Places to Visit in Hawaii

Washington Place in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a historic mansion that served as the residence of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. Now the official governor’s residence, this elegant Greek Revival-style home offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage through guided tours.

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, honors the sacrifices of American service members. Set amidst volcanic hills, it features rows of white marble headstones, solemnly marking the resting places of those who served. The "Punchbowl" is a sacred tribute to their valor and dedication.

Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu, stands as a treasure trove of Hawaii’s rich cultural and natural history. Founded in 1889, it was established by a visionary philanthropist, Charles Reed Bishop, whose passion for education and preservation shaped the museum’s mission. Today, the Bishop Museum remains the largest museum in Hawaii and a prominent center for research and public education.

The King Kamehameha Statue is a prominent landmark located in Honolulu, Hawaii, honoring King Kamehameha I, the founder and first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The statue, made of bronze, stands at an impressive 18 feet tall and weighs over 15,000 pounds.

Waialae Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is a serene escape known for its soft golden sands, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking ocean views. Unlike the bustling Waikiki Beach, Waialae offers a more tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. The calm waters and gentle waves make it ideal for wading and light swimming, though the rocky seabed limits deeper water activities.

Diamond Head State Monument is one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. This volcanic crater, formed over 300,000 years ago, is a popular hiking destination, attracting visitors with its moderate yet rewarding 1.6-mile round-trip trail.

Waimea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a charming town known for its rich history, lush landscapes, and cowboy culture. Surrounded by rolling hills and vast ranchlands, it offers visitors scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a blend of Hawaiian and paniolo (cowboy) traditions. Waimea is the gateway to exploring both the ocean and mountain regions.

McBryde and Allerton Gardens, located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, are renowned botanical gardens showcasing lush tropical flora. Nestled within the Allerton Garden Estate, they offer stunning landscapes, diverse plant collections, and beautiful walking paths. Visitors can explore vibrant flowers, rare plants, and serene garden views, making it a peaceful haven for nature lovers.

Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course in Kauai, Hawaii, is a hidden gem offering breathtaking ocean and mountain views. This affordable nine-hole course is perfect for casual golfers, while the park features scenic walking trails, Japanese gardens, and picnic areas. A peaceful retreat, it’s a must-visit spot for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment on the island.

Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, is the vibrant heart of the city, blending history, commerce, and culture. It features iconic landmarks like Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower, and bustling Chinatown. Skyscrapers house financial hubs, while historic buildings showcase Hawaii’s royal past. With waterfront views, trendy eateries, and cultural attractions, it’s a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity.

Napili Bay, located on the west coast of Maui, Hawaii, is a serene and picturesque beach renowned for its calm waters and stunning natural beauty. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation, this secluded bay offers visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by lush landscapes and clear blue skies. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility in paradise.

Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii boasts active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Witness breathtaking volcanic landscapes, including lava flows, steam vents, and crater trails. Explore unique ecosystems shaped by volcanic activity, rich in biodiversity. Experience the dynamic forces of nature amidst stunning scenic vistas, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Keanae Lookout offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and crashing waves along the iconic Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii. Nestled amidst lush greenery, visitors can marvel at the natural beauty of the volcanic landscape and turquoise waters below, making it a must-see stop on any island adventure.

Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, is a mesmerizing cascade framed by lush greenery. Its name comes from the rainbows that often form in the mist of its plummeting waters. Visitors marvel at the scenic beauty and cultural significance of this natural wonder, making it a must-see attraction on the Big Island.

The Wailua River, located on the eastern side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is a place of enchanting beauty and cultural significance. Stretching approximately 20 miles from the slopes of Mount Waialeale to the Pacific Ocean, the Wailua River is the only navigable river in all of Hawaii, offering visitors a chance to explore its lush landscapes, sacred sites, and rich history.

Pupukea Beach Park, located on Oahu’s North Shore, is a stunning coastal area known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The park includes two major snorkeling spots: Shark’s Cove and Three Tables, both of which are part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District. These areas are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a paradise for underwater explorers.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, captivates with its striking contrast of ebony sands against azure waters. Formed by volcanic activity, this unique beach offers opportunities to witness endangered sea turtles basking in the sun, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Keahua Arboretum, located on Kauai, Hawaii, is a lush botanical haven featuring diverse tropical plants, towering rainbow eucalyptus trees, and scenic hiking trails. Ideal for picnicking and nature walks, it offers a serene escape into the island’s rich natural beauty.

Sunset Beach in Hawaii, located on Oahu’s North Shore, is famous for its golden sands, stunning sunsets, and world-class surfing waves. A paradise for surfers in winter and a peaceful retreat in summer, it offers breathtaking ocean views, snorkeling opportunities, and a relaxing tropical escape for visitors.

Carving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, the Chain of Craters Road is a mesmerizing 19-mile journey across one of Earth’s most dynamic landscapes. Beginning near the summit of Kīlauea volcano, the road descends 3,700 feet to the rugged Pacific coastline, offering dramatic vistas of volcanic terrain shaped by millennia of eruptions. Built in 1928 and repeatedly altered by lava flows—most notably in 1969, 1986, and 2018—the route embodies the island’s restless geology.

