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Best Places to Visit in Hawaii: Top 6 Islands to Explore!

best places to visit in Hawaii islands

What are the best places to visit in Hawaii? If this is the burning question on your mind, then you have come to the right place!

With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rain forests, it’s easy to see why Hawaii is so incredibly popular. Hikers can trek through volcanic landscapes, rainforests, and black sand beaches. Water lovers can dive with sharks, snorkel among lively coral reefs or catch waves on world-famous surf breaks. And if you’re interested in culture or history, there are plenty of museums and landmarks to explore.

Whether you’re thinking of visiting one island to get a taste of Hawaii or considering island hopping for a more comprehensive experience, this blog post will help you decide! I will highlight the best places to visit on the six major Hawaiian islands – Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, Big Island of Hawaii, and Lanai – as well as analyze how each of these islands is best for each type of traveler! Hopefully, that will help you narrow down your search and find the best Hawaii destinations for your vacation!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!


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How many islands are there in Hawaii?

After traveling to Cozumel and Alaska without the cruise ship crowds this summer, I realized it was a golden time to visit Hawaii before the cruise industry bounced back from the pandemic. I started to look for the best places to visit in Hawaii and found out that there were … over 130 Hawaii islands! Choosing one out of two choices has typically been a hassle for me already, let alone more than 130!

Luckily, the pool of choices for a Hawaii vacation is considerably less because not all of these islands are inhabited. In fact, some of these Hawaii islands are so small that they may only appear above the water’s surface during low tide. So, when people talk about traveling to Hawaii, they usually mean going to one of these six main islands: Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii!

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is a remarkable place with beautiful weather, stunning coastlines, and rich cultures. Each island has its own unique charm and offers different experiences that appeal to different types of travelers. Let’s take a closer look at the best places to visit on each Hawaiian Island.

1. Kauai — Greenest Hawaii Destination

  • Other Names: Kaua‘i, The Garden Isle, Hawaii’s greenest island.
  • Best known for: botanical gardens, fewer crowds, undeveloped regions
  • Best places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii: Waimea Canyon (also called The Grand Canyon of The Pacific or The Eighth Wonder of The World by residents), Hanakapiai Beach (Secret Beach) with turquoise water, Mount Waialeale (often referred to as the world’s wettest spot)
  • Kauai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Vacationers looking for a quiet tropical getaway with a slower pace, natural beauty, breathtaking views, as well as outdoor activities and adventures. Kauai is one of Hawaii best destinations and the perfect place for honeymooners and couples.

⛰️Activities Available Only in Kauai, Hawaii: Mountain Tubing & Aeria Tour

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth-largest island and is often called the “Garden Isle”, or Hawaii’s greenest island. Geologically speaking, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaii Islands, filled with lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and golden-sand-beaches.

Its leeward side (the west and south) is hotter and drier because the moisture is blocked as the trade winds pass the mountain. On the other hand, the windward side (the east and north) is cooler and wetter. If your idea of an ideal trip to Hawaii is filled with waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, and inactive volcanoes, you will enjoy Kauai.

What to do in Kauai

Kauai offers plenty of romantic options for couples, including sunset cruises, beach strolls, and aerial tours. Taking a Kauai aerial tour is a great way to experience the island because some of the most scenic spots and areas on Kauai are not accessible by car.

Outdoor-lovers will enjoy popular activities like ziplining, ATV tours, hiking and river kayaking. Travelers with an interest in cultural and culinary activities will enjoy Kauai’s farmers’ markets, foodie tours, luaus, botanical gardens, and historic sites. Families can enjoy a variety of fun activities on Kauai, including snorkel sails, beach park picnics, and mountain tubing.

Kauai is also home to a variety of annual festivals where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy Hawaiian food, live music, and entertainment such as Koloa Plantation Days in July, Mokihana Festival in September, Coconut Festival in October, and Hawaiian Slack Key Festival in November.

Waimea Canyon - one of the best places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii

Best Places to Visit in Kauai, Hawaii

Napali Coast

Napali Coast, located on the north shore of Kauai, boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, verdant cliffs, and cascading waterfalls that plunge into deep, narrow valleys.

Kokee State Park

Kokee State Park is north of Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s West Side. Kokee is covered in forest, wildflowers, and hiking trails that make it an ideal spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds.

