33 Most Incredible Places To Visit In Hawaii

I had heard from a lot of my friends that Hawaii is one of the most incredible places to visit and I was sure that one day I will visit Hawaii

So, I booked my flight and zoomed for my Hawaiian vacation finally!

Beautiful, amazing, full of adventure, these adjectives are not enough to define the experience I had about my trip to Hawaii.

What a place it is! It should surely be in your travel bucket list and if it is not then you are missing something really special, my friend.

From the beautiful beaches to the waterfalls, to huge mountains, I just couldn’t get enough.

So without further wait

Here it is

Hawaii Bucket List

1.Haleakala National Park, Maui

Haleakala National Park is located in Maui gives a view to Haleakala volcano.

It looks very beautiful at sunrise and sunset and clouds look surreal. Halemau’u, Sliding Sand are the two well-known trails here. It is a perfect place for hiking, photography, and camping and a perfect place to spend time with kids as the kids will love this experience.

It takes around 90 minutes drive from Maui to summit. A helicopter tour will make your visit here extra special.

Where To Eat-I had Crab Cake Benedict in Kula Bistro, it was delicious

Best Restaurants In Maui

2.Waikiki

It is most popular for Waikiki beach. The other famous beach here is Kahanamoku beach. You will love the oceanfront park, Fort DeRussy Beach Park. It is spectacular.

Royal Hawaiian Beach is the most popular hotspot here.

Just 10 minutes drive from Waikiki is Palolo Valley and the scenic view is surreal. Manoa Falls which is a 150-foot waterfall is not to be missed.

Waikiki Historic Trail and Waikiki Beach Walk are major attractions here.

3. Seven Sacred Pools, Maui

Seven Sacred Pools is one of the most famous attractions in Hawaii. This place has a beautiful waterfall and even though swimming is prohibited here you will see a few people swimming. It is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii.

Where To Eat-We had fried chicken in Stopwatch Sports Bar & Grill and it was delicious.

Read:12 Beautiful Man Made Places In Hawaii

4.Panaewa Rainforest Zoo-Hilo

Located in Hilo, it is not a big zoo but you will see around 80 animal species. Kids will have a great time here. It is one of the unique places to visit in Hawaii.

5.Rainbow Falls, The Big Island

Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, Hawaii. It is 80ft tall and 100 ft wide. You can clearly see the rainbow from the fall. It is also known as Waianuenue Falls.

The falls are accessible through Wailuku River State Park and can be best viewed from the park’s viewing platform. Behind the fall is a deep cave, home to Hina who is the mother of Maui.

6.Pu’uhonau O Honaunau National Historic Park

This National Historic Park is located in Big Island. Visitors like the self-guided tour here. It is also a great place for fishing, snorkeling, and picnicking.

7.Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai

Located in the northwest of Kauai island it has its own charm. It is famous for sea cliffs, narrow valleys, and huge waterfalls.

Hiking, rafting, and sailing are the most popular outdoor activities here. It is also known for fresh fishes and sweet potatoes.

When you are in Kauai you must hike Kalalau trail, Hanalei, and Tunnels beach. Hanakapiai Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls here. Kee Beach is not to be missed. The Wall Of Tears in Mount Waialeale is a must-see.

Read: Best Hawaii Hikes-Top 12

8.Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Located in island of Molokai, this park pays tribute to people who suffered from Hansen’s disease.

9.Lanai

Lanai is also known as Pineapple island. It is just above 8 miles from Maui, I would suggest find it through the map.

It is best for golf and if you want a little privacy Lanai is apt for you. The beaches are crystal clear and there are a lot of fun things you can do like snorkeling, swimming, diving. Hulopoe Bay is the highlight of Lanai.

A few couples came here for their honeymoon. There are good resorts and restaurants and the food is delicious. You can reach here by flight from Honolulu airport or take a ferry. Don’t forget to see Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

Kaunolu is one of the most sacred places in Lanai. This archaeological site which is a US National Historic Land Mark is also part of the National Register Of Historic Places. If you want a quiet place then visit Polihua beach.

Garden Of The Gods and Sweetheart Rock are major tourist attractions here.

