Hawaii: Unforgettable Attractions

What makes Hawaii an extraordinary travel destination? Hawaii, located in the vast Pacific, will enchant you just as it has enchanted us. The U.S. state boasts an impressive diversity of nature. The beautiful hikes of Kauai, the stunning volcanic landscapes on Big Island, or the renowned surf spots in Oahu and Maui. The unique natural beauty of Hawaii makes every nature lover's and sunbather's heart soar.

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most impressive travel destinations I have ever seen. Black volcanic landscapes meet vibrant green, palm-lined coastal sections. Ideal waves await both beginners and the world's best surfers.

In between, you'll find charming coastal towns and the city of Honolulu. Street art, culture, and shopping centers make this diverse destination perfect. Who doesn't dream of experiencing the kitschy sunset at Waikiki Beach? Or climbing Diamond Head to see flowing lava on Big Island?

Kauai

Undisputedly, the Na Pali Coast in Kauai is my number one. You can enjoy this view on a boat tour or from the air on a helicopter ride. The scenery from below can be appreciated on a hike along the Kalalau Trail. The green cliffs drop 1,000 meters and are so distinctive that they represent the best postcard motif for Hawaii.

The best view of the particularly striking mountains is from the helicopter. We also enjoyed the speedboat tour, where we constantly spotted dolphins and turtles around us in the water.

You can find more about activities at the Na Pali Coast in my highlights on Kauai.

Maui

The Road to Hana is THE scenic road and thus the most beautiful road on Maui. It is extremely popular with tourists and therefore heavily trafficked. The stops along the approximately 100 km scenic route are numerous. The superlatives also include: 600 curves and 54 one-lane bridges, so be prepared for a bit of patience. The serpentine road is lined with waterfalls, rainforests, and steep coastal sections.

I wrote a detailed report on the Road to Hana (with many pictures and tips).

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

The famous Halema'uma'u crater of Kilauea in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has undergone massive changes since its last major eruption in 2018. Many hiking trails and the beautiful Crater Rim Drive are closed. However, you can explore fascinating lava tunnels and interesting hikes over old lava here.

Check for free lectures at the entrance board. They are really interesting. Upon arrival, we listened to a ranger's talk titled "How it all started."

Our tip: Kilauea Iki Crater Trailhead through the old lava fields. You can find more information in this post about Big Island of Hawaii.

Maui (also applicable to Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii Island)

What is the highlight in Maui besides surfing and volcanoes? Right: Whales! The best time for whale watching in Maui is winter. From mid-December to the end of March/April, you can spot whales from the west coast in the shallow waters between Maui and Molokai or Lanakai.

Annually, about 4,000 - 5,000 humpback whales pass by the Hawaiian Islands. Considering that only about 6,000 - 10,000 specimens live in the Pacific, the number is remarkably high.

Most whales are present between February and March. During our visit, the whales were delayed. Only very few were sighted in early December. On our Whale Photo Safari, we managed to see about eight whales. You can also see whales on Hawaii Island and the other islands if you are there at the right time. We were lucky only on Maui (on the last day).

We highly recommend the Pacific Whale provider since biologists were also on board, sharing a lot about marine conservation (plastic pollution) and whale behavior.

Kauai

The name of the shield volcano 'Wai'ale'ale Crater' means 'glistening water'. The name speaks volumes: Almost always, the 1,569 m high volcano is shrouded in clouds, and waterfalls cascade 1,000 m downward. Due to the consistently present trade winds and a slope of 110% of the crater, slope winds are created. The resulting water falls as orographic rain in the form of waterfalls.

This weather is stable. According to statistics, it rains on 335 days of the year, making Wai'ale'ale one of the rainiest, perhaps even the rainiest places in the world. The three sides of the cone are lined with waterfalls that plunge over 1,000 m down. The sight is simply impressive.

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Waipi'o Valley on Big Island, known as the "Valley of the Kings," is a breathtaking place with deep cultural roots and spectacular nature. The hike into the valley is challenging, as the trail is steep and often slippery, but it offers unparalleled views of lush vegetation, waterfalls, and the dramatic coastline. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water to safely explore this fascinating and spiritually significant landscape of Hawaii.

