Explore the most beautiful places in Hawaii. There are lots of beaches, Blue waters, adventure, lots of games, rainforests, volcanoes, etc. Here are the 8 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii for an Unforgettable Trip, providing you with insider tips and recommendations to make your Hawaiian adventure truly memorable.
Here are the 8 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii for an Unforgettable Trip (2024):
1. Oahu
Oahu is the third-biggest island in Hawaii and has the most people living on it. People call it “The Gathering Place” because a lot of folks come here to enjoy the beautiful island. Oahu has the state capital, Honolulu. Oahu is a famous for its amazing beaches and green rainforests
Things to do: Relax on the beach, Hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater, Learn about Hawaiian history and culture, Pay respects at Pearl Harbor, Go surfing or snorkeling, Enjoy the nightlife, etc.
Top attraction: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Best time to visit Oahu: May to September
Location: Oahu is a U.S. island in the Central Pacific, Hawaii
Closest major airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
2. Maui
Maui, also called “The Valley Isle,” is the second-biggest island in Hawaii. People love it because of its beautiful beaches, green rainforests, and tall volcanoes. Many people come here to enjoy nature, relax, and experience Hawaiian culture.
Things to do: Hiking, Surfing, Snorkeling and diving, Whale watching, Road trips, Cultural experiences, etc.
Top attractions: Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana, Iao Valley, Molokini Crater, Wailea Beach, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: The Maui Coast Hotel, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Montage Kapalua Bay and Grand Wailea Maui
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Maui is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 230 miles southeast of Oahu.
Closest major airport: Kahului Airport (OGG)
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3. Kauai
Kauai, also known as “The Garden Isle,” is the fourth-biggest island in Hawaii. People love it for its green rainforests, waterfalls, and impressive coastline. It’s a paradise for those who enjoy nature and adventure. Kauai is more peaceful and lets you feel a stronger connection to the natural world than the busier islands.
Things to do: Hiking, Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, Snorkeling and diving, Ziplining, Cultural experiences, Stargazing, etc.
Top attractions: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Wailua Falls, Kauai Hindu Monastery, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: The Kauai Coast Hotel, Kilohana Plantation, The Kauai Beach Villas and The Aston Islander
Best time to visit: September to November
Location: Kauai is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 120 miles northwest of Oahu.
Closest major airport: Lihue Airport (LIH)
4. Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii, also called Hawaii Island, is the biggest and newest island in the Hawaiian group. It has lots of different landscapes, like active volcanoes, lava fields, green rainforests, and beautiful beaches. Many people who love adventures, nature, and want a special cultural experience visit this island.
Things to do: Hiking, Snorkeling and diving, Stargazing, Golfing, Cultural experiences, Helicopter tours, etc.
Top attractions: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls State Park, Waipio Valley, Kohala Coast, Liliสปuokalani Gardens, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: The Royal Kona Resort, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, The Kona Seaside Hotel and The Sugar Mill Resort.
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Big Island is in the Central Pacific.
Closest major airport: Kona International Airport (KOA)
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5. Molokai
Molokai, sometimes called “The Friendly Isle,” is the fifth-biggest island in Hawaii. It’s famous for its untouched and peaceful beauty. People come here to relax, have adventures, and experience the local culture. Molokai has a calm vibe and a slower way of life than the busier islands.
Things to do: Hiking, Snorkeling and diving, Horseback riding, Cultural experiences, Stargazing, Relaxing on the beach, etc.
Top attractions: Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Halawa Valley, Molokini Crater, Papohaku Beach Park, Kalaupapa Lookout, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Molokai, Kaluakoi Resort, Molokai Shores and Kanemitsu’s Cottages
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Molokai is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 40 miles east of Maui.
Closest major airport: Molokaสปi Airport (MKK)
6. Lanai
Lanai is the sixth-biggest island in Hawaii, and it has a special mix of fancy resorts, wild scenery, and a calm feeling. Whether you want to be treated well at a top-notch spa, go on exciting hikes with stunning cliffs, or just relax on quiet beaches, Lanai gives you a memorable experience.
Things to do: Snorkeling and diving, Hiking, Golfing, Jeep tours, Cultural experiences, Relaxing at the spa, etc.
Top attractions: Hulopoe Bay, Shipwreck Beach, Munro Trail, Garden of the Gods, Lanai Cat Sanctuary, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Sensei Lanai, Hotel Lanai and Lanaisun Studio
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Lanai is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 45 miles northwest of Maui.
Closest major airport: Lanai Airport (LNY)
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7. Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, lovingly called Kona Town, is the busy center of Kona on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. This town by the sea has a mix of Hawaiian history, outdoor fun, tasty food, and a relaxed island feel. Whether you want sunny beaches, cool volcanic sights, or to learn about the culture, Kona gives you a memorable experience.
Things to do: Snorkeling and diving, Hiking. Stargazing, Kayaking and stand-up paddleboardin, Cultural experiences, Fishing, etc.
Top attractions: Kahaluu Beach Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hulihe’e Palace, Kona Coffee Belt, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: Kona Seaside Hotel and Royal Kona Resort, Hilton Resort
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Kailua-Kona is located on the west coast of the Big Island, approximately 150 miles southwest of Hilo.
Closest major airport: Kona International Airport (KOA).
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8. Hilo
Hilo, the biggest city on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its green rainforests, waterfalls, and being close to active volcanoes. This lively town has a special mix of natural beauty, Hawaiian culture, and a slower way of life than busier places. Whether you love adventures, enjoy nature, or are interested in history, Hilo guarantees you a memorable experience.
Things to do: Hiking, Snorkeling and diving, Stargazing, Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, Attend a luau, Visit local markets, etc.
Top attractions: Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pฤhoa Lava Tube Tours, Lyman Museum, etc.
Hotel Recommendation: Hilo Bayside Hotel, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Grand Naniloa Hotel and Hilo Seaside Apart-Hotel
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Hlo is located on the east coast of the Big Island, approximately 150 miles northeast of Kona.
Closest major airport: Hilo International Airport (ITO).
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Hey there! I’m Santu Chakraborty and I’m not your typical traveler. By day, I wrangle circuits and solve electrical mysteries as an engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing those experiences with you. For the past five years, this blog has been my canvas, where I paint stories of adventure, practical travel tips, and cultural insights to ignite your wanderlust. So, come join me on my journeys and discover the magic that awaits just beyond the horizon!
by Santu Chakraborty 