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10.Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

The place is popular for Kilauea Lighthouse. The view from there is surreal. You will see a number of migratory birds here like Laysan albatross, red-tailed tropicbirds, great frigate birds who like to make a nest here or like to relax here.

11.Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu

Red Sand Beach is a pocket beach on Kaihalulu Bay. It is also known unofficially as a clothing-optional beach.

It is a perfect place for hiking, snorkeling, and wading.

12.Pacific Tsunami Museum

Located in Hilo the museum helps you know more about tsunami.

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13.Road To Hana, Maui

The road to Hana is also famous as Hana Highway and it is a 104km stretch but what a lovely view it gives. I shot a couple of videos of the exotic place.

Ho’okipa Beach is a great surfing spot located 9 miles from Hana Highway. Twin Falls is also a major attraction.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maui. You will see a number of amazing waterfalls along the route, perfect for photography. Other attractions include beaches and hiking trails. It is a lovely place to drive and one of the interesting places in Hawaii.

Read:

Road To Hana-Top 15 spots

Hawaii Hidden Gems

Related: Best Restaurants In Hawaii

14.Kukaniloko Birth Stones

Located in Oahu it is popular for its cultural sites. It is a part of National Register Of Historic Places.

15.Heart-Shaped Rock, Maui

Heart-shaped Rock is one of the hidden gems of Maui. This site is well worth adding to any bucket list. This spot is ideal for a couple, in fact, I met one who came on their honeymoon.

Wear reliable shoes because it is very slippery out there, be very careful especially if you are with kids. The heart is a foot wide. It is one of the most exotic places in Hawaii.

Read

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16.Akaka Falls State Park

This is a beautiful 442-foot waterfall. It is located in Hilo. The state park is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Don’t miss Kahuna Falls here.

17.Nakalele Blowhole, Maui

The safest route starts with a scenic drive north from Kapalua for 8 miles and parking at 38.5 markers. The blowhole is caused due to deteriorating shoreline below a lava shelf where each wave of water is pushed into a hole.

18.Kehena Black Sand Beach, Big island

Located in Puna district this black sand beach looks spectacular. You can even spot dolphins here.

19.Waipio Valley

Located in Hamakua district, Waipio Valley is one of the famous destinations in the Big Island Of Hawaii.

Muliwai is one of the popular trails here. I loved this trail. It is special for me because I like the black sand beach. Horseback riding and hiking are very popular here. The other attraction is the beautiful drive Hamakua Heritage Corridor from Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout.

Related:33 Best Travel Tips

20.Hanalei Bay

The beautiful Hanalei beach is perfect for sailing, and paddleboarding. The spectacular Hanalei Bay is a pure delight. A 20 minutes drive from Hanalei will take you to the amazing Limahuli Garden And Preserve.

21.Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Hanauma Bay is famous for snorkeling. When we visited, there were a lot of tourists gathered from different parts of the world to enjoy this breathtakingly beautiful bay. I saw a lot of turtles. They are cute, aren’t they? When in Oahu don’t miss the gorgeous Ko’olau Mountains.

If you want more information about Hanauma Bay then visit Hanauma Bay Education Center.

22.Papakolea Beach, The Big Island

Papakolea is a green sand beach located near the south point. It gets its green sand because of olivine, a silicate mineral. I liked spending time here. For people who like surfing, it can get a bit wild with big surf.

23.Molokini

This volcanic crater looks mesmerizing. You would love to do diving and snorkeling here. It is just 2.5 miles from Makena coast.

24.Diamond Head Hike, Oahu

There are plenty of hikes in Hawaii but Diamond Head is one of the most famous places to visit in Hawaii. It offers breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. It is located right off Waikiki beach.

Related: Oahu Bucket List

25.Wailua Falls

Located in Wailua River in Kauai it is a beautiful 173 foot waterfall. It is a 30 minute hiking trail.

26.Mauna Kea

The highest mountain in Hawaii is Mauna Kea. Because of its high elevation, it is very popular amongst hikers but I would suggest only expert hikers should try this. Its peak is more than 13000 feet above sea level. I came here early morning and trust me the sunrise and sunset both look spectacular, don’t miss the experience.

The two major hotspots here are Visitor Information Station and Mauna Kea Observatory.

