29 reasons to add Hawaii to your bucket list

Heavenly Hawaii

It’s no secret that Hawaii is stunning – but its beauty goes far beyond the beaches. From lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to abundant marine life, each island offers a unique slice of paradise. Rich in history and culture, Hawaii’s deep-rooted traditions and stories add another layer to its natural wonder, offering travelers much more than just postcard-perfect views.

Click through this gallery to discover 29 reasons why Hawaii should be at the top of your bucket list... 

Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu

Think of the perfect beach – golden sands fringed by blue waters and greenery – and you’ll probably imagine something like Waimea Bay.

Oahu's remote North Shore sees fewer tourists than the buzzier beaches down south (Waikiki, we're looking at you), but this strand is famous for its dramatic waves, which draw pro surfers from all over the world in winter. Come by during summer to experience the waters at their calmest. 

Wailua Falls, near Lihue, Kauai

Scenes like this cement Kauai's reputation as the 'Garden Isle,' characterized as it is by greener-than-green valleys, waterfalls, and rainforest. Here Wailua Falls – a jaw-dropping double waterfall whose true height is disputed – thunders over a lush mountainside in the island's east.

Unlike some of Hawaii's watery wonders, these falls are easy to get to, and you can also spot them in the opening credits of classic 1970s and 1980s TV show Fantasy Island.

Migrating whale, near Lahaina, Maui

It's not just human sun-seekers that flock to America's island state – thousands of humpback whales vacation here too, leaving behind the chilly Gulf of Alaska in favor of Hawaii's more temperate waters.

A top place to spot them is in the Auau Channel, a precious swath of ocean between the Hawaiian isles of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Many whale-watching tours depart from Lahaina on Maui's west and cruise through the channel. 

Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), Lanai

Though not to be confused with Colorado's Garden of the Gods, this orange-red landscape may well look more at home in the USA's southwest.

The rock garden can actually be found in the northwest of Lanai, the smallest of Hawaii's inhabited islands, and its rugged expanse, all boulders and hoodoos, has been formed by centuries' worth of erosion. It's also steeped in a Hawaiian legend.

Waimea, Hawaii Island

At first glance, this lush expanse may look more like the English Lake District than a region of Hawaii's Big Island – but Waimea is actually a pocket of northern Hawaii.

It's known as the island's cowboy – or paniolo – country, and here you'll find cattle ranches reminiscent of the American west. Unsurprisingly, the best way to explore is on horseback. 

Green sea turtle, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii Island

Many of Hawaii's beaches, including the famous black-sand Punaluʻu, are havens for endangered green sea turtles, or honu. The turtles come to this inky strand to sunbathe, nest, and feed in its shallow waters, and tourists follow, hoping for a sighting. Beyond the turtles, this incredible volcanic beach is a photo-worthy sight in itself.

Spouting Horn, South Shore, Kauai

For one of the most dramatic sights along the Hawaiian coast, head to Kauai's South Shore and the Spouting Horn. This coastal blowhole, caused by a natural lava tube, puts on quite the show, spitting water up to 50 feet into the air. Legend has it the watery spray is the breath of a giant lizard trapped underground. Come at sunset for the most epic views. 

Kualoa Ranch, Windward Coast, Oahu

If you're craving a retreat from southern Oahu's buzzier beaches, strike north-east to the Windward Coast and the lush Kualoa Ranch.

This private nature reserve is carved up into two distinct sections: the south, home to the Hakipuʻu Valley rainforest, and the north (pictured), boasting the emerald Kaʻaʻawa Valley. The latter is nicknamed 'Jurassic Valley' and features in several films in the Jurassic Park franchise. 

Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Maui island is synonymous with Haleakalā National Park, named for a mammoth dormant volcano that tops out at 10,023 feet at its highest point. The name Haleakalā means 'House of the Sun,' fitting given the volcano's lofty height and also its reputation for jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets.

Hiking trails crisscross the 33,000-plus-acre landscape, and you'll need to make a special reservation if you want to catch the sunrise. 

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Byodo-In Temple, Windward Coast, Oahu

You might not expect to find a full-scale replica of a Japanese temple in Hawaii – but make a beeline for Oahu's eastern Windward Coast and you'll discover exactly that.

The Byodo-In Temple is set within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, an important Hawaiian burial area, and is a carbon copy of its namesake in Uji, Japan. You can wander the landscaped grounds, with its koi-filled pond, and gaze up at an 18-foot buddha within the temple itself.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

The summit of one of the world's most active volcanoes – Kilauea, which caused devastation with an eruption in 2018 – exists within this park, known for its charcoal-black lava fields and huge volcanic craters.

A drive through the otherworldly landscape is one of the best ways to explore it: plump for the Crater Rim Drive, which takes in the park's Sulphur Banks and scenic viewpoints such as the Kīlauea Iki Overlook. 

Halawa Valley, West End, Molokai

Molokai's Halawa Valley, a cathedral valley on the island's west coast, is characterized by acres of green and punctured by waterfalls. It's also one of the most historic areas of Hawaii, with settlement dating back well over a millennium.

This history is evidenced by the moldering ruins that pepper the valley, including historic religious sites called heiau.

Waimea Canyon, West Side, Kauai

It's not hard to see why this mammoth canyon in Kauai has become known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' It has the same rugged red rocks, waterfalls, and hiking trails of its Arizona sister, and it plunges for more than 3,600 feet. You'll get great views from the Waimea Canyon Lookout, or the Kalalau Lookout if you're up for a hike. 