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach on Big Island is a must-visit for every Hawaii visitor, as it is one of only four green beaches in the world! The unique green sand comes from the mineral olivine, a crystal originating from the nearby volcanic cone. This unique color, combined with the turquoise water and the surrounding rugged landscape, makes for an unforgettable visit.

I could hardly believe that such a place exists. But it's true.

Insider tip: There's an even greener beach just before Papakōlea Green Sand Beach. Walk to the beach and take the locals' shuttle ride back for a fee. Ask about the "real" green beach; they will show you an even greener beach.

Kona, Hawaii Island (Big Island)

An unforgettable experience was the nighttime snorkeling tour to experience manta rays up close at night. It is beautiful to watch the majestic manta rays while they feed. You receive a wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel. There is a SUP board in the water for everyone to hold onto while lying quietly on the surface.

It is really pitch dark, illuminated only by divers below, which makes the manta rays visible. You can also do the tour at sunset. We deliberately chose the late tour as there are fewer people in the water then.

Kauai

Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses Waimea Canyon and smoothly transitions into Kokee State Park. Here, you can find more hiking trails and viewpoints.

Mark Twain once said about Waimea Canyon that it is the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' Impressively large and just as beautiful as anything else in Kauai, the canyon itself is about 16 km long and 914 m deep.

The best viewpoint in the canyon can be found at the Kukui Trail or the Pu'u Himahina Viewpoint. The best view of the Na Pali Coast is from Kalalau Lookout or from Pu'u o Kila Lookout (better). At this lookout, you should hike a little along the Pihea Trail. After about 800 m, the view of the Na Pali Coast opens up on the left.

Oahu

Diamond Head is a crater located east of Waikiki (Oahu). The 2 km long Diamond Head Trail takes you to the rim of the crater, which rises 230 meters high. From up here, you have a great view of Waikiki and the sea.

The hike is very easy. Tip: Come as early as possible to avoid the crowds of tourists and tour buses.

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Learn more about Hawaiian history and past at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Visiting this place of significant importance for Hawaiians is one of the top sights on the west side (Kona) of Big Island. I believe there is no better way to experience traditional Hawaiian culture.

When people violated the kapu laws, they were once sentenced to death. This was once a safe haven (City of refuge - refuge). If the condemned reached Pu'uhonua, they would be pardoned by Kahuna and given a second chance in life. As a sacred site bearing the powerful mana of 23 buried ali'i chiefs, Pu'uhonua and the royal estate were used by Hawaiians for centuries.

You can stroll through the park on a self-guided tour and follow the numbered markers using a park map. This way, you won't miss any highlights, and you can gather information from signs everywhere. We found the visit to be very interesting.

We took helicopter tours in Kauai, Oahu, and Maui (with Molokai). The helicopter flight on Big Island was canceled due to bad weather. We truly recommend these helicopter flights on every island. From above, you see places you cannot reach by car, boat, or on foot.

Kauai

Before our trip to Hawaii, everyone really advised us to hike the Kalalau Trail on the North Shore of Kauai. Said and done. The entire trail is 18 km long and ends at Kalalau Beach, which has a campsite for you.

The trail is a bit challenging but offers breathtaking views of bays, cliffs, and waterfalls along the Na Pali Coast. The more it rains in the days before, the muddier it gets. You can find all the details about the hike and the permit in the report for Kauai.

Oahu

One of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches is located in Lanikai (Oahu). Before heading to the beach, we hike to the Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise. The hike is relatively short and offers a great view of the sea at sunrise.

Everything about the hike with parking tips: Highlights on Kauai.

Are you a film or series junkie? Then you can't miss the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour at Kualoa Ranch. Numerous Hollywood movies and well-known series have used the Kualoa Valley as a filming backdrop.

The most famous include Jurassic Park, LOST, Hawai'i Five-0, Godzilla, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Kong.

For adrenaline junkies, exploring the privately-owned farm by ATV, ziplining, horseback riding, or e-biking is highly recommended. The natural terrain is so vast that you can spend an entire day here.

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

On the slopes of the Hualalai volcano in the Kona Coffee Belt, you'll find coffee and tea plantations. In Kona, there is the opportunity to buy some of the best coffee grown on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano in the Kona Coffee Belt. Kona Coffee and Tea Company is our direct 100% Kona Coffee partner, and we are excited to offer this special single estate coffee to you.

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