Hawaii is a majestic archipelago made up of eight awe-inspiring islands that are famous worldwide. Its scenic views have graced the background of countless films for its picturesque landscape. It is known for its volcanic mountaintops, colorful beaches, unique wildlife, and laid back pacific-island atmosphere. Hawaii is a location filled with outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, and the most breathtaking seascapes. This tropical visit is an experience of a lifetime. You will want to soak up every second and need to know the must-go places of this blissful utopia. Here are the top-rated tourist attractions that make Hawaii a paradise on Earth.
1. The Gorgeous Waikiki Beach
Hawaii is known for its many beautiful beaches but Waikiki is the biggest tourist attraction beach of them all. This beach is the trendiest location due to its top-rated luxury hotels, museums, historic and cultural sites. You can find these activities at the gorgeous stretch of oceanfront beach at the famous boardwalk, known as Waikiki Beach walk, filled with lively entertainment, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants with delicious food. Waikiki's gorgeous stretch of oceanfront beach also has a historic trail. This has surfboards as trail markers which was inspired by Olympic gold medalist swimmer and avid surfer Duke Kahanamoku. The beach is one of the most popular in the world, outdoor music events, canoe races, surfing, swimming, and hula dancing.
2. Historical Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head State Monument is a site that sits not too far away from Waikiki beach. This is a historical site that is a volcanic crater that is over 700 hundred feet wide. Back in the day, it’s wide-angled views made it an essential and important vantage point for coastal defense. When you take this step hike you will be able to find old bunkers and artillery control stations. This famous landmark has been extinct for thousands of years and is an observation deck you can hike to or cruise around. This hike may be challenging due to its challenging elevated steps but the panoramic views are breathtaking.
3. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
This famous state wilderness park may seem familiar if you have seen the movie, Jurassic Park. This film features Na Pali for its long stretched dramatic coastline of jagged ridges and lush valleys. This contains a famous location called Mount Waialeale, which has the “Wall of Tears.” The Wall of Tears are several waterfalls combined together making the water for large, it seems as if the mountain itself was crying. You can view Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park in a few different ways. You can hike it, see it by boat, or take a helicopter tour. If you’re an expert hiker, you can take Kalalau Trail. This hike goes through five valleys and takes the time span of a full day each. If you view this by boat or helicopter, you will be able to see why this is one of the pristine scenic stretches in the world.
4. Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a historic spot for the United States. On December 7th, 1941, a Japanese raid surprise attacked America and bombed Hawaii. This momentous moment is what started the Second World War. This gravesite shows thousands of lives that were lost during this time. It's hallowed ground and is available to the public. They went to great efforts to make everyone understand the historical significance and how it changed the course of history.
5. Road to Hana Maui
The Road to Hana Maui is known for being the 5th most dangerous road in the entire world. This highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges. It’s dangerous due to its difficult turns and slim bridges. Please take caution when taking a trip down this road. Despite the challenge of this road, you will be able to witness some of Maui’s most gorgeous murals. There are several road stops along the way that allows you the opportunity to look at the peaceful outlooks. This road is a must-do for all visitors and Maui lovers. You can still drive and take this trip with family and friends to explore by yourself. However, you also can go with a tour guide if you feel this is the best route for you.
6. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
There are several Botanical gardens that can be found in Hawaii. But the all-time favorite is the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden located in Oahu. Not only is this place full of luscious green wildlife but gorgeous waterfalls. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden has recently become a big hit in being a popular social media photo spot. This garden allows fishing and camping as long as you have the permits for this. There are lakes, reservoirs, hikes, and even attractive bridges. You’ll always find amazing photo ops of this scenery and because this area is so large, it is a great escape from the island's more populated locations.
7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii was purely created from volcanic activity making volcanoes a natural famous characteristic. The Big Island’s Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the place where visitors learn of the Hawaiian Islands were formed. Each island was formed by a natural recurring hot spot that has taken millions of years to develop. This area holds the only spot in the archipelago that has active volcanoes. This includes the volcano Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously for the past 35 years.
8. Kona Coffee Farms
Some fun facts about Hawaii are how special it’s coffee farms are. Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee commercially. This makes it so any time a farmer grows coffee in Hawaii, they will make more money than any other coffee farmers in the world. The great part about it is you don’t have to be a coffee lover to go and see the coffee farms. You can almost treat this as if it were a wine tasting extravaganza. Take coffee farm tours, experience the unique flavors, and learn how the beans are processed.
9. Glass-sand beach on Kauai
This one of a kind beach was created from sea glass. An old bottle factory dumped things such as bottles, flasks, and windshields into the ocean. The ocean eventually smoothed and broke down these pieces of glass to round tiny bits of colored sea glass, almost the size of sand. Although this seems like a terrible crime to the environment, somehow the ocean created a glass shoreline over time. It’s beauty glimmers with all colors of the rainbow mixed in with the beach sand.
10. Polynesian Cultural Center
The views, the hikes, the gorgeous beaches are what make Hawaii a great vacation location. But nothing beats the people and their culture. Located on Oahu is a Polynesian Cultural Center. This center provides education on culture through dance, music, clothing attire, and craft demonstrations. The center is divided into sections representing all Polynesian cultures. Most performers come from their island to demonstrate their authenticity. Hawaii is rich in its diversity. They embrace their civilization and their lively personalities and Hawaiian food are nothing but captivating. It’s difficult not to want to be a part of the people who live their life, full and happy.
Hawaii is one of the most loved locations due to its people and luscious scenery. If you want to go somewhere full of adventure, historical perspective, rich culture, and exquisite sites Hawaii is the best destination to go. Get ready to have the time of your life in Hawaii!
Article written by Aryn Espiritu