Have you considered going off the beaten path in Hawaii, especially Oahu? Read this first!
Off The Beaten Path Hawaii Oahu: Is It Worth it?
There are many not-in-the-brochures attractions available to an intrepid Oahu visitor, remote locations that range from verdant, misted mountains to sun baked sea cliffs plunging into crystalline blue depths.
Such destinations are certainly worth the effort to find, but they are also worthy of the preparation and vigilant safety awareness that is necessary for any kind of wilderness expedition.
For the unprepared, a wander into Oahu’s hinterlands can be as dangerous as it is rewarding. It’s best to be prepared, whether or not you were a Scout.
Where are Off The Beaten Path Places in Oahu, Hawaii
There are many dozens of places on Oahu to get to that are maintained by, but not patrolled by, the City or State agencies that look after them. These places are generally in the mountains or by the sea. There are no rangers or lifeguards, but all are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the locale.
Here are a few of our favorite off the beaten path places in Oahu, Hawaii:
- Kaena Point Trail connects the west side of the island. You can access it at the north or south point.
- Makiki Valley Loop Trail is a little less popular since it doesn’t have the same scenery hikes you see on Instagram, so it’s a great off the beaten path hike in Oahu, Hawaii.
- Makapu’u Beach Park isn’t great for swimming, but it’s a fantastic secluded beach nestled below the far more popular Makapu’u Lighthouse trail.
- Moku Nui, one of the Mokulua Islands that you can access by kayak from Kailua or Lanikai Beach
Tips for Safety
Whether in the ocean or in the mountains, a few simple tips can make the experience of an exotic trek easier and safer.
Gear Up
Wear your shoes and bring a towel, sunscreen, plenty of water (don’t drink the stream water in Hawaii!), lunch, and your cell phone. Leave everything else at the hotel.
Stay Aware When Venturing Off The Beaten Path in Oahu Hawaii
Use your cell phone only in the case of an emergency. Because, You must pay attention to your surroundings. From the deepest valley, the highest peak, and the hidden shore, conditions can and will change quickly.
A hike in the sun may become a muddy trudge in the waning twilight, and a clear, shimmering tide may quickly turn into a gray, churning threat. It is important to watch your step and not forget that rocks are slippery. And never turn your back on the ocean.
Don’t Actually Go “Off The Beaten Path”
While we encourage visitors to go on legal yet secluded hikes and adventures, we never want you to veer off-trail. It’s dangerous and disrespectful.
Stay on marked trails. Don’t venture past “Kapu” (keep out) signs. Heed all warnings. No photo or experience is worth your life, and people have died by venturing off trails or into dangerous waters.
Be Respectful
Malama. This one’s simple. The more remote a location is, the more susceptible it is to degradation from alien species, trail entropy, and just plain litter.
It’s important to clean your hiking shoes before embarking on the trail to ensure that any hitch-hiking seeds from your last hike don’t make their way into the ecosystem you’re entering.
And, of course, it’s important to take out what you take in. That is to say that there won’t be any place to put empty water bottles or food wrappers, so put them back in your pack for disposal at the end of the hike. Most maintained trails have trash cans at their start/finish.
Off The Beaten Path Oahu Hawaii: Having the Best Experience
Getting off of the beaten path in Oahu, Hawaii, can make a wonderful Hawaiian vacation even more rewarding. Research your destinations and take the necessary safety precautions.
Want more help planning a vacation full of unique adventures and must-see wanders? Hawaii Aloha Travel can help!
