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There are several under-the-radar islands outside Hawaii that count among the most accessible places to visit near Hawaii. These destinations include U.S. territories and commonwealths with direct or connecting flights from Honolulu. You can reach Saipan, Guam, or American Samoa without crossing international borders. Each island has its own governing structure, history, and ecosystems, but all use the U.S. dollar and follow similar entry requirements. Some offer protected heritage sites, while others are known for uncrowded beaches, cultural landmarks, and quiet towns.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Hawaii
Each of these places to visit near Hawaii is outside the state but remains within U.S. territories or commonwealths.
1. Guam
Among the most prominent places to visit near Hawaii, Guam gives you access to a wide mix of historic sites, natural coastlines, and urban centres under the U.S. flag. Once you land in Tamuning, you’ll find roads, infrastructure, and facilities similar to mainland American cities, yet surrounded by the Pacific’s tropical landscape. You can begin by walking through the remains of Spanish forts in Umatac, or join a guided tour across the World War II sites protected inside War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Tumon Bay is where most of Guam’s accommodation, shopping, and beach activities are concentrated.
How To Reach: Direct flights from Honolulu via United Airlines
Major Attractions: Tumon Bay, Two Lovers Point, War in the Pacific National Park
2. American Samoa
Tutuila is the largest island in American Samoa and one of the most culturally preserved places to see near Hawaii. When you arrive in Pago Pago, the capital, you’ll find public offices, markets, and transport systems operating under local Samoan law with American oversight. Most of the coastline remains undeveloped, allowing you to explore volcanic ridges, rainforest-covered peaks, and coastal trails without congestion. The National Park of American Samoa stretches across Tutuila and nearby islands and is one of the few U.S. national parks south of the equator. You can hike Mount Alava for panoramic views of the harbour, or walk along the Pola Island trail, where sea cliffs rise directly from the ocean.
How To Reach: Direct flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago
Major Attractions: National Park of American Samoa, Rainmaker Mountain, Fagatogo Market
3. Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Photo: Han Gyual Oh / Shutterstock
Saipan is among the most historically layered tourist attractions near Hawaii, with a mix of World War II landmarks, limestone hills, and shoreline parks under the jurisdiction of a U.S. commonwealth. You’ll land at Francisco C. Ada Airport, where rental cars and taxis are available for travel across the island. Mount Tapochau rises just beyond Garapan and is marked by a rough uphill road used for reaching its military observation points. From the top, you can see both the western lagoon and the eastern coastline. Nearby, Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff serve as documented historical locations from World War II. The American Memorial Park includes a museum and open lawns for events and walking trails.
How To Reach: Flights from Honolulu to Guam, then transfer to Saipan
Major Attractions: Managaha Island, WWII memorials, Mount Tapochau
4. Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands
Photo: Native Lens / Shutterstock
Tinian is one of the least developed yet historically critical places to visit near Hawaii, especially for those interested in the Pacific theatre of World War II. The most visited site is North Field, where the runways and bomb pits used during the final stages of the war remain visible. Unlike Saipan, Tinian has fewer built-up areas, and most of the island’s routes are unpaved or gravel. You can explore the remains of the Shinto shrine near Taga House or walk along the rocky shoreline near the blowhole, a natural cavity where ocean water shoots upward with force during high tide.
How To Reach: Short local flight from Saipan
Major Attractions: North Field airbase, Taga House, Tinian Blowhole
5. Rota, Northern Mariana Islands
Rota is the southernmost of the Northern Mariana Islands and remains one of the least commercialised places to visit near Hawaii. Most of the island is covered with forested hills, limestone terraces, and open coastline. One of the most striking spots is the Rota Swimming Hole, a naturally formed pool by the sea, used by locals for generations. Taisacan Latte Stone Quarry lies inland and contains incomplete megalithic structures once carved for traditional house foundations. Wedding Cake Mountain is visible from marked lookout points along the eastern coast, where its terraced shape stands out against the hillside. Most driving routes on Rota include stops here, especially for photography and short walks.
