The first time I visited Hawaii, I thought I knew what to expect. Spoiler alert: I was completely wrong. Each island knocked me off my feet in different ways, from the moment I watched the sunrise paint the sky purple from Haleakala’s summit to my first glimpse of the Na Pali Coast’s razor-sharp cliffs piercing through the clouds.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve returned to explore these islands, and the beautiful places in Hawaii still leave me speechless every single time. Whether it’s watching massive manta rays dance beneath my kayak at night off the Big Island or chasing waterfalls along the Road to Hana, each visit shows me something new. Ready to see the spots that keep drawing me back? Here are my 12 favorite places across the Hawaiian Islands
Picture-Perfect Places to Visit in Hawaii
Looking to explore Hawaii’s most beautiful places? From the stunning beaches of Waikiki to the lush landscapes of Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Honolulu, marvel at the natural beauty of Nā Pali Coast, or explore the cultural richness of Maui. Discover the serene allure of Hanauma Bay, the tranquil waters of Lanikai Beach, or the breathtaking views from Diamond Head. Whether you’re into beaches, volcanoes, or island culture, here are 12 of Hawaii’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Na Pali Coast, Kauai
- 📍 Location: Northwestern shore of Kauai island, accessible via boat, helicopter, or hiking trail
- 🏆 Best For: Adventurous hikers 🥾, photographers 📸, water enthusiasts 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Kalalau Trail, boat tours along the coastline, helicopter tours for aerial views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months (May-September) for calmer waters and optimal hiking conditions ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hanalei Colony Resort – Beachfront accommodations near the trailhead
Na Pali Coast is a playground for adventure seekers with emerald cliffs that will leave you breathless. These ancient formations plunge 4,000 feet into turquoise waters, creating a landscape accessible only by sea, air, or foot. The legendary Kalalau Trail offers the most immersive experience for hikers seeking raw natural beauty. I’ve found boat tours provide excellent alternatives, showcasing hidden sea caves while offering chances to spot dolphins.
Helicopter tours reveal cascading waterfalls hidden from ground level. The entire coastline spans 17 miles of untouched Hawaiian wilderness, creating a perfect escape from resort areas. Sunset casts magical glows on these dramatic cliffs. Weather can change quickly, so check conditions before setting out on any adventure.
2. Haleakala National Park, Maui
- 📍 Location: Eastern Maui, covering the summit and slopes of Haleakala volcano
- 🏆 Best For: Sunrise chasers 🌅, stargazers ✨, hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing sunrise above the clouds, exploring the summit crater, hiking through bamboo forests
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for summit views; sunrise viewing requires advance reservations 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kula Lodge – Charming accommodations on the slopes of Haleakala with panoramic views
Haleakala National Park centers around a massive shield volcano that transforms your understanding of Hawaiian landscapes. The park’s signature experience involves predawn journeys to the 10,023-foot summit, where sunrise breaks above a sea of clouds. The otherworldly summit area resembles Mars with rust-colored cinder cones across an expansive crater. My favorite contrast comes when descending to the Kipahulu section, where lush rainforest replaces volcanic terrain.
The Pipiwai Trail guides visitors through towering bamboo forests to reach the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Pack layers for summit visits, as temperatures often drop below 40°F despite being in tropical Hawaii. The name Haleakala means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, a fitting description for this majestic natural wonder.
3. Waimea Canyon, Kauai
- 📍 Location: Western side of Kauai island, accessible via Waimea Canyon Drive
- 🏆 Best For: Scenic drivers 🚗, hikers 🥾, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Stopping at canyon lookouts, hiking rim trails, visiting nearby Koke’e State Park
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Morning hours before clouds roll in, summer months for clearer views 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Waimea Plantation Cottages – Historic sugar plantation cottages near canyon access
Waimea Canyon isn’t called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” without reason. This 14-mile geological marvel slices through Kauai’s western side with layers of red, brown, and green, revealing ancient volcanic history. Morning light creates a spectacle I return to photograph whenever possible. Multiple lookout points along Waimea Canyon Drive provide unique perspectives with minimal walking required. For more adventure, trails like the moderate Canyon Trail lead to cascading Waipo’o Falls.
The challenging Kukui Trail descends to the canyon floor for a completely different perspective. Combine your visit with nearby Koke’e State Park, where trails offer heart-stopping views of the Na Pali Coast from above. Early arrival helps beat both crowds and afternoon clouds that often obscure views.
