O'ahu Collection

Sail Away With Me

Unforgettable Waikiki Sunsets The amber glow around the sailboat was dreamy on this evening. From the Ineffable Instagram Hawaii Guide.... Sunset on the beach followed by shopping for some snacks and souvenirs. Arriving at 2:30pm allowed for a check in to the Waikiki Shore by Outrigger, a shaved ice treat from Banan Shave Ice & Beach Treats (on the ground level of Waikiki Shore) and a quick swim in in the beautiful O'ahu waters before a spectacular sunset. We strolled down the Waikiki beach walk and watched the sailboats going in to the marina for for the evening. After the beautiful sunset we walked back along the streets and through the shops picking up some groceries for dinner at the ABC Store. Recommendation: Take water shoes for the swim as the sand is not soft in many places due to the coral surrounding Waikiki. These shoes from Amazon were great - DOUSSPRT Women's Water Shoes Quick Drying Sports Aqua Shoes.

Glitz and glow

Ka'ena Point, Keawa’ula Beach Sunset One of the top sunsets in O'ahu can be found on this remote beach at the End of the Road. You have literally driven to the end of the road as you enter this park that adjoins a US Space Force Station and begins the Ka’ena Point State Park area. Only a handful of people were at this beach. The waves were spectacular to watch and made the most incredible sound I’ve heard on the beach. The sunset did not fail to be one of the best in O'ahu.

Golden Reflections

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach.

Perspective

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a 2.5 mile out and back trail leading to the lighthouse with the option to detour to tide pools along the way. The trail is paved and winds along sea cliffs with fantastic views. There are lots of lookouts for whales (best from December to May). There are also great views of KoKo Head, KoKo Crater and Rabbit Island. The hike took us a few hours. There is great parking. Near the end of the trail there are stairs up to a beautiful lookout over the indigo ocean waters of the Windward Coast. It was really nice to be able to get so close to the lighthouse. The winds kept us cool along the sunny path. Tidepool Tip: Makapuu Tide Pools, including a small blowhole, are quite popular and can be found just down from the first set of whale information signs.

Sunrise Cloud Perfection

Sandy Beach Sunrise There is something special about the sky in Hawaii. The clouds make the scenes even more unforgettable.

Here Comes The Sun

Sandy Beach Sunrise Featured by Raw Beaches One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach.

Setting The Scene

Lanikai Pillbox Hike There is something special about the sky in Hawaii. The clouds make the scenes even more unforgettable.

All the colors

Sunrise Hike The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is the most recommended for the best sunrise in Oahu. The hike did not fail. The hike had many different landscape variations. Starting with dirt and ropes to help you with the incline, to rocks and then the beautiful views of the ocean. With a 180 you see the beautiful green lush mountains. If in Oahu this is a must do! Recommendation: You will need to park on the city streets and walk through a neighborhood to a small marking pointing out the hiking trail. AllTrails helped confirm our path at our time of uncertainty- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/kaiwa-ridge-lanikai-pillbox-trail?u=i. Parking fills up fast so arrive early. Be sure to take water and sunscreen. If you're traveling around the island for the day pack a go bag with various clothes, swimming gear, towels, deodorant, snacks and fun dress up items for stops like the botanical gardens.

Lavender Haze

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach. The Lifeguard Station and green vegetation is the perfect compliment to the purple and yellow skies during the sunrise.

Lavender Haze Sky

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach. The purple and yellow skies were beautiful during the sunrise.

That View

Lanikai Pillbox Sunrise Hike The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is the most recommended for the best sunrise in Oahu. The hike did not fail. The hike had many different landscape variations. Starting with dirt and ropes to help you with the incline, to rocks and then the beautiful views of the ocean. With a 180 you see the beautiful green lush mountains. If in Oahu this is a must do! Recommendation: You will need to park on the city streets and walk through a neighborhood to a small marking pointing out the hiking trail. AllTrails helped confirm our path at our time of uncertainty- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/kaiwa-ridge-lanikai-pillbox-trail?u=i. Parking fills up fast so arrive early. Be sure to take water and sunscreen. If you're traveling around the island for the day pack a go bag with various clothes, swimming gear, towels, deodorant, snacks and fun dress up items for stops like the botanical gardens.

Climb That Mountain High

Diamond Head View of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach

Honolulu Skyline

View from Diamond Head Crater Trail Photo Awards.: Merit & Commended From the Ineffable Scapes Instagram Hawaii Guide... Hawaii's most recognizable landmark did not disappoint. The hiking trail, spectacular coastal views and military history are on full display from the top of the hike. The 0.8 mile hike from the trailhead to the summit gains 560 feet from the crater floor. Outside of the elevation gain the hike is easy. The trail transforms from a concrete sidewalk to a natural surface leading through tunnels and stairs offering views of the Diamond Head Lighthouse and the World War II military bunkers as you ascend to see the beauty of Waikiki and the Honolulu skyline. Recommendation: Bring some money for treats from the food trucks selling smoothies, pineapples and other snacks. We enjoyed a Dole Whip and an Acai Bowl. For more on the hike check out the AllTrails Diamond Head (Le'ahi) Summit Trail at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/diamond-head-leahi-summit-trail?u=i. Make reservations at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead/about.

