Hawaii's islands offer a special allure for travelers seeking all things tropical, sunny, and lush—from Waikiki Beach and Haleakala National Park to Kilauea Volcano and the craggy Na Pali Coast, there are endless sites to take up Hawaii's natural splendor.

Whether you're looking for a wild climbing trip up volcanic mountains, leisurely days at the beach, diving on coral reefs, or trekking through lush jungles in search of enchanting waterfalls, Hawaii has some genuinely great places to visit and things to view.

Check out our hand-picked picks for the finest locations to visit in Hawaii below, which include adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing options for all types of travelers.

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai

The Na Pali Coast State nature Park is a breathtakingly gorgeous destination and one of the best places for a spectacular stroll through Hawaii's untouched nature. It's one of Hawaii's most remote regions, with no resorts, people, or bars.

Just a pristine and enchanting experience with nature as you trek along the pali, or cliffs, admiring the breathtaking vistas. The Na Pali Coast is best characterized as dramatic.

Everywhere you look, there's a craggy cliff sticking out over the blue ocean, a vast valley exploding in green, and a thundering waterfall roaring as you approach. If you're willing to hike for 1-2 days, the Na Pali Coast offers an incredible Hawaiian experience.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is another adventure site that thrill-seekers looking for activities away from the beach will enjoy.

The park's two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, provide a thrilling sense of danger and suspense during your visit. As you marvel at vistas such as the Halema'uma'u Crater and Thurston Lava Tube, you will feel the force rising just beneath the surface.

Take Chain of Craters Road past the park's hardened black lava rocks, and be sure to check out the steam vents on Crater Rim Drive.

Haleakala National Park in Maui

Haleakala National Park dominates the eastern side of Maui, with a gigantic, dormant volcano (Haleakala, the park's namesake) and surreal red sandy stretches, steep valleys, and flowing waterfalls near the coast that provide breathtaking vistas.

Hawaii offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, as well as stargazing on clear evenings and going into the Haleakalā Crater to experience life at the base of a volcano.

Hiking into the crater is an unforgettable experience that will assure you never forget your trip to Hawaii, and you may stop at lookout areas along the way up or down from Haleakala's peak.

The park offers diverse landscapes, including reddish deserts and volcanic characteristics, as well as rainforests and tropical lushness in the Kīpahulu area close to the coast.

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu.

Hawaii has some fantastic adventure trips, but it is also well-known for its beautiful beaches, where lounging in the sand with a drink in hand is the main goal! Waikiki Beach is one of those spots, and it's always a good idea to stop by if you're visiting Oahu.

Waikiki Beach features a gorgeous 2-mile stretch of smooth, white sand as well as some calm-water spots ideal for families with children. You'll be near to everything Honolulu has to offer! Diamond Head State Monument is a 475+ acre park named for the massive volcanic crater located immediately east of Waikiki Beach.

It's clearly visible when you're swimming around on the beach. If you go that route, you can trek excellent pathways throughout the park (including via lit tunnels to visit the ancient Fire Control Station) and to the summit for breathtaking views of the coast and lighthouse.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Hawaii.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm on the Big Island is a must-see for both coffee drinkers and nature lovers.

Take a thorough tour of the farm led by costumed actors to learn about the history of coffee cultivation in Kona, try local coffee and pastries, and explore Kona's wilder side, complete with tropical flora, trees, and green-blanketed valleys.

Local coffee producers started the farm in 1997 with the goal of preserving their legacy and sharing it with guests from all over the world. The coffee shrubs on this 5.5-acre plantation are among the oldest in Hawaii, and they serve as a reminder of the island's crucial agricultural and economic history with coffee.

Road to Hana, Maui.

The picturesque Road to Hana runs for 50 kilometers through eastern Maui and is one of the most breathtaking journeys you'll ever experience. It connects Kahului (Maui's airport) with Hana, but as you drive, you'll know you're in paradise.

It's that beautiful—from any aspect, you can see deep vegetation and rainforests, gushing waterfalls, secret beaches, and sheer cliffs that make you forget you're on a paved road. If you're traveling to Maui, the first thing you should do after landing at Kahului Airport is take the Road to Hana.

Make a day of it by visiting the dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park, the black sand beaches at Waianapanapa State Park, Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and Hana Town.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Oahu

History aficionados and information seekers should not miss the opportunity to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma Memorials on Oahu.

This historic monument serves as a reminder of the tragic events of World War II, with museums, battleship wrecks, and significant military items on display. It's a gloomy experience, but incredibly educational and a must-see if you're on Oahu.

There are two museums to visit, as well as the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which has instructive exhibits that will touch your soul. As you walk down Battleship Row, you'll notice six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows and obtain a better appreciation of Pearl Harbor's involvement in American history and World War II.

Waipi'o Valley Lookout, Hawaii.

The Waipi'o Valley Lookout on the Big Island provides one of the best vantage points for breathtaking views of the lush coastal environment as it cuts through the rocky and green-blanketed Kohala Mountain.

You can view for miles from the vantage point, including the chilly black sand beach below, waterfalls in the distance, and infinite green and blue oceans where the valley meets the ocean.

It's a favorite location for engagement photos and mandatory Hawaii photos, so make sure you have your phone or camera ready to capture the moment when you stop by the lookout. There are paths nearby, but some lead into private property, so be aware of any signs and avoid trespassing on your quest for Hawaii's natural beauty!

Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu

One of the most fascinating aspects of Hawaii is its native culture, which originated in Polynesia. If you want to understand about the traditions and rituals that make Hawaii special, you must visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.

Located on the North Shore (known for its surfing), this calm space will tell you about Polynesian traditions and how they have shaped the islands into what they are today. Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti all have Polynesian influences in their civilizations, and they are strongly represented in the center.

There's a lot to do here, from brief canoe trips and craft demonstrations to traditional dance performances and seminars where you may learn the old ways.