How To Reach: Regional flights from Guam
Major Attractions: Rota Swimming Hole, Taisacan Latte Stone Quarry, Wedding Cake Mountain
6. Pago Pago, American Samoa
Pago Pago functions as the commercial centre of the territory and holds most of American Samoa’s public institutions, courts, and administrative offices. The town itself sits inside a deep natural harbour surrounded by steep ridges. From the village of Fagasa, you can start the climb toward Mount Alava using a marked national park trail that passes through tropical forest and historic cable car sites. Government House, a colonial-era structure still used for official events, sits on a hill above the town and can be viewed from the roadside. Fagatogo Market operates on weekday mornings and offers cooked meals, clothing, and packaged exports like dried breadfruit and coffee grown in the highlands.
How To Reach: Direct flights from Honolulu
Major Attractions: Pago Pago Harbour, Mount Alava, Jean P. Haydon Museum
7. Aunu’u Island, American Samoa
Photo: Lloyd Wallin Photography / Shutterstock
Aunu’u Island lies just offshore from the southeast corner of Tutuila and is among the most stunning attractions near Hawaii, despite being only minutes away by boat. Once you reach the small dock near the village of Auasi, the island can be explored entirely on foot. A circular walking path leads through breadfruit groves and pandanus trees toward Red Lake, a freshwater crater pool with bright iron-rich colouring. Along the coastline, you’ll find natural blowholes that spray water several metres high during rising tides. Aunu’u has no hotels or formal shops, but residents often sell drinks, fruit, or meals directly from their homes.
How To Reach: 10-minute boat from Tutuila (Pago Pago area)
Major Attractions: Red Lake, Rainforest trail, coastal blowholes
8. Ofu Island, American Samoa
Ofu is one of the most isolated places to visit near Hawaii that still falls under U.S. jurisdiction, and it offers direct access to protected marine environments with no large-scale tourism. After flying in from Tutuila, you’ll land on a small airstrip next to the shore, with basic transport available to the nearby village. The island is part of the National Park of American Samoa, and the beach at Ofu is recognised for its offshore coral gardens, which can be reached just a few metres from the sand without a boat. The park service occasionally runs outreach programmes, but most exploration here is self-guided.
How To Reach: Flights from Tutuila to Ofu via Ta‘ū
Major Attractions: Ofu Beach, coral gardens, tide pools
9. Taʻū Island, American Samoa
Photo: Danita Delimont / Shutterstock
Taʻū is the largest of the Manuʻa Islands and one of the most culturally important places to visit near Hawaii within American Samoa. It was the final seat of traditional Samoan kingship before integration with the U.S. administration. The island’s inland region is dominated by Mount Lata, the highest point in American Samoa, with hiking trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the southern cliffs and reef zones. The Saua Site, a flat coastal clearing marked by volcanic stones, is linked to early Polynesian religious rituals and is one of the most important heritage spots in the territory.
How To Reach: Flights from Tutuila to Taʻū via Ofu; charter boats also operate
Major Attractions: Mount Lata, Saua Site, National Park trailheads
10. Managaha Island
Photo: LMspencer / Shutterstock
Managaha Island lies just off the western coast of Saipan and is one of the most visited places to visit near Hawaii within the Northern Mariana Islands. The beach areas near the dock are shallow with firm footing, making them suitable for snorkelling close to shore. Near the centre of the island, you’ll find remnants of a wartime bunker and small signage describing the site’s use during Japanese occupation. There are also burial sites tied to the island’s pre-colonial Chamorro heritage. Vendors operate small food and souvenir stalls closer to the landing area, and seating is available on a first-come basis.
How To Reach: 10-minute boat ride from Saipan
Major Attractions: White-sand beaches, WWII bunkers, snorkelling reefs
Explore amazing places to visit near Hawaii, from historic World War-era airstrips in Tinian to pristine, untouched reef zones in Ofu and Alea. Discover diverse landscapes and unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you’re into history, nature, or adventure, these nearby destinations offer something special. Book your unforgettable trip today with TripXL and dive into the best of the Pacific Islands!
Cover Photo: Joel_420 / Shutterstock
