 Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

19.

Koolau Range   Oahu

Koolau Range, Oahu

 6 Reviews  A pleasant, moderate hike to the top of the Ko'olau Range that is a must-do is the Wiliwili Nui Trail. It starts off as a stroll along a four-wheel drive road for about two miles, as the ridge narrows... 

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20.

Pololu Valley   Hawaii (Big Island)

Pololu Valley, Hawaii (Big Island)

 4 Reviews  It is fun to hike down the Pololu Trail down to the black sand beach below, but don't forget to stop and take lots of pictures on your way down. The views of the cliffs and Pololu Valley, in addition... 

 See All 90 Off The Beaten Path in Hawaii (Big Island)

21.

Cruisin' Around the Island   Honolulu

Cruisin' Around the Island, Honolulu

 19 Reviews   There are some great areas around Honolulu and it is nice to either take a walk, take a bus or a car or even a moped and cruise around the neighborhoods of Honolulu. The peaceful and beauty of the... 

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22.

Churches / Altars   Kailua-Kona

Churches / Altars, Kailua-Kona

 3 Reviews  The Painted Church At St. Benedict's Painted Church you may find no one on duty and have the wonderful church all to yourself. The inside is colorfully painted and has many murals of biblical or... 

 See All 37 Off The Beaten Path in Kailua-Kona

23.

Pali Lookout   Oahu

Pali Lookout, Oahu

 6 Reviews  A good hike with a spectacular view of the ocean. See plants and animals native to the islands. I would recommend a trip out that way. Take H2 north and follow signs for Mokuleia, road dead ends in... 

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24.

Lava Tree State Monument   Hawaii (Big Island)

Lava Tree State Monument, Hawaii (Big Island)

 5 Reviews  If you're by Hilo and headed to the Puna Coast, there's an uncrowded unheralded state reserve known as Lava Trees state monument. Here you will find a forest of lava tree trunks that must be the bane... 

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25.

Pali Lookout   Honolulu

Pali Lookout, Honolulu

 5 Reviews  The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout at 1,186 feet (361 meters) is a great place to get a view of windward Oahu. It isn’t really what I would consider “off the beaten path” however. That is where it has been put... 

 See All 194 Off The Beaten Path in Honolulu

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Ka'elepulu Fishpond - Protected bird sanctuary

by Edith49

I love birds and wanted to see some of the birds of Hawaii - I read about this protected wetland on the Internet and wanted to explore it on my own, although there are tours that include this as one of their stops. I am not a great fan of tours, I like exploring on my own. It was easy to find and it is quite beautiful and I saw many, many birds, some I had never seen before and some that are endangered and endemic to Hawaii. I was thrilled and I took tons of pictures. The fishpond is located in the Enchanted Lakes Development in Kailua on the windward side of Oahu. From Honolulu, follow the Pali Highway (Hwy 61) to the Kalanianole Highway (Hwy 72). Turn left on Keolu Drive into the Enchanted Lakes development. Turn left again at the first intersection (I think it's still Keolu Drive because it circles around on itself). Turn right at Kiukee St and you are there! - it's a short dead end...

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Best way to discover hidden Oahu

by sarsparilla

Everyone says Oahu is rotten in comparison to the other islands - over expensive, over touristed - I disagree.The cheapest and best way around the island is to rock up to Ala Moana shopping centre, in Waikiki, and catch a number 52 (clockwise) or a number 55 (anti clockwise) bus around the perimeter of the island. The full journey costs just $2. As you get on, ask for a 'transfer' slip - that gives you about 90 minutes' grace to spend at any stop, with a free hop back onto the bus after. At that price, I spent 3 days exploring the island.Top stops to get off the bus:*The north shore is fantastic*Explore the maze at the Dole pineapple plantation*go eat shave ice in Haleiwa, followed by the tastiest fresh sashimi ('poki') and sea urchin nigiri you've ever dreamt of*Collect shells at Sunset Beach*gorge yourself on surfer art and history at Deep Ecology in Haleiwa*It's just two dollars a...

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President’s Residence – Obama’s Crib When Young

by AlohaBobby

http://absolute-hawaii.com/absolute-must-sees/obamas-residence/Before Barack Obama made his way to the highest echelon of power, he grew up in the Makiki neighborhood of Oahu, a scant 2 miles from Waikiki and hard by the business center of Honolulu: 1617 South Beretania to be exact, the Punahou Circle Apartments.

