THE ISLAND OF OAHU
During our two week stay in the beachside neighbourhood of Waikiki we decided to spend one day outside of Honolulu's bubble and check out what the island of Oahu had to offer. Being more of the outdoorsy type, we wanted to find a tour that would take us to the best parts of Oahu, showing us it's beautiful landscapes and unique sightseeing stops. The Discover Hawaii ToursFull Day Circle Island Eco Adventure caught our eye and seemed like just the tour we were looking for.
At 8.30am we were picked up from our accommodation and we headed out for a big day of sight seeing, exploring and discovering the landscapes of Oahu...
The Dole Pineapple Plantation
How can you go to Hawaii and not visit a pineapple plantation? We were given a chance to roam around, try some fresh pineapple and stroll through the stunning grounds.
The Dole Pineapple Plantation
The Dole Pineapple Plantation
The Dole Pineapple Plantation
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
We hiked through lush Hawaiian rainforest through the Waimea Valley until we reached Waimea Falls. After a cheeky dip to cool off from the Hawaiian sun we headed back, marvelling at native plants and flowers on the way. We even stumbled across a native Polynesian village, showing off how the native Hawaiians lived.
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
Waimea Falls Waterfall Hike
Sunset Beach at North Shore
We had to check out some crazy big waves at this popular surf beach. As it was winter we got to see some killer surf!
North beach
Lunch at Secret Island
We picked up some lunch from Kualoa Ranch before heading over by boat to Secret Island to eat it. Mangroves and hau trees are scattered through the island as you walk through trails that lead to a secluded, white-sand beaches. Not a bad place to eat lunch if you ask us.
Lunch at Secret Island
Lunch at Secret Island
Lunch at Secret Island
Lunch at Secret Island
Lunch at Secret Island
Byodo-In Temple
Tucked away in the beautiful Ko'olau Mountains is the stunning Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a 950 year old Buddhist place of worship in Japan. Who would of thought our tour would have a taste of Asian influence? To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in Hawaii this beautiful temple was built. We went inside and sent our prayers by burning some incense.
Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple
Waimanalo Beach Park
We had experienced the crazy waves at North Shore and it was time to relax on three miles of still water and white sand on the South side. As it was a public holiday there were many families having picnics along the beachside and children playing in the waters. We love secluded beaches, and this was one of our favourites we visited during our stay in Oahu.
Waimanalo Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park
Halona Blowhole
This spectacular natural formation sprays water as high as 30 feet into the air as crashing waves push through the ancient lava tubes. Unfortunately, it wasn't blowing during the time we were there, however we were greeted by turtles and locals having a dip in the cool waters (during the winter months humpback whales are often spotted in this location).
Halona Blowhole
Halona Blowhole
Sunset at Honolulu Ridge
The highlight of our day was our very last location. We are a sucker for a good sunset and a good sunset we had. As the day began to end we drove up the hills of Tantalus until we reached the beautiful 1920's estate of Honolulu Ridge. Here we tried macadamia nuts grown on the property and shared a cold beverage as the sun set over the neighbourhoods below. Little did we know we would be returning to this amazing property a few nights later to experience The Big Kahuna Luau - lucky us!
Big Kahuna Luau
Big Kahuna Luau
You may not believe us, but we listed off just over half of the places we visited during our 12 hour tour around Oahu. Being able to experience such diversity and cover so much ground in one day was unbelievable. From famous beaches, lush valleys, ancient Hawaiian grounds to gorgeous waterfalls - this tour simply had it all.
Tour Price: $129.99pp for the Ultimate Circle Island Eco Adventure from Discover Hawaii Tours.
If you want to see some footage from our jam-packed day, check out our vlog below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vw9FkSvAZo
Do you enjoy checking out the 'nature side of things' when you travel to a new place?
Many thanks to Discover Hawaii Tours for hosting us for the day. As always, all opinions are our own.
READ NEXT: THE BIG KAHUNA LUAU