Best Places for a Digital Detox on Oʻahu

According to a 2023 study published in the "Journal of Education and Health," "Excessive screen time can have significant negative impacts on both physical health and mental health." Physical health problems linked to prolonged sitting, include strained eyes and neck, back and shoulder pain. Mental health issues include mood disorders including depression and anxiety.

A vacation is the perfect opportunity to step away from your laptop and take a break from excessive screen use. There is too much beauty to take in and too much fun to be had to spend your Hawaiʻi trip scrolling on your phone.

Instead, grab a good book, a notebook to draw or write in or nothing at all and get outside. Even in a city like Honolulu, there are beautiful parks, museums, beaches and hikes where you can slow down and just be. Here are three of our favorite digital detox spots on Oʻahu.

Ala Moana Beach Park and its neighbor, Magic Island, are favorites amongst locals. They're near Waikīkī, but without all the resort beach chairs and umbrellas. Instead of being crowded in by restaurants, retail shops and hotels, the beach is surrounded by acres of green grass, jogging paths and trees. Pack a cooler and a hammock, and prepare to relax and stay awhile. Magic Island is especially nice at sunset. Once the sun sets, walk to the side of the park that faces Waikīkī to enjoy the city lights and the moon over the harbor.

Local tip: You'll need your smartphone if you take rideshare, so consider alternatives so you can leave your phone at the hotel. If you are staying in Waikīkī, walking is an easy option. If walking is not possible, stash $6 per person ($3 each way) in your pocket and take TheBus, which will drop you off across the street from the park.

"Forest bathing," or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a mindfulness practice that reconnects you to nature while calming the body and mind from stress. It is an opportunity to practice being present without the lure of media and technology. Led by certified forest therapy guide Phyllis Look, Forest Bathing Hawaii offers led walks in Moanalua Gardens (near downtown Honolulu), Nanakuli Lookout Trail (Kapolei on Leeward side) and Kahaluʻu Gardens (Kahaluʻu on Windward side).

Local tip: Ask ahead of time what you should plan on wearing. Due to microclimates all over the island, it can be cooler in some areas and hot in others. Either way, bring comfortable shoes to walk in, so sore feet don't become a distraction.

It's easy to do a digital detox when you are in an area with spotty reception. Save this experience just for you. Waimea Valley on the North Shore is a sacred space rich in Hawaiian spirituality, culture and moʻolelo (stories). It is a place of refuge full of lush vegetation, meandering walking paths and a 45-foot waterfall with fresh water pool for swimming. Maybe bring a journal and a pen? It is an excellent place for reflection.

Local tip: If you are visiting around summer or fall, bring a bathing suit and take a dip at Waimea Bay across the street before, or after, exploring Waimea Valley.

Waimea Valley hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Mondays