Hawaii attractions

Hawaii’s volcanic activity creates beaches that range from powdery white sands to fine black pebbles, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the most striking. Part of the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park, the black sand shoreline is framed by tall coconut palms and crashing waves, making it a popular photo spot. It’s not only the views that pull in the crowds—the beach is also known for its population of sea turtles.

Dubbed the “House of the Sun” by Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā Crater is an ancient, 10,000-foot (3,050-meter) volcano—the highest peak in Maui. Some of the best views in Haleakalā National Park can be found at this massive erosional feature, where you can hike across cinder desert landscapes, admire endemic silversword plants, and see some of the best sunrises and starscapes in Hawaii.

Housed in two World War II-era hangars, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum tells the story of the impact of and response to Imperial Japan’s attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The museum is home to an extensive collection of aircraft from World War II and later conflicts and is a top draw for military history buffs.

Located on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque stretches of coast. Its crescent is lined by nearly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of white sand backed by volcanic peaks, towering waterfalls, and laid-back towns. The beaches offer an array of watersports, while the nearby poke and shave ice stands serve island street food staples, and colorful shops stock everything from surf gear to local crafts.

Just beyond Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Honokohau Beach rests Honokohau Harbor, a bustling 262-slip marina with restaurants, outfitters, restrooms, and more. Most visitors will come here for scuba and snorkeling adventures—or for their chance to reel in that trophy catch. From here, 1,000-pound marlin and billfish troll the waters, alongside dolphins, whales, and the world’s largest rays.

Protected by the Wailua River State Park, the Wailua is the largest navigable river in the Hawaiian archipelago (a feature found only on the island of Kauai). As the 20-mile (32-kilometer) river meanders through a lush valley, it passes through jungle landscapes and past two notable waterfalls—Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls—as well as the vegetation-covered Fern Grotto. The river offers boat tours and outdoor recreation for a broad range of travelers, including kayakers, paddleboarders, and hikers.

The USS Bowfin, a fleet attack submarine, was launched from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. This earned her the nickname of the Pearl Harbor Avenger. Fittingly, the USS Bowfin’s permanent home is at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where she serves as a memorial and National Historic Landmark.

The largest authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, Lili‘uokalani Gardens brings green-ified Japanese culture to Hawaii’s pretty Hilo Bay—it’s right on the famous Banyan Drive in downtown Hilo. Arched stone bridges, moats, stone lanterns, pagodas, and a tea house make up the walkable gardens, which were named after Hawaii's last reigning monarch and dedicated to the immigrants who worked in the sugar fields.

Kilauea Volcano is the star of the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The volcano remains active—in fact, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world—spouting orange lava, venting steam, glowing, and sputtering with near regularity. When conditions are safe, you can drive around the volcano’s edge on the 11-mile (17-kilometer) Crater Rim Drive.

Flowing just north of Hilo, Akaka Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls on the Big Island. Surrounded by lush, tropical jungle and plunging into a scenic gorge, the 442-foot-high (135-meter-high) Akaka Falls is easily accessible by a short, paved loop trail within Akaka Falls State Park, making it one of the most popular and scenic attractions on the island.

The Haleakalā volcano stretches more than 10,000 feet (3,055 meters) above Maui’s white-sand beaches. Most of its slopes, flora, and fauna are protected within Haleakalā National Park, where you can hike, bike, and camp to catch sunsets and sunrises of a lifetime. The park’s diverse landscapes range from volcanic rock formations to lush waterfalls, the highlight being the plunging Haleakalā Crater visible from the volcano’s summit.

With 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of public beach situated right between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a local favorite and top destination for Oahu visitors. There are paths for walking, calm water for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, gentle waves for surfing, and plenty of soft, golden sand for sunbathing.

Waimea Valley on Oʻahu’s North Shore is a lush, cultural destination where botanical gardens, ancient sites, and a waterfall swim come together in one memorable visit. Walk shaded trails, explore sacred spaces, and stop for a photo in front of a 45-foot (13.7-meter) waterfall. Once a spiritual and political center, the valley offers a peaceful way to experience native flora, traditional practices, and Hawaiian history.

Located on Oahu’s windward (eastern) side, secluded Waimanalo Beach Park is a slice of paradise. The beach’s three miles (4.8 kilometers) of soft white sand is flanked by the towering Koolau Mountains, ironwood trees, and the azure ocean. Less developed than many Oahu beaches, Waimanalo typically has the feel of a wild, hidden sanctuary.

Part of the Ko’olau Range on the windward coast of Oahu, Mt. Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) towers over Honolulu. A scenic drive winds to the summit, where the Tantalus Lookout at Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park offers sweeping views over south Oahu, from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. It’s considered one of the best sunset views on the island.

