Travel Parmeshwar Dass July 23, 2024 0 Comments

10 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii – Top Tourist Attractions

Hawaii is considered to be the world’s largest chain of islands. It is also known as the Big Island as it comprises 132 islands, 7 out of which are inhabited. The tropical climate, beautiful landscape, and massive volcanic mountaintops make it a hotspot for tourists. As Hawaii is surrounded by the mighty Pacific, it provides countless opportunities like surfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling to tourists. Perhaps, the most common and famous of all is sunbathing. If you are planning to travel to Hawaii this year, then these 10 most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii will make your trip much more memorable and enjoyable.

List of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Volcanoes National Park
Haleakala National Park
Waimea Canyon State Park
Hana Road
Mauna Kea
Maui Ocean Center
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Waipio Valley Lookout

1. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki showcases a nice and beautiful stretch of oceanfront. It is considered one of the most famous Hawaii islands beaches among tourists. It is also famous for its dining, entertainment, shopping, and big resorts. Waikiki beach walk or boardwalk allows you to absorb astonishing Waikiki historical trails. At the end of the beach, you get to see a panoramic view of the Diamond Head State Monument, which is also a vital vantage point. Tourists often consider it one of the best beaches in Hawaii.

Location: Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI96815

Nearby Attractions

Kuhio Hawaii Beaches
Saint Augustine by-the-sea
Kalakaua Avenue

Nearby Restaurants

Maguro Spot, Kai Coffee Hawaii, Hy’s Steak House-Hawaii

Things to Do

Friday Fireworks
Torch lighting & Hula show
Go resort hopping

Also Read: Things to Do in Hawaii

2. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay is created within the crater of volcanos. It’s a unique bay that is popular among snorkelers. The Hanauma Bay Education Center allows you to learn about the bay, and how it was restored after the delicate reef ecosystem was damaged. The fascinating thing about this bay is that all the first-time visitors have to watch a 9-minute video on safety rules, preservation, and marine life before entering.

Nearby Attractions

Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay Trail
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Nearby Restaurants

Bay Rock Café, Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream, Moena Café

Things to Do

Snorkelling
Photography
Go to spa

3. Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. The active volcano system gives a close-up look at where lava seeps from its fissures in the earth. As a result of this, the surrounding landscape has become lava rocks. During the seismic activity, the park is closed. It’s a prominent attraction in Hawaii due to the Halema’uma’u crater, Thurston Lava Tube, and Devastation Trail.

Nearby Attractions

Kilauea Visitor Center
Sulphur Banks
Byron Ledge

Nearby Restaurants

The Rim, Volcano House, Uncle George’s Lounge

Things to Do

Visit Center & Museum
Boardwalk at Hawaii’s Volcanoes

4. Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is located on Maui and it stands over 10,000 feet. The view stretches across the island and it looks really beautiful at sunrise. The dormant crater shows a lunar-like landscape covered in the sub-tropical rainforest. This is what makes it one of the best places to visit in Hawaii when it comes to hiking or ranger-led tours. You can spend the whole night in this park.

Nearby Attractions

Hana Highway
Pipiwai Trail
The Pools at Ohe’o

Nearby Restaurants

Kula Bistro, Kula Lodge

Things to Do

Haleakala Crater
Pipiwai Trail
Sliding Sands Trail

5. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is located on the island of Kauai. It is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” The Park extends over 10 miles long and is 3600 feet deep. The dramatic view of Waimea Canyon gives a great lookout. In addition to this, the landscape features several stunning waterfalls and vibrant coloured rock strata.

Nearby Attractions

Kalalau Lookout
Pu’u Hina Hina

Nearby Restaurants

Waimea Canyon lookout, Koke’s Lodge

Things to Do

Downhill Bike Ride
Secret Kauai Tour
Adventure Helicopter Tour

Also Read: BEST Places to Visit in Toronto

6. Hana Road

Hana Road is officially called Hana Highway. It depicts a scenic 52-mile stretch on Maui Island along the coast. A trip to Hana Road is worthwhile as it offers an outstanding opportunity for sightseeing along the way. The route includes scenic overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and black sand beaches in Hawaii. If you wish to see the traditional Hawaiian culture, Hana Road welcomes you with its arms open.

Nearby Attractions

Lower Paia Park
Mantokuji Temple’s mission of Paia
Swap meet at Paia Bay

Nearby Restaurants

Flatbread Company, Mana Foods, Ululant’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Things to Do

Adventure tour
Waterfall swim
Day trip

7. Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is considered the highest mountain on the Big Island. You can reach this tropical paradise in a 4WD vehicle and the best time to visit Mauna Kea is Winter. Mauna Kea Observatory is a research facility that welcomes tourists from all around the globe. Here hikers can climb on the six-mile trail of 13800 feet altitude. Another popular activity is evening stargazing which is held at the visitor center.

Nearby Attractions

Lake Waiau
Hawaiian-Emperor Seamount Chain

Nearby Restaurants

Manta Restaurant, Hau Tree
Things to Do
Visit WM Keck Observatory

Things to Do

Visit WM Keck Observatory
Trekking

8. Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center gives a close-up look at the unique marine life surrounding Hawaii. The aquarium’s centrepiece acts as a massive living Reef and is home to 40 Pacific coral species. Here you can walk through the tunnel and see ocean life including marine animals, stingrays, and sharks. Another popular spot is Turtle Lagoon which lies behind the scenes.

Nearby Attractions

Maalaea
Ocean Science Discovery Center
Maui Art Expo

Nearby Restaurants

Hula Cookies & Ice Cream, Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant, Ma’alaea General Store & Cafe

Things to Do

Private Day tour
Coastline tour

9. Princeville Botanical Gardens

The Princeville Botanical Garden has a variety of medicinal plants, food-bearing plants, and exotic flowers. It’s a family-operated facility that’s open to tourists so that they can see and learn interesting facts about stunning flora. It also offers a balanced taste between processed cacao (gourmet chocolate) and raw cacao. You can even taste the honey coming from the nectars of tropical flowers during the tour.

Nearby Attractions

Anini Beach
Pali Ke Kua Beach
Hanalei Bay

Nearby Restaurants

Lapperts Ice Cream, Piazza

Things to Do

Explore botanical garden

10. Waipio Valley Lookout

Waipio Valley gives the most scenic view on the Big Island. It is surrounded by a fertile valley, lush cliff walls, a black sand beach, and blue water. For this particular reason, it’s considered a topmost Hiking spot in the state. Local guides offer horseback riding for additional experience and perspective.

Nearby Attractions