Did I mention I loved bike riding here?

27.Waimea Canyon State Park

It is a huge canyon around 16 kilometers long. You will love Waimea Canyon drive. The scenic view is surreal. It is a great place for hiking. The other attractions here are Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve and Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. Kokee State Park is just nearby from here so don’t miss it.

28.Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island

I am always drawn towards volcanoes, there are not many volcanoes you can see without getting burned and this is one of them. This is really one of the best places to travel in Hawaii. Kilauea Crater is a great sight. Thurston Lava Tube is a historical landmark here. Other attractions include Devastation Trail and Halema’uma’u crater.

Read: Hawaiian Island most affordable to visit

29.Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

It is a beautiful botanical garden located in Papa’ikou. The garden gives an amazing view of Onomea Bay. There are more than 2100 plant species here.

30.USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Oahu

One of the most sought-after places in Honolulu, Hawaii is USS Arizona Memorial. More than 2 million visitors come to visit this memorial every year.

Every day free tours are available from 8 am to 3 pm. For more information about the memorial visit Pearl Harbor tours.

When you visit Pearl Harbor park the first place you should go to is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Apart from USS Arizona Memorial the park also has Battleship Missouri Museum, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum And Park.

You will see beautiful exhibits like artifacts and photographs pertaining to World War Two in the visitor center. You can also see the Remembrance Circle that is made in the memory of people including military personnel who lost their lives in World War 2.

USS Utah Memorial is another attraction in Ford Island and you will also know about USS Oklahoma Memorial. It is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii.

31.Maui Ocean Center

If you want to know more about the marine life in Hawaii this is the best place. Here you will see exhibits of humping whales and coral reefs also. It is the biggest aquarium in Maui. Turtle Lagoon exhibition is a major draw here.

32.Molokai, Oahu

If you want a quiet island and fewer visitors you should go to Molokai island. It is also known as Friendly Isle. It is a perfect place for photography as it gives a surreal view. I liked the food here.

Kamakou Preserve is a great place to spend time with your loved ones. Halawa Valley is a beautiful scenic destination. Here you will find a beautiful 250-foot Mooula Falls.

Papohaku Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

Kona Coffee Farms is also one of the highlights of Hawaii. You must take a visit to the farm even when you are not a coffee lover. You will love the experience. Few interesting tours here are at Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation and Hula Daddy.

Kannapali Beach, located in Maui is also one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Magic Sands beach is loved by snorkelers. Sandy beach in Oahu is also great for bodysurfing. Don’t forget to visit the largest ranch in Hawaii called Parker Ranch.

Waiema Canyon is one of the most terrific canyons I have ever seen.It is also called Grand Canyon of Pacific.

For history lovers Iolani Palace in Oahu is a treat to watch.

What I like about this island are the tropical landscape and the Hawaiian culture.

33.North Shore, Oahu

It refers to the stretch between Kaena point and Kahuku. It is a favorite spot for surfers because of the large waves. Some of the famous North Shore spots are white sand beaches, Ehukai Beach, Waimea Valley, Waialua, Goat Island, Sunset beach. You can do sky diving here too.

Banzai Pipeline is one of the best places to see the waves. You will see a number of professional surfers there. I had a great time in Chun’s Reef.

The other things to do are swim with manta rays in Big Island, see Botanical World Adventures, helicopter tour, visit Auau Channel to watch whales, take part in the Honolulu marathon, see Polynesian Culture Center, visit Pololu Valley, Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, and Princeville Botanical Gardens.

Pretty Places In Hawaii

Bamboo Forest-Maui

Kalopa Sate Recreation Area

Kawela Bay-Oahu

Umauma Falls

Glass Beach-Kauai

Kaneohe Bay Sandbar-Oahu

Laupahoehoe Point

Valley Of The Temples Memorial Park-Oahu

Honokaa-A beautiful town

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Tour

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There are so many unique places to visit in Hawaii, imagine how many places in the world are still unexplored!

I will continue my journey to explore the unexplored and you let me know if you have any travel tips or unique stories to share, I would be glad to know about it. This Christmas holiday why don’t you try exploring these places. Let me know about your plans.

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