20 Most Instagrammable Spots in Hawaii

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Tanya Byelova
March 16, 2022

Hawaii, known worldwide for its tropical splendor, is a Pacific paradise that should not be missed.

Hawaii's most visited islands, commonly known as the Big Island, O'ahu, Maui, Kauai, and Molokai, provide various experiences. Each has its personality and attitude, as well as a plethora of fantastic locations to explore and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Hawaii offers everything, from snorkeling in the bays to climbing the Hawaiian islands and resting in magnificent locations. The beautiful state of Hawaii has a plethora of Instagrammable spots.

Let's read about 20 Most Instagrammable Spots in Hawaii

1. Waikīkī Beach

This beach is one of the most popular in the world and one of the most incredible spots to visit in Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is ideal for snorkeling, surfing, canoe paddling, boogie boarding, sandboarding, sand combing, or simply getting a tan and admiring the setting sun.

The Waikiki Historic Trail contains surfboard-shaped historic markers inspired by Waikiki's own Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer and ardent surfer.

The Waikiki Beach Walk is dotted with cafés and entertainment venues, while Kuhio and Kalakaua Avenues house most of the area's eateries and stores.

Diamond Head State Monument is located at the extremity of a crescent-shaped beach, providing a distinguishing profile on the coast. It was previously a critical vantage point for the island's coastal defense, and an arduous trek to the summit leads to the historical bunkers and artillery control station, as well as panoramic views.

2. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is known as the best snorkeling spot on Oahu. The coral reefs of Hanauma Bay provide a home for various colorful fish. This is a sheltered area with soft water that is perfect for even inexperienced snorkelers; snorkel equipment may be rented on-site.

The bay was designated a marine conservation area in 1967 and is home to various marine species, including green sea turtles. To assist conserve this fragile habitat, a reservation system allows for a restricted number of tourists each day. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen!

You may go to the bay by vehicle, bus, or shuttle and spend the day admiring the perfect underwater wonderland, which is surrounded by beautiful coral and millions of aquatic life. Hike one of the numerous paths or take a short tram ride to the crater rim for a spectacular view of the bay.

3. Kailua Beach

Kailua, a lively coastal town on Oahu's windward eastern coast, offers sandy beaches, warm tropical waters, and a seemingly infinite variety of activities.

Kailua Beach, located less than 30 minutes from Honolulu on Oahu's windward coast, has a reputation for being one of the nicest beaches in America. Kailua Beach Park provides tourists with a half-mile of fine white sand, warm tropical seas, and enough wind to keep things cool.

In the quiet, clear seas, you may go diving or snorkeling or try your hand at kayaking, surfing, wind-surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing.

4. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world. "Lani Kai" means "Heavenly Ocean" in Hawaiian. It's an apt name for such a lovely location.

Lanikai Beach is a sandy palm-fringed beach lapped by the turquoise tropical waves of the Pacific. This hidden pearl is located on Oahu's windward shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. If you get up extra early, you'll see a beautiful sunrise.

5. Road to Hāna

The Road to Hana is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It is a magnificent 52-mile length of Maui highway that travels from Pia through lush woods and along the ocean to the secluded village of Hana.

The Lana Highway will take you past woods, waterfalls, and magnificent seaside lookouts, with 620 breathtaking twists and 59 bridges along the route. There are various areas to pause, take in the scenery, or perhaps a picnic. Cascade waterfalls, a grove of multicolored eucalyptus trees, and new food kiosks are exciting sights along the road.

You'll want to make a stop at the Hana Lava Tube, one of the world's most extended subterranean lava tubes. Visitors journey into the earth's dark kingdoms, taking a respite from the hot temperatures above the surface and getting a close-up look at how lava flows down to the ocean.

6. Haleakalā National Park

Haleakala National Park, located on Maui, provides access to the extinct Haleakala Volcano, which peaks at over 10,000 feet.

It has the most stunning sunrises and sunsets, so visitors flock to the Haleakala Visitor Center early in the morning to take in these breathtaking vistas. Reservations are required to visit the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Witnessing the sunrise or sunset from the crater rim 10,000 feet above sea level is a must-do on any trip to Maui.

Head to the peak of Haleakala on the lovely island of Maui for one of the most incredible sunrises in the world at an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,050 m).

