There are many reasons why Oahu should be everyone's next Hawaiian vacation, and one of those reasons is Kaneohe. This quiet and beautiful residential gem is just 12 miles from the busy streets of downtown Honolulu. With ample options for outdoor adventure, dining and shopping-there are so many fun things to do in Kaneohe.
From spending the day in the middle of Kaneohe Bay on a natural sandbar, exploring He'eia State Park or Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden to golfing, ziplining, or shopping at the Windward Mall, travelers have so many varied possibilities for entertainment. One of the most unique attractions in Kaneohe is the Byodo-In Temple. Its stunning architecture and lush landscapes make it one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world.
Kaneohe is definitely a destination worth visiting. Here is our complete guide and list of things to do in Kaneohe, Oahu.
Kaneohe, Oahu's Quiet Gem, Is Loaded With Possibilities For Both Relaxation And Adventure
Kaneohe is naturally beautiful, laid-back, and conveniently close to Honolulu. This most recent update to the Kaneohe travel guide includes more things to do, more accommodations, and more detailed information regarding upcoming cultural events. Whether travelers are looking to relax beach-side, explore the underwater world, sightsee, shop, or dine-Kaneohe offers a variety of things to see and do!
There are so many things to do in Hawaii, and many of the most unique things to do are in Kaneohe!
In the middle of Kaneohe Bay is a natural sandbar, only exposed at low tide. When the tide is high, the sandbar hides beneath the water. Tourists can catch a boat to the sandbar, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or even snorkel to the unique location. Keep an eye out for sea turtles.
Captain Bob's Picnic Sails offers four-hour tours to the sandbar. Their tours include swimming, snorkeling (gear provided), a fresh grilled barbeque lunch, sandbar volleyball, and a variety of beverages.
Tour leaders of Captain Bob's Picnic Sails prioritize safety. Snorkeling and water safety instructions will be provided to all passengers.
Kaneohe has two beautiful golf courses. They are the Pali Golf Course (public) and Bayview Golf Park (private, but open to the public). Both offer 18 holes and stunning scenery.
Pali Golf Course
Bayview Golf Park
The spectacular Byodo-In Temple is nestled in the Valley of the Temples. The temple was built in the 1960s to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first arrival of Japanese immigrant workers to Hawaii.
The temple is a replica of an 11th-century temple in Uji, Japan, and it's been featured in popular TV shows, like Lost, and Magnum P.I. Tourists can expect to see a giant Buddha and lots of wildlife, including hundreds of Koi fish swimming in ponds, black swans, and peacocks.
Related: 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Byodo-In Temple
With two mini-golf courses and a 400-foot-long zipline, this popular spot is fun for all ages. And with views of the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay, tourists couldn't possibly get a more gorgeous setting.
The two golf courses are different, with one a little more challenging than the other. Guests can choose one or opt for both. The zipline starts in a treehouse and is a dual-track system, meaning two people can ride side-by-side.
At the Windward Mall, tourists can shop until they drop. Literally. There's a great selection of stores, including Macy's, Claire's, and many local Hawaiian shops. And there's lots to eat here as well. Enjoy local culinary treats and then check out some entertainment, like the Aloha Line is Dancing on Thursdays, craft fairs, and free ukulele lessons.
Explore the Windward Mall family-friendly events list for unique attractions.
There's also a farmers' market every Sunday and Wednesday. Stock up on fresh fruit for picnics on the beach!
Kaneohe's most popular attraction is its beautiful bay. It's pretty big at eight miles long and almost three miles wide, and it's protected by a big barrier reef in the north, so the water is tranquil and still.
The bay contains five small islands and has been featured in a number of popular movies and TV shows, such as Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, and Gilligan's Island.
Be aware, though, that the bay is a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. Thousands are born in the bay every year (usually May and June) and spend the first few months of their lives swimming around the shallow waters.
On the west side of Kaneohe Bay is He'eia State Park. This beautiful spot overlooking the bay is perfect for picnics. Open seven days a week from 7 AM to sundown, this 18-acre property showcases a picturesque setting of the Koolau Mountains meeting Kaneohe Bay.
Tourists can relax, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and enjoy the views. Or they can take a self-guided walking tour to explore the park and discover various types of flora throughout the property.
