Some people save for years to afford a vacation to the Aloha State and yet some Hawaii residents take our beautiful state for granted. Though the Aloha State is relatively small in comparison to most mainland states, the Hawaiian Islands are incredibly dense in terms of beautiful landscapes to explore. From fiery volcanic calderas and mountain peaks that tower above the clouds to cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches in a variety of colors and even a few man-made wonders and landmarks, these 30 destinations are some of the most beautiful sights in Hawaii absolutely deserve a spot on your island bucket list.

  1. The islands are best seen from above — from a helicopter, or perhaps even a parachute?

Tyler S. Miller/Flickr

  1. There’s nothing better than a sunrise from the summit of Maui’s Mount Haleakala, one of the state’s most impressive mountain peaks.

Markus Jobstl/Flickr

  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube measures in at 600 feet in length.

Rocky A/Flickr

  1. Honu — Hawaiian green sea turtles — relaxing on the beach, or swimming alongside you in the ocean are truly remarkable.

Jen R/Flickr

  1. This breathtaking bamboo forest found within Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District is like something from a fairytale.

Shubhika Bharathwaj/Flickr

  1. Maui’s Red Sand Beach on Kaihalulu Bay is one of only a few red sand beaches in the entire world.

Paul Bica/Flickr

  1. The view from Ka’ena Point tucked away on the northwesternmost tip of Oahu is pretty spectacular.

Jeff Slinker/Flickr

  1. The westernmost beach in the United States, Polihale State Park, seems to stretch on for miles.

Andy Beal/Flickr

  1. Whales frolic off the coast of Hawaii, commonly seen December through April.

John C. Bruckman/Flickr

  1. Hike the Lanakai Pillboxes and revel in the amazing view and the historic World War II pillboxes.

Andrew Wong/Flickr

  1. The Road to Hana, a 64-mile coastal drive, features views of waterfalls, forests, mountains, and the ocean.

Intiaz Rahim/Flickr

  1. Iolani Palace is the only palace on United States soil.

Ron Cogswell/Flickr

  1. This Redwood forest in Polipoli State Park will transport you to another world.

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr

  1. Something about the 1,100 stairs make the view from the top of Koko Head that much more rewarding.

John Colby/Flickr

  1. Check out the Big Island’s Akaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot cascade.

Sathish J/Flickr

  1. This cave found on Kauai’s north shore is sure to take your breath away.

Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

  1. Nestled on Maui’s western coast, Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder.

Grant Montgomery/Flickr

  1. Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific," absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Jeff/Flickr

  1. The stunning Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple.

BYU-Hawaii/Flickr

  1. Jump into the Venus pool — or just look into the deep water with awe.

Jarred Elrod/Flickr

  1. The sea caves found along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast are striking, to say the least.

John Mueller/Flickr

  1. Lanai’s Sweetheart Rock is best enjoyed with your sweetheart, obviously.

Andy Beal/Flickr

  1. Sometimes referred to as the Seven Sacred Pools, Oheo Gulch is a true oasis.

Joe Parks/Flickr

  1. The Queen’s Bath on Kauai is picture-perfect.

Brian and Jennifer Milner/Flickr

  1. Immerse yourself in American history with a trip to Pearl Harbor.

Prayitno/Flickr

  1. Molokai’s sea cliffs are the tallest in the world.

Mark Kortum/Flickr

  1. Banyan trees are one of our favorite things to discover in Hawaii.

Thomas/Flickr

  1. Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Jeff Wallace/Flickr

  1. Watching surfers on Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline is quite impressive.

Kanaka Menehune/Flickr

  1. The summit of Mauna Kea is otherworldly.

Frank McNamara/Flickr

What do you consider to be the most beautiful sights in Hawaii? Did I miss any of Hawaii’s must-see places? Share your opinions in the comments below, then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook page to share photographs you’ve taken in the Aloha State.

Tyler S. Miller/Flickr

Markus Jobstl/Flickr

Rocky A/Flickr

Jen R/Flickr

Shubhika Bharathwaj/Flickr

Paul Bica/Flickr

Jeff Slinker/Flickr

Andy Beal/Flickr

John C. Bruckman/Flickr

Andrew Wong/Flickr

Intiaz Rahim/Flickr

Ron Cogswell/Flickr

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr

John Colby/Flickr

Sathish J/Flickr

Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

Grant Montgomery/Flickr

Jeff/Flickr

BYU-Hawaii/Flickr

Jarred Elrod/Flickr

John Mueller/Flickr

Joe Parks/Flickr

Brian and Jennifer Milner/Flickr

Prayitno/Flickr

Mark Kortum/Flickr

Thomas/Flickr

Jeff Wallace/Flickr

Kanaka Menehune/Flickr

Frank McNamara/Flickr

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Address: Hawaii, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Most Beautiful Places In Hawaii May 04, 2020 Megan Shute What are the best outdoor adventures in Hawaii?  Whether you prefer to enjoy your adventures on land or in the water, Hawaii’s outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. From mountain trails that showcase surreal views to underwater reefs just waiting for you to dive in, the Hawaiian Islands are paradise for anyone who loves spending time outside and embarking on new adventures. Some of our favorites include hiking above the clouds in Haleakala National Park, cruising along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, experiencing the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and hanging out with honu on Oahu’s north shore. Does Hawaii have any natural wonders? Are you kidding us? As an island chain formed over thousands of years by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands are absolutely overflowing with natural wonders — our recommendations just depend on what you’re looking for. Whether you enjoy exploring lava tubes or stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii. What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii? From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: for example, Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Oahu’s remote and beautiful Kaena Point, or Maui’s majestic Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Most Beautiful Places In Hawaii

May 04, 2020

Megan Shute

What are the best outdoor adventures in Hawaii?  Whether you prefer to enjoy your adventures on land or in the water, Hawaii’s outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. From mountain trails that showcase surreal views to underwater reefs just waiting for you to dive in, the Hawaiian Islands are paradise for anyone who loves spending time outside and embarking on new adventures. Some of our favorites include hiking above the clouds in Haleakala National Park, cruising along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, experiencing the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and hanging out with honu on Oahu’s north shore. Does Hawaii have any natural wonders? Are you kidding us? As an island chain formed over thousands of years by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands are absolutely overflowing with natural wonders — our recommendations just depend on what you’re looking for. Whether you enjoy exploring lava tubes or stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii. What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii? From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: for example, Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Oahu’s remote and beautiful Kaena Point, or Maui’s majestic Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Whether you prefer to enjoy your adventures on land or in the water, Hawaii’s outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. From mountain trails that showcase surreal views to underwater reefs just waiting for you to dive in, the Hawaiian Islands are paradise for anyone who loves spending time outside and embarking on new adventures. Some of our favorites include hiking above the clouds in Haleakala National Park, cruising along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, experiencing the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and hanging out with honu on Oahu’s north shore.

Does Hawaii have any natural wonders?

Are you kidding us? As an island chain formed over thousands of years by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands are absolutely overflowing with natural wonders — our recommendations just depend on what you’re looking for. Whether you enjoy exploring lava tubes or stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii.

What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii?

From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: for example, Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Oahu’s remote and beautiful Kaena Point, or Maui’s majestic Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.