British explorer Captain James Cook met his death along the seafront of Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, after a violent skirmish with the King of Hawaii in nearby Kowrowa village. Today, a white stone obelisk in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park overlooks the forested coastline and its crystal clear waters, commemorating his death. Reachable only by boat or on foot, it’s a popular attraction along Hawaii’s Kona Coast.

A picturesque cove on Hawaii’s sunny Kona Coast, Keauhou Bay is known for its rich history and opportunities for swimming with manta rays. The birthplace of the longest reigning monarch in the Kingdom of Hawaii, the bay is now lined with upscale resorts and tour companies but its main appeal remains its cultural significance and marine life.

In the heart of downtown Honolulu, Kewalo Basin is a small boat harbor that is the launching point for popular water-based adventures. Begin a deep-sea fishing charter, whale-watching expedition, or snorkel excursion from this private harbor. A stroll along the street-side dock displays tour options from parasailing to sunset cruises. Visitors won’t find beach access here, but a popular surf spot draws locals with their boards.

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Hawaii State Capitol is often overshadowed by the Iolani Palace, which it sits directly behind. It is well worth a visit, however, for anyone interested in architecture, history, or getting a glimpse at the workings of modern-day Hawaii.

A sandy peninsula extending into Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island—more rarely referred to by its official name, Aina Moana—affords rare right-off-the-beach green space with a protected swimming lagoon across from the Ala Moana shopping center in downtown Honolulu. The park is popular for local family barbecues and picnics, and its open 30 acres (12 acres) are fronted by remarkable banyan trees and feature tall palms, picnic tables, and long grassy lawns.

One of the most photographed locations in Kauai, the Spouting Horn—a natural blowhole on the South Shore—puts on one heck of a show. When waves course through this sunken lava tube, a violent geyser erupts some 50 feet (15 meters) into the air. But it’s not just the constant misty spray (and gorgeous views) that attract visitors: It also moans.

Spanning 300 acres (121 hectares), Kapiʻolani Regional Park is one of the largest parks on Oahu, and also its second oldest. Located between Waikiki and Diamond Head, the park is home to the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Shell, jogging paths, numerous athletic fields and courts, and a beach, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation.

A historic sugar plantation set in the Garden Isle's lush tropics, Kilohana Plantation is a hub for Hawaiian culture and history. Visit the estate—centered around a historic Tudor-style mansion—to see tropical orchards, take narrated train rides, visit a rum distillery, eat at the on-site restaurant, and participate in a theatrical luau. In addition, the rooms of the historic manor house have been converted into shops selling artisan arts and crafts for unique Kauai souvenirs.

Thanks to its rich history and prime location on one of Hawaii’s most populous islands, Honolulu Harbor bustles with cruise ship passengers, local Hawaiians, and travelers from all around the world. Here, you can experience everything from luaus, boat tours, shopping, and dining to giant cargo ships and the Aloha Tower.

Kane‘ohe Bay, an 8-mile-long (13-kilometer) reef-protected inlet located on Oahu’s Windward Coast, stretches from the Mokapu Peninsula to Mokoli‘i island. It’s home to four other small islands plus the world’s largest saltwater sandbar, and is a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. The bay’s calm waters are ideal for kayaking and canoeing.

Sitting on Maui’s northwest shore, Honolua Bay is a marine‑protected sanctuary prized for its emerald-blue waters, thriving coral reefs, and abundant marine life—including sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasional manta rays. In winter, the bay draws expert surfers to its legendary waves. Whether you're drawn underwater or drawn to incredible vistas, Honolua Bay offers a pristine, unforgettable slice of Hawaiian coastal beauty.

The father of modern surfing welcomes you with open arms in Waikiki. The 9-foot (2.7-meter) -high bronze cast statue of Duke Kahanamoku is a tribute to the multi-skilled—and two-time Olympic gold medal-winning—Hawaiian surfer and swimmer, and is a prime gathering destination for visitors to Oahu.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is one of Honolulu’s top shopping and dining destinations. Along with housing the main campus of Hawaii Pacific University, the shopping center is a great place to grab coffee, depart on whale-watching tours, or catch a luau. Though the Aloha Tower and observation deck are currently closed, it still remains a defining feature of Honolulu’s skyline.

Warm temperatures and mineral-rich soil make Kauai an ideal spot for growing coffee, so it's no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to the largest coffee estate in the country. While the Kauai Coffee Company's focus is on producing and roasting beans, the farm also welcomes visitors who want to see—and taste—their offerings. Take a walking tour or ride an open-sided trolley to admire the millions of trees and learn about coffee cultivation and roasting.

Known for its big waves, sandy beaches, and sunset views, Sunset Beach is one of Oahu’s most popular beaches. In summer, the beach is a family-friendly spot for swimming and snorkeling. During the winter months, the beach is famous for its huge surf and big wave surf contests that draw the world's best surfers.