20 BEST Places to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is a great place for vacations as it has beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical forests. This island paradise has something unique for every traveler. Whether you want to sunbathe on golden beaches, hike in the mountains, or learn about history, Hawaii will win your heart. Each island in Hawaii is beautiful and charming in its way. Oahu is known for its beaches and metropolitan life, while Kauai is known for its beautiful, lush landscapes. The Big Island has volcanoes and stargazing sites, while Maui is great for those who love adventure and the environment. You can also visit Lanai and Molokai for a quiet vacation.

Hawaii also has many cultures and traditions. You can listen to music, eat local food, and watch hula dances. The sunsets are beautiful here, and the weather is always pleasant, so it is a great place to visit.

This guide will tell you about the 20 best places to see in Hawaii. Each place is unique and worth seeing while you’re there. These places show just how beautiful and full of life these islands really are. Hawaii will give you memories that will last a lifetime, no matter who you visit with. Let’s take a look at the top places that make Hawaii so famous.

List Of The 20 Tourist Places To Visit In Hawaii

1. Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii. It is located on the island of Oahu and is famous for its gentle waves and golden beaches. Many people come here to swim, surf, and sunbathe. There are also hotels, shops, and restaurants around the beach, so it is a great place to stay. You can learn to surf here or just sit back and enjoy the sunset. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all enjoy Waikiki Beach. It is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii as it is full of life and natural beauty.

Also Read: Things Not To Do In Hawaii

2. Diamond Head Crater, Oahu

Diamond Head Crater is a famous volcanic crater near Waikiki. It is one of the best places to hike in Hawaii. The trail to the top is short but steep, and the view from the top is stunning. From here, you can see the blue ocean, Waikiki Beach, and the city of Honolulu. This historic site is more than 300,000 years old and is a great place for fun-loving people. After hiking, which takes about an hour, you can enjoy the cool breeze at the top. If you want to see the beauty of Oahu from above, you have to go to Diamond Head.

3. Pearl Harbor, Oahu

Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor holds an important place in history. It is famous for the tragic events that took place on December 7, 1941, when the United States entered World War II. Pearl Harbor is now a museum and memorial where people can learn about history. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship, is the most visited place here. You can also see other ships and museums that depict the story of that day. Pearl Harbor is a place that teaches you a lot and makes you feel something. It is one of the best places in Hawaii to learn about the past and pay tribute to the heroes.

4. Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a spectacular marine park. People know it for its clear waters and colorful marine life. It is one of the best places for snorkeling in Hawaii. In this calm bay, you can swim with turtles, fish, and coral reefs. The water is safe and shallow, so this beach is great for families. Only a few people are allowed into the bay each day to protect its natural beauty. Hanauma Bay is a beautiful place to explore nature and see Hawaii’s underwater world. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear and camera so you can take great photos.

5. Na Pali Coast, Kauai

The Na Pali Coast in Kauai is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. It is known for its high cliffs, beautiful valleys, and secret beaches. You can explore the area by boat, helicopter, or hiking trails. The Kalalau Trail is the most popular hiking trail, and it offers amazing views of the coast. The Na Pali Coast also has sea caves and waterfalls. Photographers and nature lovers will love this place. You will be amazed at its beauty without any changes. If you want to see the true natural wonders of Hawaii, then the Na Pali Coast is a must-see.

6. Waimea Canyon, Kauai

People call Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific Ocean.” The rocks are bright red and green, and the canyon is huge. The views are amazing, especially at dawn and dusk. You can drive to beautiful scenic spots or trek along the trails. The canyon is 3,000 feet deep and 10 miles long. It looks even more beautiful with waterfalls and rivers. Hiking, camping, and taking photos are all outdoor activities in Waimea Canyon. If you want to experience a different side of Hawaii besides its beaches, this canyon on Kauai is a must-see.

7. Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Hanalei Bay is in the northern part of Kauai, which is a quiet and beautiful place. The beach is large and crescent-shaped, and the ocean is calm. The mountains stretching in the distance are lush and green. You can swim, kayak, and paddleboard here. The waves get stronger in the winter, making it a great place for surfing. The neighboring town of Hanalei has small shops, cafes, and art galleries. Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii because it is extremely beautiful. It is a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and watch the sunset in Hawaii.

8. Road to Hana, Maui

One of the most famous drives in Hawaii is the Hana Road. This beautiful highway in Maui has waterfalls, beaches, and dense forests. There are more than 600 curves and 50 bridges on this road, which makes this trip fun. You can stop at places like Twin Falls, black sand beaches, and small villages along the road. You can take pictures all day long during this excursion. The Hana Road is great for those who love to travel and explore the outdoors. One of the best ways to see the beauty of Maui up close and have a great time is to drive on this route.

9. Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Haleakala National Park in Maui is home to a huge dormant volcano. The best part is watching the sunrise or sunset from more than 10,000 feet above sea level. With clouds below and the sky awash in colorful colors, it’s a spectacular sight. The park also has hiking trails, rare flora, and stunning views. You can look around the crater or gaze at the stars at night. Haleakala is a sacred site for Hawaiians and a must-see for anyone visiting Maui. If you want to see nature at its best, this park should be on your itinerary.

10. Lahaina Town, Maui

Lahaina is a beautiful town on the island of Maui that is rich in history and life. It was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a busy whaling port. Lahaina is now filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. You can stroll along Front Street, eat local food, or watch a traditional luau. In the winter, Lahaina is also a great place to go on a whale watching cruise. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. Lahaina is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii as it is full of history, culture, and fun.

