When planning a Hawaiian vacation, pristine beaches and swaying palm trees might come to mind. However, these islands offer far more than a tropical beach getaway. The Aloha State is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from fiery, active volcanoes to mist-covered valleys and dramatic sea cliffs.
Let’s dive into the top attractions in Hawaii that will blow you away. This Hawaii vacation guide will help you discover the best scenic spots in Hawaii and experience unforgettable Hawaii outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding outdoor activities or serene escapes into nature, Hawaii has something for every kind of traveler.
1. Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is one of the most famous natural sites in Hawaii. At 14 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, it’s a sight that will stop you in your tracks.
As you hike along the canyon’s rim, you’ll encounter panoramic views that seem almost too beautiful to be real. Waterfalls cascade down distant cliffs, their white ribbons stark against the ruddy canyon walls. The play of light and shadow throughout the day transforms the landscape, making each visit unique.
For the best experience, start your day early and head to the Waimea Canyon Lookout. The morning light brings out the vibrant colors of the canyon, and you might even catch the mist rising from the valley floor. If you’re up for a challenge, the Kukui Trail offers a steep descent into the canyon, where you can cool off in streams and feel dwarfed by the towering walls around you.
2. Nā Pali Coast (Kauai)
The Nā Pali Coast seems almost too perfect to be real, yet it exists as one of the most iconic natural wonders of Hawaii. This 17-mile stretch of Kauai’s north shore boasts emerald-clad cliffs that plunge dramatically into the azure Pacific.
There are multiple ways to experience the majesty of Nā Pali. For the adventurous, the Kalalau Trail offers an 11-mile trek along the coastline. It’s challenging, but the views are worth every step. As you hike, you’ll pass by hidden beaches, cross crystal-clear streams, and have moments where you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
If hiking isn’t your thing, consider a boat tour or helicopter ride. You’ll see hidden sea caves from the water and get a sense of the coast’s immense scale. By air, you’ll soar past waterfalls tumbling from the clifftops and get a bird’s eye view of the entire coastline.
3. Haleakalā Crater (Maui)
The Haleakalā Crater is a massive shield volcano that rises 10,023 feet above sea level and dominates the landscape of Maui. The crater is a vast, otherworldly expanse of red and brown rock dotted with unique plant life found nowhere else on Earth, making this one of the must-see landmarks in Hawaii.
One of the most popular ways to experience Haleakalā is to watch the sunrise from its summit. It’s an early start – you’ll need to leave your hotel in the wee hours of the morning – but the payoff is spectacular.
Beyond the views, the national park is home to the endangered nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the strange, silvery silversword plant. As you explore the park’s trails, watch out for these unique species. The Sliding Sands Trail offers a challenging hike into the crater itself, where you can walk among cinder cones and feel like you’re traversing the surface of Mars.
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4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have the earth’s power beneath your feet? At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can experience just that. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers a unique glimpse into the fiery forces that shaped the Hawaiian Islands.
Start your visit at the Kīlauea Visitor Center to get oriented and check on current volcanic activity. Then, drive along Crater Rim Drive for stunning views of the caldera. If you’re lucky, you might see the glow of lava or billowing steam vents, making this one of the most dramatic Hawaii volcanoes and waterfalls experiences.
For a more immersive experience, hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail. This four-mile loop takes you through lush rainforest before descending to the floor of a solidified lava lake. Walking across the still-warm crater floor, steam rising around you, is an experience you won’t soon forget.
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5. Waipio Valley (Big Island)
Waipio Valley is a place that feels lost in time. Known as the “Valley of the Kings,” this lush paradise was once home to Hawaiian royalty. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the old Hawaii, with its taro fields, wild horses, and thundering waterfalls.
The view from the Waipio Valley Lookout is nothing short of spectacular. The valley stretches before you, a patchwork of green framed by cliffs, with the blue Pacific in the distance. This scene has inspired artists and photographers for generations and is undoubtedly one of the best scenic spots in Hawaii.
Getting down the valley requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle or a good pair of hiking boots. The road is incredibly steep – it’s said to be the steepest in the United States, but the journey is worth it. On the valley floor, you’ll find a black sand beach where you can cool off in the surf (but be cautious of strong currents).
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6. Diamond Head Crater (Oahu)
No Hawaii travel guide is complete without mentioning Diamond Head. This iconic volcanic crater, with its distinctive silhouette, is synonymous with Hawaii in many people’s minds. But it’s not just about the views – climbing Diamond Head is a journey through nature and history.
The trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. As you climb, you’ll pass through old bunkers and fortifications, reminders of when this natural wonder served a military purpose.
The hike is relatively short – just 0.8 miles each way – but it’s steep in places and can be challenging. From the summit, you’ll have a 360-degree panorama of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.
7. Akaka Falls (Big Island)
Akala Falls, one of Hawaii’s most impressive natural wonders, is a prime example of Hawaii’s volcanoes and waterfalls. This 442-foot waterfall, plunging into a lush, green gorge, draws visitors from around the world.
The trail to view the falls is a short, paved loop that takes you through a tropical paradise. As you walk, you’re surrounded by wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. The air is thick with the scent of ginger and the sound of birdsong.
About halfway through the loop, you’ll reach the main viewpoint for Akaka Falls. The sight of the water plummeting over the cliff is mesmerizing – you might find yourself standing there for minutes, just taking it all in.
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8. Molokini Crater (Maui)
Imagine snorkeling in crystal-clear water, surrounded by colorful fish, with visibility up to 150 feet. That’s what awaits you at Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped islet off the coast of Maui and one of the most unique Hawaii outdoor adventures you can experience.
Molokini is the tip of an ancient volcanic crater, mostly submerged beneath the waves. Its unique shape creates a protected cove home to over 250 fish species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
To get to Molokini, you’ll need to join a boat tour from Maui. As you approach the crater, you’ll be struck by its perfect crescent shape rising from the blue Pacific. Once you’re in the water, schools of tropical fish swirl around you. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle gliding by.
9. Kaunaoa Beach (Big Island)
If you close your eyes and imagine the perfect Hawaiian beach, chances are you’re picturing something much like Kaunaoa Beach. Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, this crescent of white sand is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world – and for good reason. It’s a prime example of why Hawaii’s national parks and beaches are world-renowned.
The sand is soft and powdery, perfect for long walks or just lounging in the sun. The clear, turquoise-blue water invites you to swim. Palm trees line the back of the beach, providing natural shade and completing the postcard-perfect scene.
What makes Kaunaoa truly special is its relative seclusion. Despite its beauty, it’s often less crowded than other Big Island beaches. This is partly because parking is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.
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10. The Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail (Maui)
The Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail is a well-kept secret and a must-see landmark in Hawaii. Walking through the forest, where the trees tower above you and sunlight filters through, would be a highlight of your Hawaiian vacation.
The trail is located in Haleakalā National Park, about 12 miles past Hana. It’s a 4-mile roundtrip hike through some of Maui’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes.
As you enter the forest, the towering bamboo stalks, reading over 20 feet high on either side of the trail, form a breathtaking natural passageway. When the wind blows, the stalks clack together, creating a natural symphony. It’s an almost otherworldly experience – you might feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
Takeaway
These ten natural wonders of Hawaii showcase the incredible diversity of Hawaii’s landscapes. From fiery volcanoes to serene beaches, lush forests, and stark craters, each offers a unique glimpse into the beauty of these islands. As you plan your Hawaiian adventure, try including as many of these spots as possible.
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