Sprawled across the southwestern slopes of Haleakalā volcano on Maui, Ulupalakua is one of the largest ranches in Hawaii, where thousands of cows, sheep, and elk graze. More than 18,000 acres (7,300 hectares) have been preserved as a working cattle ranch and wildlife habitat. The site is also home to the Ranch Grill restaurant, the Ranch Store, and an on-site winery.
Located near downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii's largest fine arts museum. Spanning several buildings, it houses one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the US and also hosts an art school, art house theater, and events, such as film screenings, performances, and talks.
Translating to “the shoreline” in Hawaiian, Kekaha Kai State Park (formerly known as formerly known as Kona Coast State Park) is just that: a 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) stretch of beach along the verdant Kona coast. Though this area is largely known for its black lava rocks, Kekaha Kai protects some of the Big Island’s best white-sand beaches. Naturally, swimmers, sunbathers, and snorkelers all flock here for the tropical goodies, and hikers head out on the trails that connect it all.
Located at an altitude of 3,000 feet (914 meters) on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai, the 70-acre (28-hectare) privately owned Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is the most accessible cloud forest on the Big Island. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including ancient and endangered native plants and rare birds. You can visit this tropical ecosystem on a tour or guided wellness experience that focuses on nature.
Some consider Kaʻu coffee to be the Big Island’s “secret” coffee—some also think it to be just as good, if not better, than its globally famous sibling, Kona coffee. Find out what your tastebuds prefer on a visit to the Kaʻu Coffee Mill, which runs regularly scheduled tours and is open to visitors every day of the week.
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is a full-package experience that ushers visitors into the world of one of Hawaii’s signature foods: the humble macadamia nut. Through expansive orchards and a self-guided tour, guests will learn all about the production process, from harvest to package. Of course, no visit is complete without sampling the treasured Hawaiian nuts and visiting the gift shop to pick up a tasty souvenir.
Waterfowl and endangered birds such as the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian gallinule), ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt), and the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) make their home in the wetlands of Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, a swath of protected land on Kauai’s southeast side. Visit the surroundings of the refuge to spot the water birds, in a lush area historically used for taro cultivation, a cornerstone of Hawaiian agriculture.
Located at the base of the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahālāwai, Wailuku is one of the oldest towns on the island. It sits at the entrance to ʻĪao Valley, just minutes from Kahului, and is both the county seat and commercial center of Maui. Visitors can explore its mix of historic sites, charming local shops, and emerging arts, culture, and culinary scenes.
Set on the slopes of the Haleakalā Crater, this working goat dairy is one of Maui’s top agritourism venues. Stop here to simply meet the goats or take an in-depth farm tour to learn about the residents whose milk is used to create cheese and other dairy products available on-site. Enjoy a tasting and stock up on cheese, truffles, gift baskets, soaps, and other goat milk products at the farm shop.
Hidden along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana, the Hana Lava Tube, also called the Ka’eleku Caverns, is a subterranean cave system that was formed by underground lava flows thousands of years ago—part of the landscape associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. A geological marvel with intricate rock formations, the cave system is among the largest accessible lava tubes on Maui.
Enjoy an evening of live Hawaiian entertainment and traditional food at Luau Kalamaku, an island tradition staged on the grounds of Kauai’s historic Kilohana Plantation. Stroll the plantation grounds—or take a train ride—before heeding the call of the conch shell and sitting down to fire dancers, hula dancers, live music, and storytelling of epic proportions. What’s also in epic proportions? The fresh, local Hawaiian fare.
Beneath the Big Island’s black-sand beaches and rushing waterfalls, a system of underground caves offers another layer of adventure. The Kula Kai Caverns feature miles of 1,000-year-old lava tubes that run beneath the Ka’u district on the Big Island. Follow an expert guide into a subterranean world of stalactites, stalagmites, and tunnels and learn how the caves have been used for generations as a source of water and shelter.
With a rousing revue of traditional Hawaiian song and dance (including the spectacular Samoan fire knife ritual), an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring classic island fare, and a theatrical setting overlooking Kailua Bay, the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau offers an immersive introduction into Polynesian culture and cuisine.