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, on Kauai’s West Shore, has been dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” While it’s not as big or as ancient as its Arizona cousin, you won’t find anywhere else like this geological wonder. Waimea Canyon is best viewed from its lookout, which overlooks deep valley gorges.

Wailua River

Kauai is the only Hawaii island with navigable rivers, and the Wailua River is one of the most popular. The 20-mile river, which once ran through seven different Heiau (temples), flows from Mount Waialeale in the center of the island, weaving past gorgeous waterfalls and lush jungle landscapes along the east side of the island.

Wailua Falls

Located at the southern end of the Wailua River, Wailua Falls cascades into two streams. You can find many spots to take a photograph of the waterfall without hiking.

Hanalei Town

West of Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore lies the peaceful town of Hanalei. Graced with timeless beauty, this charming small town is home to historic sites and contemporary art galleries. After a busy day of soaking up Hanalei Town’s history and charm or browsing Hanalei’s art galleries for authentic ‘Auai’ art and carvings, you can watch a brilliant sunset over Hanalei Bay.

2. Oahu — Home to Hawaii’s Must-See Pearl Harbor

  • Other Names: Oʻahu, The Gathering Place
  • Best known for: beautiful crescent beaches, Hawaiian sea turtles, Pearl Harbor, North Shore surfing
  • Best places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii: Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, Kualoa Ranch, and Dole Plantation
  • Oahu is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who visit Hawaii for the first time, who want to get around Hawaii without a car, and who love exploring Hawaii as much as possible for a cheap price.
  • Tourist attractions only available on Oahu: Halona Blowhole, Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch – movie sites for Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Kong Island, etc

Over 70% of Hawaii’s population lives in Oahu, making it the most populated island in Hawaii. Oahu has a big city vibe with several family-friendly places, fine dining, historical sites, luxury resorts, museums, nightlife entertainment, shopping malls, and famous surfing spots. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Hawaii, you will find most of them in Oahu!

Although Oahu doesn’t have any colored sand beach, there are plenty of white sand beaches with great snorkeling and surfing spots such as Hanauma Bay, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Turtle Beach.

💰 The Go Oahu Pass saved us over $400 for 2 people! Check out our itinerary on how we used the pass to visit more attractions and activities in Oahu for less money!

pearl harbor - one of the best places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii

Where to Stay in Oahu

Sheraton Waikiki: this beachfront hotel is right across from the Royal Hawaiian Center. You will be steps away from the beach and the main shopping streets.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is across the street from Waikiki Beach. It is also the pick-up and drop-off point for many Hawaii tour companies.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel: it’s only a 3-minute walk from the beach and the rooftop has incredible views of Diamond Head. It’s also just a few steps from Hawaiian Styles Rental so it’s very convenient if you want to rent a scooter, moped, or scooter coupe.

If you’d prefer more privacy, consider Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore and Kahala Hotel Resort in Waialae-Kahala. Both are luxury resorts with secluded beaches that are popular among celebrities.

What to do in Oahu

Oahu is the cheapest of all Hawaii islands to visit thanks to the abundance of offerings and competitive pricing. If you are like me and want to see and do as much as you can in Oahu without breaking the bank, the Go Oahu Pass offers great discounts. We saved over $400 using Oahu Go Card to visit popular attractions in Oahu. You can check out my Oahu itineraries and suggestions to maximize the value of the pass.

I’d also recommend you to try a Hawaiian luau in Oahu. It is a fun experience that I think any visitors to Hawaii should not miss. The luau dinner package gives you an opportunity to sample Hawaiian traditional food, enjoy spectacular nightlife entertainment, and learn about Polynesian culture.

🍍Check out my reviews and visiting tips for the best luaus in Oahu, Hawaii!

Best Places to Visit in Oahu

Polynesian Cultural Center*

No visit to Oahu North Shore would be complete without the Polynesian Cultural Center. This family-centered cultural theme park with 6 cultural villages offers one of the best luaus in Oahu. The luau ticket consists of three parts: Islands of Polynesia (12:45 pm to 5:00 pm), Luau at Hale Aloha (5:00 pm to 6:30 pm), and the grand evening show “Ha: Breath of Life” (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm). You can book the luau at Polynesian Cultural Center 10 days in advance for a 10% discount.

