There is no shortage of places to explore and things to do on the island of O’ahu! Those fortunate enough to get the opportunity to vacation in Hawaii are often forced to make tough choices of what events to do, and which to leave behind. With time your most treasured resource, here is a list of 5 things to skip on your trip to O’ahu!
Byodo-In Temple
Other than a few pretty pictures, I was very underwhelmed by the Byodo-In Temple. I of course understand that it is a significant and meaningful place for many. As a Roman Catholic who knows very little about Buddhism, I was hoping to visit and learn. I wanted to walk away with some more knowledge about the temple’s significance. There were very few signs with information. I felt like I learned nothing there. The temple and grounds are beautiful, and the Ko’olau mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, so the photo ops were by far the best part.
The temple only had one main room with a statue of Buddha where one could light a candle and pray or meditate. Other than that, you could walk the grounds and feed some koi, but that’s about it. The low $5 admission fee made the disappointment easier to stomach, but I am not likely to return on my next trip.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is the place for the ultimate Hawaii photo. If you’ve spent any more than 5 seconds on the Hawaii location tag on Instagram, you’ve definitely seen shots at Lanikai. It’s the perfect place for views of the iconic Mokus (the two small islets right off the coast). The golden sand, crystal clear waters, and shallow reefs, are just added perks!
However, the beach is very difficult to access, and the small neighborhood is taking active measures to reduce tourism. There is no parking lot for this beach, and you must find a spot on the nearby streets. On weekdays, you cannot park in the neighborhood from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. This rule is heavily enforced! Yours truly got a $35 parking ticket time stamped at 9:00 am, and was very closed to having my car towed. They really do not mess around. If you insist on visiting Lanikai, get up early and go for sunrise – they are spectacular here. Just make sure you leave by 8:30 am!
Instead, try going to nearby Kailua Beach. Parking there is also limited, but there is a dedicated lot where you can get lucky enough to find a spot. Waimanalo Beach is also about a 20 minute drive down the road where access is much easier. You’ll get the same crystal clear waters and golden sand as at Lanikai!
Haʻikū Stairs/”Stairway to Heaven”
The “Stairway to Heaven” has been documented left and right and is known as being Instagram-famous. This staicase of 3,922 steps was built in WWII as an access point to a radio tower on top of the mountain. In present day, people climb fences or sneak in to hike the stairs, especially at sunrise, to get that Insta-worthy content. It has long been closed to the public, but that doesn’t stop influencers from influencing.
The list of reasons why this should be skipped on your itinerary is as long as a CVS receipt. Climbing the stairs is very illegal, and there have been many reports of police officers giving citations to anyone who tries to access or come down from the stairs. They have also not been maintained in several years and are incredibly dangerous- resulting in dozens of emergency rescues per year. If the risk and thrill doesn’t deter you, parking for the stairs are on the streets of a small community. There have been many pleas by locals to limit access, as it is very disruptive (especially in the middle of the night, when people want to see the sunrise from the top). Just imagine if a bunch of people were trespassing in your yard in the middle of the night. It’s unethical!
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are another one of those places that you’ve definitely seen on Instagram. Influencers and tourists flock to the iconic entry road. This paved road lined with iconic palms is the foreground for dramatic views of the Ko’olau mountains. There is no denying that it is a beautiful shot.
However, in a classic “Instagram vs Reality” moment, visitors will quickly learn the truth. Stopping on this road for any reason (especially photos) is strictly prohibited. There are cones and signs lining the entire way reminding you of the rule, and security will be quick to approach you if you do. You cannot stop or exit your vehicle at all. For those committed to getting the shot, they’ll park the car about a mile up the road and walk back down the road. I was chatting with a group of girls who tried this and were told to go back. They did mention that their friends had success doing it, so it’s a risk. To me, it just doesn’t seem worth it.
That aside, the gardens themselves underwhelmed me. There are various sections dedicated to flora and fauna from different parts of the world, like the South Pacific or Africa. They were nice, but felt a bit tired. Instead, I loved my visit to the Foster Botanical Gardens in Honolulu. So many more flowers and trees, and a beautiful greenhouse to explore.
Tours at Kualoa Ranch
Rounding out the list of things to skip on your trip to O’ahu, is the Kualoa Ranch. While countless of other travel blogs and lists will rank this as a “must-do”, at the end of the day it is nothing but an overpriced tourist trap. Unless you’re a die-hard Jurassic Park fan or have money/time to burn, a tour of the ranch isn’t worth it. While the views from the ranch are spectacular, they’re easily duplicated for free. Instead, spend some time at the Kualoa Regional Park right across the street. This free public park offers the same dramatic views. It also is home to its own beaches, large lawns for picnics, and even straight on views of Chinaman’s Hat! Save yourself the time and money.
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