Top 15 Places to Visit in Hawaii

Spread out over 17 acres of land, the recently renovated Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is now operated by the National Park Service. While visiting Pearl Harbor, guests can tour the entire Visitor Center but should be prepared to spend at least a few hours if they want to take their time and see it all. Upon arrival, guests will be guided towards a ticket counter to receive two different tickets. They will get a movie ticket for a film about the events of this historic site, and a boat ticket for a trip out to the USS Arizona Memorial. The film and the boat tour together are roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Headphones for the narrated tour are available at the ticket counter.

Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in the State of Hawaii and was once known as Puʻuloa by the ancient Hawaiians. It directly translates to “water of pearl,” and is a fitting name due to the immense amounts of pearls that were once found in its waters.

Historic sites to visit in Hawaii, like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, help tell the story of the islands’ past.

The main hub in the North Shore is the historic Town of Haleʻiwa, named after the first hotel opened on the North Shore by Benjamin Dillingham in 1898. Haleʻiwa is one of the coolest and most charming towns to visit in all of Hawaii. You’ll find art galleries, local food spots, surf shops, surf museums, gift shops, food trucks, yoga studios, and a community of laid-back residents. Try to visit Haleʻiwa early in the day to beat crowds and snag parking.

When you’re on the North Shore of Oahu, make sure you go to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku and order the garlic shrimp plate. Next, visit the historic M. Matsumoto’s Grocery Store in Haleʻiwa Town for shave ice, then spend some time at Waimea Bay. After that, check out Lani’s Beach (Laniakea Beach) to see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. Please do not touch the turtles!

The North Shore offers some of the best surfing spots and family-friendly beaches in Hawaii with sea turtles.

First of all, Waikiki was the first vacation spot for Hawaiian royalty. Foreign visitors would start to frequent Waikiki in the 1830s. The first hotel was opened in 1901, and a global trend was created! It was then that Waikiki started to become one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

Today, Waikiki is a gorgeous beach town spread across 1.5 square miles. It is lined by hotels and luxurious resorts, and decorated by a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife. Waikiki Beach is a glory in its own right thanks to great Hawaiian entertainers like Hilo Hattie and Andy Cummings.

Celebrities like Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley helped popularize Waikiki. Perhaps one of the most cherished local heroes is
Duke Kahanamoku, who won five Olympic medals for swimming and helped to popularize the sport of surfing.

When you’re in Waikiki, take some surf or standup paddle board lessons at Waikiki Beach and check out the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Next, visit the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. Make sure to take a walk through the international marketplace for gifts and souvenirs, and a chance to taste some local fare. Do not miss out on happy hour and some ono pupus (appetizers) at Duke’s Waikiki on Sundays while you listen to famed Hawaiian musician Henry Kapono. Avoid weekends if you want quieter beaches, as they can get crowded fast.

Waikiki is near Diamond Head Crater, one of Hawaii’s iconic natural landmarks and a popular hiking spot.

Today, visitors and residents have a few choices available to them when exploring the Na Pali Coastline. The most popular way for guests to explore this coastline is by ocean vessel. A variety of sailing companies on Kauai provide snorkel tours to the Na Pali Coastline. Most of them also offer sunset dinner cruises, and longer Kauai ocean tours to Nualolo Kai. Here guests will find a remote beach where they can snorkel, explore, and visit an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishing village.

Another option for experiencing the Na Pali Coastline is by foot through the Kalalau Trail, which is 22 miles long, roundtrip. Here, Kauai visitors can explore a rare ecosystem and see natural waterfalls and streams. They will also find dramatically rugged coastlines and two gorgeous beaches, Hanakapi’ai and Kalalau Beach. The full hiking and camping trip through the Na Pali Coastline is at the very least a 3-day trip. However, just the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail from Ha’ena Point to Hanakapi’ai Beach make for a wonderful day trip (approximately 4 miles long roundtrip).

We suggest that guests hoping to explore the Na Pali Coast carefully make their plans first. We strongly suggest that you do not attempt hiking the Kalalau Trail between mid-September and May, so as to avoid unsafe weather and terrain conditions. For authentic experiences and small-group tours, consider booking with locally operated companies.

Due to the high elevation, the temperature will drop, so bring something warm to wear for the unpredictable weather. Make sure to fill up your gas, bring food and water, and check up on local sunrise and sunset times. Reservations must be made in advance.

If you plan on doing guided activities at the Haleakala Crater, make sure you are up to date on all of the most recent event information.

