What Are the Most Popular Hawaiian Sightseeing Attractions?

If you are planning a vacation to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, you are likely to be wondering what are the best tourist attractions to visit. Hawaii is a popular destination for beachgoers, nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, and there are a wide range of attractions to choose from in this tropical paradise. Whether you are looking for entertainment activities, historical monuments, or natural wonders, this guide will help you decide on the best sightseeing attractions to visit during your trip.

Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, lush rainforests and impressive volcanoes. Each Hawaiian Island is unique and offers its own collection of attractions. From Waikiki Beach on Oahu to the spectacular scenery of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to behold in this spectacular archipelago. Here are some of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Hawaii and what to expect from each one.

Waikiki Beach

Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu,Waikiki is arguably Hawaii’s most recognizable beach and is one of the top tourist destinations in all of the state. This two-mile stretch of white sand beach has been drawing visitors since the late 1800s and offers a wide range of activities including surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and many more. Waikiki also boasts plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options as well as some incredible sights such as Diamond Head and the Honolulu Zoo.

Haleakala National Park

Located on the island of Maui, Haleakala National Park is a United States National Park and offers an amazing array of natural sights. True to its namesake “House of the Sun’, this park is especially known for its incredible sunrises that can be seen from its summit at 10,000 feet above sea level. It also offers great scenic hikes, dense bamboo forests and other outdoor activities for travelers to enjoy.

Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center features Hawaii’s largest aquarium and one of the most popular places for tourists in Maui. This amazing aquarium features over 400 different marine species from stingrays to sharks and turtles. It also offers educational tours and interactive encounters with the sea life. It is especially popular with families, especially during turtle hatching season.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is an incredible nature reserve just east of Honolulu on Oahu Island. This historic bay is a protected marine life conservation which is tucked away in a craggy volcanic crater that lies along Oahu’s South Shore, and it offers visitors a wide range of sights and activities including snorkeling, swimming, picnic spots fishing, etc. The waters here are renowned for their clarity and abundance of fish life, making Hanauma Bay an ideal spot for viewing marine life in their natural habitat.

Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is located in the lush Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on Oahu. This Japanese Buddhist temple was built as a replica of an ancient temple at Uji in Kyoto and showcases Japanese craftsmanship with its beautiful architecture which includes a wooden bridge, Japanese garden and tranquil pond with sculptures representing religious figures. The temple is considered one of the most beautiful sites on Oahu, with its backdrop of the Koʻolau mountains adding to its awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Covering over 300,000 acres on the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – as well as stunning geographic features likelandscapes of lava flow fields and craters. This incredible national park allows visitors to visit oozing lava tubes, wander through volcanic craters, witness spectacular lava flows and watch hot steam fume from the ground. With its vast wilderness and otherworldly sights, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is truly an unmissable attraction for tourists visiting Hawaii.

Whether you’re looking for scenic vistas or exciting activities during your trip to Hawaii, there are plenty of attractions to choose from in this tropical paradise. From Waikiki Beach on Oahu to the spectacular scenery of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this remarkable destination. If you would like to learn more about each attraction before you visit, GoHawaii has all the information you need to plan your perfect getaway to these precious Hawaiian Islands.

An Insider’s Guide to Oahu, Hawaii: Beyond the Tourist Spots

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, chances are you’re familiar with popular tourist attractions like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore. But as a local, I’m here to share some hidden gems and cultural experiences that can make your trip truly unforgettable.

Discover Local Attractions

If you want to see an authentic side of Oahu, take a break from the tourist traps and visit some of our local attractions. Head to Kailua and Lanikai Beaches, which are breathtakingly beautiful but less crowded than Waikiki Beach. In Haleiwa, stop by the Haleiwa Farmers Market, where you’ll find a variety of fresh foods, crafts, and souvenirs.

For a unique experience, hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater, an iconic volcanic cone in Honolulu. The hike is not too challenging and offers stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Or visit the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Ko’olau Mountains.

Savor Local Cuisine

Oahu is a melting pot of cultures, and our food reflects that diverse heritage. Don’t miss out on local staples like plate lunch (a hearty combo of rice, mac salad, and a protein like chicken or fish), poke (marinated raw fish), and spam musubi (a sushi-like snack with grilled Spam on top of rice).

For a fine dining experience, check out Chef Mavro, which offers a fusion of Hawaiian, French, and Japanese cuisine. Or try Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a local favorite that serves up classic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig and laulau.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

The rich culture of Hawaii is a fascinating and immersive experience. Visit the Bishop Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Or attend a traditional Hawaiian ceremony like a luau, which includes hula dancing, fire knife performances, and a feast of Hawaiian dishes.

If you’re interested in art and music, visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, which houses over 50,000 works of art from around the world. Or check out the Blue Note Hawaii, a world-class jazz club that brings in top artists from around the world.

Learn Local History

To truly understand Oahu, it’s important to learn about its past. Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, which was the residence of Hawaiian monarchs until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is also a must-visit, where you can learn about the attack that brought the United States into World War II.

For a fascinating dive into the history of surfing, visit the Bishop Museum’s Surfing exhibit, which showcases the evolution of wave riding and its cultural significance in Hawaii.

Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path

To truly experience Oahu, you need to venture off the beaten path. Visit the Kaena Point Trail, a 2.7-mile hike that leads to a remote and pristine beach. Or take a day trip to the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, a scenic hike with views of the ocean and the Koko Head Crater.

For an unforgettable experience, take a sunset cruise on a catamaran while enjoying a Hawaiian-style dinner and live music. Or ride horses on the beach at the Turtle Bay Resort, where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to Old Hawaii.

By exploring beyond the tourist spots, savoring local cuisine, immersing yourself in local culture, learning local history, and trying off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you’ll have an unforgettable trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Mahalo for visiting our beautiful island!