The Best of Hawaii: Sunrises, Beaches, Waterfalls & More

Hawaii’s eight important islands every carry their very own persona, landscapes, and traditions. Volcanic summits rise above the clouds, coral reefs shelter marine life simply offshore, and centuries-old cultural websites sit quietly alongside the coast. With so many exceptional locations, selecting “one of the best” is not any small process.

Reasonably than highlighting one factor per island, we’ve curated the standout experiences throughout the state — the dawn price setting an alarm for, the seaside that actually earns its popularity, the drive that turns right into a full-day journey, and extra. These are our most beloved experiences within the Aloha State.

The place Is the Finest Dawn and Sundown in Hawaii?

Haleakala, Maui

Rising 10,023 toes above sea degree inside Haleakalā Nationwide Park, this dormant volcano gives one of the crucial dramatic vantage factors within the Pacific. At dawn, the crater fills with shifting coloration as clouds drift under the summit. By sundown, the sky softens into layers of gold, orange, and violet. After darkish, the elevation and minimal gentle air pollution reveal a remarkably clear cover of stars over Maui.

The winding street to the summit climbs steadily via ranchland and open panorama earlier than reaching thinner air and panoramic views that really feel nearly otherworldly.

Key Highlights:

Summit elevation of 10,023 toes

Situated inside Haleakalā Nationwide Park

Expansive crater views above the cloud line

Clear night time skies superb for stargazing

What Is the Finest Waterfall in Hawaii?

For Viewing: ʻAkaka Falls, Hawaiʻi Island

For Swimming: Waimea Falls, Oʻahu

On Hawaiʻi Island, ʻAkaka Falls plunges 442 toes right into a gorge inside ʻAkaka Falls State Park. A paved loop path winds via dense tropical vegetation, providing altering views earlier than revealing the waterfall in full view. Swimming isn’t permitted right here, preserving the encircling ecosystem and preserving the concentrate on its sheer vertical magnificence.

On Oʻahu’s North Shore, Waimea Falls in Waimea Valley gives a unique expertise. The waterfall measures roughly 45 toes in top, and guests can swim within the pool under when circumstances permit. The stroll to it passes via botanical gardens and cultural websites, making the journey as memorable because the vacation spot.

Key Highlights:

ʻAkaka Falls: 442-foot cascade, no swimming permitted

Waimea Falls: roughly 45 toes tall, swimming allowed with lifeguards

Lush, walkable trails via tropical vegetation

Situated inside protected park settings

The place Can You Expertise the Most Significant Cultural Immersion in Hawaii?

Puʻuhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park, Hawaiʻi Island

As soon as a spot of refuge in historic Hawaiian society, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau was the place those that broke kapu (sacred legal guidelines) may search safety. At the moment, the location is preserved by the Nationwide Park Service and stays one of the crucial culturally and spiritually important locations within the state.

Picket kiʻi (carved photographs) stand watch over restored temple platforms and fishponds, whereas the Nice Wall — an enormous lava rock construction — borders the shoreline. The setting invitations quiet reflection and a deeper understanding of conventional Hawaiian life.

Key Highlights:

Managed by the Nationwide Park Service

Traditionally a spot of refuge underneath the kapu system

Options reconstructed kiʻi and temple platforms

Coastal setting alongside Hōnaunau Bay

What Is the Finest Golf Course in Hawaii?

The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui

Set alongside Maui’s northwest shoreline, the Plantation Course at Kapalua is thought for its broad fairways, elevation modifications, and sweeping Pacific views. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Invoice Coore, it hosts The Sentry, the PGA Tour’s season-opening event.

Whereas professionals compete right here every January, the course is open to guests, providing the prospect to play a format formed by ocean winds and dramatic terrain.

Key Highlights:

Hosts The Sentry (PGA Tour season opener)

Designed by Coore & Crenshaw

Expansive ocean views from a number of holes

Open to public play

Which Seaside Is the Finest in Hawaii?

Lanikai Seaside, Oʻahu

On Oʻahu’s windward coast, Lanikai Seaside is thought for its advantageous white sand and extremely clear turquoise water. Simply offshore, the dual Mokulua Islands rise from the ocean, creating considered one of Hawaii’s most recognizable coastal views.

The calm circumstances usually make it superb for swimming and kayaking, notably within the morning when commerce winds are lighter.

Key Highlights:

Powdery white sand shoreline

Views of the Mokulua Islands

Sometimes calm morning waters

Situated on Oʻahu’s southeastern coast

The place Is the Finest Snorkeling in Hawaii?

