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Hawaii is one of the stunning tropical heavens in the Pacific Ocean, which has been touted for its phenomenal beaches, lush landscapes, coral reefs, and cultural richness. The diverse places to visit in Hawaii consist of eight major islands in its constitution. From volcanic scenery with waterfalls to vivid marine life and calm beaches, the state offers breathtaking scenic views. It invites visitors to enjoy the many opportunities for adventure as well as the hospitable and accepting nature of Hawaiian culture.
10 Must-Visit Attractions in Hawaii
Here is a guide to the top places to visit in Hawaii and what you can expect when going there.
1. Waikiki Beach
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons
Waikiki Beach is located on O’ahu’s southern shoreline in Honolulu, Hawaii, and boasts a long, white sandy beach that is calm and buzzing with activities. With its skyscrapers and abundance of palm trees, this well-known neighbourhood draws tourists because it offers a variety of activities. Here, you can surf or paddleboard, which are common activities with the laid-back waves. Other activities available include snorkelling, swimming in warm tropical waters, or relaxing on the beach. Central Street, Kalakaua Avenue, incorporates luxury retail shops alongside other restaurants and cafes that offer fast food or ethnic cuisine.
Location: Oahu
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Surfing, sunset views, beach relaxation, visiting Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo
2. Volcanoes National Park
Photo: Volcanoes National Park / Wikimedia Commons
Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island and is one of the spectacular geologic places to visit in Hawaii, featuring two active volcanoes. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s largest shield volcano. Within the Kīlaua volcanic complex, the Thurston Lava Tube is safe to explore and is a 500-year-old excavated lava tunnel. You can also explore the Kahuku Unit, a former ranch now dedicated to understanding volcanic processes and covering an area of 116,000 acres, including active and inactive lava flow fields.
Location: Big Island
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: $15 per person (valid for 7 days)
Top Experience: Volcano viewing, hiking, lava tubes, joining ranger programs
3. Haleakalā National Park
Photo: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons
Haleakalā National Park, Maui, is one of the best places to watch a sunrise over the clouds and a dormant volcano. The park is another treasure with diverse landscapes of wet rainforest and unusual volcanic landscapes. It has two separately managed districts, the Summit and Kīpahulu District. The Summit District consists of a 10,023 ft dormant Haleakalā volcano and is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and especially people who love stargazing. On the eastern side of the island of Maui, Kīpahulu District features intriguing black sand beaches and tropical rainforests full of endemic Hawaiian fauna and flora.
Location: Maui
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 3 days)
Top Experience: Sunrise view, hiking the pipiwal trail to Waimoku Falls, nature photography
4. Na Pali Coast State Park
Photo: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Kauai, Na Pali Coast State Park is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Hawaii, with dramatic cliffs, green hills, and waterfalls. The cliffs rise to a height of 4,000 feet throughout 15 miles of the coastline, making it one of Hawaii’s most stunning sites. The well-known Kalalau Trail is a strenuous 11-mile hike for the views of the verdant valleys and unspoiled beaches. For those wanting something different, people usually choose boat tours that go through sea caves or ride a helicopter to see the landscape from above.
Location: Kauai
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Hiking, helicopter tours, boat rides through hidden caves and waterfalls
5. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons
Pearl Harbor is a historical monument built in memory of those who happened to be at the site when Japan attacked during World War II. One of the most notable landmarks at the site is the USS Arizona Memorial, placed directly above the sunken battleship as a grave reminder on December 7, 1941. Pearl Harbor is an essential visit for history enthusiasts to understand Hawaii’s role in global events. You can get free boat tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial, purchase narrated audio tours, and access the virtual reality centre with other experiences.
Location: Oahu
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Historic tours, USS Arizona Memorial, see the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
6. Hana Highway, Road To Hana
Photo: 293.xx.xxx.xx / Wikimedia Commons
The Road to Hana spans 64 miles along Maui’s northeastern coast, famous for curves, rainforest density, and breathtaking ocean views. Winding through 600 turns and crossing over 50 bridges, this scenic drive will take you through some of the outstanding sites, including the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park and famous Wailua Falls. The drive is a sightseeing experience in itself, with every twist opening some of Maui’s natural wonders, from lush valleys to serene pools at the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch). It is one of the highly recommended places to visit in Hawaii for people who love driving.
Location: Maui
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Scenic drive, waterfall views, Waianapanapa State Park for black sand beaches, Twin Falls and swimming in the pools of Ohe’o
7. Waimea Canyon State Park
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the Waimea Canyon on Kauai is a dramatic gorge with rich red and green hues shifting with the light of day. Its 14-mile canyon drops off to 3,000 feet below at times, accompanied by spectacular viewpoints along the trails, suited to both beginners and those pushing the limits. Photographers can find the panoramic views at various lookouts that showcase Kauai’s diverse landscape. Waimea Canyon State Park is ideal for a day of exploration, with scenic spots perfect for memorable photos.
Location: Kauai
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: $10 per car for parking
Top Experience: Hike Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, visit Koke’e State Park, photography.
8. Lanikai Beach
Photo: claralieu / Wikimedia Commons
Oahu’s Lanikai beach can be found on the island’s windward coast and is often less crowded than some of the other beaches and places to visit in Hawaii, making it serene and laid-back. The park boasts pristine white sandy beaches and an array of biodiversity with live corals and sea turtles. Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, snorkelling, and bodyboarding, as well as riding bikes and trekking the well-known Kalalau Trail, are some of the fun activities enjoyed in the area. Carry enough water, food, and other essentials, as no commercial facilities such as toilets, showers, or any kind of food provision are provided.
Location: Oahu
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Top Experience: Kayaking to Mokulua Islands, snorkelling, beach relaxation
9. Akaka Falls State Park
Photo: Robert Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons
On the northeastern Hilo Coast of the Big Island lies Akaka Falls State Park, which has two majestic waterfalls. The 442-foot Akaka Falls and the shorter 100-foot Kahuna Falls. The hikes, which include a few steps and a medium level of difficulty, lead to locations that offer breathtaking views of the two falls. Another feature of the park is Pōhaku o Kāloa, a big boulder located next to Kolekole Stream. The park is very calm and natural, but visitors should be ready to tackle a very short, easy hike that is difficult at some points.
Location: Big Island
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $5 per person, $10 per vehicle
Top Experience: Waterfall viewing, nature walk, photography
10. Molokini Crater
Photo: Bossfrog / Wikimedia Commons
There’s the known Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic caldera just off the coast of Maui that pulses with a lively coral reef in crystal-clear waters. The protected site is packed with many coloured fish, sea turtles, and, on occasion, dolphins. The crater can only be accessed by boat, thus giving Hawaii some of the best underwater visibility. It remains one of the best snorkelling and diving places to visit in Hawaii. Various tours are offered that target this particular destination, offering equipment and guides to experience the underwater oasis in the very best possible way.
Location: Maui (offshore)
Timings: Varies by tour operator
Entry Fee: None; different charges for tours
Top Experience: Snorkeling, diving, marine life spotting
Hawaii is an archipelago so radiantly beautiful in nature and full of cultural depth that it offers endless experiences for the traveller. These places to visit in Hawaii promise memories that last far beyond a journey, with rich tropical rainforests, historic sites, adventure, leisure, and heritage sites. So plan your visit to the islands of paradise and feel the aloha spirit with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Christopher Michel / Wikimedia Commons
