Exploring the various flora and fauna of O‘ahu is always a welcome getaway. Our readers shared their favorite botanical gardens on the island—and they are our favorites, too. 1. Waimea Valley A site rich in history and culture, Waimea Valley is home to a 45-foot-tall waterfall—and call ahead to see if conditions are right for […]
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a bustling hub for international, domestic and interisland travel, making O‘ahu a pitstop for countless U.S. travelers heading to or from Asia or Australia. Even interisland travelers flock to Oʻahu, aptly known as the Gathering Place, on business trips and quick getaways. So, if you’re stuck with a long
We get it, you can’t go wrong with the classics. Having your first surf lesson at Waikīkī Beach will always be an everlasting memory, and touring the KCC Farmers Market is a great way to get a look at local produce and to support small businesses. But if you’re tired of hitting up the same
Oʻahu has it all—stunning beaches, picturesque hiking trails, award-winning restaurants, museums and cultural sites, and bustling city life. It’s hard to just spend a single day on this island, the third largest of all the Hawaiian Islands and easily the most populated. (Oʻahu is home to roughly 1 million people—or two-thirds of the state’s population.)
If you’re looking for a more down-to-earth, humble alternative to the sand-dusted, Instagram influencer-laden streets of Kailua, Kāneʻohe is your best bet. Located on Oʻahu’s windward side—it’ll be the first town you see as you exit through the Koʻolau Mountains on the H-3 or Likelike Highway—this residential district is surrounded by lush foliage and an
“An hour in the garden puts life’s problems in perspective.” This is on a sign posted on the door of Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden’s visitor center. I’ve only been here a minute, but I can already understand the sentiment on a spiritual level. Ever since my girlfriend, Kaila, and I crossed the the Ko‘olau Mountains on
Hawaiʻi’s beaches may be its star attraction, but these one-of-a-kind curated gardens, with their picturesque views and unique collections of flora, are lush places of wonder. Read on for the Oʻahu botanical gardens our readers voted the best in 2020. 1. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden Photo: David Croxford Run by the nonprofit Hi‘ipaka LLC, this gorgeous
Everyone wants the same shot: the tree-lined road from the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden toward the Koʻolau Mountains. For reference, this is what it looks like (without filters or special camera tricks): Photo: Catherine Toth Fox But why stop at the beginning of the park when there are so many more reasons to venture into this lush
Sure, luxury resort rooms in Hawaii are nice. But if the idea of waking up to the sound of crashing waves on a white-sand beach only a few feet away from you, or opening your eyes to a picturesque botanical garden is appealing, we encourage you to bring or rent a tent and check in to
