Best Places to Visit in Hawaii
Searching for the best places to travel in Hawaii? Well, you are in the right place! The islands of Hawaii are a tropical dream, with emerald mountains, black sand beaches, world-class surfing, and a culture deeply rooted in tradition. While Hawaii can be as luxurious as you want it to be, it also offers countless free natural wonders and affordable adventures if you know where to look. From my six years of living there (and my annual visits since) here are some of my favorite experiences that I think you’ll love.
1. Big Island of Hawaii
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, but also vast and elemental, reminding you that the Big Island is unlike anywhere else in the U.S., a place where raw volcanic power and lush tropical beauty exist side by side.
I thought that the Big Island of Hawaii is the best place to visit in Hawaii on a family vacation. Why? What makes the Big Island so special is its sheer diversity where in a single day, you can sip Kona coffee at sunrise, walk across black sand beaches, hike to hidden waterfalls, and end the night stargazing atop one of the world’s best observatories.
- Size: Approximately 4,028 square miles (10,432 square km)
- Location Map
Flying into Kona International Airport on my visit last month, I settled into the oceanfront 5-star Mauna Lani Hotel, surrounded by sweeping Pacific views. For six sun-soaked days, I chased lava landscapes across Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , snorkeled with my husband and son off Keauhou Bay, picked up the freshest tropical fruit at the local farmers’ markets, and ended my evenings under skies on the hotel beach.
2. Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
I timed my visit for the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, a weeklong celebration of coffee and Hawaiian culture, and it turned out to be the best idea.
- Location: On the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Tasting peaberry espresso at Greenwell Farms, surrounded by blooming coffee trees, and savoring seared ahi tacos and local craft beer at Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill.
3. Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is one of the most unique experiences on the Big Island, and you get to interact closely with dolphins in a setting that's magical and educational.
Trained marine specialists at Dolphin Quest guide you through every moment, whether you’re feeding a dolphin, swimming alongside one, or simply learning about their behaviors. If you really love dolphins, you can book a room facing the dolphin lagoon overnight (we did this once and it was totally worth it!)
- Location: Within the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii
- Size: The dolphin lagoon covers about 4 acres (1.6 hectares)
- Location Map
Local's tip: Dolphin Quest's a super cool experience, though quite expensive so if you don't want to spend the money, just head to the hotel for lunch (there is outdoor seating at the cafe just over the dolphin lagoon), get your parking validated after by the restaurant, watch the dolphin interaction, and walk around the dolphin lagoon for free! You won't be able to get in the water with dolphins but still be a part of this amazing experience without spending a lot.
4. Hilo
On the island’s rainy eastern shore, Hilo’s the contrast to Kona’s sunny coast; local, authentic, and deeply connected to the island’s natural rhythms. I timed my visit for the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, a weeklong celebration of hula, lei-making, and Hawaiian culture, and it turned out to be the most soul-stirring experience of the trip.
During our stay at Grand Naniloa Hotel for two days, we learned about history at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, stopped for snacks at Hilo Farmers Market, marveled at Rainbow Falls and nearby Akaka Falls State Park, and walked through the Liliuokalani Gardens, a peaceful Japanese-style park by the bay. We also had easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, just 45 minutes away.
- Location: On the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, in Hawaii County
- Location Map
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Big Island's living landscape where fire, earth, and sky come together in dramatic ways, spread across more than 300,000 acres and home to two of the world’s most powerful volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea!
Walking here feels like stepping onto another planet, with lava fields that stretch to the horizon, steam vents risig from the earth, and craters glowing with the memory of or recent erruptions. But Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is more than just geology, it’s sacred land deeply tied to Hawaiian culture, with stories and traditions.
- Location: On the southeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, in Hawaii County
- Location Map
Local tips:
Be sure to dive along the Crater Rim Drive for sweeping views of Kilauea’s caldera, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, and stop at the Jaggar Museum & Overlook to learn about volcanology and Hawaiian legends. If you don't mind a day of driving, you can easily visit the park on a day trip from Kona or Hilo but you can also stay nearby in 3-star Volcano House in Volcano Village if you want a deeper immersion and more time to explore.
