From beautiful black, green, and red sand beaches to otherworldly caves and lava formations, the Hawaiian Islands are positively chock-full of magnificent hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered. In fact, you could spend a lifetime exploring Hawaii’s eight main islands and never run out of new places to discover. But, just in case you’re not sure where to start, these 9 hidden gems in Hawaii are just waiting to be discovered.
- Redwood Trail, Maui
Tim Szlachetka/Flickr Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park, this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails.
- The Blue Room, Kauai
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr Found on the northern coast of Kauai is an otherworldly cave that glows with a striking blue light. Waikapalae Cave, also known as the blue room, is quite simply the stuff of dreams. The grotto’s blue hue can be explained simply as the sun reflecting off calcite, though there are those who choose to believe in a slightly different — perhaps otherworldly — explanation.
- Kaupo Store, Maui
Dogymho/Flickr Opened in 1925 is this traditional, Hawaiian-style country store where modern visitors can grab a snack, experience the gorgeous scenery, or check out the stores’ collection of antiques, including cameras, tools, and household items.
- Corsair Plane Wreck, Oahu
Matt Kieffer/Flickr Unlike many of the wrecks you will find off the Hawaiian coast that are intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs, this particular wreck is the real deal. This plane lies 100 feet deep on the ocean floor just off Oahu, where it has been guarded by eels and rays since 1946. Scuba divers can explore the wreck from Oahu’s Portlock.
- Niihau Island
Nogwater/Flickr Also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” this small island is home to approximately 200 native Hawaiians who have preserved traditional ways of life, including speaking Hawaiian. Expensive air tours are available to those who are curious.
- Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple, Oahu
Karendesuyo/Flickr Construction on “Broken Ridge Temple” began in the 1980s, but was halted when neighbors complained the roof height violated city and county ordinances. The temple sits in the Palolo Valley and is one of the largest Korean Buddhist temples outside Korea.
- Bamboo Forest, Maui
Thomas/Flickr Located on the Mauka side between mile markers 6 and 7 en route to Hana is this tranquil, calm, bamboo forest within Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District. The bamboo forest is found along the Pipiwai Trail, which features several stunning cascading waterfalls and enchanting sights.
- Allerton Garden, Kauai
John Kroll/Flickr Established and curated by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden is tucked into the Lawai Valley on the southern shores of Kauai, and is transected by Lawai Stream. Likened to the Garden of Eden, the garden is not only surrounded by incredible natural beauty but is home to an extensive variety of plant collections.
- Nakalele Blowhole
Grant Montgomery/Flickr Located on the coast of Maui, Nakalele Point Blowhole is a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly.
Have you ever experienced any of these unique destinations? What hidden gems in Hawaii would you like us to write about next? Tell us your favorite spots in the Aloha State, then check out our previous article to discover even more incredible spots to visit: “Shhh… These 15 Hidden Places Are Hawaii’s Best Kept Secrets.”
Tim Szlachetka/Flickr
Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park, this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Found on the northern coast of Kauai is an otherworldly cave that glows with a striking blue light. Waikapalae Cave, also known as the blue room, is quite simply the stuff of dreams. The grotto’s blue hue can be explained simply as the sun reflecting off calcite, though there are those who choose to believe in a slightly different — perhaps otherworldly — explanation.
Dogymho/Flickr
Opened in 1925 is this traditional, Hawaiian-style country store where modern visitors can grab a snack, experience the gorgeous scenery, or check out the stores’ collection of antiques, including cameras, tools, and household items.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Unlike many of the wrecks you will find off the Hawaiian coast that are intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs, this particular wreck is the real deal. This plane lies 100 feet deep on the ocean floor just off Oahu, where it has been guarded by eels and rays since 1946. Scuba divers can explore the wreck from Oahu’s Portlock.
Nogwater/Flickr
Also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” this small island is home to approximately 200 native Hawaiians who have preserved traditional ways of life, including speaking Hawaiian. Expensive air tours are available to those who are curious.
