This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, when you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
From cascading waterfalls, pristine white sand seashores, verdant rainforests and craggy volcano peaks, you could be questioning what are probably the most lovely locations to go to in Hawaii.
This island chain shouldn’t be wanting beautiful landscapes and nature spots, so in terms of discovering the most lovely locations in Hawaii, there are some price contenders to compete with.
We spent two weeks exploring Hawaii and liked every island for various causes – all of them have their very own distinctive personalities and causes to make them beautiful.
We had been additionally amazed by their magnificence, so we determined to write down this information itemizing our picks for probably the most lovely elements of Hawaii it’s good to go to.
Oahu
We’ll begin our record in Oahu, the third largest of island in Hawaii. It gives a little bit little bit of the whole lot; leisure, journey, pure wonders, and world-class eating and purchasing.
Listed below are probably the most lovely locations in Oahu to take a look at.
Diamond Head
One of the recognizable landmarks in Hawaii is Diamond Head, the enduring peak atop a dormant volcano overlooking the town of Honolulu.
From the town, it’s onerous to not be amazed by its looming presence, however the views get a lot better from the highest.
The Diamond Head stroll is a well-liked factor to do in Waikiki, and for good cause – be able to share it with a whole bunch of different guests.
In case you’re an early riser, you’ll beat a lot of the crowds when you get to the for park opening time at 6:30am. In any other case, when you get there mid-morning like us, then the crowds might be intense!
Both manner, you’re rewarded with extraordinary views over Waikiki Seaside from the summit, and it’s a comparatively simple climb for youths with plenty of switchbacks.
Think about the next Diamond Head Excursions:
Waikiki Seaside
Waikiki Seaside wants little introduction; it’s some of the well-known and recognizable seashores on the earth with Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline as a backdrop.
The principle part of Waikiki is in entrance of The Royal Hawaiian Lodge (the Flamingo Pink) and does get crowded. It’s right here the place a lot of the outrigger boats function from and additionally, you will discover a few surf colleges.
The waves are mild and rolling and with clear waist-deep water, so when you’ve by no means surfed earlier than, you’ll be standing up very quickly.
Think about these Waikiki Excursions:
Kahanamoku Seaside
On the western finish of Waikiki Seaside, in entrance of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, you’ll find Kahanamoku Seaside.
This can be a curved part of seaside with golden sand, palm bushes, area for sunbathing, a reef for snorkeling, and that lovely turquoise water.
With a pier and break wall for defense, it is a pretty and calm part of seaside for swimming with youthful children.
Kuhio Seaside
Additional east towards Diamond Head is the family-friendly Kuhio Seaside. It’s out of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and there’s a sea wall defending swimmers from the power of the ocean’s waves – one other excellent spot for younger kids to swim.
Kuhio Seaside is sort of fairly with the palm bushes and exquisite uninterrupted close-up views of Diamond Head.
As a metropolis seaside, we had been impressed by how beautiful it’s, and the entire stretch of Waikiki from Kahanamoku to Kuhio is now certainly one of my favourite metropolis seashores on the earth.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Protect is among the finest locations to go snorkeling in Oahu. This lovely cove was as soon as a volcanic crater and is now residence to protected, clear blue waters and vigorous reefs full of colourful fish.
Hanauma Bay is situated 30-minutes east of Waikiki and is accessible by driving, or you may take certainly one of many guided excursions on a shuttle bus.
HOT TIP: Get there early, round breakfast, because it will get CRAZY busy and there are solely 300 parking spots. And when you wait too late the water will get churned up which impacts visibility for snorkeling.
Pearl Harbor
One of the vital and historic locations to go to in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor.
It’s a lovely memorial to those that misplaced their lives throughout WWII. It’s very transferring, and in case you are foreigners like us, it’s an amazing place to study US historical past and tradition. When you have children, it’s a useful academic expertise, too.
You possibly can go to the grounds and museum, earlier than catching a ship over to the united statesArizona Memorial, the ship that sunk and is now the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed.
A number of many years later, oil nonetheless leaks from the gasoline tanks of the sunken hull of the united statesArizona. Little drops of oil bubble up from the floor and dance throughout it. They’re affectionately often known as the black tears of USS Arizona.
Get there early and be ready for lengthy waits, however chances are you’ll miss out on tickets! In any other case you will get tickets beforehand right here:
Lanikai Seaside
Whenever you go to Lanikai Seaside, you’ll see why it’s persistently rated one of the best seaside in Oahu. This strip of sand is far quieter than Waikiki Seaside or Hanauma Bay, and is a well-liked spot for kayaking, swimming, and arise paddle boarding.
