HAWAIIAN
ISLANDS

Nāpali Coast

Just 90 minutes from Līhu‘e, the Nāpali Coast is a 15-mile stretch of mountains and sea on the northwest flank of the island. Accessible only by air, boat and on foot, Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast is one of the precious jewels in the crown of the Hawaiian Islands.

Kalapakī Beach

With gentle waves and a sandy bottom, you’ll appreciate swimming at this beach. Surf lessons, beach volleyball, and kayak rentals are available.

Kilohana Plantation

This early 1900s plantation estate is a unique place to shop and dine. Board the Kaua‘i Plantation Railway for a train ride through the plantation’s 36-acre grounds. Kōloa Rum Company is Kaua‘i’s first and only commercial distiller, blender, and bottler of premium Hawaiian Rum.

Fern Grotto

Fringed with hanging ferns, this natural lava rock grotto was an exclusive destination for Hawaiian royalty. Open-air boats offer guided tours of the area. Like a natural amphitheater, this romantic site is also a popular wedding venue.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is located at the southern end of Wailua River. It’s usually seen as two falls until rain transforms them into one. Rainbows often appear in the morning when sunlight paints the 80-foot waterfall molten silver. Used in the opening credits of the TV show, Fantasy Island, Wailua Falls is easily accessible for viewing.

Kapa‘a

Be sure to find time for a leisurely stroll through Kapa‘a. You’ll find a smart blend of handmade and fine items, including some great Hawaiian craft pieces, aloha-print shirts, jewelry, and fine art objects.

Lydgate Beach Park

Just south of the Wailua River is Lydgate Beach Park, with its two lava rock-enclosed ocean pools. This guarded beach is calm enough for keiki (children) and good for beginner snorkelers.

Po‘ipū Beach Park

The inviting waters of Po‘ipū make it very popular with visitors, locals, and even marine life. From December through April, it’s not uncommon to spot humpback whales spouting off shore. Po‘ipū Beach is also well-known as a place where the endangered Hawaiian monk seals sometimes sunbathe on the shore.

Kōloa

Kōloa was Hawai‘i’s first productive sugar plantation, established back in 1835. The area has retained much of its old charm, and many plantation buildings still decorate this historic town. The Kōloa History Center is a great place to view old photos and artifacts of Kōloa’s early years. Large monkeypod trees provide ample shade for those who want to browse Kōloa’s many shops and stores.

Spouting Horn

The Po‘ipū surf channels into a natural lava tube and releases a spout of water up to 60-feet high during large swells. Listen for the hiss and roar that follows! Access to Spouting Horn is convenient, and the view from the lookout is luminous at sunset.

Kōke‘e State Park

Kōke‘e State Park encompasses more than 4,000 acres on a high plateau covered in forest, sprinkled with wildflowers and crisscrossed with hiking trails. At Kōke‘e Natural History Museum, there are exhibits on the unique flora of the area, along with maps of hiking trails and nature walks.

Hanalei

The grandeur of Kaua‘i’s North Shore is revealed from the picture-perfect Hanalei Valley Lookout. The small, peaceful town of Hanalei is filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and unique art galleries. Lumaha‘i Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right out of my hair” in Hollywood’s memorable musical, South Pacific. Or, pack a picnic and venture out to Hanalei Bay.

Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is one of Kaua‘i’s biggest attractions. This massive canyon provides stunning views of Kaua‘i’s lush valleys and tropical forest canopies. Waimea Canyon can be appreciated from several lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive, but pack a jacket as the high elevation’s air is cool.

Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse

This historic landmark sits majestically on the northernmost peninsula of the island, providing scenic views of the dramatic cliffs and coastline. The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is just around the bend, bringing Hawai‘i’s rare and unique nesting seabirds close to view. Be sure to visit the informative Visitor Center.

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Visit the secluded summer retreat of Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert. Royal antiques and furnishings stand in their original places.

Sunset and ‘Ehukai Beach

Stop at these amazing surf spots that host surfers from around the world for both enjoyment and competition. Watch the spectacle of surfers catching the thrill of, at times, 20- to 30-foot waves during the winter months.

Waimea Bay

In the winter, ocean swells rising above the North Shore pound the Bay with 30-foot waves. Summers find Waimea Bay quiet and gentle—perfect for swimming or snorkeling or diving.

‘Iolani Palace

Enjoy a guided tour of one of Honolulu’s most honored landmarks, the former residence of Hawaiian monarchs and the only royal palace on U.S. soil.

Bishop Museum

This museum is respected as the preeminent keeper of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Islands. Don’t miss the newly renovated Pacific Hall, featuring expressions of culture from the oceanic “Blue Continent.” (Closed Tuesdays.)

