Popular Gardens in Oahu

"Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a 400 acre protected area that was originally built up as flood protection. It offers events like camping, drawing or painting classes, and specific catch-and-release fishing days on the weekends!. The garden is about 35 minutes from Waikiki (by car or service only) on the eastern side of the island."

"Let me start by saying we rarely bother photographing man-made nature, such as botanical gardens. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it feels a bit inauthentic; it’s like building a wildlife photography portfolio by going to a zoo. With that said, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are absolutely worth the trip!"

"In one day, you can drive this 100-mile path with some beach hopping, but you might have to cherry-pick between the longer activities like the hike, Waimea Valley and the Polynesian Cultural Center if you don’t want to feel rushed. Depart early from Honolulu for your drive north through the farmlands and mountain views of the center of the island, to stretches of empty beachfront and the northwest terminus of the highway at Kaena Point. If you want to do some hiking, the Kaena Point Trail is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back path from the end of the road to the remote western point of the island inaccessible to vehicles."

"Tour Waimea Valley where you can learn about Hawaiian culture, admire a beautiful variety of trees, shrubs and plants and enjoy a swim at a waterfall. (See this link for TripAdvisor reviews of Waimea Valley.)"

"Located in Makiki Heights, the second location of the museum is the Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House, which is a true hidden gem. Visit Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House is included in the ticket to a visit Honolulu Museum of Art the same day. Both the museums are quiet places, peaceful and beautiful but they are different in many other ways."

"Spa Halekulani is located at the five star Halekulani Hotel, Honolulu's most revered ocean side hotel. At this Waikiki spa, Polynesian therapeutic techniques are blended with modern pure products and methods. The award-winning spa is beachfront in Honolulu, and is known for rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit."

"Located in the tropical garden setting of Royal Hawaiian Resort, Abhasa offers its treatments amidst nature in a tranquil environment. The spa offers variety of treatments from traditional to tropical facials, cocoons and many more. The quality of their services is unparalleled and worth a visit."

"Abhasa Spa stakes claim to being the only spa in a tropical garden setting in Honolulu. Massages and treatments at Abhasa take place under tropical trees and plants. The spa is nestled in the sanctuary Royal Grove Courtyard of the world famous Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki."

"A tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown Honolulu, Heaven on Earth Salon and Day Spa is Hawaii’s best-kept secret among locals. Offering an array of blissful body wraps, rejuvenating massages, aromatherapy, calming and deep-cleansing facials, waxing, deluxe manicures, ultimate pedicures, natural or permanent make-up, and a full-service hair salon, Heaven on Earth caters to your every indulgence. The perfect mid-work week pampering or welcome addition to any vacation, our setting awakens spirituality and embraces the individual."

"This isn't a resort spa, but a wonderful oasis hidden in Honolulu that offers delicious treatments for locals and visitors alike. They're spa menu offers a blissful array of body wraps, massages, aromatherapy, calming and deep-cleansing facials, waxing, deluxe manicures, ultimate pedicures, natural or permanent make-up, and a full-service hair salon. The owner's goal is to awaken spirituality and embrace the individual."

"Situated in the downtown of Honolulu, Heaven on earth offers its guests an array of blissful treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s also voted as one of the best spas in Honolulu and does truly does justice to its name. Body wraps, aromatherapy and deep cleansing facials including Platinum Hydra facial and Radiance Hydra Facial are popular here."

"One of the best waterfalls in the region, it is an absolute delight to hike through this area. One for all the nature lovers, you will not only be pleasantly surprised at the view, but also be able to enjoy each and every step of your hike. Surrounded by the cool woods, a number of different species of trees, wildflowers and plants can be spott...Read more"

"A post shared by Hawaii Forest & Trail (@hawaiiforest) on Feb 22, 2019 at 9:04am PST. Another challenging yet promising adventure is the Aihualama Trail, where once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a picturesque and breathtaking view of the mountainous area against a blue sky. If you are lucky, the fog that appears from time to time makes it a picture-worthy spot and most importantly, makes the hike much more bearable and fruitful."

"Step out onto the shores of the often Instagrammed Kailua and Lanikai Beaches, before taking the scenic route to the North Shore on Kamehameha Highway. On the way, you’ll pass Kaneohe Bay, Waiahole Poi Factory (stop here for Hawaiian plate lunches), Kualoa Ranch and a natural landmark known as Crouching Lion. You'll see coastal views of beaches and undeveloped valleys before entering Laie, where the Polynesian Cultural Center and Mormon Temple are located. Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline."

"Instead of Waikiki, head over to the less-crowded Lanikai Beach, which is often ranked one the best beaches in Oahu. The bright white sand beach and endless blue water is definitely a reminder of why many people call Hawaii “paradise.”"

"A post shared by CJ Weiss (@coryjweiss) on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:44am PDT. Over at the Ka'au Crater Trail, what most people do not know is that they are are only a comfortable drive of 15 minutes away from Waikiki. If you are looking for something challenging, this feels like a hike you should sign up for because, at the end of the hike, you will be greeted by views of the mountainous regions."

"No, I am not suggesting you take on Diamond Head with your little ones, but there are a lot of wonderful hiking opportunities that don’t cost you a thing!. There are also some that will require the use of a car or TheBus, but by stacking activities together, you will more than make up for any bus fare or gas you may have to spend in the experiences you get to have!"