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is located in Honolulu’s capital district. It is the formal royal palace that was home to Hawaiian Kingdom’s two final monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Go Oahu Pass includes the self-guided tour admission ticket ($27).

go oahu card free iolani palace entrance

Pearl Harbor

For history lovers, Pearl Harbor is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. While admission to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is free, it costs $80 to visit the three museums: Battleship Missouri Memorial (the official site where World War II ended), Pacific Aviation Museum (the hangars that were bombed during the Pearl Harbor Attack), Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin is one of the only 15 surviving U.S combat submarines from World War II). Luckily, admission to these museums is included in the Oahu Go Card.

I highly recommend touring all three museums, but if you only have limited time, the Battleship Missouri and the USS Bowfin submarine are must-see! It will feel as if you walk back in time and see the life of crew members on board!

Note: The USS Arizona Memorial was closed while we were there because the dock was broken. However, it is one of the top destinations to visit in Oahu and I definitely recommend you check for openings during your trip to Oahu!

Leahi/Diamond Head

Leahi is a volcanic cone with a nearly circular shape. It got the name Diamond Head because British sailors in the 1800s used to mistake the calcite crystals in lava rocks for diamonds. It offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and Oahu’s south shore.

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation is a really fun place to visit in Honolulu. They have amazing pineapple ice cream, a train ride through the plantation, and the world’s largest maze. It attracts a lot of tourists so you would want to arrive as early as they open at 9:00 am to avoid long lines.

dole plantation one of the best things to do in oahu

Laniakea Beach/Turtle Beach

Laniakea Beach is better known as the “Turtle Beach”. It is one of the best places in Oahu North Shore to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The best time of the day to go spot sea turtles is around noon. You can book a snorkeling excursion with a Hawaii tour company or rent snorkeling equipment and do it on your own.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is an incredible 4,000-acre nature retreat on the East side of Oahu. Many movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Triple Frontiers, and Kong: Skull Island were filmed there. You have to book a tour in order to visit Kualoa Ranch.

Go Oahu Pass includes several tours at Kualoa Ranch for free such as Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch, Aloha Aina Trolly Tour, and Ocean Voyage Adventure. You can pay an extra $10 to upgrade to the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour or Jungle Jeep Tour!

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Kualoa Ranch Movie Site

3. Molokai — Hawaii Paradise Away From Cities

  • Other Names: Molokaʻi, The Friendly Isle
  • Best known for: rural and quiet vibe, no traffic lights in Kaunakakai, well-preserved Hawaiian cultural settings
  • Best places to visit in Molokai, Hawaii : Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaunakakai (harbor town with no stop lights)
  • Molokai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who love adventure and enjoy getting off the beaten-path.

🐴Unique Activity only on Molokai, Hawaii: Mule riding to Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, the longest continuous barrier reef, and one of the best national parks in the US – Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Keep in mind that there is no public transportation available in Molokai.

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii: Top 6 Islands to Explore!

Best Places to Visit in Molokai, Hawaii

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

The serene Kalaupapa National Historical Park cannot be reached by car. It is only accessible by mules, hike, or plane from the small commuter Kalaupapa Airport (LUP). You have to make a reservation in advance to take a Kalaupapa tour. Visitors can ride or walk on sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific, or visit the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of Hawaii’s most remote settlements.

Kaunakakai

Go back in time with the central town of Kaunakakai, where there are no traffic lights! The charming Hawaiian cowboy town is home to the island’s main harbor, and you can find several locals unload their daily catches.

Kamakou Preserve

The Kamakou Preserve on the slopes of Kamakou (the island’s highest mountain) is a pristine place that houses more than 250 rare Hawaiian plants, 219 of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. As you tread on the three-mile round-trip through the unspoiled rain forest, you may hear the sound of two birds nearing extinction: olomao (Molokai thrush) and kawawahie (Molokai creeper).

4. Lanai — Quiet Vacation Spot Away from Traffic Lights

  • Other Names: Lānaʻi, The Pineapple Island
  • Best known for: seclusion, island with no stop lights
  • Best places to visit in Lanai, Hawaii: Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
  • Lanai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who crave a small uncrowded island with golf courses, plantation architecture, and snorkeling
  • Only on Lanai: Shipwreck Beach

Lanai is the smallest of the six major islands in Hawaii, but don’t let its size fool you — Lanai is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets.

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii: Top 6 Islands to Explore!

