Hawaii, the Aloha State, is a breathtaking archipelago where volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters, and vibrant Polynesian culture create an unparalleled travel experience. As a culinary gem where Pacific Rim cuisine meets island flavors, Hawaii offers fresh poke, kalua pork, and tropical fruits that elevate every visit. Whether you’re searching for the best places to visit in Hawaii, exploring Hawaii attractions near me, or planning a Hawaii vacation 2025, this guide to the 10 best places to visit in Hawaii will inspire your next tropical escape. From Oahu’s bustling Waikiki to Maui’s serene Road to Hana, discover top Hawaii destinations, best Hawaii tourist attractions, Hawaii family vacation spots, best beaches in Hawaii, Hawaii outdoor activities, hidden gems in Hawaii, Hawaii travel guide, map of Hawaii attractions, best islands to visit in Hawaii, and what to do in Hawaii.

Use our Hawaii vacation guide to navigate Hawaii travel destinations, best places to stay in Hawaii, and Hawaii sightseeing spots for an unforgettable 2025 adventure. This guide highlights Hawaii travel recommendations, best things to do in Hawaii, and Hawaii culinary experiences, ensuring your trip is filled with aloha spirit and island magic. Let’s explore the top 10 places to visit in Hawaii!

Why Hawaii’s Attractions Are a Must-Visit This Year

Hawaii’s diverse islands—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, and Lanai offer volcanic hikes, coral reefs, and cultural festivals, drawing over 10 million visitors annually, per Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii is a culinary gem where Pacific Rim cuisine meets island flavors, with poke bowls, loco moco, and shave ice reflecting its multicultural heritage. In 2025, expect new eco-tours, sustainable resorts, and events like the Merrie Monarch Festival (April 2025), with year-round warm weather (75–85°F) ideal for beach days and hikes, per Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice.

Whether you’re a family seeking Hawaii family vacation spots, an adventurer chasing hidden gems in Hawaii, or a beach lover exploring best beaches in Hawaii, this guide covers the best places to visit in Hawaii. Hawaii attractions near me are accessible via inter-island flights or ferries, with major hubs like Honolulu. Curated from U.S. News Travel and Lonely Planet, use a map of Hawaii attractions to plan your route and pair visits with Hawaii outdoor activities.

1. Waikiki Beach (Oahu): Iconic Urban Beach

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is a world-famous best beach in Hawaii, blending urban energy with turquoise waves, per Tripadvisor.

Why Visit Waikiki Beach?

• Features: 2 miles of golden sand, gentle waves, and Diamond Head backdrop.
• Activities: Surfing lessons ($50/hour), outrigger canoe rides, and sunset cocktails; nearby Ala Moana Center for shopping.
• Culinary Connection: Hawaii is a culinary gem; try poke bowls at Duke’s Waikiki or shave ice at Island Vintage.
• Access: Free beach; parking $10/day; lifeguards year-round.

Tips

Spring (April–May) offers fewer crowds; book surfing via GoHawaii. It’s a top Hawaii destination for beachgoers.

2. Haleakalā National Park (Maui): Sunrise Above the Clouds

Haleakalā National Park on Maui is a top Hawaii tourist attraction for its 10,023-foot volcanic summit and otherworldly landscapes, per NPS.gov.

Why Visit Haleakalā National Park?

• Features: Crater trails, rare silversword plants, and stargazing at the summit.
• Activities: Sunrise viewing (reservations $1), hiking (Sliding Sands Trail, 11 miles), and biking down the volcano ($75 tours).
• Culinary Connection: Savor kalua pork at Mama’s Fish House in nearby Paia.
• Access: $30/vehicle (3 days); summit reservations required.

Tips

Book sunrise permits 60 days ahead via NPS. It’s a best island to visit in Hawaii for nature lovers.

3. Na Pali Coast (Kauai): Rugged Coastal Wilderness

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai is a hidden gem in Hawaii for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays, per Tripadvisor.

Why Visit Na Pali Coast?

• Features: 17 miles of rugged coastline with 4,000-foot cliffs and secluded beaches.
• Activities: Hiking (Kalalau Trail, 11 miles one-way), kayaking ($250 tours), and helicopter tours ($300/person).
• Culinary Connection: Try loco moco at Hanalei Bread Company.
• Access: Free entry; permits for hiking/camping ($35/day).

Tips

Summer (June–August) is best for kayaking; book permits via DLNR. It’s a best hike in Hawaii.

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island): Active Volcanic Wonders

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is a top Hawaii destination for its active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, per NPS.gov.

Why Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

• Features: 335,259 acres with lava fields, craters, and steam vents.
• Activities: Hiking (Kilauea Iki Trail, 4 miles), lava viewing (when active), and ranger-led tours.
• Culinary Connection: Enjoy poke at Volcano House’s The Rim restaurant.
• Access: $30/vehicle (7 days); visitor center free.