Oahu has so many unique experiences, and this one tops the list. Although there is a trail to Waipuhia Falls, it's on private property, so the best way to see the incredible falls is by car.
What makes Waipuhia Falls a must-see attraction is that while the waterfall cascades down a cliff into a body of water, the waterfall also (sometimes) blows upwards, creating an upside-down waterfall. It really is an attraction tourists have to see to believe.
The phenomenon is created by winds hitting the water at speed, so as one might guess, the weather must be just right! The good news, though, is that trade winds at Waipuhia Falls occur regularly, so this mind-blowing sight has been witnessed quite frequently.
This 400-acre garden was created in the 1980s to protect Kaneohe from floods. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is a peaceful way to spend the day. Tourists can stroll or drive through the garden and witness tropical plants from around the world.
Grouped geographically, guests can expect to see plants from India & Sri Lanka, Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, America, Polynesia, and of course, Hawaii.
The family-owned Cacoa Farm in Kahalu'u strives to be "the most charming cacao farm in America." It showcases spectacular vistas, hundreds of cacao trees, native trees, and tropical flowers.
Two-hour tours around the property are offered twice per week, which include chocolate and honey tasting. Learn everything there is to know about chocolate and savor the finished product. The 21 Degrees Cacao Farm is also family-friendly, so be sure to bring the little ones. They'll love the mini-goats and bunnies!
Any movie buffs traveling to Kaneohe? A tour of Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe is the perfect attraction for Hollywood-loving tourists. Discover filming locations from hit movies like Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, and Jurassic Park.
Through a guided tour, bask in stories about Kualoa Ranch and all the wonderful movies filmed there. Several tour options are available, including a Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, a Jurassic Adventure Tour, a two-hour UTV Raptor tour, and so much more!
Witness Oahu from the open door of a helicopter. The best way to see this beautiful island, tourists will get unobstructed views of natural wonders, like beaches and waterfalls. They'll also see the Halona Blowhole, the largest agricultural maze in the world, and iconic sights, like Pearl Harbor.
For a private tour, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. They offer a VIP luxury adventure. For a more affordable experience, try Magnum Helicopters. For ultra adventure seekers, Magnum Helicopters also offer a Navy Seal Helicopter Ocean Jump Tour where tourists can jump from the helicopter into the ocean and scuba dive with a Navy Seal guide.
Book helicopter tours early. A hot attraction in Oahu, these adventures can sell out quickly!
The Sunshine Art Gallery is spacious and well-designed. Filled with fantastic local art at reasonable prices, this small yellow and blue building on the windward side of the island is a hidden gem.
Pieces include original paintings, pottery, high-quality prints, and many unique finds. Definitely worth a visit, don't miss the Sunshine Art Gallery. Pick up a local masterpiece to bring home!
And good news! For travelers heading back to the mainland, the gallery offers free shipping on any artwork over $150.
Is there ever a bad time to visit Oahu?
Kaneohe is one of many great spring destinations for nature lovers in the US. Temperature highs range from the low-80s to the high-70s. Spring travelers beat the summer rush and might even see migrating humpback whales!
Kaneohe's gorgeous weather comes at a price. Summer is the most expensive time of year to travel to Kaneohe.
Daily highs range from the mid to low-80s. Room rates drop slightly in the fall as fewer tourists travel to the islands. Many cultural events happen on Oahu and would make a great day trip from Kaneohe.
To name a few, tourists will enjoy Honolulu Fashion Week (October 12-19, 2023), the Hawaii International Film Fest (October 2023), and the Hawaiian Food and Wine Festival (November 2-5, 2023).
The Hawaiian Islands are a great place to spend the winter. While most of the country is freezing, tourists in Hawaii can spend the day at the beach, hike, and enjoy local cuisine outdoors. Temperature highs range from low-80s to high-70s.
For those celebrating the Christmas holidays, expect fun décor! Maybe try building a snowman out of sand? Mele Kalikimaka!
Getting around Kaneohe, like the rest of Oahu, may require a car, but there are some alternatives.
The Island of Oahu is only 44 miles long and 30 miles wide and easily explored from the comfort of a rental car. Tourists can pick one up at the Honolulu Airport or in Waikiki.
Book rental cars when booking flights. During busy times, rental companies may run out of vehicles.