Best Places to Visit in Lanai, Hawaii

Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)

Only accessible by four-wheeled vehicle, Shipwreck Beach is a 30-minute drive from Lanai City and provides spectacular views of Molokai and Maui. This windy, eight-mile stretch of white sandy beach has seen numerous ships crash into its shallow, rocky channel. In fact, the hull of a 1940s oil tanker still sits beached on the bay’s coral reef.

Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)

Keahiakawelo, also known as The Garden of the Gods, is a world-class natural rock garden. This sightseeing and hiking area is located about 45 minutes from Lanai City on the northwest side of the island. The area features a mysterious lunar topography with large boulders and rock towers.

Polihua Beach

Lanai is home to the secluded beaches of Polihua Beach, ideal for visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path getaway. Hawaii’s green sea turtles (honu) have been known to frequent this stretch of shoreline, and humpback whales can be spotted from here during the winter months.

Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)

Rising from the sea just between picturesque Hulopoe Bay and Lanai’s main boat harbor, Manele Bay stands the iconic Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock. In addition to being one of Hawaii’s most beautiful places of interest and natural landmarks, Puu Pehe is the setting for a Hawaiian legend. The tale is about two lovers, Pehe and a young warrior. She was so beautiful that he yearned to keep her for himself and hid her in a cave. While he went away one day, there was a terrific storm. When he rushed back, it was too late, his beloved Puu Pehe had drowned. Heartbroken, he retrieved her body and, with the help of the gods, climbed the steep rock island where he buried her in a tomb and then jumped off the rock to his death.

5. Maui — Colored Beach Attractions

  • Other Names: Mau’i, The Valley Isle
  • Best known for: volcanoes, black sandy beaches with coral reefs, and underwater lava tubes
  • Best places to visit in Maui, Hawaii: Molokini, Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, Honokalani Black Sand Beach
  • Maui is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who want to learn how to surf, love being outdoors and would love to see red and black sand beaches.
  • Only in Maui: Molokini, Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

The island of Maui offers a vast and diverse landscape of natural beauty, from large cities to stunning beaches and green forests. The island also offers popular water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins. Hiking is another great way to enjoy your time on Maui as you can explore spectacular waterfalls or walk up a volcano summit.

Where to Stay in Maui

Kaanapali is Hawaii’s first planned resort with two champonship golf courses, Royal Kaanapali and the Kaanapali Kai. Nearby, you will find the open-air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping mall with a variety of excellent shops and restaurants, a famous whaling museum, and free Hawaiian entertainment.

Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early 19th century and also a historic whaling village. You can still catch a glimpse of old Lahaina as you stroll down lively Front Street or explore historic sites like the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital and the Lahaina Prison. Stay at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for one of the best hotels in the world for stargazing.

What to do in Maui

Other than romantic sunset sail, Maui offers a spectacular stargazing experience for couples. Atop the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, which was named the best hotel in the world for stargazing by CNN Travel, couples can enjoy the Romance Tour of the Stars and learn to interpret the night skies while enjoying champagne and chocolates.

Travelers who love adventures will enjoy the Hana rainforest helicopter tour with landing, Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel tour, or sea scooter snorkeling tour.

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii: Top 6 Islands to Explore!

Best Places to Visit in Maui, Hawaii

Molokini

Molokini is a small, crescent-shaped island in the Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Located three miles off the Southwest Coast of Maui, Molokini covers 18 acres of reef-filled blue water, offering snorkeling and diving amongst corals and more than 250 species of tropical fish.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park stretches along the southern and eastern coasts of Maui and is home to Maui’s highest peak. The summit has a graceful slope that can be seen from almost any point on the island.

Wailea Beach

Wailea was named the best beach in America in 1999. A cobbled beach path leads to its hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as bathing facilities, toilets, and several outfitters for equipment rental.

Honokalani Black Sand Beach

Maui’s most famous black sand beach, called Honokalani, is located in Waianapanapa State Park, about two miles south of the city of Hana. Advance reservations are now required for all vehicles and walk-in entry visiting Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Due to its popularity, you should plan ahead and try to reserve 14 days in advance.

Iao Valley State Park

Located in Central Maui is the lush valley floor at Iao Valley State Park, home to one of Maui’s most iconic landmarks – the 1,200-foot tall Iao Needle. This iconic greenstone outcrop overlooks Iao Stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

Featuring red and black lava cinders, Kaihalulu red sand beach in Hana is the perfect place for selfies. You should come early to find parking and take time to carefully pass through the narrow steep trail leading to the beach.