This trail is the only way on foot to a wild, rugged stretch of the already remote Nāpali Coast, one of Kauai’s most untouched places. Towering sea cliffs, valleys overflowing with lush plants, and a coastline free from human civilization make it a hiker’s dream. Among the most adventurous hikes anywhere, the trek has beauty at every turn, but it requires some planning.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve feels like stepping into a living postcard of Kauai’s North Shore. Tucked between emerald mountains and the sea, this peaceful valley is home to endangered plants and birds only found within its 17 acres (7 hectares). One of the most biodiverse corners in the Hawaiian Islands, it’s a place where nature and Hawaiian culture come together seamlessly.
The only museum in the country dedicated to Islamic Art, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design contains nearly 4,500 pieces collected by heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. The museum, formerly Duke’s opulent waterfront estate, features special exhibitions, lectures, and performances by artists in residency.
Some of Oahu’s most incredible views await on the Ka’au Crater trail. With three waterfalls, a small crater, and a thrilling ridge, this challenging trail has it all for adventurous travelers who can experience the best of Hawaii’s natural features in just one (long and steep) hike.
Located in the heart of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu was the first Hard Rock to open in Hawaii. Spanning two floors, the café features a shop on the first floor and dining and bar options on the second floor, along with a ceiling of guitars, rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, an interactive Rock Wall, and frequent live music.
The massive Hualalai Volcano looms over the town of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island’s western coast and is lesser-known than its more popular neighbors, the Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa. Hualalai is still considered active and is expected to erupt again within the next 100 years. Hawaii’s famed Kona coffee grows on its slopes and the area is a popular hiking attraction.
On the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, the charming town of Makawao is at the heart of Upcountry Maui. Rich with cowboy (paniolo) culture—the island’s biggest rodeo is held here each July 4—it’s equally known for its art scene and eclectic selection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, centered around Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Avenue.
Named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the locally revered Hawaiian surfer, champion Olympic swimmer, and canoe master, this stretch of white sand lies at the edge of Waikiki and, though popular, provides a less crowded and more laid-back alternative to that bustling beach. Its calm waters provide ideal swimming conditions for families.
One of Oahu’s most popular hikes, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail hugs the island's hilly southeastern coast, offering views of the Koko Crater, Makapuu Lighthouse, and—on clear days—the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Roughly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and entirely paved, this panoramic oceanfront trek is one the whole family can enjoy.
On Oahu’s south shore, the vast and lush Manoa Valley stretches from the emerald peaks of the Koolau Mountains to the ocean. While it's primarily a residential neighborhood, there are plenty of things to do in the Manoa Valley from waterfalls to hiking trails, a world-class arboretum, and some great places to eat.
With its black sand beach, luxe resorts, and an ancient petroglyph park, Waikoloa Village is like a sampling platter of some of Hawaii’s most exciting attractions. Inland, you’ll find a quiet residential community with an upscale shopping center and golf course, but most of the action is on the coast. There, popular beaches are mixed amongst striking black lava fields and expansive vacation resorts, where you can bop between restaurants or relax at poolside hotel bars, piña colada in hand.
Set on Wailea Beach against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Te Au Moana is one of the most popular luau celebrations on Maui. The evening includes three courses of Polynesian fare, an open bar, and a traditional greeting with a fresh flower lei. There’s also plenty of live entertainment with costumed singers and dancers performing island folk stories, and the audience is invited to join in the fun on the dance floor.
Since 2003, the KCC Farmers Market is the oldest in Oahu. Located near Diamond Head, more than 70 farmers and vendors sell everything from fresh flowers, fruit, and produce to meat and seafood, baked goods, snack and prepared foods, honey, jams, jellies, specialty seasonings, and other value-added items.
If you like coffee, you can get your fill—and learn about coffee production in the process—at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. Here, you can see where Kona coffee cherries are processed and beans are separated from the fruit, and you can also learn how the beans are air-dried after they are hulled.
The oldest of five gardens managed by the city of Honolulu and Honolulu County, Foster Botanical Garden is a quiet place to take a break from the city. It was built in 1853 and houses a large variety of plants and trees, some of which are as old as the garden itself.
If you're on a cruise through the Hawaiian islands and have a stop on the big island, you may find yourself at the Hilo Cruise Port in Kuhio Bay, just east of downtown. If you book a shore excursion to Hilo, expect to be met by a tour representative or shuttle.
Housed in a historic former library near Lihue Airport, this museum offers insights into Kauai’s history and ecology, along with workshops and cultural events focused on Hawaiian art and traditions. While you can stop in to view local art and learn about the island’s history, the best experiences include joining one of the museum’s hands-on educational offerings, such as painting, hula, or lei-making classes.