Here, guests can gather in an outdoor classroom and learn more about Maui’s geography and Haleakala’s unique natural and cultural history. Park naturalists are highly educated on all topics and they will engage with participants by way of science projects, demonstrations, and short guided hikes. If you plan to visit and view the sunrise, you will need to be sure to make a parking reservation.

For hiking and camping adventures to Haleakala National Park, make sure to do your research and plan out your activities ahead of time. Various day-trip hiking options are available, but Haleakala is most famously traveled through multi-day hiking and camping trips. In this way, guests can journey through the Crater while learning about Maui’s unique ecosystems with roughly 30 miles of hiking trails.

Popular Haleakala Maui trails include The Kaupo Gap, Sliding Sands, Halemauu, Hosmer Grove & Supply Trails, and Kipahulu.

Haleakala is one of the best scenic spots in Hawaii for hiking and sightseeing, especially for those who want to witness an active volcano.

If you are driving, please be pono (respectful). Pull over at designated parking areas (look for the signage), and make sure that you do not slow traffic down by abruptly stopping your car for a coconut or to take a photo. It’s not only dangerous but is also absent-minded and rude toward the many East Maui residents who traverse the Road to Hana each day. Mahalo for understanding!

While en route to Hana, guests should definitely stop in Paia Town to gas up and get some coffee and snacks for the drive ahead. We suggest that you plan to reach Paia Town by 7 am. This way you can avoid the traffic that will inevitably clog up the Road to Hana from late morning until the afternoon. Research and choose a few must-visit spots so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the stops. Otherwise, your day will go by so quickly and you will be sad that you missed some sites!

When you’re traveling down the Road to Hana, we suggest you make three stops. Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2) has a light hike to a beautiful waterfall and you can grab a refreshing smoothie or fresh coconut, and Nahiku Marketplace (Mile Marker 29) has yummy treats and gifts. Wai’anapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32) is a great place to stop to see a black sand beach, a gorgeous coastline, and a rare glimpse into Old Hawaii. Reservations are required to visit Wai’anapanapa.

Once you reach Hana Town, check out Hana Bay, the art galleries, and the farmers markets. Just past Hana Town, guests can spend the day at Hamoa Beach, or travel further towards Kipahulu to view the 7 Sacred Pools of Ohe’o.

For those wondering how to rent cars in Hawaii for island exploration, rental cars are widely available in Kahului and Paia Town for the Road to Hana journey. Also, keep a cooler stocked with snacks and water. Cell service is spotty!

When on Lanaʻi, guests will have only a few lodging options from which to choose. There are two Four Seasons Resorts, the Hotel Lanaʻi, private vacation rentals or camping. Whether you are visiting Lanaʻi for only one day or you plan to stay longer, we strongly suggest that you rent a 4×4 vehicle so that you can explore the countless sites that Lanaʻi has to offer.

On Lanaʻi, guests should make sure to explore Keahiakawelo, also known as the Garden of the Gods. It is located 45 minutes from Lanaʻi City at the end of Polihua Road on the northwest side of the island. Here, guests can visit an area full of Hawaiian history with an otherworldly landscape made up of rock towers, spires, and boulders, with gorgeous Pacific Ocean views.

Other noteworthy activities on Lanaʻi include visiting Sweetheart Rock and Puʻu Pehe Beach (the perfect place for a romantic outing with its breathtaking views), and snorkeling and scuba diving at Hulopoe Bay. Guests may also want to try traveling down the Monroe Trail by horseback, and lavish in luxury at the world-class golf resorts.

Today, the Kalaupapa Settlement can be visited with a visitors permit while on a tour through Damien Tours, or Kalaupapa Rare Adventure Tours for those who wish to travel by a sure-footed mule. The 3.5-mile hiking trail is uneven, so it is suggested that guests are well prepared and in good health before venturing to Kalaupapa. Tours stop at all of the places of interest including the Windward side of the peninsula, lunch in Kalawao, and the Kalaupapa Bookstore.

The mission of this historic Hawaii park is to “provide a well-maintained community that ensures that the present patient-residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives peacefully and comfortably.”

There are a variety of ways for guests to explore the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The main interests here are visiting the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and observing billowing steam vents, volcanic lava fields, and fiery infernos. The park is also home to a 500-year-old lava cave, the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and the Kīlauea Caldera. Everything here must be viewed from a safe distance.

When looking to visit the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, plan ahead if you’d like to take a guided tour, a day hike or a longer back-country hike. If you can only visit for a few hours, make sure you try to explore the Kīlauea Summit by journeying the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive. Here, guests can drive around the caldera at the summit, and see desert and jungle landscapes. They will also have a chance to pull over and take short walks to scenic points of interest. Since there are ongoing volcanic eruptions on the Big Island, we highly suggest that guests check for visitor alerts and road closures. Also, make sure to always follow the guidance of the Hawai’i State Park Rangers.