11. Molokini Crater, Maui

Molokini Crater is a small volcanic crater near the Maui coast. It is one of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving in Hawaii. The colorful coral reefs and crystal blue waters attract millions of fish and other marine creatures. To visit this unique crescent-shaped island, you can take a boat tour. You can see sea turtles, tropical fish, and even manta rays underwater here. Bird watching is equally fun on Molokini as seabirds build their nests on its rugged rocks. Those who love the ocean and marine experiences must visit Molokini Crater.

12. Big Beach, Maui

Makena Beach, or Big Beach, is one of the largest beaches in Maui. People know it for its pristine sea and stunning golden sand. This beach is great for relaxing, swimming, or just lying in the sun. Bodyboarding is popular here as the waves are strong. Big Beach has a calm atmosphere as it is not as crowded as other beaches. There are many places to have a picnic and spend the whole day by the water. If you want to see the natural beauty of Maui in a calm and picturesque environment, Big Beach is the best place to go.

13. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island, is one of the most fun places to visit. There are two active volcanoes here: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Here you can see lava fields, craters, and steam vents. You can also hike through the rainforests and volcanic landscapes in the park. At night, you can even see lava erupting from the volcano. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows how powerful nature can be. It is one of the most famous attractions in Hawaii because it is both entertaining and educational.

14. Mauna Kea Summit, Big Island

The peak of Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii, rising more than 13,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the best places in the world to watch stars. There are several observatories at the top where astronomers observe the stars. People come here to watch the sunset and the millions of stars in the night sky. On clear evenings, you can even see the Milky Way. The view from the top is amazing, with the clouds stretching far below you. If you like nature and astronomy, you must visit Mauna Kea to see the beautiful sky of Hawaii.

15. Akaka Falls State Park, Big Island

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is in Akaka Falls State Park. Akaka Falls is 442 feet high and is bordered by dense tropical vegetation. A short, easy hike takes you through a rainforest with bamboo, ferns, and wild orchids. During the hike, you may also see smaller waterfalls like Kahuna Falls. The flowing stream and cool mist make this place serene. Families and nature lovers who love to hike will love this park. One of the best things to see on the Big Island is Akaka Falls, a beautiful natural wonder.

16. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Big Island

The black sand of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is made of volcanic lava, which makes it special. This beach is located on the Big Island and is known for its beauty. This beach is a great place to watch animals, as sea turtles often rest here. The water is cool and refreshing, although the waves can be strong. Many people come here just to see the black sand and take pictures. You can have a picnic here or watch the sunset in peace. Punaluʻu Beach is a must-see as it reflects the volcanic beauty of Hawaii.

17. Kona Coffee Farms, Big Island

Coffee lovers will love the Kona Coffee Farms on the Big Island. People from all over the world love Kona coffee because it tastes wonderful and delicious. You can visit nearby farms to see how coffee is grown and roasted. You can walk through the coffee fields and enjoy freshly made coffee at many farms. These farms are located on the slopes of Mauna Loa, which is a great place to grow coffee. Visiting the Kona Coffee Farms is a fun and delicious opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and bring home a nice gift.

18. Lanai Island

Because of its history of growing pineapples, Lanai Island is known as the “Pineapple Island.” Now it is a quiet and wonderful place to visit. The island is less crowded, making it a great place to just drop everything and explore. You can relax on Hulopoe Beach, snorkel, or drive a 4×4 around the island. Lanai also has high-end hotels and golf courses for those who want to stay comfortable and stylish. Nature lovers can go hiking and see beautiful views. If you want to see a quiet and beautiful side of Hawaii, Lanai Island is a great place to visit.

19. Molokai Island

Molokai Island is one of the least developed islands in Hawaii. This is why it is a great place for those who love nature and solitude. People love its high sea cliffs, beautiful beaches, and friendly culture. You can enjoy waterfalls by visiting Kalaupapa National Historical Park or hiking in Halawa Valley. Molokai’s calm pace and untouched beauty make you feel like you are stepping back in time. This place is special because there are no huge resorts here. It is a place where you can relax, meet locals, and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii away from the crowds.

20. Iolani Palace, Oahu

Iolani Palace is a historic site in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The kings and queens of Hawaii used to live here. The palace is considered to be the only royal residence in the United States. People can go on guided tours to see the beautiful rooms, royal ornaments, and learn about the history of Hawaii. The structure is extremely beautiful with its exquisite design and delicate touches. When you walk around Iolani Palace, you feel as if you are in Hawaii’s royal past. Anyone who loves history or wants to learn about the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian Kingdom, a must-visit.

Conclusion

Hawaii is a true paradise that has something for every kind of traveler. Every region on this list shows just how beautiful these islands are, from the golden beaches of Waikiki Beach to the high cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. The volcanoes and black sand beaches on the Big Island are unforgettable. The Road to Hana and the Haleakala sunrise on Maui are also places you should see at least once in your life. With the beautiful valleys of Kauai, the rich history of Oahu, and the quiet beauty of Lanai and Molokai, Hawaii is a great place to go on vacation.

You can do it all here: relax on the beach, climb a crater, swim with colorful fish, or learn about Hawaiian culture. There is no other place like it in the world, as each island has its unique beauty.

These are 20 great places to visit, so try to see as many of them as you can on your vacation. They will give you a glimpse into the true beauty, history, and soul of Hawaii. Hawaii is more than just a place to see; it’s a place to feel and experience. You’ll always remember your time here.