4. Hanauma Bay, Oahu
- 📍 Location: Southeastern coast of Oahu, about 10 miles east of Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Snorkelers 🤿, marine life enthusiasts 🐠, beach lovers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling in the protected reef, visiting the educational center, relaxing on the beach
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds, winter for clearer water visibility 🐢
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Luxury accommodations not far from the bay
Hanauma Bay isn’t just another beach destination but a living aquarium that brings you face-to-face with Hawaii’s marine treasures. This sunken volcanic crater cradles a vibrant reef ecosystem home to over 400 species of colorful fish. Crystal-clear waters create perfect conditions for snorkelers of all levels with marine life swimming just feet from shore. Watching a sea turtle gliding past makes for unforgettable memories. Before entering this underwater paradise, visitors learn about reef protection through a brief educational video.
The crescent-shaped beach provides ideal spots for relaxing between snorkeling sessions. The bay limits daily visitors to protect the environment, so arrive early. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for reef recovery, this natural treasure deserves its protective measures.
5. Lanikai Beach, Oahu
- 📍 Location: Eastern shore of Oahu in Kailua, about 30 minutes from Honolulu
- 🏆 Best For: Beach connoisseurs 🏝️, kayakers 🚣, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in calm waters, kayaking to the Mokulua Islands, watching sunrise
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for sunrise views, weekdays to avoid crowds ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Bay Resort – Boutique waterfront accommodations with bay views
Lanikai Beach has the exact beach paradise that travel daydreams are made of. This half-mile stretch features powder-soft white sand and impossibly blue waters that remain calm year-round thanks to an offshore reef. The name appropriately translates to “heavenly sea” and lives up to every syllable. When floating here, I understand why locals fiercely protect this neighborhood gem.
The beach’s signature feature is the view of the Mokulua Islands rising dramatically from the ocean about a mile offshore. Ambitious visitors can rent kayaks from nearby Kailua Beach and paddle out to explore the larger island. Photographers flock here for sunrise when golden light illuminates the Mokes. Limited parking means arriving early is essential.
6. Road to Hana, Maui
- 📍 Location: Eastern coast of Maui, running from Kahului to the town of Hana
- 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, waterfall chasers 💦, adventure seekers 🌈
- 📸 Top Experiences: Stopping at waterfalls, visiting black sand beaches, exploring bamboo forests
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for lighter traffic, drier months for better road conditions 🌴
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hana-Maui Resort – Luxury accommodations allowing for multi-day exploration
Road to Hana transforms driving into an unforgettable adventure along 52 miles of paradise featuring 600 hairpin turns and countless waterfalls. This journey isn’t about rushing to a destination but savoring the experiences along the way. The first waterfall view convinced me this was unlike any road trip in America. Must-see stops include the Garden of Eden Arboretum with its botanical wonders and the perfect roadside cascade at Upper Waikani Falls.
Don’t miss the surreal black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. For those willing to hike, the Pipiwai Trail beyond Hana leads through bamboo forests to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Consider staying overnight in Hana for a more relaxed experience. Download an audio guide for fascinating cultural context.
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7. Akaka Falls State Park, Big Island
- 📍 Location: Northeast coast of Big Island, about 11 miles north of Hilo
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, waterfall chasers 💦, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the 442-foot Akaka Falls, walking the scenic loop trail, exploring lush rainforest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting ☀️, year-round tropical climate
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hilo Bay Hostel – Charming and affordable accommodations with a great location for exploring the Hamakua Coast and nearby falls
Need a jaw-dropping Instagram moment that’ll make your followers think you’ve wandered into Jurassic Park? Akaka Falls offers massive 442-foot cascade thundering into a verdant gorge. This natural spectacle sits wrapped in a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, towering bamboo groves, and prehistoric-looking ferns.
The 0.4-mile paved loop trail makes this natural wonder accessible to almost everyone. You’ll want to linger at the main viewing platform, where the morning mist creates magical rainbows. I’ve never seen such vibrant greens contrasting with the white torrent of water anywhere else in Hawaii. Complete the experience by arriving early before tour buses appear, giving you peaceful moments to absorb this tropical paradise just a short drive from Hilo.
8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
- 📍 Location: Southern region of Big Island, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo
- 🏆 Best For: Geology enthusiasts 🌋, hikers 🥾, adventure seekers 🔥
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing active volcanic landscapes, driving Crater Rim and Chain of Craters roads, exploring lava tubes
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, evenings offer the best viewing for volcanic activity 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Volcano House – Historic hotel perched on the edge of Kilauea caldera offering dramatic volcano views and unique access to the park’s natural wonders
Want to witness the actual creation of Earth happening before your eyes? Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets you stand mere feet from where molten rock transforms into new land. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases two of the world’s most active volcanoes in a landscape that shifts between apocalyptic and enchanting.