Visitors may explore the park's various hiking paths on their own or join guided ranger-led excursions, and the more daring can spend the night in the park, surrounded by one of Hawaii's most spectacular landscapes.

7. Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is located on the southwest side of Maui, off the shore of Makena Beach. It is Hawaii's only Island Marine Sanctuary and looks like a tiny volcanic cone located a few miles off the coast of Maui.

Thousands of tropical fish and marine critters may be found here, as well as a thriving coral reef. Molokini Crater is a perfect site to explore snorkeling in Maui.

Several organizations provide snorkeling trips to the area; normally, a catamaran cruise includes a stop at Turtle Town, where you may see green sea turtles resting in the coral reef.

If you don't want to get in the water, you may take a glass-bottom boat trip to witness the undersea world's splendor.

8. Makena Beach

Makena has some of Maui's most well-known beaches. Makena Beach, also known as Oneloa (Big Beach), is one of Maui's longest beaches (more than 3,000 feet of pure white sand).

Big Beach, which is divided into two different parts, "Big Beach" and "Little Beach," is approximately two-thirds of a mile long and has cerulean-hued seas excellent for body surfing and bodyboarding. The north end of Big Beach is bounded by Pu'u Ola'i, a massive dome-shaped cinder cone. Little Beach is located on the other side of this Pu'u Ola'i. Little Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world.

If you look for the best place to see a sunset, there are few better than Makena Beach's velvety soft golden beaches. The sunsets at the crystal-clear seas here are often regarded as some of the most beautiful on the planet.

9. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

In the park are two active volcanoes: Klauea and Mauna Loa. Every year, millions of visitors visit National Park to amaze up-close glimpse of a dynamic volcanic system where lava pours from cracks in the soil.

The Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail, and the boiling Halema'uma'u crater are just a few of the attractions in the park. Tourists may experience the excitement of feeling seismic activity, hearing the boom of gas releases or even witnessing an ash pillar escape into the air at the area's most active moments. If you travel at night during an active eruption, you could see a blazing "lava lake" – carry a flashlight to navigate safely.

At this spectacular national park, you may also go through the massive Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old tube carved into the soil by boiling, flowing lava. Don't forget to take the best photos ever!

10. Hilo

Hilo is located only 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hikers may enjoy waterfalls and the Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park.

You may visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center if you can pull yourself away from the beach. Hikers may enjoy waterfalls and the Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park.

One of Hawaii's greatest outdoor markets, attracts approximately 200 merchants each week who sell fish, fruit, apparel, crafts, and other items each week. A very colorful array of locally grown exotic fruits and vegetables, macadamia nuts, island jams and jellies, tasty baked items, and enormous buckets of orchids and anthuriums are available. Arrive early for the finest selection, and don't be afraid to haggle.

11. Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea (means "white mountain") is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The top is snow-covered all year and available for skiing from December to May.

Because the volcano's top is the highest point in Hawaii, it has become a global hub for astronomy research. It is home to the world's biggest observatory, with 13 telescopes operated by astronomers from eleven different nations.

Evening stargazing sessions at the visitor center, which stands at around 9,200 feet, are popular with visitors and residents. Tours are also available to the visitor center or the top for astronomy and planet watching - Manua Kea's secluded position provides a particularly glittering sky on clear evenings.

12. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Beach is Hawaii's most well-known black sand beach. The black sand was formed as a consequence of lava hitting the ocean and rapidly cooling.

All sea turtles prefer breeding in warmer black sands, so you will undoubtedly see turtles throughout your stay.

There are beautiful rows of coconut palms on the Punaluu beach. Because the black sand may get quite hot in the sun, the shade beneath the palms is an excellent area to hang out.

From 8:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m., lifeguards are on duty at the beach every day. Parking, a picnic area, bathroom facilities, and an outdoor shower are available at the beach.

13. Kehena Black Sand Beach

If you want to swim with dolphins but can't afford the price, you might want to explore Kehena Black Sand Beach. You may stand on the cliffs above and wait for the wild pod of dolphins that swims past the rocks.

Kehena Beach, located in the Puna section of the Big Island, is one of Hawaii's few unofficial "clothing optional" beaches. It is a long narrow black-sand beach known to locals as Dolphin Beach due to the regular occurrences of spinner dolphins in the vicinity.

