To be able to enjoy the stunning attractions of the state of Aloha, you need not go on a honeymoon. You need not be in love- the island has several plenty for you to fall in love with. With its stunning landscapes spreading over 10,000 square miles, Hawaii has something for everyone. Tourists will want to feast their eyes on some of the stunning attractions while making their friends back home jealous. Are you eager to enjoy your tropical holiday?
15 Places To Visit In Hawaii: Parties And Entertainment For The Perfect Vacation
Hawaii is not like any other holiday destination you and your family have been too. It is a lot more than just a family getaway and honeymoon retreat, but for parties and entertainment. It is a paradise for all the beach lovers and has never failed to make travelers happy. There are a range of places to visit in Hawaii that ensure people have the best time of their lives. Since there are several attractions, let’s look into some of the places explore.
1. Mauii
Mauii is a place where the fun never stops as people often find themselves wanting to spend a few more hours discovering several attractions. With over several beaches, tourists can either relax, swim, snorkel, scuba and paddle. Big- wave surfing competitions or simply catching waves yourself is something one can do and watch. One can discover the heritage of the island with Lahaina Historic trail, hiking through the lush and stunning Lao Valley State Park or watch the sunset cliff-diving ceremony at Kaanapali beach. The main attraction or point of interest is the Haleakala National Park.
With so much fun at your fingertips, what more can any tourist ask for? It is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii while on vacation.
Location: Middle of the north half of the Pacific Ocean
Time Required: 3-5 days
Main Highlights: Haleakala National Park
2. Hawaii Island
The youngest and biggest island is the Hawaii island, which is said to be twice as big as any island in Hawaii. The island is absolutely stunning to explore while on vacation, which makes it the number 1 tourist attraction in the world. Hawaii Island boasts of its beauty and is impossible to fit everything in one visit. There is so much beauty that people are often awe struck by and have often come back for more.
Known as the island of discovery, Kona and Hilo are the two distinct regions found on the island. Nestled on the western side of the island, Kona is sunnier volcanic landscape, home to coffee farms and stunning view of the Pacific.
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
Time Required: 10 days
Main Highlights: Kona and Hilo
3. Kauai
The adventure capital of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is where the action begins. Some of the activities people can enjoy are snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and sunbathing. One can even go on a boat trip along the sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast where there is a chance to meet dolphins. If one is an adventure enthusiast, one will enjoy kayaking along the stunning Wailua river.
Some of the adventure include tubing along the historical water channels of Lihue, zip lining above the Kauai rainforests and off-road adventures. Some of the other activities people can enjoy is hiking, playing golf or taking an aerial tour of the island with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
Location: Between Hanalei and Haena beaches
Time Required: 3 days
Main Highlights: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and sunbathing
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4. Oahu
The biggest of the main islands, Oahu is home to Honolulu, capital of Hawaii and Waikiki, home to surfing. Visitors and history buffs are happy engaging in various water sports activities and exploring the Lolani Palace, a historical landmark, where one can learn about World War 2.
The culture of Oahu is seen through the bishop museum and the art museum represents the Hawaii state. Known to the world as a gathering place, the island is quite popular and is said to be a one stop tourist destination. The island is worth a visit for its beauty and history. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to exploring the island?
Location: Oahu, Hawaiian O'ahu, island, Honolulu County
Time Required: 5 days
Main Highlights: Bishop Museum and Art Museum
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the many things people should explore is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the many awe-inspiring wonders. Home to two volcanoes, Kilauea is the most active volcano on Earth, that erupted in 2018. The national park is one of the ideal tourist attractions in Hawaii as it offers the chance to see the primal process of creation and destruction.
Encompassing 335,259 acres, one can explore the hiking trails through the volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests. Maunaloa, the other active volcano erupted in 1984. Often called “the world’s only drive in volcano, Kilauea has been creating over 250,000-650,00 cubic yards of lava per day. Over 875 acres of new land was born on the island of Hawaii in 1983.
1980, the national park was titled “World Biosphere Site” by UNESCO and was honored as a world heritage site in 1987.
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, United States
Time Required: 1 day
Main Highlights: Crater Rim Road around Kilauea Caldera · Halema'uma'u Crater Kilauea Iki Trail
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6. Waimea Canyon
A stunning gorge on the island of Kaua’i, Waimea Canyon has a unique geologic history. Kaua’i was given birth to by Waimea river’s erosion, fueled by rainfall, cut into the island’s lava and basalt fields and catastrophic collapse of the volcano.
