10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu

Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery is one of those places that you not only need to see to believe but truly taste as well. They have carved a niche in the artisan cheese community, and are proudly succeeding. 

This local dairy has the delicacies that are deserving of the name 'artisan'. For example, you may have heard of pepper jack cheese, but Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery’s Pika Moon is a creamy cheese with Hawaiian-grown chili peppers, with every aspect of the cheese being locally sourced and environmentally conscious.

Manulele Distillers is a must-visit in Oahu for any fan of distinct Hawaiian rum, particularly Ko Hana Agricole. Even if you don’t usually enjoy rum, Manulele Distillers is another local icon that could easily become the highlight of your Hawaiian trip. 

The native Hawaiian sugar cane is the ingredient behind the meticulously handcrafted Ko Hana Agricole rum. Make sure you plan ahead to find the right tour time that works best for your schedule, and you can easily schedule a tour from their website. After the tour, make sure to leave plenty of time for taste-testing at the on-site bar.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point offers hands-on experience through naval aircraft history in Oahu. You don’t need to be an aircraft enthusiast to enjoy a fascinating and historically insightful visit to the site. If you’re traveling with family, or want a brief pause from the surf, you can come and experience the Naval Air Museum for an afternoon. 

With a guided tour, you can get up close to retired naval aircraft and even see what it feels like to climb into the cockpit. Walking up and down this less-well-known tarmac, you will feel like history is coming to life.

Pillbox Hike is one place you need to visit, not just for the destination but for the adventure. Often referred to as the Kawai Ridge Trail, the Pillbox Hike follows a narrow trail up to 2 of the most iconic military bunkers in Hawaii. 

The Pillboxes are part of the charm of the experience, as they are painted bright pink and make for the perfect Instagram moment. On top of a fun and challenging hike, you will love the panoramic views of the tropical beauty of the island and the ocean, which touches the horizon as far as your eyes can see.

Ka'ena Point State Park is a hidden gem that is off the beaten path and wraps around one of the most visually appealing corners of Oahu. The wild coastline of Ka'ena Point State Park is one of its most intriguing aspects, and the path allows you to get an up-close view of the waves crashing into the cove where you can feel the spray off the rocks. 

On top of rocky coastal views, many parts of the park are comprised of traditional Hawaiian prairie lands, which feels peaceful. You may even spot some of the local wildlife.

White Plains beach is one of Oahu's low-key beaches where you can enjoy relaxing coastal vibes without the hassle of crowds. If you want to learn how to surf, you can do it here. If you’d like to sprawl out on the beach without feeling smothered by people, or if you’d like to take a walk without too much noise or having to stumble over beachgoers, then you will definitely love White Plains Beach. 

Though you'll unlikely come across throngs of beachgoers on this south-facing beach, you will still be able to find rentals and shower amenities, as well as a picnic area. 

Sharks Cove is a beach park in Oahu that you'll feel like is a well-kept secret due to its uncrowded and unusual features. The cove is primarily a lava-rock beach which is a remarkable sight, and you can appreciate the history of the island’s formation through these natural features. 

Because of the low crowds at Sharks Cove, you'll also find better opportunities for scuba diving, which will expose you to diverse marine life and, for the experienced divers, thrilling underwater caves.

At Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, you can experience the tropical beauty of Oahu. Though you can do so in many parks and at many beaches across the island, very few could give you the ability to experience all the indigenous flora all in one place. 

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden will give you just that, and you can come and see multiple geographic regions of botanical collections represented, with the sprawling lake and plant life throughout the lush 400 acres. Group tours are available, and if you enjoy fishing, there are complimentary bamboo poles available.