For those wondering where to see active volcanoes in Hawaii, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the top spot.

Besides enjoying the rich coffee pleasures of each destination that you choose, you will have the incredible advantage of sightseeing and exploring while on your way.

If you’re visiting Kona in November, make sure you check out the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in the historic Kailua-Kona Village. Guests can participate in the local Hawai’i culture while celebrating with food and coffee vendors, live music, and entertainment. This is a great way to explore all of the coffee farm delights to be had at one time.

We suggest that you visit Greenwell Farms, the Hilo Coffee Mill, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm during any other time of the year.

These are all wonderful choices for tasting Kona Coffee and learning its history through guided tours. Enjoy trying all that these incredible places have to offer during your visit to Hawaii!

Built in 1882, Iolani Palace was ahead of its time. It had electricity and indoor plumbing before the White House, reflecting a thriving, modern Hawaiian Kingdom under King Kalakaua (aka the Merrie Monarch) and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. Today, visitors can explore its restored rooms on a self-guided or docent-led tour. Notable mentions are the Throne Room and the King’s Library. Upstairs, you can also visit the room where Queen Liliuokalani was held under house arrest after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Outside, the palace grounds are quiet and filled with Hawaiian history. You’ll find shady banyan trees, royal statues, and historic markers that help paint the picture of a proud, independent nation.The gift shop and gallery next door offer even more insight into this chapter of Hawaii’s past. Indeed, there’s a lot to take in here, and we encourage visitors to take the time to learn about Hawaii’s varied history to understand how it has become as it is today.

If you’d like to build your day around Hawaii’s culture and history, plan ahead of time and book tickets to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art. It’s located within walking distance from the Iolani Palace.

Other historic sites to visit in Hawaii include the Bishop Museum and the Polynesian Cultural Center, which offer unique cultural experiences.

The moment you step onto the overlook and catch your first glimpse of the bay, you’ll see why it’s so popular. The ocean views are unreal, and from this vantage point, you can see it all. Calm, shallow waters and thriving coral reefs make it ideal for snorkelers of all experience levels. Underwater-goers will spot schools of tropical fish, vibrant coral formations, and maybe even a green Hawaiian sea turtle or two cruising by. You’ll find plenty of brightly colored reef fish here, including the State of Hawaii fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, a reef triggerfish.

Due to the fact that Hanauma Bay is such a delicate ecosystem, the number of daily visitors is limited. All guests are required to watch a short educational video before entering the bay, which helps preserve the reef and its marine life. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference in protecting this special place.

The bay is open Wednesday through Sunday, and reservations are required for all out-of-state visitors. You can book a time slot online, and we recommend that you arrive early in the morning for calmer water and fewer tourist crowds.

Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, including family-friendly beaches in Hawaii with sea turtles.

For film buffs, Kualoa is world-famous because it was the filming location for movies like Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Kong: Skull Island. If that’s what interests you most, the Movie Sites & Ranch Tour takes you through familiar jungle backdrops and lush valleys where you may imagine seeing a field of Brontosaurus. But here, there’s a lot more to explore than just Hollywood history!

Visitors can book ATV and e-bike tours, horseback riding, ziplining, jungle expeditions, and more cultural experiences that focus on native Hawaiian culture. For those who prefer the mountain view from the ocean, we highly recommend booking an Ocean Voyage.

En route to Waimea State Park, there are several scenic lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive. If you have time, stop at multiple pullouts because the natural lighting and views change dramatically depending on where you are and what time of day you visit. For hiking enthusiasts, there are also several hiking trails ranging from short walks to more challenging treks that lead deeper into the canyon and surrounding forests. Make a plan, never hike alone, and research Waimea Canyon Hiking trails before heading out.

Waimea Canyon State Park is part of the larger Kokee State Park, so it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the area. Plan for a full day, pack snacks and a lunch, bring plenty of drinking water, and don’t forget your camera. Hawaii’s weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations, so a light jacket or hoodie is a good idea, too.

This beach is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just floating on your back in the gentle waves. At the north end, Black Rock is a popular spot for snorkeling. Every evening, you can catch the torch lighting and cliff dive ceremony just before sunset. It’s a tradition that honors the spirit of ancient Hawaiian warriors.

The beachfront walkway runs the length of the resort area, connecting you to shopping and dining at Whalers Village, as well as several oceanfront bars and cafes. Whether you’re staying nearby or just visiting for the day, there’s a lot of fun to have here!