29 Best Places in Hawaii

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Ke'e Beach is located on the island's northwest coast. It serves as the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, which runs down the coast through the Hono'Onapali Natural Reserve and then into the breathtaking Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

This is one of Kauai's premier snorkeling spots during the calmer summer months, and the protected reef is alive with tropical species. Kayaking trips in the lagoon are also available to tourists, providing great views of the surrounding environment.

One of Ke'e Beach's most distinctive features is its population of wild chickens, sometimes known as wild roosters. These vividly colored birds may be found on the beach every day, and while they make for beautiful photos, be cautious that they can also steal your food.

Polihale Beach, located on Kauai's western shore near Na Pali State Park, is the state's most extended, lasting over 17 miles. Unfortunately, only ten of these miles are available to the public, but there is still enough space to explore the dunes. Due to strong currents, this is not a swimming beach, and there are no lifeguards on duty, but visitors may enjoy the tranquillity of the wide-open space while wading and collecting shells.

Because it is only accessible by dirt roads, tourists will find this beach far less crowded than others. It is an excellent location for a long romantic walk on the beach, and the sunsets are spectacular.

Molokai is a Hawaiian island that contains the world's tallest sea cliffs and volcanoes and the historic Hansen's Disease Settlement park. It is perfect for everybody who looks to get away from the major islands' glitter, glamour, and shopping malls and reconnect with nature.

What to do there?

• Visit the Preserve of Kamakou. The Kamakou Preserve is a rainforest habitat for endangered Hawaiian flora and wildlife.
• Enjoy Sandy Beach. This is a lovely swimming beach with some of the purest water on the island. The reef provides excellent snorkeling possibilities.
• Take a mule ride down terrifyingly steep sea cliffs to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Take a tour in a macadamia nut farm and a coffee plantation
• Visit historic Hansen's Disease Settlement 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lana'i is a breathtakingly beautiful, privately owned island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It was previously known as the Pineapple Island because pineapple orchards covered the whole island. This island is ideal for those seeking privacy and unspoiled beaches.

The island has numerous picture-perfect beaches with excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities — the protected waters of Hulopoe Bay are suitable for novices. At the same time, experienced divers may visit the Lanai Cathedrals location to dive gigantic underwater lava tunnels.

Lanai has fantastic dolphin and whale viewing opportunities and is a perfect instagrammable spot!

How to get there?

Lana'i, located inside Maui County, does not have direct service from outside of Hawaii but may be accessed through an inter-island flight from Honolulu or Kahului Airports or by boat from boat Maui's Lahaina Harbor.

On Maui's northern coast, Napili Beach is located in a gorgeous tiny bay sheltered by two rocky outcrops. The water quality is outstanding, and you can easily swim out to the reef and spend hours exploring the underwater paradise, maybe swimming with green turtles.

The entire harbor is sheltered by a coral approximately 30 yards offshore, which offers some of Maui's most excellent snorkeling. It's a beautiful spot to relax and take the best photo ever. In winter, there are big waves, so surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy these activities

The tiny village of Hana is located on Maui's mountainous eastern coast, and getting there will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.

The road to the settlement is the main draw here and is called The Road to Hana. The road is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads globally. It's about the trip more than the destination, starting in Kahului and ending in the tiny village of Hana. The 52-mile drive from Kahului may take anything from two to four hours as you travel one of the world's most gorgeous highways.

When you arrive at Hana, you may relax on the beaches, participate in various water activities, snorkel in Wai'anapanapa State Park, or hike in Haleakala National Park.

Hana's isolation from the rest of the island has allowed it to retain a more traditional Hawaiian culture than neighboring towns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Sign. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial tells you about the December 7, 1941, attack on the American military, precipitating the United States' entrance into World War II.

While visiting is a depressing experience, as you will be standing over a graveyard where 1,177 men sacrificed their lives, it provides a peek into one of the most pivotal events in American history. Visitors board a 150-passenger US Navy boat for a journey out to the monument, erected atop the sunken battleship's remnants.

The Visitor Center is free to attend. It serves as the meeting point for tours, including transportation to the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, where visitors may see WWII aircraft and relics and land an airplane in a flight simulator. Other attractions include the USS Oklahoma, USS Utah, and the Battleship USS Missouri, whose deck tourists can tour.

Iolani Palace is a national historic property and the United States' sole formal state palace of royalty. King Kalakaua built the Palace in 1882. Iolani Palace used to be a royal home until the Hawaiian monarchy was toppled in 1893.

Walking through the passageways, it's easy to envisage royal balls with dancing and music in the throne chamber. There are also unique apartments for the royal family, a gorgeous koa staircase, dramatic family pictures, elegant furnishings, and more. The "Imprisonment Room," where the queen was detained under house arrest for five months, is one of the attractions, as is the quilt she created during that time.

You can discover everything about the history of this sacred site – an ancient place of prayer — on a variety of self-guided or docent-led tours.

Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city, the state capital of Hawaii, and it is home to a sizable portion of the Hawaiian people. Honolulu is a must-see since it serves as the gateway to the rest of the islands.

The city is home to the state government, several historical sites, a thriving arts scene, fantastic shopping and nightlife, and, of course, the world-famous Waikiki Beach, where surfing was developed.

Oh, and Halekulani is a fantastic location to stay in (which is stunning). Diamond Head volcano's crater may also be seen in the distance from the city.

At the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark, you may learn about the horrific Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and shop till you drop at the Ala Moana Center and numerous other world-class retail malls. Finish your day with delicious local cuisine, live music, and dancing downtown and Chinatown.