Whenever you drive across the North Shore, Lanikai will instantly catch your eye.
Talking of the North Shore, its declare to fame is its huge wave browsing – with swells reaching as much as 30 ft excessive. Large wave season is through the winter months (November – February), however we had been a little bit too late as we visited in March.
Another well-known North Shore seashores that caught our consideration had been Sundown Seaside, Pipeline Seaside, and Waimea Bay.
Video: Watch us discover Oahu right here
The Large Island
The Large Island is the biggest island within the chain, in fact, it’s within the title. This island is all about journey, volcanic wonders, black sand seashores, and wow moments.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is Hawaii’s most well-known waterfall. It plunges 442 ft right into a stream-eroded gorge, and is located throughout the Akaka Falls State Park.
There’s a loop stroll right here you are able to do and see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls, however it was closed for us throughout our go to, I imagine on account of storm injury.
HOT TIP: Don’t go to within the afternoon because the solar is within the worst place behind the falls making it troublesome to see together with your eyes, and horrible for taking photographs – go within the early morning!
Volcanoes Nationwide Park
One in every of our favourite locations in Hawaii is Volcanoes Nationwide Park because it was our first time witnessing an energetic volcano – Kīlauea, and possibly the spotlight of our go to to The Large Island.
Start your exploration of Volcanoes Nationwide Park on the Guests Middle, and take a look at the Jaggar Museum and Overlook to be taught extra about volcanoes, and to see the effervescent lava within the crater of the Kīlauea Volcano!
There’s a lava lake within the crater and when it fills up, it bubbles over (superb at evening).
Be sure to drive the Chain of Craters Highway, an 18-mile spectacular drive that takes you from the customer’s heart to the coast the place you may see lava nonetheless pouring into the ocean.
On this drive, pull off the highway to view craters, see big fields of lava rock, and marvel at their texture and form.
Punalu’u Seaside, Black Sand Seaside
Punalu’u Seaside, or Black Sand Seaside, is among the most original locations in Hawaii. It’s fascinating on account of its black sand, which was shaped when molten lava from two close by energetic volcanoes flowed into the water, cooled, and broke into fragments that washed ashore.
It’s additionally a typical spot for nesting Hawaiian Inexperienced Turtles, and we had been fortunate sufficient to see one chilling on the sand on the water’s edge.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is near the middle of Hilo City. While smaller than Akaka Falls, it’s nonetheless a reasonably sight.
There’s a brief path from the car parking zone that gives views from the waterfall’s summit. And when you time it proper and get fortunate you may even see the explanation for the autumn’s title.
On that very same stroll, you’ll stroll by the beautiful forest (superb bushes).
Kailua-Kona City
I liked Kailua-Kona and the Kona Coast. The city of Kona is basically just one road that runs alongside the water’s edge, however it has a vibrant really feel to it with loads of cafes, bars, and eating places to select from.
Kona is sort of a historic city because it as soon as was the retreat for Hawaiian royalty and you’ll see among the historical past mirrored within the Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church.
It’s additionally an amazing place for stand-up paddle boarding. Rent a SUP from King Kamehameha Lodge, paddle out to the bay right here and also you simply could be joined by dolphins.
Don’t miss sundown drinks at Huggo’s on the Rocks, breakfast at Lava Java, and lunch at Daylight Thoughts Cafe.
Manta Rays at Keauhou
One of the superb issues now we have ever achieved on our travels was swim with the manta rays at Keauhou!
At first we had been apprehensive because it was a night-time swim within the ocean (that’s when they’re most energetic), which meant swimming at the hours of darkness, with manta rays… and my five-year-old little one!
We set out on a standard Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled Hawaiian crusing canoe with the crew from Eka Canoes because the solar dipped under the horizon.
As soon as out within the bay, we slipped into the water, held onto the aspect of a floating surfboard, and lowered our heads underneath the water with snorkeling masks on and torch lights.
What occurred subsequent was unimaginable. Manta ray after manta ray swam round us, underneath us, somersaulting and brushing up in opposition to us – that’s how shut we had been to them!
See it within the vido
Try excursions for snorkeling with manta rays right here:
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay, 17 miles south of Kona, is one other snorkeling sizzling spot.
The bay is an underwater marine sanctuary and well-known for its wonderful snorkeling and kayaking, but in addition because the place the place Captain Cook dinner misplaced his life – being Australian it was one of many extra noteworthy locations to go to in Hawaii.
We took a snorkeling tour with Honest Wind Cruises, which meant we may go zipping down water slides off the aspect of the boat or soar off the highest deck right into a pristine marine bay crammed with colourful fish and coral. It was each enjoyable and awe-inspiring.
