15 must-sees during your visit to Hawaii

Tip : A trip to Hawaii is a once in a lifetime experience, so you probably want to capture your memories as best as possible. You can do this in the online travel diary of Travel Diaries App . Here you can keep track of all your stories and photos, which you can share with your friends and family during your trip. Once home, you can have it printed into a beautiful book that you can always take out to reminisce.

Hawaii attractions: 15 best tips

1. Honolulu on Oahu

In Honolulu you can enjoy the ultimate combination of culture and nature. The vibrant capital of Hawaii is a melting pot of Polynesian, Asian and American cultures. Dive into history in the Iolani Palace, visit Pearl Harbor and enjoy the varied cuisine and cheerful music. In the area surrounding the city you will find beaches, volcanic landscapes and good snorkeling spots. Stroll barefoot under the palm trees through the white sand of Waikiki Beach. Put on your snorkeling outfit and admire the colorful fish and coral reefs under the water surface of Hanauma Bay. Feel like doing something? Climb the volcanic crater Diamond Head. At the top you will be treated to a panoramic view of the island.

^{Foto: Cosmin Serban / Unsplash}

2. Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Along the coast of Kauai is the stunning Na Pali Coast, a breathtaking stretch of coastline made up of steep cliffs, lush green valleys and secluded beaches. This is a must-see, and the best way to see it is by boat or by taking a real helicopter flight. This way you can see the jagged cliffs and deep valleys extra well. Just the way you want to experience it during your trip to Hawaii.

3. Haleakalā National Park on Maui

On Maui, Haleakalā National Park welcomes visitors with its surreal landscape formed by the Haleakalā volcano. This terrain is not only the place for the most beautiful sunrises, but also consists of a network of hiking trails that lead you through the otherworldly crater. Here you really feel like you are in a completely different world. Very cool to experience.

4. Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island

Volcanoes National Park is a natural, geographical theme park. You will find two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. With a bit of luck, you will admire a live show of eruptions and flowing lava. You will see live how the landscape was and is formed by volcanic activity. Walk past smoking craters and glowing lava flows and through lava tunnels. In the Thurston Lava Tube you will discover what it feels like to be in a volcano. You can also enjoy the volcanoes from the road. Drive along the Chain of Craters Road through rainforests, over lava fields and along the most beautiful viewpoints. Visit the Jaggar Museum to learn more about the geology and volcanic activity of Hawaii.

^{Foto: Marc Szeglat / Unsplash}

5. Diamond Head, Oahu

Diamond Head on Oahu is a must-see. The hike to the volcano crater is a tough one, but once you reach the top, the view is incredible. You look out over Waikiki Beach, the sparkling ocean, and the entire Honolulu skyline. It’s quite a climb, but it’s worth it when you get to the top and see the panoramic view.

6. Pearl Harbor, Oahu

Pearl Harbor is not only a place of history, but also a place that resonates deeply because of the events of World War II. There is the USS Arizona Memorial, a tribute to the crew that rests there. Along the shoreline, you will find several museums that take you back to that time. Walking around there, you get an intense impression of what happened, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to how the entire country came together afterward. It is quite moving to be there and see the respect and honor shown to those who gave their lives.

7. Honalo on the Big Island

On the west coast of the Big Island lies the quiet village of Honalo. Start your day with a cup of fresh Kona coffee, which is made at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Here you will learn all about the history and production process of the famous coffee. The rest of the village also has a long history, which you can learn more about in the HN Greenwell Store Museum. Your daily dose of nature is also provided here. Stroll along the beach and look around you for green sea turtles. Take a walk through the forests of the Keolonahihi State Historical Park and visit the ancient petroglyphs. For an unforgettable sunset, travel to Keauhou Bay in the evening. Stroll along the turquoise water of the bay or go into the water with a kayak or snorkeling gear.

8. Mauna Kea Observatory, Big Island

On the Big Island you have the Mauna Kea Observatory, a famous observatory in a prime location. This is really one of the best places in the world to look at the stars. That is because you do not have much trouble with light pollution here and there is one of the world's most powerful telescopes.

9. Hana Road, Maui

Hana Road is a winding and scenic road along the coast of Maui. You will drive past the most beautiful waterfalls, amidst lush rainforests, the views of the coast are breathtaking. Really take your time on this route and stop regularly to enjoy the spectacular scenery that stretches out before you. Be sure to have your camera ready here, because it is like driving through a postcard.

10. Waimea on Kauai

Waimea Canyon is also known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific'. The red canyon does indeed resemble the more famous canyon. The canyon is over 900 meters deep and is protected in the Waimea Canyon State Park. Hike along the canyon for the best views. From the village of Waimea you can also reach the calm Waimea River. Walk along the banks or get in a kayak for a new perspective. The river flows into the sea in a beautiful bay, and there it has such waves that people surf on it. In the village itself you can enjoy delicious food and fun activities among the locals. Also visit the Waimea Valley Cultural Center and the historic seaport.

^{Foto: sarandy westfall / Unsplash}

Maui is ravaged by wildfires in the summer of 2023. We advise against traveling to Maui at this time. Of course, you can put these places on your bucket list for a later time. 

11. Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu

At the Polynesian Cultural Center you will learn all about Polynesian culture. They will introduce you to dance, music and local crafts. It is not only educational, but also just plain fun and entertaining. You will discover all about the differences between the islands of Hawaii and those of Polynesia and really understand how rich the culture is.

12. Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Lanikai Beach is a real gem on Oahu. It is a quiet beach with water so blue you can’t stop looking at it, and sand that feels like powder under your feet. The view of the Mokulua Islands completes the whole picture. When you are there, you can just relax and enjoy this beautiful piece of paradise.

13. Hana on Maui

You start your journey on the island of Maui in the town of Kahului. The journey from here to the village of Hana is an experience in itself. For up to four hours you travel through Hawaiian landscapes with views over the island, waterfalls and rainforests. The village of Hana and the surrounding area are known as the 'authentic Hawaii' that has not been changed by tourism. Also visit the black sand beach and the impressive cliffs of Waianapanapa State Park. Follow the hiking trails through the forest and look for native plant species. 

^{Foto: Waianapanapa State Park / A n v e s h / Unsplash}

14. Molokini Crater, Maui

On Maui you have the Molokini Crater, which is fantastic for snorkeling and diving. The water there is so clear that you can actually see the bottom and there is an abundance of marine life. It is almost like swimming in an aquarium with all the colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. It is an experience you do not want to miss if you like snorkeling or diving.

15. Kaanapali on Maui

In the coastal town of Kaanapali you can enjoy relatively many hours of sunshine all year round. You can take relaxing walks on the beach and admire the sunset at sea. Discover the underwater world during a snorkeling adventure or sail along the coastline under your own steam. The coastal towns are also very suitable for discovering the local culture. Watch a hula show, order surprising dishes in atmospheric restaurants and visit art galleries with work by local artists.

^{Foto: Andrew Bain / Unsplash}

This article was created with the help of Little America . Is a tour of Hawaii also on your bucket list? Check out their website for more travel inspiration and even more information about the most beautiful sights in Hawaii.