I lived on the Big Island for six years, long enough for the rhythm of Hawaii to settle into my bones. The islands are gentle, rooted. Each one has its own voice, from Maui’s golden serenity to Oahu’s city-meets-surf energy. I’ve explored them all, slowly and often barefoot, and each time I return, something familiar still manages to surprise me.
If you’re dreaming of rain-washed valleys, black sand beaches, waterfalls that catch the light just right, or meals where the fish was caught that morning and the poke bowl tastes like home, this list is for you. Whether you're planning a first trip or coming back to reconnect, here are the places across Hawaii that have stayed with me.
Best Places to Visit in Hawaii:
The Island I Called Home: Big Island Beauty & Everyday Awe
I lived on the Big Island for six years, and even now, every time I return, it feels like stepping back into something familiar and steady. This island is vast and elemental—lava rock, snow-dusted peaks, black sand beaches, and the scent of plumeria thick in the air. It doesn’t try to dazzle like the others. It just shows up—real, raw, and unforgettable. I used to think, “If you want to feel the bones of Hawaii, come here.” I still believe that.
What I Loved Most: The contrast. From the wet, fern-covered cliffs of Hilo to the dry heat of Kona’s coffee farms, the Big Island holds multitudes. In one day, I could go from rain jacket to swimsuit to sweater and back again.
My highlights? Driving through Waimea at golden hour, with mist caught in the pastures and wild horses grazing near the roadside. Picnicking at Punaluu, toes buried in black sand while sea turtles napped nearby. Strolling the farmers markets in Hilo, where I’d pick up rambutan, taro chips, and orchids for the kitchen. And always, the lava fields—the stark beauty of them, the way they remind you this island is still growing, still alive.
Plan your Big Island visit:
- Vibe: Wild, wide, elemental; less polished, more profound
- Highlights: Waipio Valley, Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea summit, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Kona coffee country, Hilo farmers markets
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but winter brings greener cliffs and bigger surf
- Cost: More affordable than Maui or Oahu in many areas; rental car essential
- Tip: Stay a few nights on both sides—Hilo and Kona are totally different worlds
Sunny Days in Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
Kona was always dry, sunny, and open—like the island took a breath and stretched out wide. The land here is lava rock and coastline, coffee trees and ocean breezes. I used to drive this side of the island just to feel that shift—when the clouds gave way to sun and the scent of roasted beans drifted down from the hills. “This is the Big Island’s golden hour,” I thought more than once, sunglasses pushed up, window down.
What I Loved Most: The pace. You can spend the morning snorkeling in clear blue water, the afternoon tasting coffee with a view, and the evening barefoot on a beach, watching the sky turn amber.
My highlights? Snorkeling at Kahalu?u Beach Park where yellow tang swam in schools inches from my hands. Driving up into the hills to tour a family-run coffee farm, sipping Kona brews in the shade of avocado trees. Wandering through the old village—lava stone churches, seaside cafés, and a market full of locally made everything. And dinner by the water, grilled fish served simply with steamed taro and lilikoi glaze, as waves slapped against the seawall like applause.
Plan your Kona visit:
- Location: West side of the Big Island
- Vibe: Sunny, breezy, ocean-forward with hillside warmth
- Highlights: Kahaluu Beach Park, Hulihee Palace, coffee farm tours, Alii Drive, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for whales and clear skies; summer for swimming and lighter crowds
- Cost: Beach access is free; coffee tours ~$15–25; meals ~$15–30 per person
- Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and take your time—sunsets here are slow and worth every second
Dolphin Quest: Tides, Smiles & Gentle Wonder
“This is magic, but quietly magic,” I thought as our son approached the edge of the pool, eyes wide with both excitement and a little reverence. Dolphin Quest taught him something soft but deep: dolphins are clever, curious, and kind—especially when they nudge your hand with a blowhole kiss.
What I Loved Most: The moment after the swim, when the dolphin slipped away and our son looked up at us, silent and awestruck. In that quiet, I felt how deep the memory had just reached.
My highlights? We lingered afterward at the café by the water. I ordered fresh fish tacos—grilled mahi mahi tucked into warm corn tortillas with cabbage slaw and lime crema. The fish was tender, smoky at the edges; the slaw added crunch and cilantro-sour brightness. The air smelled like salt, sunscreen, and something like quiet happiness. Our son happily traded fish bites for mango gelato, sticky and sunny-colored.
One negative is that Dolphin Quest tickets are expensive and you need to book weeks in advance.
Plan your family visit:
- Location: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island of Hawaii
- Vibe: Thoughtful marine encounter, gentle thrill, ocean-connected
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round in tropical settings; book in advance for tours and weekends
- Cost: Swim-with package ~$230 (varies by location and age); café meals ~$12–$20/person
- Extras: Guided pool interactions, family programs, photographer packages, conservation insights
Rain, Roots & Rhythm: Hilo - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kona Airport
Hilo always felt like a secret. Slower, softer, wetter. It didn’t show off—it welcomed you quietly. I used to come here on misty afternoons just to walk the banyan-shaded streets, grab something warm from a market stall, and let the rain hit my shoulders like punctuation. “This is the Hawaii people don’t always expect,” I remember thinking. “And that’s what makes it stay with you.”
