If you loop around the south side of the island going to or from the East Side, the things listed here will overlap with the East Side Guide. You can also combine the things found here with Waikiki/Honolulu, should you have extra time after seeing all you wanted to see in that area.
Hanauma Bay
Amazing place to snorkel on the south of Oahu! It's a must-do if you love to snorkel. GO EARLY to find parking, or you will have to park outside the park and walk up the hill into the park. All visitors to Hanauma Bay must take a shore educational course via a video presentation before entering the park to snorkel. The course is good for 1 year. See the site for more info. Reservations are required and are open 2 days in advance. Limited same-day tickets are available in person beginning at 6:45 AM. Only open Wed-Sun. Hanauma Bay State Park Google Maps- Hanauma Bay
Apple Maps- Hanauma Bay
HikeThe Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike
This is a scenic and relatively moderate trail on the southeastern coast of Oahu. This hike offers sweeping views of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Crater, and the stunning coastline below. The trail gradually ascends along the ridge, providing excellent vantage points for photography and whale watching during winter. Unlike the more strenuous Koko Head Trail, Hanauma Ridge is less crowded and offers a peaceful hiking experience with diverse landscapes, from coastal views to dry, rocky terrain. The hike is accessible for most skill levels and is a great option for those looking to explore the area's natural beauty without an extreme challenge.
Google Maps- Hanauma Ridge Hike
Apple Maps- Hanauma Ridge HIke
Koko Crater Railway Trail
Koko Head Trail, also known as Koko Crater Stairs, is a challenging hike on Oahu that takes you up 1,048 steep steps along an old railway track to the top of Koko Crater. The trail offers a tough workout with a relentless incline, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth it. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and the southeastern coastline of Oahu. The hike is popular with both locals and visitors seeking a fitness challenge, and it’s best done early in the day to avoid the midday heat. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for a steep ascent!
Google Maps- Koko Crater Trail
Apple Maps- Koko Crater Trail
Hālona Blow Hole
The Halona Blowhole is a natural ocean geyser located on Oahu’s southeastern shore. When the tides and waves hit the rocky coastline just right, water shoots up through a lava tube, creating an impressive blowhole effect. It’s a popular stop along the Kalanianaole Highway for its dramatic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Just to the right of the blowhole is Halona Beach Cove, also known as “From Here to Eternity Beach” due to its appearance in the famous 1953 movie. This small, secluded beach is tucked between rocky cliffs, making it a quiet and scenic spot. The water here can be calm enough for swimming, but be cautious of currents, as they can change quickly.
Parking:
To visit both the blowhole and the beach, park at the Halona Blowhole Lookout, a small parking lot located off Kalanianaole Highway. The lookout provides a clear view of the blowhole and surrounding coast.
How to Access Halona Beach Cove:
From the parking lot, walk to the right side of the lookout where you’ll find a rocky trail leading down to the beach. The path is steep and rocky, so be careful on your way down. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by a small, picturesque cove with clear waters and soft sand, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Apple Maps- Halona Blow Hole
Makapuu Light House and Pele's Chair Lighthouse and Lookout
Moderate uphill hike up a paved path to the lighthouse; the views are very scenic! To get to the lighthouse take the obvious paved path that leads upwards from the parking area. See below for directions to Pele's Chair and a cool swimming hole.
Google Maps- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Apple Maps- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Pele's Chair and Allen Davis Beach
A not-so-obvious dirt path leads down towards Pele's Chair at the Ma'akapu Lighthouse parking lot. The path begins towards the back of the parking to the right, just before the paved path that leads up to the lighthouse. Follow the path to Pele's Chair. The trail splits and will lead to the chair or the beach/lagoon. The lagoon is a gem of a place to relax and swim. Pele's Chair is a large lava rock pile with some interesting stories so be sure you look some of those up!
Google Maps- Kaiwi Shoreline Trail (to Pele's Chair and Allen Davis Beach)
Google Maps- Pele's Chair and Allen Davis Beach
Apple Maps- Kaiwi Shoreline Trail (to Pele's Chair and Allen Davis Beach)
Apple Maps- Pele's Chair and Allen Davis Beach
Kona Brewing Co. Restaurant (on the marina) This is actually south of Waikiki/Honolulu, but it is not so far off track that it should not be added to this list if it sparks your interest. There is also a little shopping area here if you are in the shopping mood.
Website Link Google Maps- Kona Brewing Co
Apple Maps- Kona Brewing Co
DISCLAIMER: The travel advisor, Point Me to Paradise LLC, Point Me to Paradise Travel, and any of the employees or affiliates associated with the aforementioned entities are NOT responsible in any way for any accidents or mishaps or anything of a negative nature that may or can occur with any of the activities or sights listed here or elsewhere. Traveler is solely responsible for his or her own safety and should exercise his or her discretion when assessing the safety of any activity listed here or elsewhere. Reader/traveler should analyze the safety of each activity and his or her health condition before participating in anything listed here or elsewhere. Physical activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and anything else not listed here that increases heart rate or physical activity level are involved in participating in any of the above sights, excursions and activites. In that case, it is advisable that a physician be contacted prior to participating in anything requiring any physical exertion. Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, walking, surfing, diving, shark cage, diving, golf, and other activities listed here, must all be considered to carry some risk. Any and all activities listed here or elsewhere could be considered dangerous, and nothing is without risk. Caution should be taken to properly assess the weather conditions and other environmental factors for dangerous situations such as but not limited to, rip currents, flash flooding, flooding, diseased waters, large dangerous waves, dangerous wildlife, dangerous fall risks such as cliffs or steep ledges, and more. By reading and participating in and using these suggestions, the reader/traveler/client solely assumes the responsibility and risk for his or her own safety as well as the safety and welfare of others who may be in his or her traveling party or company if they so choose to participate in any of these activities or visit any of the listed sights or suggestions.