6. Maui
I planned our last Maui trip for May, just before the summer crowds, but I've visited during all times of the year and the island is always amazing because of its tropical climate. Maui is my favorite place in Hawaii for a romantic vacation because it's full of luxury resorts, amazing beaches and romantic restaurants.
I love the diversity of experiences you can have on Maui where one moment you’re watching the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakala National Park, the next you’re winding along the Road to Hana, discovering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and quiet villages that are totally remote. On the western side, Kaanapali pulses with tourist vibes, while quieter upcountry towns like Makawao offer a taste of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage.
Don't miss tasting the famous Shaka Pops on your trip!
- Location: In the central Pacific Ocean, part of the U.S. state of Hawaii
- Size: Approximately 727 square miles (1,883 square km)
- Location Map
I love staying at Hana-Maui Resort, one of my favorite all inclusive resorts in the world because of its romantic cottages overlooking the Pacific and fantastic organic and local food.
7. Honolulu
This was such a vibrant month to explore the island’s capital with balmy trade winds, golden evenings, and the scent of pikake drifting through the air. I chose April, when the skies are bright, the surf is gentle, and the jacarandas begin to bloom across the city, and Honolulu felt so alive!
Flying into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), I checked into the elegant 5-star Halekulani Hotel for two days, a AAA Five Diamond award winner right on Waikiki Beach, a haven of soft ocean breezes and sunset views of surfers. I enjoyed snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, hiking up Diamond Head Crater for sweeping Pacific views, and doing some shopping. Local attractions include the Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial, the Bishop Museum, and an evening hula show.
I've always thought that Honolulu is such a cool culinary destination and when we lived on the Big Island we sometimes hopped on a 50-minute flight to Honolulu, where we sampled great Italian dishes at Arancino di Mare and Taormina Sicilian Cuisine; Chinese eats at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant; Japanese at Tonkatsu Tamafuji; and various cheap local eats at Steak Shack or Leonard's Bakery.
- Location: On the southern coast of O?ahu Island, in Honolulu County, Hawaii
- Size: Approximately 68.4 square miles (177 square km)
- Location Map
8. Oahu
Beyond Hawaii’s capital Honolulu, Oahu is such a cool Hawaiian island to explore on vacation, with hidden surf towns, lush valleys, and quiet coves that feel a world away. I recommend a scenic drive to the North Shore, a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay for great food and to watch world-famous surfers handle themselves on the waves (especially in the winter!), and leave some time to explore Haleiwa town too.
- Location: On the western coast of O?ahu, in Kapolei, Hawaii
- Size: Approximately 642 acres (2.6 square km)
- Location Map
Closer to Honolulu in Ko Olina (about an hour if you don't hit heavy traffic) is Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa where were spent two relaxing days with our son. I think it's the best place on Oahu for families with little kids because there's so much family-friendly dining, amenities, and little ones under 48 inches can have fun at Menehune Bridge, water slides, and a climbing play structure.
9. Kauai
Unfortunately Kauai was the island we visited the least because it's the furthest away from the Big Island where we lived and that's exactly why I savored every trip there even more (and hope to visit again soon). Kauai is very green, still, gentler than the Big Island, where I loved napping in a beach hammock after a morning hike to a waterfall.
- Location: In the northernmost part of the Hawaiian Islands, U.S. state of Hawaii
- Size: Approximately 552 square miles (1,430 square km)
- Location Map
My highlights? Hiking along the Na Pali Coast was unforgettable after we checked into Hanalei Colony Resort for two days, and at the end of the day, sunsets were simply spectacular and perfectly timed just before dinner.
Conclusion
Just like the Hawaiian islands themselves as still constantly growing so is my relationship with this beautiful slice of Earth. While we no longer live in Hawaii and are perfectly settled in our home near Austin, every trip back is like a gift and I hope that your own vacation is just as special!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