Papohaku Beach Park, near Mauna Loa, Molokai

Hawaii has little shortage of spots to watch the sunset, but Papohaku Beach, on the island of Molokai, has to be among the best of them. This dreamy three-mile stretch on the isle's west coast is one of Hawaii's biggest beaches, so you'll not be umbrella-to-umbrella with your fellow travelers either. 

Road to Hana, Maui

The Road to Hana, or Hana Highway, in Maui is probably Hawaii's best-known road trip. Spooling out for around 52 miles, the route offers pinch-me views of Maui's eastern coastline, slicing through forest, whisking drivers past waterfalls, and across dramatic bridges. You'll finish up in the village of Hana, where you can enjoy life at a slower pace. 

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Hawaii

This state historical park in the west of the Big Island is nothing short of an underwater paradise. Its protected waters are home to all manner of marine life, from corals and colorful tropical fish to the odd diminutive spinner dolphin. Naturally, the best way to experience Kealakekua Bay is by donning a snorkel or taking a dive.

Kaunakakai, Molokai

Hawaii is lauded for its natural beauty, but there are plenty of pretty towns worthy of your attention too. Dinky Kaunakakai in Molokai is one of them.

It's the island's gloriously relaxed main town, with a strong fishing tradition, an endless pier, and a string of attractive churches. Its food scene punches above its weight too.

Kaunaoa Beach, Waimea, Hawaii

Kaunaoa Beach is no stranger to the limelight, often topping lists of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches. It's a pristine lick of golden sand, lapped by gentle waters perfect for snorkeling.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, the swanky Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which backs the sand, is one of the island's most sought-after spots.

Hawaiian monk seal, Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

The Hawaiian monk seal is another star of the islands' wildlife, though sadly the species is critically endangered. Endemic to the archipelago, these fascinating creatures favor Hawaii's northern islands, frolicking in the warm waters but coming on land to rest.

Lapakahi State Historical Park, Kohala, Hawaii

You'll get a glimpse of Hawaii's past at this historical park on the Big Island's Kohala coast. The site encompasses the partially restored remains of a six-centuries-old fishing village and you can spot traditional houses on a self-guided tour of the site. Beyond the ruins, there are uninterrupted views of the ocean too. 

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, North Shore, Kauai

One of the most unique portions of the Hawaiian shoreline, the ridged, rainbow-colored Na Pali Coast stretches along Kauai's North Shore. The park is named for its pali – the soaring sea cliffs that give the site its defining landscape. To truly appreciate its breadth and beauty, get up high – helicopter tours whisk visitors over this awesome swath of Kauai.

Kuualii Fishpond, Anaehoomalu Bay, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Along the southern part of the Kohala Coast is Anaehoomalu Bay, with its serene, palm-tree-lined beach. The quiet strand is reason enough to visit, but there are some other fascinating sights here: historic fishponds dating back centuries. Pictured here are the still waters of the Kuualii Fishpond – curious visitors will find ancient petroglyphs nearby too. 

Mauna Kea Summit, Hawaii

The summit of this dormant volcano peaks at a dizzying 13,796 feet, and the massive bluff is topped with observatories. You can gaze at the skies yourself at the Visitor Information Station – a respectable 9,200 feet high. The challenging trek to the very top is an eight-hour round trip, but the above-the-clouds views are certainly worth it.

Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Lanai

Kaiolohia is remote, but adventurous travelers are rewarded with a rugged stretch of beach largely free of other travelers and haunting views of a shipwreck out at sea.

Piercing the windswept waters are the remains of a 1940s oil tanker, whose decaying hull is a photographer's ideal subject. A stone's throw from the beach, you'll also find a fascinating area filled with petroglyphs. 

Pololu Valley, North Kohala, Hawaii

Hawaii spoils its visitors with stunning vistas and the Big Island's Pololu Valley is certainly no exception. The best spot to drink in the views is the Pololu Valley Lookout: here you'll get a picture-perfect snapshot of this dramatic part of Hawaii's coast, all jagged cliffs and thick green forest. Needless to say, a sunrise (pictured) or sunset only adds to the drama. 

Alii Fishpond, Kaunakakai, Molokai

A product of Hawaii's rich fishing heritage, historic stone fish ponds once used by the state's fisherfolk still dot the archipelago. Most date back around seven or eight centuries: fish would swim into the pond, where they would grow until they were too big to exit. Pictured is the Alii Fishpond, a centuries-old pond once used for royals. 

Makapuu Lighthouse, near Honolulu, Oahu

An easy trip from Honolulu is the Makapuu Lighthouse, perched on a cliff on the very eastern tip of Oahu. It dates to the early 20th century and can be taken in on a straightforward two-mile hike along a paved trail. Pause at the many lookout points to soak in the handsome lighthouse and make out the isle of Molokai in the far distance. 

Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu

This tree-topped island looks super remote, but it actually floats within a man-made pool in the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki. The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, fringed by yellow sands and flanked by hotels, is the perfect city spot for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming.

Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu's skyline is defined by the Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic cone and 300,000-year-old crater just along the coast from Waikiki. You'll need to be moderately fit to tackle the trail to its summit – the hike includes 175 steps – but reach the top and stunning views across Oahu, 'the Heart of Hawaii,' are certainly reward enough. 

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

The earliest photos of America will amaze you