Bright Light and Blue Waters

View of Diamond Head Lighthouse from Diamond Head Crater Trail Photo Awards: Commended Featured by Best of the USA Water From the Ineffable Scapes Instagram Hawaii Guide... Hawaii's most recognizable landmark did not disappoint. The hiking trail, spectacular coastal views and military history are on full display from the top of the hike. The 0.8 mile hike from the trailhead to the summit gains 560 feet from the crater floor. Outside of the elevation gain the hike is easy. The trail transforms from a concrete sidewalk to a natural surface leading through tunnels and stairs offering views of the Diamond Head Lighthouse and the World War II military bunkers as you ascend to see the beauty of Waikiki and the Honolulu skyline. Recommendation: Bring some money for treats from the food trucks selling smoothies, pineapples and other snacks. We enjoyed a Dole Whip and an Acai Bowl. For more on the hike check out the AllTrails Diamond Head (Le'ahi) Summit Trail at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/diamond-head-leahi-summit-trail?u=i. Make reservations at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead/about.

Getting Lost In The Sky

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach.

New Day

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach. Views of the outer edge of Koko Crater Tuff Cone.

Dreamy

Sunrise Hike The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is the most recommended for the best sunrise in Oahu. The hike did not fail. The hike had many different landscape variations. Starting with dirt and ropes to help you with the incline, to rocks and then the beautiful views of the ocean. With a 180 you see the beautiful green lush mountains. If in Oahu this is a must do! Recommendation: You will need to park on the city streets and walk through a neighborhood to a small marking pointing out the hiking trail. AllTrails helped confirm our path at our time of uncertainty- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/kaiwa-ridge-lanikai-pillbox-trail?u=i. Parking fills up fast so arrive early. Be sure to take water and sunscreen. If you're traveling around the island for the day pack a go bag with various clothes, swimming gear, towels, deodorant, snacks and fun dress up items for stops like the botanical gardens. Views of the twin islands, Na Mokulua or "mokes." The Windward Coast did not disappoint.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Nature Reserve Featured by Best of the USA Sea Finds With a 7:40am reservation we were able to find parking and enjoy hours of snorkeling. It was a little chilly in the water. The snorkeling was the outstanding and worth the chill. See the Instagram feed for underwater videos of the reef and colorful fish. Some of the most popular fish photos follow. Tip: Reservations are required for the reserve and can be made at https://pros2.hnl.info/parks/59570ad5e4ef9fe84fea4615?d-direction=asc&d-sort=name&d-page=1&d-offset=0&d-limit=25.

Crashing Waves

Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach. Views of the waves rolling to shore beneath Koko Crater along the Windward Coast.

I got 99 problems, but this island ain't one of them

Featured by Signature Shots Sandy Beach Sunrise One of the best sunrises in O'ahu. The beach is very close to Hanauma Bay and a Starbucks to enjoy with the sunrise before an amazing snorkel. On the morning we witnessed a spectacular sunrise wedding on the beach. Views of the waves rolling to shore beneath Koko Crater along the Windward Coast.

Bobble Head

Lanikai Beach Swimming with the Turtles Featured by Best of the USA Sea Finds and Rebel Scapes We left our snorkel at Hanauma Bay without seeing a green sea turtle. What is next? Light bulb.... #gypsyguide stressed that Lanikai Beach was a cannot miss beach. We had seen the beauty from the Pillbox Hike but had not explored the beach. We were early and found parking on the streets. We left our snorkel gear in the car - BIG mistake! As we setup our beach spot and entered the water we saw turtles! We ran back to the car and grabbed the underwater cameras and snorkel gear. We were so excited the turtles were still there and we got to swim with the turtles in Oahu. This brings us full circle to the earlier post on Kailua Beach. We did not understand how/why you rent the kayak at Kailua. As we swam with the turtles on Lanikai many were kayaking from Kailua to the Mokes watching the sea-life under them. BIG thank you to GyPSy Guide for stressing that we should spend the day at Lanikai Beach. Best beach day ever!

Sweet Slumber

Laniakea Beach, commonly known as Turtle Beach As we continue along the 7-mile miracle stretch of the North Shore we see the miraculous Green Sea Turtles sweetly resting on the beach. The volunteers were amazing putting ropes around them to keep us crazy humans from bothering them. The stories were unbelievable. These turtles journey so far and survive so much. Laniakea means wide sky. Be sure to look up and take in the beauty of the sky while enjoying the turtles. Tip: We did not see a parking lot or a sign for this beach. There is parking on both sides of the road.

Siesta

Laniakea Beach, commonly known as Turtle Beach As we continue along the 7-mile miracle stretch of the North Shore we see the miraculous Green Sea Turtles sweetly resting on the beach. The volunteers were amazing putting ropes around them to keep us crazy humans from bothering them. The stories were unbelievable. These turtles journey so far and survive so much. Laniakea means wide sky. Be sure to look up and take in the beauty of the sky while enjoying the turtles. Tip: We did not see a parking lot or a sign for this beach. There is parking on both sides of the road.