Swimming is only feasible when the water is calm since the beach is exposed to the open ocean, and powerful rip currents and undertows can occur during heavy surf times.

14. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is located on the island of Hawaii and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, with half a mile of smooth sand and stunning turquoise seas.

Hapuna Beach, the largest of the island's white-sand beaches, has constantly been placed in worldwide Top Ten lists of the greatest beaches in the world. Hapuna also has regularly superb swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling conditions. During the year, migratory whales may also be seen in the distance.

It's also a simple beach to get to: there's plenty of parking, as well as food sellers, picnic spots, bathrooms, and showers.

15. Akaka Falls State Park

The Akaka Falls State Park on Hawaii's Big Island is home to thick forests, waterfalls, and a deep valley, making it an ideal site for nature enthusiasts to explore when taking a vacation from the island's beautiful beaches.

As you walk through thick tropical foliage along a concrete route that leads to many viewpoint locations, you can see the flowing Kahuna Falls and the spectacular Akaka Falls. As you walk through thick tropical foliage along a concrete route that leads to many viewpoint locations, you can see the flowing Kahuna Falls and the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls. The entire Akaka Falls Loop Trail is less than a mile long and includes many steps.

16. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is the most beautiful valleys in Hawaii, with red soil, lush green woods, meandering streams, tumbling waterfalls, and black volcanic rocks. The canyon, famous as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, runs for 14 miles and reaches depths of 3,600 feet.

Waimea Canyon is so picturesque that you'll find it tough to leave once you've arrived, regardless of your plans for the rest of the day. The top and lower viewpoint sites (Puu ka Pele and Puu hinahina) on Waimea Canyon Drive provide panoramic vistas of craggy crags and deep mountain valleys and are visited by most visitors.

The canyon's environment includes a variety of colored rock strata and some breathtaking waterfalls. There are guided tours offered along the numerous tough hiking paths and rafting trips that explore the river below and other trails for all ability levels in the nearby Kokee State Park.

17. Kauai Open-Ceiling Sea Cave

The Open Ceiling Cave, commonly known as The Queen's Bath, is one of Kauai's most famous caverns and a significant tourist destination.

The open ceiling cave was previously a hollow lava tube with a closed ceiling. The ceiling eventually fell owing to erosion caused by the heavy sea waves, resulting in the masterpiece that we see today. An overhead view reveals the donut-shaped appearance that this cave has retained. The open roof lets in a lot of light, which creates a good color pallet on the pool.

The Open Ceiling Cave, like other sea caves on the Na Pali Coast, can only be reached by boat.

18. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

The Napali Coast State Wilderness Park preserves a beautiful 16-mile length of coastline on Kauai's northern tip, where towering cliffs (up to 4,000 feet above sea level), known as pali in Hawaiian, plummet steeply to meet the Pacific Ocean.

This shore is best explored by boat or helicopter. Otherwise, you'll need to make reservations to trek along the Kalalau Trail, which is 22 miles round trip, but if you're looking for something shorter, you may cut it down to only 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach.

The Na Pali coast is one of the top places to visit on Kauai and is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

19. Wailua Falls

Like other outstanding Kauai film locations, Wailua Falls is most known for its appearance in the television show "Fantasy Island."

Because it is one of Kauai's most easily accessible waterfalls, visiting Wailua Falls is a popular pastime. To reach there, use Maalo Road in Hanamaulu north of Lihue. For about 3 miles, go upward.

If you'll be able to see the sun is at the proper angle, you could see a rainbow spreading through the mist from the foot of the falls.

Wailua Falls is around 85 feet high and descends into a pool over 30 feet deep. They're best observed from the overlook above, but not to even attempt diving down this waterfall!

20. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is widely regarded as the premier site for snorkelers and divers during the summer months because of the crescent-shaped coral reef that lays close offshore. The reef keeps the beach safe for swimming during the summer, and a gentle slope provides plenty of opportunity for wading.

During peak hours, lifeguards are on duty, and there are lots of shaded spaces and picnic tables for taking a rest. There isn't a lot of parking, so arriving earlier is recommended to secure a spot along the road.