What I Loved Most: The everyday beauty. Rain on tin rooftops. The smell of ginger flowers in the air. Locals talking story at the farmers market while picking out papayas.
My highlights? Morning at Liliuokalani Gardens, where footbridges and koi ponds curve around the bay. Watching outrigger canoes glide through Hilo Bay like they were born from it. Browsing the Hilo Farmers Market—rambutan, fried noodles, flower bundles wrapped in newspaper. Exploring the Tsunami Museum, then sipping hot malasada-stuffed mochi from a tiny bakery where the auntie behind the counter asked, “You want lilikoi or chocolate, sweetheart?” I chose both.
Plan your Hilo visit:
- Location: East side of the Big Island
- Vibe: Rainy, rooted, authentic
- Highlights: Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo Farmers Market, Akaka Falls, Coconut Island, Pacific Tsunami Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for waterfalls and market bounty; bring a rain jacket anytime
- Cost: Most attractions are free or donation-based; meals and snacks ~$5–15
- Tip: Don’t let the rain stop you—Hilo shines in the drizzle
Earth Alive: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 45 minutes from Hilo
Nowhere else in Hawaii feels quite like this—where you can stand at the edge of a crater still warm from the inside. The Big Island always reminded me that the land is alive, but it’s at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you feel it most. Steam rises from the ground. Lava rock crunches beneath your feet. And the silence—deep, ancient, almost humming—stretches wide as the sky. I remember thinking, “This is Hawaii’s heartbeat, slow and steady beneath us.”
What I Loved Most: The feeling of walking through time. Some of this land is younger than I am. Other parts are thousands of years old, layered in ash and mystery.
My highlights? Watching the glow from Halemaumau Crater after dark—a soft red light pulsing in the blackness, like something breathing. Hiking the Kilauea Iki Trail through a crater that once held molten lava. Stopping at the Jaggar overlook during a misty morning when the fog moved fast across the caldera and made it feel like a dream. And the lava tubes—cool, damp, and echoing—like the earth had carved out a hallway just for wandering.
Plan your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- Location: Southeastern Big Island, ~45 minutes from Hilo
- Vibe: Otherworldly, quiet, vast
- Highlights: Halemaumau Crater, Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail, steam vents
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for crater glow; avoid peak heat midday
- Cost: Entry ~$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days
- Tip: Bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes—the park’s weather can change quickly, and the terrain is rocky
Maui Mornings That Linger
Maui felt like a soft exhale. The pace, the colors, the way the ocean always seemed just a few steps away—it all asked us to slow down. I remember waking up early in Wailea, the sky just beginning to lighten, and thinking, “This is a place where you don’t need to do much to feel full.”
What I Loved Most: The mornings. Watching the sun rise over Haleakala, wrapped in a blanket, sipping coffee with windblown hair and bare feet. Time stretched differently there, especially when the day started in stillness.
My highlights? The Road to Hana, of course, with its winding turns and one-lane bridges, waterfalls peeking through every curve. We pulled over whenever we felt like it—banana bread stands, hidden beaches, a grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees so colorful they looked painted. In the evenings, we wandered through the town of Paia, grabbed fresh poke bowls, and watched surfers disappear into the golden light. It didn’t need to be fancy. It just needed to be Maui.
Plan your visit to Maui:
- Vibe: Laid-back luxury, scenic and gentle
- Highlights: Haleakala sunrise, Road to Hana, Wailea beaches, Paia town, Iao Valley
- Best Time to Visit: April–May or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Varies widely—expect ~$300+/night for accommodations; many beaches and hikes are free
- Tip: Rent a car to explore at your own pace, and bring layers for Haleakala—it gets cold up there
City Lights and Ocean Breezes: Honolulu
Honolulu was always more than I expected. Yes, it had the high-rises and traffic and storefronts humming with life—but it also had quiet moments tucked into its rhythm. A bench under a banyan tree, the scent of plumeria drifting in from someone’s garden, the pause just before sunset turns everything golden. I used to think it would feel too busy for me. Then I spent a morning walking along the shore at Ala Moana, barefoot, quiet, and thought, “Even cities can hold stillness if you let them.”
What I Loved Most: The layers. You could wake up to espresso and skyline views, explore a royal palace by noon, and end the day knee-deep in saltwater as the sun dipped behind surfers and swaying palms.
My highlights? Visiting Iolani Palace, where history still echoed in the staircases and breezeways. Stopping at a tiny lunch counter in Kakaako for a plate of garlic chicken and rice. Wandering the aisles of the Bishop Museum, where old stories lived in tapa cloth and stone tools. And watching fireworks on a Friday night in Waikiki—not because we planned it, but because the city gave it freely, like a gift.