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visit the open air Polynesian...

by hanspeter_W.

visit the open air Polynesian Museum on Oahu, where the culture of all Pacific islands is shownJoin in the interactive activities and shows in each of our 8 island villages and exhibits. Watch the Rainbows of Paradise canoe pageant on the lush lagoon winding through the grounds. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian lu’au experience at our award-winning Ali’i Lu’au dinner and show. Experience "Ha Breath of Life", Hawai‘i’s newest ancient story with a cast of more than 100 performers.

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HANA.....Stay AT LEAST one night!!!!

by ginanoelle

My first trip, I had to turn around and get back to Kihei-----EVERY trip since I have stayed overnight longer, even while paying for nights in Kihei. I am single mother and have a budget and have NEVER regretted the extra expense. I can not state enough, its not Hana town-its Hana beauty. Leave by 10:30am, stop for sandwhich to go in Paia----scenic,slow 5 hour trip to discover this paradise.Blue Pool, Venus Pool, Black Sand Beach State Park, and road to Pools-a must!!!! Buy your food at market, and BBQ-its expensive but no more than any other vacation-and this one is breathtaking. I have never been sick on trip, and SLOW down and let locals by on Road to Hana. My favorite line from guidebook.............Hana isnt a destination, its a journey!!!!

Are you planning to get married in Hawaii?

by joiwatani

Most couples nowadays plan a wedding travel destination. Some goes to the Bahamas and get married there or some go on a cruise. Some couples who have links in Hawaii go to the islands and get married.Last July 2007, we attended the wedding of my step-daughter at a Japanese restaurant in Waipahu. Some couples get married at a local hotel and some goes to the beaches. The most famous hotel to get married actually is in Maui.But in Honolulu, you can basically get married to any hotel. The Pacific Beach Hotel have wedding coordinators and have very beautiful restaurants to cater to your wedding needs.While getting up early to go to our tour in Honululu, I scouted a bride getting ready for her wedding across our hotel room. Unfortunately, I didn't have a zoom lense but I still was able to take some good pictures of the bride!

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Check out the Gallery of Legends at the airport

by joiwatani

There is a Gallery of Legends at the airport terminal. Once you are heading back home, make sure to check out the gallery. There are many very good information about the gallery and they are actually on the walls on the walk-way heading to the outgoing gates at the airport.Make sure to go to the airport at least three hours earlier for checking in your luggages and to have some time to check out the Pacific Asia Travel Associate's Gallery of the Legends.

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Eat green mangoes

by joiwatani

If you walk along the neighborhood of Kalihi, Haleiwa, Kaneohe or Wahiawa, you will see a lot of mango trees laden with fruits during the months of July and August. The mangoes are good to eat when they are still dark green (not ripe). We eat the mangoes green and slice them in small bite sizes and dip them with vinegar and salt!Some Filipinos in the islands cut them into tiny slices and add some fish sauce on it and eat it with rice, rish or fried meat!

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Learn how to surf

by joiwatani

When you don't know how to surf and wanted to learn, there are surf boards that you can borrow and some instructors can teach you. There are some locals at the beach who are teaching tourists how to surf.For those who already know how to surf, there are surf boards for rent at the beach. But, if you are already a pro, then go to Maku'upu Beach or Sandy beach to surf. The locals are out there braving the huge waves! Or, they usually go to Haleiwa.

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Check out the Banyan Trees

by joiwatani

There are so many Banyan trees in Honolulu but the most gorgeous tree so far is found in Punahou Drive. There are also other trees in Waikiki but, because of limited space, the parks department usually cut the roots out. There are also Banyan trees in some parks of Oahu fronting the Ala Moana. The Banyan tree have roots that are huge and they sprout from the huge branches. The roots connect from one Banyan tree to the other that looks like a runner.There are also Banyan trees in Lahaina, close to where you wait for your ferry boat.The Banyan trees are good shades in the summer because the trees are thick with their leaves and they are gigantic trees!I am not sure if this is native to Hawaii but definitely, it is a beautiful tree to check it out!

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Top 3 Hotels in Hawaii (State of)

Halekulani  Honolulu

 4 Reviews and 864 Opinions  Upon arrival to the Halekulani you are greeted at the desk and assigned a staff member to tour you... 

 Hotels in Honolulu

Royal Kona Resort  Kailua-Kona

 5 Reviews and 888 Opinions  The hotel room I had, had a balcony. When I looked to the right, I had a view to the ocean. 

 Hotels in Kailua-Kona

Questions and Answers

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Q:  I was supposed to visit Hawaii in February, but had to change my plans. Now planning to visit in June. What kind of weather... 

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A: I like to use this site for weather predictions as the ones for my home town are scary accurate...not only can you look up a forecast on this site you can check on last... 

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