Karendesuyo/Flickr
Construction on “Broken Ridge Temple” began in the 1980s, but was halted when neighbors complained the roof height violated city and county ordinances. The temple sits in the Palolo Valley and is one of the largest Korean Buddhist temples outside Korea.
Thomas/Flickr
Located on the Mauka side between mile markers 6 and 7 en route to Hana is this tranquil, calm, bamboo forest within Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District. The bamboo forest is found along the Pipiwai Trail, which features several stunning cascading waterfalls and enchanting sights.
John Kroll/Flickr
Established and curated by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden is tucked into the Lawai Valley on the southern shores of Kauai, and is transected by Lawai Stream. Likened to the Garden of Eden, the garden is not only surrounded by incredible natural beauty but is home to an extensive variety of plant collections.
Grant Montgomery/Flickr
Located on the coast of Maui, Nakalele Point Blowhole is a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly.
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Address: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, HI 96790, USAAddress: Kuhio Hwy, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USAAddress: 34793 Piilani Hwy, Hana, HI 96713, USAAddress: Portlock, Hawaii Kai, HI 96825, USAAddress: Ni‘ihau, Hawaii 96769, USAAddress: 2420 Halelaau Pl, Honolulu, HI 96816, USAAddress: Pipiwai Trail, Hana, HI 96713, USAAddress: Allerton Garden, 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USAAddress: Nakalele Blowhole, Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In The Aloha State May 18, 2020 Megan Shute What are the most unique things to do in Hawaii? From snorkeling near a partially-submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui to walking through a steam forest near one of the world’s most active volcanoes and everything in between, the Aloha State is home to countless incredible activities and destinations you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Which hidden gems in Hawaii should I visit? That depends almost entirely on what you’re interested in. Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers will love these 12 underrated hikes, while these 12 secret beaches are sure to impress anyone who prefers lounging on the beach to lacing up your hiking boots. No matter what you enjoy, when you thought you’ve done everything there is to do in Hawaii, these 14 activities are perfect. Where can I go in Hawaii that only the locals know about? For every tourist destination in the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find at least one incredible hidden gem. From sea caves hidden along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to magical gems hiding within the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About are always worthy of a visit — whether you’re enjoying your first trip to the islands or have lived here your entire life.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In The Aloha State
May 18, 2020
Megan Shute
What are the most unique things to do in Hawaii? From snorkeling near a partially-submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui to walking through a steam forest near one of the world’s most active volcanoes and everything in between, the Aloha State is home to countless incredible activities and destinations you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Which hidden gems in Hawaii should I visit? That depends almost entirely on what you’re interested in. Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers will love these 12 underrated hikes, while these 12 secret beaches are sure to impress anyone who prefers lounging on the beach to lacing up your hiking boots. No matter what you enjoy, when you thought you’ve done everything there is to do in Hawaii, these 14 activities are perfect. Where can I go in Hawaii that only the locals know about? For every tourist destination in the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find at least one incredible hidden gem. From sea caves hidden along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to magical gems hiding within the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About are always worthy of a visit — whether you’re enjoying your first trip to the islands or have lived here your entire life.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
From snorkeling near a partially-submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui to walking through a steam forest near one of the world’s most active volcanoes and everything in between, the Aloha State is home to countless incredible activities and destinations you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Which hidden gems in Hawaii should I visit?
That depends almost entirely on what you’re interested in. Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers will love these 12 underrated hikes, while these 12 secret beaches are sure to impress anyone who prefers lounging on the beach to lacing up your hiking boots. No matter what you enjoy, when you thought you’ve done everything there is to do in Hawaii, these 14 activities are perfect.
Where can I go in Hawaii that only the locals know about?
For every tourist destination in the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find at least one incredible hidden gem. From sea caves hidden along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to magical gems hiding within the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About are always worthy of a visit — whether you’re enjoying your first trip to the islands or have lived here your entire life.
