The best places to visit in Hawaii and things to see and do remind us that the 50th state tops the bucket lists of many travelers for a great many reasons. And once visited, Hawaii’s exotic beauty and intriguing landscapes calls visitors back time and time again. These islands are home to ancient and modern history, some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, from ethereal and unworldly volcanoes, as well as waterfalls and activities unlikely to be found elsewhere. But whether you’re learning to say “Aloha” for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler returning to the island, here are the 10 best places in Hawaii to visit that you should plan your trip around when in Paradise.
| Name | Location | Description |
| Waikiki Beach | South Shore of Honolulu, Oahu | Once upon a time, Hawaiian monarchs frolicked on these sandy shores. Today, this famous beach boasts a full lineup of Honolulu’s most famous hotels and resorts, and a plethora of dining options, entertainment and beach activities. Surf, swim, or stroll the beach, but be sure to take in a Mai Tai at the beachside Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian. |
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii National Park | This may not be for the faint of heart, but you can watch lava flow into the Pacific Ocean, as smoke rises, and the hard, twisted paths of cold lava make you feel like you’ve landed in another world here. Drive along the rim, or hike through the park: Seeing the petroglyphs is especially worth the strenuous walk. |
| North Shore of Oahu | Oahu | If you want to surf (or watch truly gifted surfers in action), this is the place to catch a wave. Some of the world’s most prestigious surfing competitions are held here, and after watching (or engaging in) some, stroll around and grab a Hawaiian shaved ice at the shops of Haleiwa Town. |
| USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor | Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu | Built directly over the wreckage of the USS Arizona, this moving memorial commemorates the somber events of Pearl Harbor. The memorial is accessed by boat, and there are two museums in the area. Especially chilling is a watch stopped at exactly at the time when the attack occurred. |
| Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park | Northwest side of Kaua’i | Majestic pali (or sea cliffs) are interspersed with gorgeous valleys, streams, and waterfalls in this incredibly lush park. Although you can’t access its natural beauty by car, you can get there by boat or helicopter. Na Pali is considered the most beautiful park in the state, so you’ll want to do whatever it takes to get there. |
| Polynesian Cultural Center | 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, Hawaii | The 42-acre attraction explores the distinct cultures of Polynesian islands with exhibits and hands-on experiences, including canoe paddling and spear throwing. But the highlight is the luau dinner and show, where you’ll watch the Royal Court procession, the reveal of imu (pork baked in an underground oven), and lively entertainment, which also includes Polynesian dance with blazing fire knives. |
| Polihua Beach | Northwest Shore, Lanai | For a quieter, more secluded beach experience, head to the northwest shore of Lanai. This two-mile stretch of sand boasts views of Diamondhead Mountain on Oahu (on a clear day), green sea turtles, and humpback whales. But come here to sunbathe and beach-walk the currents that are way too strong for swimming. |
| Molokini Crater | 101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI | Hawaii’s only island marine sanctuary is home to more than 200 different species of fish and plenty of other marine life, including plankton-eating whale sharks. Snorkeling and scuba diving are, obviously, what visitors come here to enjoy: The water is extremely clear and free of sediment. |
| Kona Coffee Tours | 81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Kona | If you love your java, then get a cuppa Kona right where it’s grown and roasted. There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, and most of them offer tours or visits. Pick a few that tickle your fancy, or visit in November during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. |
| Surfing Goat Dairy | 3651 Omaopio Road, Maui | Yep, you can get fresh goat cheese on Maui. The dairy sits on 42 acres, most of it pasture, giving the Dairy’s three bucks and over 100 does room to move around. Take a tour, pet or milk a goat, then sample some cheese, some made with fruits and herbs grown right on the farm. |
Cheat Sheet
For more on the best places to visit in Hawaii and things to do, also see:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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