9 Must-See Destinations in Hawaii for the Year Ahead
When it comes to travel, Hawaii is often the top choice for many, as it offers something for everyone—whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, romance, cultural experiences, or culinary delights.
From the bustling excitement of Oahu to the serene beauty of Maui, and from the off-the-beaten-path charm of Lanai to the rugged landscapes of Molokai, the Hawaiian Islands provide a plethora of visual delights, engaging experiences, and spiritual fulfillment that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. So, where to begin your journey? Hawaii boasts vast beaches and lush valleys offering a myriad of outdoor adventures, including surfing, hiking, skydiving, helicopter rides, kayaking, whale watching, and zip-lining. You can also snorkel with manta rays at night, cruise down ancient sugar plantations, or marvel at the otherworldly terrain of the Garden of the Gods. Choose your adventure and start exploring.
Each island has its unique atmosphere, and these nine destinations are must-visits for any traveler.
1. Waikiki, Oahu
Waikiki, located on the sunny south shore of Oahu, is the most famous resort town in the state. Over the years, this neighborhood has evolved to become more authentic and less tacky. Hotels offer lei-making classes in open-air lobbies, while traditional hula dancers perform on grassy mounds lit by tiki torches at Kuhio Beach. Learn to surf with modern-day beach boys or indulge in afternoon tea at the historic Moana Surfrider. Some of the island's finest restaurants are also found in Waikiki.
Since 1988 (excluding the pandemic year), the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has hosted a fireworks show every Friday evening. Bring a picnic dinner and find a spot on the beach to watch the sky light up. Winter shows start at 7:45 p.m., while summer shows start at 8:00 p.m.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii, covering 323,431 acres, is an attraction unlike anywhere else in Hawaii (or the United States). This is one of the few places where you can safely drive to see an active volcano. Kilauea is an active shield volcano that has been erupting continuously since 1983, changing the surrounding landscape until 2018. Although currently inactive, this may change at any time. One of five national parks on the Big Island, the national park stretches from sea level to Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes in the world at 13,679 feet above sea level. Visitors can choose to walk along one of the park's many hiking trails to see ancient lava flows and pipes, fumaroles, and native trees and birds.
Stop at Volcano Village, a rural town nestled in lush rainforests, filled with native hapu'u ferns and 'ōhiāa trees. There are quaint vacation rentals, several restaurants, a farmers market every Sunday, a small winery selling local wines, an orchid farm, and the Volcano Arts Center, studios, and galleries.
3. Molokai
Molokai, an unexplored and often overlooked place, offers a unique experience in the Hawaiian Islands. At 38 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point, the island is Hawaii's fifth largest and has the world's tallest sea cliffs, the longest waterfall in the archipelago, and one of the state's largest white sand beaches, Papohaku Beach. Papohaku Beach).
There are no large resorts or stoplights here; instead, you'll find the windswept remains of the Moomi Sand Dunes, the 2,744-acre Kamaaku Preserve with its unique mountain marshes, and the quiet Kalaupapa Peninsula, once an isolated community for lepers. Stop by Kanemitsu Bakery in Kaunakakai for freshly baked Molokai sweet bread.
4. Hana, Maui
The Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana) is a picturesque and winding 53-mile stretch. Along the way, you cross 59 single-lane bridges, along cliffs, past waterfalls, and around 620 bends, and finally arrive at the pristine town of Hana on the northeast coast of Maui. The drive itself can take several hours but is one of the great joys of the journey. Once in Hana, soak up the sun at lush Hamoa Beach, bask in the black sand at Waiānapanapa State Park, or hike to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls in the Kīpahulu area of Haleakala National Park.
If you plan to visit Waiānapanapa State Park, you need to book 30 days in advance. Admission is $5 per person and parking for non-commercial vehicles is $10.
5. Upcountry Maui, Maui
On the slopes of Haleakalā are the quaint towns of Kula and Makawao, collectively known as Upcountry Maui. Up here, the air is crispier, and the vibe is slower. Pick fresh strawberries in season at Kula Country Farms, wander around the fragrant Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm, or feed goats at Surfing Goat Dairy. This area is famous for its paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys.
Detour: Not many visitors know that grapes are grown here. Open since 1974, MauiWine produces wines made from estate-grown grapes, pineapples, and raspberries. Visit its tasting room at the picturesque ʻUlupalakua Ranch.
6. Oahu North Shore
Oahu's North Shore attracts some of the world's top surfers (and thousands of spectators) during the winter months (from November to February), who flock to the seven-mile stretch of famous surf breaks from Banzai Pipeline to Sunset Beach. The waves at Waimea Bay can sometimes be spectacular (consistently over 40 feet, according to front-end wave height measurements), and enough to host the famous Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which is invitation-only. Ocean conditions are calmer during the summer, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The colorful beach town of Haleiwa is home to many cute boutiques, restaurants, and the famous Matsumoto shaved ice shop.
If you want to overlook this famous coastline, you can choose to take the 2-mile "Ehukai Pillbox" hiking route. The trail climbs along the northern side of the Ko'olau Mountains, eventually reaching a World War II-era bunker that offers stunning bird's-eye views of the entire North Shore coastline.
7. Maui's Haleakala National Park
Maui's Haleakala National Park is located atop the dormant volcano Haleakala at an altitude of 10,023 feet, and watching the sunrise is one of the island's most popular activities. Sunrise viewing requires reservations, the cost does not include admission to the national park, and reservations can be difficult. Consider watching the sunset and lingering in the night sky. Many hiking trails in the park pass through stunning scenery, with opportunities to see the endangered silver swordbird and Hawaii's state bird nēnē.
The park has pristine dark skies with very low light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. Temperatures can drop quickly at the top of the mountain, so dress warmly and wear layers of clothing. You'll also need to bring your snacks, as there are no food or drinks available in the park.
8. Hanalei, Kauai
On Kauai's tranquil north shore, lies the sleepy town of Hanalei, known for its verdant mountains, submerged taro fields (kalo lo'i), and some of the island's most beautiful beaches, including stunning Hanalei Bay and its historic pier. You can visit art galleries and boutiques, sample fresh poke at Hanalei Poke and Holey Grail's plant-based taro donuts, and stroll through the farmers' market.
About 2 miles west of Hanalei Bay is Lumaha´i Beach, made famous by the 1958 classic film "South Pacific." This is where Miz Gaynor "washes the man out of her hair" in the movie.
9. Mauna Kea Volcano, Hawaii Island
At 13,802 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea (also known as the "White Mountain") on the island of Hawaii is one of the tallest mountains in the world. (More than half of Mauna Kea, or 19,698 feet, is underwater, and it reaches a height of 33,500 feet from base to summit.) It is considered one of the most sacred of all Hawaiian volcanoes and is known to Native Hawaiians as the Temple of the Gods. land. It is also an astronomical observation center with more than a dozen large telescopes from all over the world. You can book a guided stargazing tour through a travel company such as Hawai'i Forest & Trail.
Every April, Hilo, about a 30-minute drive west of Mauna Kea, hosts the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a competitive hula festival that features some of the best dancers and performers in the state. join. You must book tickets in advance to attend the event, but the attractive craft show is open to the public.