Waimānalo Beach

Perhaps the prettiest stretch of pristine white sand beach on O‘ahu, this shoreline fronts majestic views of the Ko‘olau Range and is ideal for families and perfect for picnics.

Kailua Town

Find a variety of beachwear boutiques, shops, and restaurants to satisfy all tastes. Head to Kailua Beach and enjoy a quiet stroll along the soft, white sand or a day of windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming in the beautiful waters.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience at one of Hawai‘i’s premier sites. Sheltered in the curved bay of a breached volcanic crater, this marine conservatory is famous for its pristine beach and isolated beauty. (Closed Tuesdays.)

Pearl Harbor

Vividly recounting the events of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor is poignant, informative, and haunting. The visitors’ center and monuments draw over 1.5 million visitors each year. To get the complete experience, explore the multiple attractions dedicated to remembering World War II, including the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Duke Kahanamoku Memorial Statue

Pay tribute to the legendary “Ambassador of Aloha” on Waikīkī Beach. After becoming Hawai‘i’s first Olympian, Duke continued his celebrated Olympic career for 21 years and became a symbol of aloha around the world.

Kapolei

Kapolei is quickly becoming O‘ahu’s new urban center with retail and restaurant developments and the opening of University of Hawai‘i’s West O‘ahu campus. With miles of beautiful shoreline, the city remains the perfect playground, including the Ko Olina Resort with deluxe resorts, golf courses, dining, and friendly waters.

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout offers one of O‘ahu’s finest views of the sheer Ko‘olau cliffs. Perched 3,000 feet above the O‘ahu coastline is the site of the Battle of Nu‘uanu, where in 1795 Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united the islands under one rule.

Lē‘ahi

Gain perspective on O‘ahu’s geology and geography, grab your hiking shoes and take an early morning hike to the top of Lē‘ahi, or Diamond Head—a 760-foot extinct volcanic tuff cone and National Landmark. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view that extends along O‘ahu’s south shore.

Hālawa Valley

Hikers are astounded by Hālawa’s rich flora and beautiful vistas. At the end of the trail is the impressive, double-tiered 250-foot Mo‘oula Falls, a perfect place to rest and have lunch. The hike is fairly vigorous, and the only way to explore the area is with a guide, as the trail crosses private property.

Pāpōhaku Beach Park

Moloka‘i’s Pāpōhaku Beach is one of Hawai‘i’s largest white-sand beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the ambience. You’ll also find a grassy park for picnicking and camping.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

The peaceful Kalaupapa Peninsula is a place of preservation and education; learn about Saint Damien, the Belgian priest who courageously served the colony. The park is accessible Monday through Saturday (by appointment only!), so be sure to call ahead.

Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai’s long wharf forms the island’s main harbor, where you’ll find charter boats for fishing, snorkeling, and seasonal whale watching. The town’s commercial strip is a block of quaint shops so unassuming that first-time visitors keep driving around looking for the brand name stores.

Kalaupapa Lookout

View Kalaupapa Peninsula from the 1,000-foot elevation of Pālā‘au State Park. This 34-acre recreation area offers winding trails among eucalyptus and ironwood trees as well as breathtaking views of Moloka‘i’s north coast.

Keahiakawelo

Keahiakawelo, or Garden of the Gods, is one of the more unusual sites in the islands, or anywhere else for that matter. Looking around you see no vegetation, no birds…only ancient boulders and mysterious little piles of rock that are most enchanting at dusk. The setting sun casts a warm orange glow on the rock sculptures, illuminating them in brilliant reds and purples. The area is accessible by hiking or by taking a four-wheel drive to the end of Polihua Road.

Hulopo‘e Bay

Hulopo‘e Bay greets you with a stunning expanse of golden sand and deep blue waters. The area has a beach park with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and showers. Most of the year this protected bay is the best spot on the island for snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, and exploring the many tide pools carved out of volcanic rock.

Lāna‘i City

With no traffic lights or traffic jams, Lāna‘i City exists much as it did almost a century ago. Browse the shops, art galleries, restaurants, and Cultural and Heritage Center that surround the town square.

Kaiolohia

Just off shore of Kaiolohia, or Shipwreck Beach, the massive, rusting hulk of a WWII Liberty Ship stands marooned on a reef, anchored in time. The eight-mile stretch of shore is a wonderful place to hike and beachcomb.

Munro Trail

The rustic Munro Trail near Lāna‘i City can be hiked. This seven-mile, one-lane dirt road offers sweeping vistas amongst the majestic Cook pine trees introduced by Munro himself. The trail offers spectacular views and the 1,600-foot climb in elevation cools the air. The trail takes you to the top of Mount Lāna‘ihale, Lāna‘i’s highest peak at 3,370 feet.