Honolua Bay, Maui

Honolua Bay in West Maui is designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, a standing supposed to guard its reef ecosystem. In calm summer season circumstances, visibility is superb, revealing coral formations, reef fish, and inexperienced sea turtles. From time to time, bigger marine life, like manta rays, may additionally be noticed.

Entry requires a brief stroll alongside a forested path, and entry is from a rocky shoreline quite than a sandy seaside. Water sneakers are advisable.

Key Highlights:

Official Marine Life Conservation District

Vibrant coral reefs and considerable fish

Frequent inexperienced sea turtle sightings

Finest throughout calm summer season mornings

The place Is the Finest Whale Watching in Hawaii?

Maui

Every winter, North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. Maui is extensively thought to be among the best islands for sightings, notably as a result of shallow Auʻau Channel between Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, the place moms and calves are sometimes noticed.

Prime shore viewing places embrace McGregor Level alongside Freeway 30 and elevated stretches of the Lahaina Pali Path.

Key Highlights:

Seasonal humpback whale migration (sometimes winter months)

Shallow channel waters superb for mom and calf pairs

Sturdy shore-based viewing alternatives

Boat excursions obtainable from a number of harbors

The place Is the Finest Place to View Sea Turtles in Hawaii?

Poʻipu Seaside Park and Brennecke’s Seaside, Kauaʻi

On Kauaʻi’s south shore, inexperienced sea turtles are regularly seen cruising via the shallows and resting on the sand. Late afternoon usually brings increased possibilities of recognizing them as they haul out to bask.

These encounters occur at a respectful distance — nonetheless shut sufficient for photos and to look at the small print of every animal — and guests are reminded that Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles are protected underneath U.S. federal legislation.

Key Highlights:

Frequent inexperienced sea turtle sightings

Shoreline and in-water viewing alternatives

Protected species underneath federal legislation

Situated on Kauaʻi’s south shore

What Is the Most Scenic Drive in Hawaii?

The Highway to Hana, Maui

Stretching alongside Maui’s northeastern shoreline, the Highway to Hāna is thought for its winding curves, slender bridges, and altering landscapes. Waterfalls spill from cliffs, rainforest strains the roadside, and dazzling ocean views seem round nearly each bend.

Common stops embrace the legendary Midway to Hāna stand for banana bread and shaved ice, and Waiʻānapanapa State Park, residence to a black sand seaside fashioned by volcanic exercise.

Key Highlights:

Over 600 curves and dozens of bridges

Waterfalls and rainforest surroundings

Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s black sand seaside

Native roadside meals stands

The place Is the Finest Nightlife in Hawaii?

Waikīkī, Oʻahu

Waikīkī is Hawaii’s most concentrated nightlife district, providing rooftop lounges, cocktail bars, stay music venues, karaoke spots, and late-night eating. The neighborhood’s walkability makes it simple to maneuver between venues, with Diamond Head silhouetted within the distance.

The power right here contrasts with the quiet retreat of different islands, providing a vigorous night possibility inside steps of the seaside.

Key Highlights:

Rooftop lounges and cocktail bars

Dwell music and karaoke venues

Walkable nightlife district

Beachfront setting

What Is the Finest Hike in Hawaii?

The Kalalau Path, Kauaʻi

Tracing the Nā Pali Coast alongside Kauaʻi’s north shore, the Kalalau Path is roughly 22 miles spherical journey and is taken into account one of the crucial difficult hikes within the state. The route crosses streams, climbs steep, muddy sections, and passes via deep valleys earlier than reaching Kalalau Seaside.

The dramatic emerald cliffs and distant shoreline have made this stretch of shore considered one of Hawaii’s most photographed landscapes.

Key Highlights:

Roughly 22 miles spherical journey

Traverses the Nā Pali Coast

Steep, rugged, and sometimes muddy terrain

Expansive views of cliffs and secluded seashores

The place Ought to I Go in Hawaii?

Hawaii could also be a single state, however every of its islands is residence to distinct landscapes, traditions, and adventures. Pairing a dawn above the clouds on Maui with cultural immersion on Hawaiʻi Island, snorkeling in a protected marine district, and a coastal hike alongside the Nā Pali Coast takes greater than a easy flight and resort reserving. It requires native perception and cautious timing.

At Enchanting Travels, we design totally personalized Hawaii journeys constructed across the experiences that matter most to you. From securing nationwide park reservations and tee occasions to recommending the appropriate season for whale watching or the calmest mornings for snorkeling, we curate each element. The outcome isn’t just a go to crammed with mai tais and solar, however a journey into the guts and soul of Hawaii.