In Hawaii, the canyon means “reddish waters” as the red rocks running off into the water, turning red as it flows down towards the sea. Enclosed within the Waimea Canyon state park, the canyon is about 14 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,600 ft deep. It is one of the best places to visit in the USA at least once for its history.
It is said that the canyon has been named the “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain. With the process of weathering, mass wasting and erosion, the walls of Waimea Canyon is rusted, broken down and carried out to sea over time.
Location: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, United States
Time Required: 3 hours
Main Highlights: Hiking trails
7. Molokai
Even though, Molokai is empty, tourists have often visited the place to escape the glamour and shopping malls of the bigger islands and explore nature the Robinson Crusoe way. People can miles after miles of empty beaches from a propeller- driven airplane from O’ahu or Maui. The emptiness takes people back into simpler times before tourists came flooding in, high rise hotels, crowded beaches and traffic gridlock.
The place has one hotel and a few restaurants, spread over the 38-mile length island. There are a number of outfitters who go kayaking, fishing, surfing and much more. Tourists can even visit the macadamia nut farm and coffee plantation or go on a mule ride down a steep sea cliff to the Kalaupapa National Historic Park.
Location: Maui County
Time Required: 3 days
Main Highlights: Kayaking, fishing and surfing
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8. Hilo
Hilo was once upon a time a farming and fishing place which has now become a town serving the sugar industry. It is an exciting and convenient base for those wanting to visit the volcanic national park, a couple of minutes away from Hilo. Home to some of the most ancient buildings, tourist can visit places like neo-classical Palace theatre, a few art galleries and the Hilo farmer's market.
Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center are some of the places people can visit apart from the beach. Those who like to hike will be awe- struck by the waterfalls and boiling pots at the Wailuku River state park.
Location: Hawaii
Time Required: 2 –3 days
Main Highlights: Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center and the Imiloa Astronomy Center
9. Lanai
Once the biggest producers of pineapples, people can interact with the descendants of the initial plantation workers while exploring the island for its “aloha” atmosphere. Tourists are welcome to some of the most stunning beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling and diving sites- Hulopoe bay- the sheltered waters.
People can enjoy watching dolphins and whales and when you need to take a break, one can have some fun with driving long the dirt roads. Tourists can go hiking on the trails which will take to some of the most stunning viewpoints. What more can anyone want when it comes to enjoying a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Location: Maui County, Hawaii, U.S.
Time Required: 5 days
Main Highlights: Hiking trails, snorkeling and diving sites
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10. Hana
Hana is a small town nestled along the rugged eastern coastline of Maui, the stunning places to visit in September in the world. It will be one of the biggest highlights of your trip. Reaching Hana will take about 2- 4 hours as one can enjoy the scenic drivers in the world. The beauty of driving is getting to see the rainforests, waterfalls and coastal lookouts like the curves and bridges.
There are all kinds of places where one can enjoy the view and have a picnic. One can laze around on the beach, enjoy all kinds of water sports, snorkel at the Wai’anapanapa State Park, or enjoy hiking at the Haleakala National Park. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to enjoying the simple things in life?
Location: East-central coast of Maui Island, Hawaii, U.S
Time Required: 2 days
Main Highlights: Rainforests, waterfalls and coastal lookouts like the curves and bridges
11. Haleakala National Park
Tourists will have a unique experience at Haleakala National Park. People will be awe struck by the Haleakala volcano which is considered a sacred place by the native Hawaiians. Listen to the crunch of the feet walking along a cinder desert trail and see where lava flows from by gazing out at the Pacific Ocean.
Hike a forest trail alongside the freshwater stream, hone to endemic gobies and all kind of fish and a forest waterfall. One can go on a horseback or vehicle tour to know about the Hawaiian traditions. The national park protects the wildlife and act as a melding point of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture are the two major roles the park plays. The stunning park on the island of Maui will lead people a stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forests. It is the best place to visit in Hawaii for its trails to discover among other things.
Location: Maui, Hawaii, U.S.
Time Required: 3- 4 hours
Main Highlights: Fishes and Forest Waterfall
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12. Diamond Head State Monument
The famous landmark on Oahu and the entire state of Hawaii, Diamond head state monument was once an active volcano which has spewed ashes for over 150,000 years. Being a popular destination for tourists, the Diamond head state monument is known for its extinct crater. It is one of the most photographed and painted spots on Oahu and has been on several wall calendars and postcards.