Venture through the otherworldly Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old cave formed by ancient flowing lava. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive offers access to steaming vents and vast calderas. Nothing compares to watching the surreal orange glow of lava illuminate the night sky. My favorite memory remains standing silently at the Jaggar Museum overlook as the earth literally created itself below. Plan at least a full day here to experience both the fiery power and surprising biodiversity of this remarkable park.
9. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Big Island
- 📍 Location: Southeast shore of Big Island, between Volcanoes National Park and Na’alehu town
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, wildlife watchers 🐢, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking on famous black sand, spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles, swimming in protected cove areas
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for turtle sightings, calmer waters in summer months 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Adair’s Wilderness Lodge – Cabins and lodge rooms in nearby Sussex with fishing opportunities
Ever walked on a beach made entirely from volcanic glass? Punalu’u Black Sand Beach offers this surreal experience where jet-black shores meet azure waters. This striking landscape formed when hot lava flowed into the ocean and instantly shattered into tiny obsidian fragments.
The beach regularly hosts Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that bask on the warm black sand. The stark contrast between ebony shore, turquoise water, and swaying palms creates unforgettable photo opportunities. Swimming conditions vary, but a protected cove on the southern end offers safer waters. The most memorable part might be the distinctive sound waves make washing over tiny lava pebbles. I could spend hours here watching the turtles while contemplating the volcanic forces that created this otherworldly shore, easily accessible on the drive between Hilo and Kona.
10. Waikiki, Oahu
- 📍 Location: Southern shore of Oahu, adjacent to downtown Honolulu
- 🏆 Best For: Beach enthusiasts 🏄♀️, shoppers 🛍️, luxury travelers 🍹
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing gentle waves, strolling the famous beach, watching sunset from beachfront restaurants
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-December for fewer crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Iconic beachfront luxury in Waikiki with striking pink façade and tropical elegance dating back to 1927
Looking for that perfect blend of tropical paradise and urban convenience? Waikiki offers Hawaii’s most iconic beach experience with two miles of golden sand set against the dramatic silhouette of Diamond Head crater. The gentle waves make it ideal for your first surfing lesson, while the crystal-clear waters welcome swimmers of all abilities.
Beyond the beach, Kalakaua Avenue pulses with energy. World-class shopping sits alongside innovative restaurants and lively bars. History buffs will appreciate this former playground of Hawaiian royalty. Catching a free hula show at sunset with a mai tai in hand feels quintessentially Hawaiian. The neighborhood balances tourist amenities with authentic island spirit remarkably well. You can easily fill days alternating between beach time, shopping excursions, and cultural experiences without ever needing to rent a car.
11. Iolani Palace, Oahu
- 📍 Location: Downtown Honolulu, Oahu, in the Capitol District
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, culture seekers 👑, architecture admirers 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking guided tours, viewing royal artifacts, exploring restored royal quarters
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for smaller tour groups 🏠
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ala Moana Hotel – Upscale accommodations with convenient access to downtown Honolulu and the historic palace district
Did you know America has an actual royal palace? Iolani Palace stands as the only true royal residence on American soil, a magnificent testament to Hawaiian royalty. This impressive structure featured electricity and telephone lines before even the White House did in the 1880s.
The ornate throne room, grand koa wood staircase, and private royal quarters transport visitors back to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s sophisticated monarchy. The palace also tells the poignant story of Queen Liliuokalani, imprisoned here following the overthrow of the Hawaiian government. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into this pivotal period. The royal crown jewels and ceremonial regalia displayed in the basement gallery took my breath away with their craftsmanship. The palace grounds, with ancient trees and royal burial sites, create a peaceful oasis amid bustling downtown Honolulu.
12. Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
- 📍 Location: North Shore of Oahu, in Laie town, about an hour from Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural immersion 🌺, family activities 👨👩👧👦, entertainment seekers 🥁
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting village replicas, watching canoe pageants, attending luaus and evening shows
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for smaller crowds 🗓️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Turtle Bay Resort – Luxurious oceanfront accommodations on Oahu’s North Shore with stunning views, world-class amenities, and access to pristine beaches
Want to experience six Pacific island cultures in one amazing day? The Polynesian Cultural Center has an immersive journey through Polynesia without island-hopping across the Pacific. This 42-acre living museum features villages from Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga staffed by native islanders sharing traditional skills.
Highlights include an impressive canoe pageant on a winding lagoon and hands-on activities like spear throwing and fire starting. The spectacular evening show “Hā: Breath of Life” features over 100 performers in a breathtaking display of Polynesian dance and music. You simply cannot visit Oahu without experiencing this cultural treasure. The fire knife dancers alone justified my entire trip to Hawaii. Plan for a full day to appreciate all offerings, from midday demonstrations through the evening luau and night show.
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