Tips

Check eruption updates via NPS. It’s a best thing to do in Hawaii for geology enthusiasts.

5. Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Oahu): Historic Reflection

Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu is a best Hawaii tourist attraction for its WWII history, per NPS.gov.

Why Visit Pearl Harbor?

• Features: USS Arizona Memorial, museums, and historic ships.
• Activities: Guided tours ($25), USS Missouri visits ($35/adult), and film exhibits.
• Culinary Connection: Try Spam musubi at nearby Rainbow Drive-In.
• Access: Free entry; USS Arizona boat tour free (reservations required).

Tips

Book USS Arizona tours 8 weeks ahead via Recreation.gov. It’s a Hawaii family vacation spot for history.

6. Road to Hana (Maui): Scenic Coastal Drive

The Road to Hana is a hidden gem in Hawaii for its 52-mile drive with waterfalls and black sand beaches, per Maui Travel Guide.

Why Visit Road to Hana?

• Features: 620 curves, 59 bridges, and stops like Waianapanapa State Park.
• Activities: Hiking (Pipiwai Trail, 4 miles), swimming at Oheo Gulch, and bamboo forest walks.
• Culinary Connection: Grab banana bread at Halfway to Hana stand.
• Access: Free; Waianapanapa entry $5/person.

Tips

Start early (6 AM) for fewer crowds; book park entry via DLNR. It’s a best thing to do in Hawaii.

7. Waimea Canyon (Kauai): The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Waimea Canyon State Park is a best hike in Hawaii for its 10-mile-long, 3,000-foot-deep canyon, per Kauai Travel Guide.

Why Visit Waimea Canyon?

• Features: Red cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys.
• Activities: Hiking (Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, 3.6 miles), lookouts, and helicopter tours ($350).
• Culinary Connection: Try plate lunch at Ishihara Market in Waimea.
• Access: $5/person, $10/vehicle.

Tips

Spring for clear views; book tours via GoHawaii. It’s a top Hawaii destination for hikers.

8. Kona Coast (Big Island): Coffee and Snorkeling

Kona Coast on the Big Island is a best beach in Hawaii for its coffee farms and coral reefs, per Big Island Guide.

Why Visit Kona Coast?

• Features: Black sand beaches, coffee plantations, and Kealakekua Bay.
• Activities: Snorkeling ($100 tours), coffee farm tours ($25), and manta ray night dives ($150).
• Culinary Connection: Sample Kona coffee at Greenwell Farms or poke at Da Poke Shack.
• Access: Free beaches; parking $5/day.

Tips

Winter for calm seas; book snorkeling via Kona Snorkel Tours. It’s a Hawaii family vacation spot.

9. Molokai’s Kalaupapa National Historical Park: Remote History

Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai is a hidden gem in Hawaii for its isolated peninsula and leprosy settlement history, per NPS.gov.

Why Visit Kalaupapa?

• Features: Cliff-bound peninsula with historic churches and trails.
• Activities: Guided mule rides ($200), hiking (3-mile trail), and cultural tours.
• Culinary Connection: Try ulu (breadfruit) dishes at local markets.
• Access: Tours $100–$200; permit required.

Tips

Book mule tours 90 days ahead via Kalaupapa Mule Tour. It’s a best island to visit in Hawaii for history.

10. Lanai’s Hulopoe Bay: Secluded Luxury Beach

Hulopoe Bay on Lanai is a best beach in Hawaii for its pristine sands and luxury vibe, per Lanai Travel Guide.

Why Visit Hulopoe Bay?

• Features: White sand beach with tide pools and spinner dolphins.
• Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (Sweetheart Rock Trail, 0.5 miles), and beach picnics.
• Culinary Connection: Savor ahi poke at Four Seasons Lanai’s Nobu.
• Access: Free beach; ferry from Maui ($30).

Tips

Winter for dolphin sightings; book ferries via Expeditions Maui. It’s a hidden gem in Hawaii.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii’s 10 best places to visit in Hawaii, from Waikiki’s vibrant shores to Kalaupapa’s historic cliffs, showcase the Aloha State’s magic. Hawaii is a culinary gem where Pacific Rim cuisine meets island flavors, pairing adventures with poke and shave ice. Whether exploring top Hawaii destinations, Hawaii attractions near me, or Hawaii vacation 2025, this Hawaii travel guide covers best Hawaii tourist attractions and hidden gems in Hawaii. Use a map of Hawaii attractions for Hawaii sightseeing spots, best places to stay in Hawaii, and Hawaii outdoor activities. Discover what to do in Hawaii, best islands to visit in Hawaii, and Hawaii travel recommendations for an unforgettable 2025 adventure!