Plan your Honolulu visit:
- Vibe: Island city—vibrant, walkable, layered with history and modern life
- Highlights: Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Ala Moana Beach Park, Kakaako street art, Waikiki
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but weekdays are quieter for museum visits and beach time
- Cost: Accommodations range widely; entry to museums ~$10–25; many beaches and parks are free
- Tip: Skip the car unless you’re heading outside the city—Honolulu is surprisingly walkable
City Pulse & Ocean Calm on Oahu
Oahu held a different rhythm. Faster, brighter, louder—but never too far from stillness if you knew where to look. I always felt like Oahu was for those who wanted a little bit of everything: city nights, early morning hikes, shave ice that melts too fast, and waves that roll in steady and sure. I remember walking through Waikiki one evening, the sky streaked with pink and gold, and thinking, “This island can move fast, but it still makes room for pause.”
What I Loved Most: The balance. You could start your day in the surf, grab lunch in Chinatown, and be climbing a crater or watching hula at sunset by nightfall. It was all within reach—beach sandals to dinner shoes, with a scenic drive in between.
My highlights? Hiking up Diamond Head just after sunrise—sweaty, breathless, and suddenly above it all. Strolling the shaded paths of the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples, where the air felt cooler and quieter somehow. Swimming at Lanikai Beach, where the water was so clear it felt like floating on glass. And always, always the food: garlic shrimp from a truck on the North Shore, plate lunch in a hole-in-the-wall near Kaneohe, and malasadas still warm from the fryer at Leonard’s.
Plan your Oahu visit:
- Vibe: Urban island energy with pockets of peace
- Highlights: Diamond Head, Lanikai Beach, North Shore surf towns, Byodo-In Temple, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu’s Chinatown
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to early June or September to early November for fewer crowds and calmer seas
- Cost: Can range from budget to luxury; free beaches and hikes balance out pricier dining or stays
- Tip: Rent a car at least one day to explore beyond Honolulu—you’ll want to see both sides of the island
The Garden Island's Green Embrace: Kauai
Unfortunately Kauai was the island we visited the least because it's the furthest away from the Big Island where we lived. That's why I savored every trip there even more.
Kauai is very green, still, gentler than the Big Island. I loved napping in a beach hammock after a morning hike to a waterfall.
My highlights? Hiking along the Na Pali Coast was unforgettable. We checked into Hanalei Colony Resort. Sunsets were simply spectacular and we were able to get an early start in the morning.
Plan your Kauai visit:
- Vibe: Wild, slow, lush—Hawaii at its most untouched
- Highlights: Kalalau Trail, Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon, Wailua River kayaking, Koloa Town
- Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–November for drier trails and fewer visitors
- Cost: Lodging varies; many beaches, hikes, and lookouts are free; kayak rentals or guided trips ~$50–100
- Tip: North Shore can be wetter in winter—plan hikes accordingly and pack light rain gear just in case
Leaving, But Not Really
Hawaii never really says goodbye. Even when the plane lifts off and the islands fade into ocean and cloud, something stays with you. It’s in the scent of plumeria that clings to your memory, in the rhythm of the waves that still echoes when you close your eyes. For me, living on the Big Island for six years left an imprint deeper than travel—it gave me a sense of home in motion, peace in place.
Each island offers its own welcome: Maui’s soft mornings, Oahu’s pulse and pause, Kauai’s green hush, and the Big Island’s grounding force. Whether you’re walking through misty gardens in Hilo or sipping something warm in Kona’s late light, you’re part of a place that invites you to slow down, pay attention, and carry it with you.
You don’t just visit Hawaii. You return to it, again and again—even if only in your heart.
Jump to a Spot...
- • The Island I Called Home: Big Island Beauty & Everyday Awe
- • I took this photo of the oceanfront cabana at the Mauna Lani at sunset
- • Rainbow over Mauna Lani Bay hotel that I took one late afternoon
- • Sunny Days in Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
- • Sunsets in Kona are always perfect. I snapped this photo at the end of a beach day.
- • Dramatic sky and ocean with waves rolling towards me as I took the photo near Kona, Hawaii
- • I took this photo of our bikes leaning against a tree as we stopped for a water break
- • Dolphin Quest: Tides, Smiles & Gentle Wonder
- • Rain, Roots & Rhythm: Hilo - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kona Airport
- • Earth Alive: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - 45 minutes from Hilo
- • Maui Mornings That Linger
- • City Lights and Ocean Breezes: Honolulu
- • City Pulse & Ocean Calm on Oahu
- • The Garden Island's Green Embrace: Kauai
- • View on the mountains of Kauai's north coast with Kee Beach and the reef from Kailio Point
- • A photo of the Sign at the starting point of Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
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