The Halona Blowhole, nestled along the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Formed by ancient lava tubes, this geological wonder sends powerful jets of seawater skyward when waves crash against the rocky shoreline. Visitors are captivated by the rhythmic bursts, often accompanied by a thunderous sound, creating an unforgettable experience. The Halona Blowhole is not only a testament to the raw power of nature but also a picturesque backdrop against the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its allure draws travelers seeking the beauty and wonder of Hawaii's coastal landscapes.

The Dole Plantation is a popular tourist destination located in central Oahu, Hawaii. It's situated in the town of Wahiawa, about a 40-minute drive from Honolulu. Originally, the Dole Plantation was a functioning pineapple plantation owned by the Dole Food Company, one of the world's largest producers of fruits and vegetables.

Opaeka`a Falls, situated in Hawaii, is a mesmerizing waterfall cascading gracefully amidst lush greenery. With a height of 151 feet, it captivates visitors with its sheer beauty and tranquil surroundings. Accessible by a short hike, it offers a serene escape into nature's splendor.

Nu'uanu Pali, Hawaii, offers breathtaking vistas of sheer cliffs, lush valleys, and the Pacific Ocean. Historically significant for the Battle of Nu'uanu, it's a popular stop for tourists and locals alike, providing panoramic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Hawaiian history and natural beauty.

The North Shore of Oahu is a slice of paradise that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty, laid-back vibes, and world-class surfing. As one of the most iconic destinations in Hawaii, it offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage that enchants travelers from around the globe.

First and foremost, the North Shore is renowned for its legendary surf breaks, attracting surfers of all skill levels year-round. During the winter months, massive waves roll in, creating a spectacle that draws professional surfers and spectators alike. Iconic spots like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are synonymous with big-wave surfing and provide an adrenaline rush like no other. Even if you're not catching waves yourself, watching the skilled surfers carve through the barrels is an awe-inspiring experience.

Beyond its surfing fame, the North Shore boasts a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Explore the charming town of Haleiwa, known for its quaint shops, art galleries, and delicious eateries serving up fresh seafood and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Indulge in a shave ice treat, a local favorite, to cool off after a day in the sun.

Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of the North Shore's natural wonders, from the verdant Waimea Valley to the rugged coastline of Ka'ena Point. Hike through lush rainforests, swim in crystal-clear tide pools, or embark on a scenic horseback ride along the shoreline. Every corner of the North Shore offers a chance to connect with the island's stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Byodo-In Temple, located on the lush island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a serene replica of the 950-year-old temple in Japan. Set against the backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountains, this Buddhist sanctuary offers tranquility and beauty, inviting visitors to admire its architecture, gardens, and sacred atmosphere.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail in Oahu, Hawaii, is a scenic 2-mile hike offering breathtaking ocean views. The paved trail leads to the historic Makapuʻu Lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas, spot whales in winter, and admire the rugged coastline.

Kekaha Beach Park, located on Kauai’s west coast, is known for its long sandy shoreline, stunning sunsets, and powerful waves. It’s a great spot for beach walks, fishing, and picnicking, though swimming is advised with caution due to strong currents.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a serene, 24-acre Japanese-style garden located in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, overlooking Hilo Bay. Named after Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the gardens were dedicated in her honor in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants who worked on Hawaiʻi’s sugar plantations.

Fern Grotto, Hawaii: Nestled along the Wailua River on Kauai, Fern Grotto is a lush natural wonder adorned with hanging ferns and tropical foliage. Accessible by boat or a short hike, it's a serene spot where visitors can immerse themselves in the island's rich botanical beauty and tranquil ambiance.

Wailua Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Cascading from a height of approximately 80 feet, the falls are part of the Wailua River and are known for their mesmerizing beauty and accessibility. Unlike many waterfalls that require a long hike, Wailua Falls can be admired from a roadside viewpoint, making it a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring Kauai.

Haleʻiwa Beach, located on Oʻahu’s North Shore in Hawaii, is a beautiful and laid-back destination known for its golden sands, gentle waves, and breathtaking ocean views. Unlike the nearby world-famous surf spots, this beach offers calmer waters, making it a great place for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, especially during the summer months. The beach is also popular for picnicking, fishing, and spotting green sea turtles that often rest along the shore.

Honokalani Black Sand Beach, located in Waiʻānapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, is one of Maui’s most stunning natural wonders. This picturesque beach is famous for its striking black sand, formed from volcanic lava that has been broken down over centuries. The deep contrast between the dark sand, turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation makes it a photographer’s dream.

Haleiwa Town, nestled on the lush north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, exudes a laid-back charm and rich cultural heritage. This quaint seaside community is renowned for its world-class surfing, pristine beaches, and vibrant local scene. Visitors are drawn to its historic plantation-era architecture, bustling shops, and eclectic eateries serving up fresh seafood and tropical delights. Haleiwa serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of the north shore, including Waimea Bay and the famous Banzai Pipeline. Whether strolling through its charming streets or catching waves at its legendary surf spots, Haleiwa offers a quintessential Hawaiian experience that captivates the soul.