Out of all the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu has the best public bus system. Tourists can get to most places by bus, but with all the stops, it'll take longer than traveling by car.
Kaneohe offers a variety of restaurants with great views and local ingredients.
Kaneohe Pancake House
Family-owned and operated since 1988, it's no surprise that the Kaneohe Pancake House specializes in pancakes! But customers can also dine on omelets, eggs benedicts, fried rice, and more.
Adela's Country Eatery
This casual eatery is the perfect spot to grab food and head to the beach to enjoy a meal with a view. This dine-out-only spot is a must-try when visiting Kaneohe. All food is cooked fresh to order using local and seasonal ingredients.
Related: Spring Break Reimagined: Find Yourself In Paradise At These 10 Beautiful Hawaiian Destinations
Haleiwa Joe's
This open-air restaurant with views of the Ko'olau mountain range overlooks a tropical garden and koi pond. Haleiwa Joe's is truly a gorgeous setting for dinner.
Kaneohe is the largest residential community on the windward side of Oahu. While there is one fantastic hotel in Kaneohe (Paradise Bay Resort), many travelers opt to rent private properties through Vrbo.
Through Vrbo, travelers can find exactly what they're looking for. A condo with a pool? A house that sleeps 15? No problem. Tourists can find the perfect private property to plan the perfect trip to Kaneohe.
Alternatively, travelers can stay in neighboring towns and simply enjoy the day in beautiful Kaneohe. Popular tourist destination Waikiki Beach is only about a 15-minute drive from Kaneohe.
Paradise Bay Resort
The Paradise Bay Resort overlooks the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay. The hotel is a piece of paradise and the perfect place to relax, swim in the pool, or lounge on one of the floating docks. The resort offers free yoga and meditation classes and free kayak and snorkel equipment.
Related: Escape To Paradise At These Top 10 Exquisite Luxury Resorts In Honolulu
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is right off the Kamehameha Highway, making a drive to Kaneohe very easy.
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
Just a short 12 miles to Kaneohe Bay, the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is a good budget option for travelers looking to stay in a busier area and simply spend the day in Kaneohe.
Related: Best Hawaiian Islands To Visit For First Timers
Manu Mele Bed and Breakfast
Wake up to the sound of birds in Manu Mele Bed and Breakfast. In nearby Kailua, this cute accommodation has a pool, a lovely owner, and a choice between a king-size bed suite and a queen-size bed suite.
The perfect day in Kaneohe starts at the Kaneohe Pancake House. Enjoy the Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Pancakes and a large coffee to get the morning off to a great start! While there are so many things to do in Kaneohe, the most popular and one of the most unique attractions is the Kaneohe Sandbar. And there are a few ways to get there.
For the more active traveler, try snorkeling or kayaking out to the sandbar. Or, for a more relaxing afternoon, catch a boat with Captain Bob's Picnic Sails. This four-hour tour lets tourists swim (snorkeling gear is provided!), and includes a grilled barbeque lunch, a little volleyball in the sand, and maybe a beer or two.
After exploring the sandbar, check out the Byodo-In Temple for tourists seeking something beautiful or Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline for tourists up for a little more adventure.
In the early evening, pick up a few souvenirs at the Windward Mall, maybe grab a snack, and possibly check out some local entertainment. For dinner, dine at Haleiwa Joe's and soak up the beautiful views of the Koolau mountain range. But for something a little more casual, pack a picnic dinner. Get take-out from Adela's Country Eatery and enjoy local Hawaiian cuisine while watching the sky change colors as the sun dips down out of sight.
Kaneohe is mostly a residential community. There are so many cool things to do on the island of Oahu, and a visit to Kaneohe is right at the top of the list. One spectacular attraction in Kaneohe is the Byodo-In Temple. Another popular attraction is the Kaneohe Sandbar. A trip to Kaneohe will not disappoint!
Yes! Kaneohe Bay has five beautiful beaches. Tourists and locals alike can swim, snorkel and surf. Just be aware that the bay is also a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. Many baby sharks will spend their first few months in the shallow waters of the bay.
Of course! Kaneohe is simply stunning. The beautiful bay and the nearby mountains are so picturesque that tourists will feel like they're in paradise. Hawaii has so many beautiful beaches, and the beaches at Kaneohe are some of the best.