Video: Watch us discover the Large Island of Hawaii right here
Maui
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and is the place for love and leisure, unimaginable sunsets and exquisite seashores, and superb sundown views from the dormant volcano, Haleakala.
Not surprisingly, Maui has been voted “Greatest Island within the U.S.” on quite a few events.
Haleakala Nationwide Park
The best level of Maui is the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano in Haleakalā Nationwide Park, which has additionally been affectionately nicknamed Home of the Solar on account of its well-known sunrises.
The views of the panorama from the summit are unreal, particularly because the solar’s smooth pink morning hues solid its glow over it.
Haleakala can also be a sacred place for the native Hawaiians. It’s stated that the demigod Maui as soon as raised the heavens, snared the solar and found fireplace. He as soon as stood on the prime of the volcano and lassoed the solar from the sky.
In case you don’t really feel like climbing, you may drive, however be aware that it’s 10,023 ft above sea stage so drive slowly to keep away from altitude illness.
Keahiakawelo (Backyard of the Gods)
Throughout from Maui is the small island of Lanai, an uninhabited island identified for its rugged and unspoiled nature.
On this island is Keahiakawelo, also referred to as The Fireplace of Kawelo. This rock backyard is known for its lunar-like rock formations and rock towers.
In response to legend, the rocks are had been positioned on account of a contest by clergymen from Lanai and Molokai, who was challenged to maintain a fireplace burning.
The priest from Lanai used each piece of vegetation in Keahiakawelo to maintain his fireplace burning leaving nothing however rock spires and boulders.
It’s finest to go to at sundown to see the nice and cozy glow bouncing off the rocks.
Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park (Molokai)
Molokai is one other small island off the coast of Maui, and one of many lesser identified locations in Hawaii with little greater than 7,300 residents.
It’s identified for Kalaupapa Leper Settlement, a house for greater than 8,500 folks residing with leprosy.
Immediately, it’s now residence to a cultural museum known as Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park preserving the websites of the 2 leper colonies, which operated from 1866 – 1969.
In addition to the historic park, Molokai has unspoiled and windswept seashores, unimaginable sunsets, and rugged farmlands.
Ka’anapali Seaside
As soon as rated America’s finest seaside, Kaanapali Seaside is three miles of white sand and clear water and Hawaiian sunshine.
With the Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Lanai offering the backdrop, the views out of your seaside chair can have you eager for extra too!
You possibly can lease SUP boards and kayaks from the Kaanapali Seaside Lodge, or you may simply stroll to all of the eating places and cafes lining the seaside. Be sure you cease by the open-air Whalers Village – a world-class purchasing advanced.
Black Rock Seaside
On the northern finish of Ka’anapali Seaside is Black Rock Seaside. Black Rock is widespread for 2 causes; sea cliff diving and inexperienced sea turtles.
This was some of the superb experiences we had in Hawaii. One big turtle after big turtle gracefully swam beside me unperturbed by my presence.
And each night a cliff diver lights the torches alongside the cliffs after which dives off in a re-enactment of a feat by Maui’s much-loved King Kahikili.
Maui can also be identified for its spectacular sunsets. We advocate watching it from the Cliff Dive Bar situated within the Sheraton Lodge close to Black Rock Seaside.
Highway to Hana
One of the well-known highway journeys in Hawaii is the 45-mile highway to Hana.
With 617 hairpin curves and 56 one-lane bridges, you’ll want a little bit of stamina for this drive, particularly for the lengthy winding highway residence (you do it in reverse).
The highway begins in Paia and is embedded on the aspect of the excessive jungle cliffs plunging into the ocean revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo jungle and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside meals stands.
While this drive is known and you need to do it as soon as, it fell wanting our expectations given the exhausting size of the windy turns and since now we have achieved so many nice drives around the globe we had been a little bit under-awed.
If a scenic jungle drive is one thing you haven’t achieved earlier than, you’ll in all probability adore it. Put aside a full-day for this drive and begin early!
Nakalele Blowhole
Nakalele Blowhole is a lovely pure phenomenon the place water can spurt as much as 100 ft excessive. We had an impromptu science lesson right here with our youngsters speaking about how blow holes work and watching it in motion.
Throughout our little judging contest the blowhole managed to carry out a stable 9/10. Wonderful execution, type, and peak.
The world is fairly and you’ll stroll across the rocks, however preserve a protected distance from the blowhole.
Video: Watch us discover Maui right here
Pin To Share On Pinterest
What do you assume are among the most lovely locations in Hawaii? Tell us within the feedback.