They say Diamond head is a heaven for sailors, nestled on the eastern end of Waikiki. Back in 1825, British sailors came across sparkling calcite crystals on the beach sand and decided to name the mountain Diamond Hill, which was later changed to Diamond head. It is one of the best places to go in Hawaii.
Location: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Time Required: 45 minutes
Main Highlights: Extinct Crater
13. Napali Coast State Wilderness Park
The scenic stretch of coastline along the northwestern edge of Kauai is protected by the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hikers can explore the Kalalau trail, a strenuous but amazing trail that crosses some parts of a forest, valleys and gorges.
Tourists will enjoy a few miles of the trail which offers some of the most stunning views. Kalalau beach has basic camp sites and people can enjoy wildlife watching, fishing and hunting, which is one of the many things to do in the USA. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to exploring beauty at first sight?
Location: Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States
Time Required: 1 night
Main Highlights: Wildlife watching, fishing and hunting
14. Mauna Kea Summit
The dormant volcano nestled on the island of Hawaii; Mauna Kea is one of the most stunning things to see at first sight. Did you know it's become a center for study of astronomy and home to the biggest observatory. It is no easy task reaching the summit of Mauna Kea, as one would need a heavy- duty four-wheel drive vehicle. Hikers and drivers have to be careful as they may experience motion sickness.
One can attend a star gazing program or a Saturday night astronomy or astrophysics program. Apart from visiting this dormant volcano, one can spend an entire day at the beaches in Hawaii.
Location: Hawaii, USA
Time Required: 8 hours
Main Highlights: An astronomical observatory site
15. Kalalau Trail
To experience what is defined as the ideal coastal hiking trail in the world, Hikers will enjoy the challenge as it tests their fitness levels. It offers a sense of adventure on the Kalalau trail in the Napali Coast state Wilderness Park on Kauai.
Hikers can explore the 22-mile loop trail, which offers some of the stunning views between the towering Pali and stunning Pacific Ocean. When hiking on day one, hikers will explore forests, valleys and gorges on their way to Kalalau beach, shaped like a crescent. One can camp close to the Pacific waters, at the remote corners of Hawaii. What else can anyone ask for when it comes to having some fun?
Location: Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii
Time Required: 3-5 days
Main Highlights: Towering Pali and stunning Pacific Ocean.
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Hawaii is one of the most stunning places to visit in the USA as it has something for everyone. Every corner of the place can be explored for its attractions. It is not like any other place people would have been too on vacation. What you waiting for? Back your bags and book your tickets to Hawaii.
FAQs
One can spend at least 3-5 days in Mauii. Mauii is a place where the fun never stops as people often find themselves wanting to spend a few more hours discovering several attractions. With over several beaches, tourists can either relax, swim, snorkel, scuba and paddle.
The scenic stretch of coastline along the northwestern edge of Kauai is protected by the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hikers can explore the Kalalau trail, a strenuous but amazing trail that crosses some parts of a forest, valleys and gorges.
The main highlights of Lanai are Hiking trails, snorkeling and diving sites. Once the biggest producers of pineapples, people can interact with the descendants of the initial plantation workers while exploring the island for its “aloha” atmosphere.
One can spend 2 days in Hana. Hana is a small town nestled along the rugged eastern coastline of Maui, the stunning places to visit in September in the world. It will be one of the biggest highlights of your trip.
Hilo was once upon a time a farming and fishing place which has now become a town serving the sugar industry. It is an exciting and convenient base for those wanting to visit the volcanic national park, a couple of minutes away from Hilo. Home to some of the most ancient buildings, tourist can visit places like neo-classical Palace theatre, a few art galleries and the Hilo farmer's market.
Even though, Molokai is empty, tourists have often visited the place to escape the glamour and shopping malls of the bigger islands and explore nature the Robinson Crusoe way. The emptiness takes people back into simpler times before tourists came flooding in, high rise hotels, crowded beaches and traffic gridlock.
A stunning gorge on the island of Kaua’i, Waimea Canyon has a unique geologic history. Kaua’i was given birth to by Waimea river’s erosion, fueled by rainfall, cut into the island’s lava and basalt fields and catastrophic collapse of the volcano. In Hawaii, the canyon means “reddish waters” as the red rocks running off into the water, turning red as it flows down towards the sea.
