30 reasons why you should visit Hawaii
A picture-perfect view of the island state

It's no secret that Hawaii is beautiful. Its rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and wildlife make it every inch the island paradise, and there's plenty of history to discover too. Now that the Aloha State has reopened to tourists, having relaxed its quarantine restrictions, be inspired to visit by gazing at these stunning images.
Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu

Wailua Falls, near Lihue, Kauai

Scenes like this cement Kauai's reputation as the "Garden Isle", characterised as it is by greener-than-green valleys, waterfalls and rainforest. Here Wailua Falls – a jaw-dropping double waterfall whose true height is disputed – thunders over a lush mountainside in the island's east. Unlike some of Hawaii's watery wonders, these falls are easy to get to, and you can also spot them in the opening credits of classic 1970s and 1980s TV show Fantasy Island.
Migrating whale, near Lahaina, Maui

Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), Lanai

Though not to be confused with Colorado's Garden of the Gods, this orange-red landscape may well look more at home in the USA's southwest. The rock garden can actually be found in the northwest of Lanai, the smallest of Hawaii's inhabited islands, and its rugged expanse, all boulders and hoodoos, has been formed by centuries' worth of erosion. It's also steeped in a Hawaiian legend involving two kahuna (wise men or religious figures).
Waimea, Hawaii Island

At first glance, this lush expanse may look more like the English Lake District than a region of Hawaii's Big Island – but Waimea is actually a pocket of northern Hawaii. It's known as the island's cowboy – or paniolo – country, and here you'll find cattle ranches reminiscent of the American west. Unsurprisingly, the best way to explore is on horseback.
Green sea turtle, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii Island

Spouting Horn, South Shore, Kauai

Kualoa Ranch, Windward Coast, Oahu

If you're craving a retreat from southern Oahu's buzzier beaches, strike north-east to the Windward Coast and the lush Kualoa Ranch. This private nature reserve is carved up into two distinct sections: the south, home to the Hakipuʻu Valley rainforest, and the north (pictured), boasting the emerald Kaʻaʻawa Valley. The latter is nicknamed “Jurassic Valley” and features in several films in the Jurassic Park franchise.
Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration
Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Maui island is synonymous with Haleakalā National Park, named for a mammoth dormant volcano that tops out at 10,023 feet (3,055m) at its highest point. The name Haleakalā means "House of the Sun", fitting given the volcano's lofty height and also its reputation for jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets. Hiking trails criss-cross the 33,000-plus-acre landscape, and you'll need to make a special reservation if you want to catch the sunrise.
Byodo-In Temple, Windward Coast, Oahu

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

The summit of one of the world's most active volcanoes – Kilauea, which caused devastation with an eruption in 2018 – exists within this park, known for its charcoal-black lava fields and huge volcanic craters. A drive through the otherworldly landscape is one of the best ways to explore it: plump for the Crater Rim Drive, which takes in the park's Sulphur Banks and scenic viewpoints such as the Kīlauea Iki Overlook.
Check out the world's most beautiful and terrifying volcanoes captured on camera
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Halawa Valley, West End, Molokai

Molokai's Halawa Valley, a cathedral valley on the island's west coast, is characterised by acres of green and punctured by waterfalls. It's also one of the most historic areas of Hawaii, with settlement dating back well over a millennium. This history is evidenced by the mouldering ruins that pepper the valley, including historic religious sites called heiau.
These are the most beautiful sacred and spiritual sites in the world
Waimea Canyon, West Side, Kauai

Papohaku Beach Park, near Maunaloa, Molokai

Road to Hana, Maui

The Road to Hana, or Hana Highway, in Maui is probably Hawaii's best-known road trip. Spooling out for around 52 miles (84km), the route offers pinch-me views of Maui's eastern coastline, slicing through forest and whisking drivers past waterfalls and across dramatic bridges. You'll finish up in the village of Hana, where you can enjoy life at a slower pace for a while.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Hawaii

This state historical park in the west of the Big Island is nothing short of an underwater paradise. Its protected waters are home to all manner of marine life, from corals and colourful tropical fish to the odd diminutive spinner dolphin. Naturally, the best way to experience Kealakekua Bay is by donning a snorkel or taking a dive.
These are the world's most jaw-dropping underwater attractions
Kaunakakai, Molokai

Hawaii is lauded for its natural beauty, but there are plenty of pretty towns worthy of your attention too. Dinky Kaunakakai in Molokai is one of them. It's the island's gloriously relaxed main town, with a strong fishing tradition, an endless pier and a string of attractive churches. Its food scene punches above its weight too, with a raved-about bakery and a handful of laid-back dinner spots.
These are America's most charming small lakeside towns and cities
Kaunaoa Beach, Waimea, Hawaii

Hawaiian monk seal, Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

The Hawaiian monk seal is another star of the islands' wildlife, though sadly the species is critically endangered. Endemic to the archipelago, these fascinating creatures favour Hawaii's northern islands, frolicking in the warm waters but coming on land to rest. Here a weary seal basks on sandy Poipu Beach, which is also popular with human surfers and snorkellers.
Lapakahi State Historical Park, Kohala, Hawaii

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, North Shore, Kauai

One of the most unique portions of the Hawaiian shoreline, the ridged, rainbow-coloured Na Pali Coast stretches along Kauai's North Shore. The park is named for its pali – the soaring sea cliffs that give the site its defining landscape. To truly appreciate its breadth and beauty, get up high – helicopter tours whisk visitors over of this awesome swathe of Kauai.
Kuualii Fishpond, Anaehoomalu Bay, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Mauna Kea Summit, Hawaii

The summit of this dormant volcano peaks at a dizzying 13,796 feet (4,205m), and the massive bluff is topped with observatories. You can gaze at the skies yourself at the Visitor Information Station – a respectable 9,200 feet (2,804m) high – where you'll also get updates on the weather if you're planning a hike to the summit. The challenging trek to the very top is an eight-hour round trip, but the above-the-clouds views are certainly worth it.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Lanai

Kaiolohia is remote, but adventurous travellers are rewarded with a rugged stretch of beach largely free of other travellers and haunting views of a shipwreck out at sea. Piercing the windswept waters are the remains of a 1940s oil tanker, whose decaying hull is a photographer's ideal subject. A stone's throw from the beach, you'll also find a fascinating area filled with petroglyphs.
See more stunning images of the world's most spectacular shipwrecks
Pololu Valley, North Kohala, Hawaii

Alii Fishpond, Kaunakakai, Molokai

Makapuu Lighthouse, near Honolulu, Oahu

An easy trip from Honolulu is the Makapuu Lighthouse, perched on a cliff on the very eastern tip of Oahu. It dates to the early 20th century and can be taken in on a straightforward two-mile (3km) hike along a paved trail. Pause at the many lookout points to soak in the handsome lighthouse and make out the isle of Molokai in the far distance.
Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu

Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu's skyline is defined by the Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic cone and 300,000-year-old crater just along the coast from Waikiki. You'll need to be moderately fit to tackle the trail to its summit – the hike includes 175 steps – but reach the top and stunning views across Oahu, "the Heart of Hawaii", and the Pacific Ocean are certainly reward enough.
Comments
Be the first to comment
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature