17 Epic Places in Hawaii You Have to See Because Photos Don’t Do Them Justice

Hawaii may be expensive, but for a paradise on Earth to be a part of America, it’s a dream for many to shell out the big bucks to fly over Waimea Valley or swim with the whale sharks.

The Aloha State was the site of one of my very first family vacations, but I’ve since gone back to backpack it for more than a month. Comprising of eight main islands, you’ll have to pick and choose which beautiful place you want to visit, but there’s always next time.

For anyone seeking a slice of island life, here’s a carefully curated list of the 17 most beautiful places in Hawaii that will make you want to pack your bags and head to the islands immediately. Get ready to explore hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and everything in between!

1. Na Pali Coastline, Kauai

The Na Pali Coastline inspired the scenery in movies like “Jurassic Park.” The coastline stretches 17 miles along the island’s northwest with melodramatic sea cliffs, emerald valleys, and waterfalls that cascade into deep, narrow gorges.

One popular way to experience this beauty is by hiking the very tough trail of Kalalau, a very difficult feat especially when muddy. Adventurous souls can also take a boat tour or a helicopter ride.

2. Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

Waimea Canyon State Park is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” but just with a lot more rainforest and water. This impressive massive canyon extends about 10 miles long and plunges over 3,000 feet deep. The layered reds, browns, and greens of the canyon walls change color with the shifting light.

A favorite spot to catch these views is the Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you can see the canyon in all its glory. The Canyon Trail leads along the pass, complete with a waterfall at the end.

3. Wailua Falls, Kauai

Wailua Falls is a double waterfall that plunges 80 feet into a pool below. The best thing is that the falls are easily accessible and can be viewed from a lookout right off the road. Early risers can catch the falls bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, sometimes creating a beautiful rainbow in the mist.

You can hike down to the base of the falls, but be prepared for a challenging trek. Swimming in the refreshing pool at the bottom is a perfect way to cool off.

4. Diamond Head, Oahu

Diamond Head on Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks. This volcanic tuff cone is a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of Honolulu and the vast Pacific Ocean.

The trail to the summit is just under a mile, but it includes steep stairs and dark tunnels that add to the adventure. Once at the top, you’ll find an old military bunker and a vantage point perfect for snapping photos. The hike is best done early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

5. Koko Head Crater Hike, Oahu

The Koko Head Crater Hike on Oahu is another crater and my favorite hike I have done in Hawaii. This hike involves climbing nearly 1,050 railroad-tie steps, which were originally part of a tramway used during World War II.

The ascent is steep and can be grueling, but at the summit, you can see the whole southeastern coast of Oahu, including Hanauma Bay and the Koolau Mountains. We even took the lesser-used backdoor ridge trail down for more coastline views.

6. Valley of the Temples, Oahu

Valley of the Temples is a cemetery with a Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a nearly 1000-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. At the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, the temple is surrounded by luxuriant gardens, koi ponds, and zen streams.

Visitors can ring the three-ton brass peace bell before entering the temple, which is said to bring happiness and blessings. Inside, a towering golden Buddha statue exudes calm and peace.

7. Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Haleakalā National Park is home to the enormous Haleakalā Crater. The crater stretches 7 miles across and 2,600 feet deep covered in cinder cones, lava rock, and stark desert terrain.

One of the most popular activities here is catching the sunrise from the summit, which sits over 10,000 feet above sea level. Afterward, explore the Sliding Sands Trail, which takes you down into the crater.

8. Road to Hana, Maui

The Road to Hana on Maui is a winding 64-mile road that takes you from Kahului to the quaint town of Hana, with countless stops along the way. You’ll pass by overgrown rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and ocean vistas.

Some must-see spots include the Twin Falls, Wailua Valley State Wayside, and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park. The journey can take a whole day, especially if you stop frequently to take in the sights.

9. Molokini Crater, Maui

Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui is a snorkeler’s paradise with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. This crescent-shaped islet is actually the submerged rim of an ancient volcanic crater.

The visibility under the water can exceed 150 feet making it easy to see everything from parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even some harmless reef sharks. Boat tours from Maui usually include all the gear you need, plus a knowledgeable guide to point out interesting sea creatures.

10. Iao Valley State Park, Maui

Iao Valley State Park is famous for its leafy landscapes and the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall rock pinnacle. This natural landmark is surrounded by a valley filled with tropical plants and rushing streams. The park is relatively easy to explore, with paved paths and informative signs.

It was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, where King Kamehameha fought to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

11. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. You can walk through lava tubes, witness steaming vents, and, if you’re lucky, see actual lava flows. Drive down the Chain of Craters Road to where the ocean where lava meets the sea. Hiking trails like the Kīlauea Iki Trail take you across a hardened lava lake.

12. Mauna Kea Observatories, Big Island

Although the observatory itself is nothing to gawk at, Mauna Kea Observatories has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. At an elevation of 13,796 feet, the summit is completely dark and free from light pollution.

The observatories themselves are cutting-edge facilities used by astronomers globally to study the universe. Visitors can participate in stargazing tours or nightly stargazing programs.

Remember to dress warmly; temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes.

13. Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Big Island

Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a rare geological gem and one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The distinctive green hue comes from olivine crystals eroded from a nearby volcanic cinder cone.

Reaching the beach requires a bit of effort, involving either a rugged 2.5-mile hike or a bumpy ride in a 4WD vehicle. The payoff is a secluded, stunning beach with unique green sands contrasted by deep blue waters. The remote location also means it’s never crowded.

14. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island

I surprisingly loved Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on my trip to the Big Island. Aside from learning about Hawaiian culture, I think it was built on absolutely gorgeous land. The park features restored temples, fishponds, and carved wooden statues known as kii.

This sacred site once served as a place of refuge for those who broke kapu, the ancient Hawaiian laws. If offenders could reach the pu’uhonua, they would be absolved of their crimes.

At some stations, some locals have set up demonstrations or cultural workshops. I saw a man open a raw coconut in 30 seconds without a machete. That’s some skills.

15. Waipio Valley, Big Island

Waipio Valley on the Big Island is often referred to as the “Valley of the Kings,” and it is epic. This steep valley is dotted with waterfalls, taro fields, and dense tropical vegetation that dive straight into the ocean.

The steep road down into the valley requires a 4WD vehicle or a challenging overnight hike. Hiilawe Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, cascades over 1,000 feet into the valley below.

16. Garden of the Gods, Lanai

Garden of the Gods on Lanai is a striking, otherworldly landscape that looks more like Mars than Hawaii. Erosion over thousands of years has sculpted this array of rock formations into unique shapes of shades of red, orange, and purple.

The drive to get there is an adventure in itself, requiring a 4WD vehicle to navigate the rough terrain.

17. Halawa Valley, Molokai

Halawa Valley is a lush valley that has been inhabited for over 1,300 years and is rich with ancient Hawaiian cultural sites. Guided tours by local families take you to heiau (temples) and taro patches. The highlight of any visit is the hike to Moaula Falls, a 250-foot waterfall nestled deep within the valley.

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