Kā‘anapali

Kā‘anapali is known for its championship golf courses and beautiful white sand beaches, which are great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Mā‘alaea

As the former commercial port of the island, Mā‘alaea Harbor now hosts snorkel, scuba, and seasonal whale watch excursions. This is also a good place to catch a dinner cruise, unless you prefer to admire the views from one of Mā‘alaea’s popular restaurants. Be sure to stop at Mā‘alaea Harbor Village where you’ll find many boutiques and restaurants.

Wailea

Book a tee time in Wailea and golf some of the more beautiful courses in the country. The weather here is just about perfect for any outdoor activity, with sunny days and clear evenings. Wailea is also known for its beautiful beaches.

Kīhei

Have dinner in Kīhei and spend the rest of the evening dancing it off. Kīhei is also a great spot for beachcombing, snorkeling, kayaking, and catching the breach of a giant humpback whale during whale season.

Wailuku

Historic Wailuku is one of the commercial centers of Maui. You’ll find a good selection of local and ethnic eateries, boutiques, antiques, and collectibles in uniquely charming shops.

Kahului

Here you’ll find Maui’s larger shops, malls, restaurants, and the commercial harbor where cruise ships and ocean barges dock. Kahului is also home to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

‘Īao Valley State Park

‘Īao Valley State Park is a peaceful, lush area centering around Kūkaemoku, or ‘Īao Needle, a towering rock pinnacle. Kūkaemoku soars 1,200-feet high and can best be seen in the early morning. Check with State Park for current conditions, which are subject to change.

Makawao

The combination of its pineapple plantation and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage along with a thriving arts community make Makawao a uniquely enjoyable place.

Ho‘okipa Beach Park

Watch the windsurfers ride the waves at Ho‘okipa. Note that during the winter, wave conditions can be extremely dangerous so please heed all posted signs for your safety.

Hāna

East Maui is as rewarding as the journey to reach it. A magical little hamlet of simple homes and quiet gardens, Hāna’s isolation is the source of its charm.

Haleakalā National Park

Certainly the island’s most visible landmark, Haleakalā is also one of Maui’s most memorable attractions. Rising more than 10,000 feet from the sea, Haleakalā National Park stretches east from the winding road to the summit, and down the mountain’s flanks all the way to the ocean at the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o. No trip to Maui is complete without a visit to the “House of the Sun.” Sunrise viewing needs to be reserved in advance at recreation.gov.

Pā‘ia

The picturesque plantation-era storefronts of Pā‘ia are home to several ethnic eateries and dozens of colorful boutiques offering unique gifts, surf gear, and a variety of locally produced art, jewelry, and clothing.

Kula

In Kula, you’ll find fruitful farming communities that harvest some of Maui’s freshest produce (including the famous Maui onion). The delicious Kula onion is sweet, flavorful, and appropriately mellow.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i

Located on a nine-acre campus above the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, the center explores the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy. View interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.

‘Akaka Falls State Park

Perhaps the most famous of the island’s many waterfalls, ‘Akaka Falls is easy to reach. During the short hike, you’ll first see 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Continue along the loop to witness towering ‘Akaka Falls plunging 442 feet from the cliffs above. The hike takes less than an hour.

Waimea

The upland town of Waimea is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country. Several area ranches offer the opportunity to ride the range in a guided tour of the pastures with spectacular views of the coastline and peaks. The ranchers and horses of the island of Hawai‘i look forward to sharing their unique country with you.

Waipi‘o Valley Overlook

Drive to the end of Highway 240 to reach the Waipi‘o Valley Overlook. A shuttle and tours are available. There is a road into Waipi‘o Valley accessible only by four-wheel drive.

Kailua Village

Leave from here on sport-fishing charters or stroll down the main road of Ali‘i Drive to find a variety of attractions beyond the shops and restaurants. Kailua Pier, the starting and finishing point of the world-famous IRONMAN® World Championship, is a great place to watch the sunset.

Hulihe‘e Palace

See the collection of fascinating artifacts at this museum. Once a summer vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty, the Palace features beautiful koa wood furniture from the past and a Hawaiian fishpond on the grounds.

Hōlualoa

This small town of artists and art galleries sits above Kailua Village on the slopes of Hualālai. Formerly an agricultural center, it has evolved into a gathering place for artists inspired by the area’s tranquil beauty. Stop at the galleries while strolling down the town’s main street.

Kealakekua Bay

Preserved as a Marine Life Conservation District, this bay is popular with divers, snorkelers, and kayakers and is home to brilliant corals and schools of tropical fish.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

A trip to the island of Hawai‘i would not be complete without a visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dramatic, diverse, vast (more than 333,000 acres) and still growing, the Park has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To appreciate the volcanoes, plan to spend a day exploring the Park.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau, Hawai‘i’s last “place of refuge,” provides a look into early Hawaiian culture. Restored to its early 1700s appearance, step back into time and explore the many archeological sites.