6. Big Island of Hawaii — Chance to View Lava Flow

  • Other Names: Hawai’i, The Big Island
  • Best known for: active volcano, green and black sand beaches, night manta ray experience
  • Best places to visit in Big Island of Hawaii: Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu black sand beach, Papakōlea green sand beach
  • Big Island of Hawaii is the best island to visit for: Travelers who love hiking, black sand beaches, and want to view an active volcano.
  • Only on Big Island of Hawaii: self-drive to Kilauea lava flow, night manta ray snorkeling experience

🐟Activity only Available on Big Island: Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Experience

Despite being the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Island is also the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, boasting more miles and climate zones than any other island in the state.

Where to Stay in Big Island of Hawaii

Hilo is known for its waterfalls, lush rainforests, and flower gardens; the opposite of the volcanic Kohala Coast with several upscale and luxury resorts. Home to Hilo International Airport, Hilo also serves as a gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park located 45 minutes south.

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii: Top 6 Islands to Explore!

What to do in Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii offers many romantic activities for couples such as sunset cruises on Kohala coasts, horseback riding trail rides in Waimea, waterfall hikes. For adventurers, book a night snorkel or dive tour to witness the magnificent manta rays gliding and tumbling through the water as they feed on plankton at night. For families, Imiloa Astronomy Center is a great place to visit. It has several interactive exhibits that reveal Hawaiian history and culture in conjunction with the stars above the islands of Hawaii.

Best Places to Visit in Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. On September 29, 2021, there was a fissure eruption within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kaluapele (the Kīlauea summit caldera). Visitors arriving during the day were able to watch the eruption plume from Uēkahuna Overlook.

Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

On the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau offers a unique glimpse into Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the site of royal grounds and a haven for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.

Akaka Falls State Park

One of the best places to see waterfalls on the Island of Hawaii is Akaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. The 0.4-mile uphill hike takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Because of constant volcanic activity, there are beaches with green sands and black sands on Hawaii Island. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

The olivine in Big Island lava creates green sand and causes the beach to turn green. The beach of Papaklea is one of the best unique places in Hawaii. In fact, it is one of only four green-sand beaches in the world. 

best places to visit in major Hawaii islands

Island Hopping: Which Hawaii Islands Pairing Would be Best?

Somewhat similar to bar hopping or resort hopping, island hopping is the best solution when you cannot decide on one single destination to visit in Hawaii. You should allocate at least 2-3 days to smaller islands and 4-5 days to bigger islands in order to have time to explore Hawaii without feeling rushed.

Hawaii Islands Pairing Ideas for Island Hopping

  1. Oahu and Maui: These two big and popular islands in Hawaii are only 30 minutes away from each other by flight. You will find most of the best things to do in Hawaii in this trip: visiting the historic Pearl Harbor sites, experiencing vibrant nightlife in Waikiki, witnessing red and black sand beaches, as well as viewing the active volcano Haleakala. If you have more time, consider adding the Big Island of Hawaii for a night manta ray encounter.
  2. Maui, Lanai, and Big Island of Hawaii: this is the perfect combination for golf lovers to visit and experience some of the best golf courses in Hawaii islands: Koele Gold Course in Lanai, Kapalia Golf Course in Maui, Kohala Coast Golf Course in Island of Hawaii
  3. Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai: this is the best combination for those who want to experience both the vibrant city life and off-the-beaten path adventure.

Key Takeaways: Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to top culinary, beautiful natures and places of interest, as well as unparalleled cultural experiences. The islands truly have something to offer everyone. The best places to visit in Hawaii islands include Pearl Harbor and Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Waimea Canyon in Kauai, Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Molokai, Shipwreck Beach in Lanai, Molokini in Maui, and Kilauea Volcano in Big Island of Hawaii.

If you are thinking of traveling to Hawaii without renting a car, Oahu is definitely the best choice. If you want to explore Hawaii off the beaten path, Lanai and Molokai would be the perfect places for adventures. Consider island hopping for a more well-round Hawaii experience, with night manta ray snorkel in Big Island, mountain tubing in Kauai, or relaxing at a red sand beach in Maui.

Hawaii Travel Resources

  1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
    • List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
  2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
    • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
  3. Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
    • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
  4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
    • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
  5. Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
    • List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
  6. Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
    • A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
  7. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips
    • A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
  8. 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
    • Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!