Hawaii Things to See
Popular Hawaiian Sights Guide
Welcome to the captivating sights of Hawaii, an archipelago like no other. Each island in this Pacific paradise is brimming with unique landmarks, natural wonders, and unforgettable vistas, all beckoning you to explore.
Discover the mesmerizing volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, the iconic beaches and surf spots of Oahu, the mesmerizing waterfalls and cliffs of Kaua'i, and the stunning sunrises atop Maui's Haleakala Crater.
Delve deeper to uncover hidden gems that embody the spirit of Aloha, from historical sites echoing the rich Hawaiian culture to marine life-filled coral reefs off the beaten path. Choose your island and set off on a visual feast where every view holds a story, every landscape sparks awe, and every moment becomes a cherished memory. Embrace the beauty of Hawaii, where the unforgettable sights are just the beginning of your journey.
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Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
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HawaiiGuide's Best Sights & Attractions in Hawaiʻi
Our editorial ranking of the must-see sights and attractions across all four islands — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
easy link: hawaiisightsguide.com
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Big Island
#1 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day.
HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
The park encompasses 333,000 acres of natural wonders and is situated at 4,000 feet above sea level. With its wealth of trails, drives, and activities you will likely need at least two days to fully experience all the park has to offer.
Hana Highway - 'Road to Hana'
Maui
#2 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
The scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction.
There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline.
Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you've discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Na Pali Coast State Park
Kauaʻi
#3 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
The NaPali Coast is the gem of all gems on the island of Kauai. There are 3 ways to visit the NaPali Coast: by land, by sea, or by air.
Stretching across a road-less expanse from Polihale Beach in on the West Side to Makana Mountain and Kee Beach in Ha’ena on the North Shore; the NaPali Coast makes up the breathtaking, beautiful northwest coastline of Kauai.
Filled with dramatic cliff faces, pristine beaches, rugged hiking trails and extensive archaeological sites, NaPali Coast is an environment of immense power where natural forces are continually evolving the shape of the land.
Pearl Harbor
Oʻahu
#4 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor situated about 10 miles west of Honolulu. It is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan in 1941, which heralded the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II.
Pearl Harbor is a solemn reminder of a tragic day. It is one of the most significant sites in the history of the United States and a National Historic Landmark.
The area consists of a number of museums and memorials that honor those who served in World War II.
Haleakala National Park
Maui
#5 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
To say Haleakala National Park is impressive would do it a great injustice. Spanning a huge swath of land across Maui’s southeastern region, Haleakala is home to the highest peak on Maui, at 10,023 feet. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance- a mere 38 miles!
And not only is it one of the most popular sights in Hawaii, but it’s also home to five distinctly different climate zones, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, stunning views, otherworldly landscapes, and flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.
If youʻre driving up for the famous sunrise, youʻll need an advance reservation through recreation.gov — released 60 days out and they go fast.
Waimea Canyon
Kauaʻi
#6 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold at ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500 ft. deep.
Carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit, the canyon is home to the Waimea River.
The river was named for the red hue of the water, as Waimea means 'red waters.' The red tint is caused by several natural processes that break down the ancient rock inside the gorge.
Diamond Head State Monument
Oʻahu
#7 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Diamond Head State Monument, also known as Le'ahi, is located just east of Waikiki Beach, on the island of Oahu, and is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii. Le’ahi is a place that offers respite from the busy highways of Honolulu.
The drive around Diamond Head is quite picturesque, as it winds around the crater by the ocean. Once you enter through the tunnel that bores into the side of the crater, it feels like a world away from the city.
The monument is a very popular tourist attraction, offering informative signs, bathrooms, and a shave ice & smoothie truck during opening hours.
Note: Non-resident visitors must make advance online reservations at gostateparks.hawaii.gov. Entry fee is $5/person, parking is $10/vehicle. Hawaii residents enter free with valid ID. Open daily 6 AM – 6 PM.
Mauna Kea
Big Island
#8 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
At nearly 13,800 feet, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaiʻi — and measured from its base on the ocean floor, the tallest mountain on Earth. Sacred to Native Hawaiians and crowned by world-class observatories, the summit is one of the planet's premier stargazing sites, with bone-dry air and 300+ clear nights a year.
The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet is the realistic stop for most travelers — free, on a paved road, and home to the best free public stargazing program in the islands. The summit itself needs 4WD, acclimatization, and real caution (altitude is no joke), and rental cars are prohibited above the VIS.
Iao Valley & Needle
Maui
#9 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor.
The name 'Iao is pronounced, "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army here in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
As of May 1, 2023, a new reservation system is now being implemented to reduce congestion and diffuse parking and crowding issues.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Oʻahu
#10 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a gorgeous wineglass-shaped bay situated on the southeastern side of Oahu near Hawaii Kai, tucked into the sheltered side of Koko Head.
Merely a 30-minute drive from Honolulu (traffic permitting), this stunning bay feels like a world away from the bustle of the city, which cannot even be seen from the beach as the large bay is surrounded by the lush green, gently fluted hills of Koko Head.
The bay is secluded and tranquil in the early morning, but during the day becomes a very popular place for locals and visitors. Thousands of people flock to the bay each day to experience the excellent snorkeling in the area.
Advance online reservations are required. Admission is $25/person for non-residents (13+); children 12 and under free. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 6:45 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry 1:30 PM).
Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park
Big Island
#11 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without.
After paying your vehicle entrance fee and walking past the educational displays, you round a corner and are transplanted into the world of the ancient Hawaiians. On this scorched land of sand and lava rock, the ali'i (ruling class) of Hawaii made their home.
Visitors can explore how the Hawaiians worked and played underneath the shade of Honaunau's stately palms. Great snorkeling is available nearby at Two Step at Keone'ele Cove.
Kalalau Lookout
Kauaʻi
#12 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Kalalau Lookout isn't just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many first-time visitors often believe. It's a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley- one of the most-photographed and well-recognized valleys in all of Hawaii.
The surrounding coastline and valley, which is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide, has served as the backdrop for countless films including "King Kong" (the original), "Mighty Joe Young," "Jurassic Park," and "Six Days Seven Nights."
Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kauai by road, at 4,000 feet.
Waianapanapa State Park
Maui
#13 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Wai'anapanapa (Why-Ah-naa-paa-naa-paa) features sculpted lava rocks, a black sand beach, wind twisted foliage, a sea arch, lava caves, and tubes, and even a blowhole in the lava rocks near the shoreline.
Technically, this attraction is along the Road to Hāna (our #1 pick), but it earns its own spot here for sheer uniqueness. Note that Waiʻānapanapa now requires advance reservations for non-resident day visitors — book a parking-and-entry slot online before you go, as walk-ins are turned away.
The area around the park is also fascinating to hike through. There are a few wet caves and lava tubes with fresh water running through them. More hiking is available to the southeast, where you could technically hike all the way to Hana town along the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Oʻahu
#14 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most stunning views of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountain Range. Located just a short 5-mile drive from downtown Honolulu, this lookout offers some of the best views on Oahu. From here you can spot Kailua town as well as Kaneohe Bay and, of course, the breathtaking Ko'olau Mountains.
In 1795, Kamehameha the Great's troops drove Oahu's men up the hills only to force them off these cliffs and to their deaths. Following that battle, Kamehameha was able to finish his quest and unite the islands.
Akaka Falls State Park
Big Island
#15 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Akaka Falls State Park, along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors.
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After taking a short set of stairs, turn left and follow the paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner, you'll catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 ft. through a green-lined gorge.
Hanalei Valley Lookout
Kauaʻi
#16 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
The single best roadside view on Kauaʻi. Pull off Kūhiō Highway just before it drops into Hanalei town and the whole valley opens below you — a patchwork of taro fields (loʻi kalo) along the Hanalei River, backed by waterfall-streaked green mountains.
It's a quick stop — a few minutes at the railing — but it's the postcard that defines the North Shore. Best in morning light or after rain, when the waterfalls run hardest. The taro fields below are a working national wildlife refuge.
Pololu Valley Overlook
Big Island
#17 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
As you pass the 28-mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of the lovely Pololu Valley.
On a sunny day, you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley.
A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
ʻIolani Palace
Oʻahu
#18 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
The only royal palace on American soil, ʻIolani is a magnificent Honolulu landmark that preserves the heart of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was the official residence of Hawaiʻi's last monarchs — King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani — and its cornerstone was laid in 1879.
Today the restored palace is a museum at the center of the downtown Honolulu historic district. Guided and audio tours walk you through the throne room, the royal quarters, and the story of the 1893 overthrow — the single best place on Oʻahu to understand Hawaiian history beyond the beach.
Molokini Island
Maui
#19 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
A sunken crescent of volcanic crater poking out of the sea a few miles off South Maui, Molokini is one of Hawaiʻi's most famous snorkel and dive sites — one of only a handful of volcanic calderas in the world you can swim inside.
The crescent shelters crystal-clear water (often 100+ feet of visibility) full of reef fish, turtles, and the occasional reef shark. It's boat-access only from Māʻalaea or Kihei, so it's a morning half-day tour rather than a drive-up stop — go early, before the wind and crowds build.
Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge
Kauaʻi
#20 Best Sight in Hawaiʻi
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand-blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970's.
The lighthouse is open to look around in on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua'i's most popular attractions.
Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua'i's past.
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