Best Places to Visit in Hawaii
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 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. This island is vast and elemental.
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. Standing on its shores, you can feel the island’s energy: lava rock meeting turquoise water, snow-capped mountains rising above rainforests, and a deep cultural spirit woven into every corner.
What makes the Big Island so special is its sheer diversity. In a single day, you can sip Kona coffee at sunrise, walk across black sand beaches, hike through a rainforest to hidden waterfalls, and end the night stargazing atop one of the world’s best observatories. It’s wild, expansive, and humbling, a reminder of nature’s scale and resilience.
What to do on the Big Island in a weekend:
- Walk across the black sands of Punaluu Beach, where sea turtles often bask
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see active lava landscapes and steaming vents
- Go on a Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tour and taste beans grown in the island’s volcanic soil
- Swim or snorkel at Kahaluu Beach Park, home to vibrant marine life
- Drive along the scenic Saddle Road for sweeping views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa
- Catch sunset from the Mauna Kea summit, followed by world-class stargazing
- Spend the night at the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort or a cozy oceanfront inn in Kailua-Kona
2. Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
Kona is sunlit, warm, vibrant, and steeped in Hawaiian culture. Stretching along the island’s western coast, it’s where clear blue waters meet historic seaside towns, and coffee farms climb the volcanic slopes of Hualalai. Life here unfolds at a relaxed rhythm, with golden sunsets and breezy evenings marking the pace.
What stood out most about Kona was the mix of energy and ease. By day, it’s all about snorkeling in reefs alive with tropical fish, sipping fresh-roasted Kona coffee, or wandering historic sites tied to Hawaii’s royal past.
I found Kona to be both welcoming, a corner of the island where you can immerse yourself in tradition, connect with nature, and feel the aloha spirit woven into daily life.
What to do in Kona in a weekend:
- Stroll through historic Kailua Village, with its seaside shops and royal landmarks
- Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred place of Hawaiian heritage
- Relax on the white sands of Hapuna Beach, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful stretches
- Watch the sun set over the Pacific, cocktail in hand, at a waterfront café
- Stay the night at the Royal Kona Resort
3. Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is one of the most unique experiences on the Big Island, offering the chance to interact closely with dolphins in a setting that feels both magical and educational. Set within a beautiful ocean-fed lagoon, it’s more than just a tourist attraction, it’s a chance to learn about marine life, conservation, and the cultural significance of dolphins in Hawaiian waters.
I enjoyed this personal and memorable encounter. Trained marine specialists guide you through every moment, whether you’re feeding a dolphin, swimming alongside one, or simply learning about their behaviors. It’s designed to be family-friendly yet equally unforgettable for adults who want to experience the ocean’s intelligence up close.
Dolphin Quest balances fun with purpose. You leave not only with incredible memories but also with a deeper respect for these creatures and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.
4. Hilo
Hilo is the lush, green heart of the Big Island. You can hike to waterfalls that tumble into rainforest valleys, and shop at farmers’ markets that brim with tropical fruit. On the island’s rainy eastern shore, it’s the contrast to Kona’s sunny coast: more local, more authentic, and deeply connected to the island’s natural rhythms.
You won’t find the big resorts here, but instead charming cafés, botanical gardens, and a historic downtown where locals gather. Just outside the city, volcanoes rumble, orchid farms bloom, and black lava cliffs meet the sea. It’s a place that rewards slowing down and looking closer.
What to do in Hilo in a weekend:
- Shop and snack at the Hilo Farmers Market, famous for its tropical fruit and local crafts
- Learn about history at the Pacific Tsunami Museum
- Marvel at Rainbow Falls and nearby Akaka Falls State Park
- Walk through the Lili?uokalani Gardens, a peaceful Japanese-style park by the bay
- Visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center to connect Hawaii’s skies and cultural traditions
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, just 45 minutes away
- Stay the night at the Grand Naniloa Hotel
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Big Island's beating heart, a living landscape where fire, earth, and sky come together in dramatic ways. Spread across more than 300,000 acres, the park is home to two of the world’s most powerful volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, offering a rare chance to witness the forces that created and continue to shape these islands.
Walking here feels like stepping onto another planet. Lava fields stretch to the horizon, steam vents rise from the earth, and craters glow with the memory of recent eruptions. But the park is more than just geology, it’s sacred land deeply tied to Hawaiian culture, with stories and traditions rooted in every valley, forest, and cinder cone.
I found the park to be humbling and awe-inspiring, a place where nature’s scale puts everything in perspective. It’s both raw and beautiful, inviting you to explore, reflect, and feel the living spirit of the island.
What to do in Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park in a day:
- Drive the Crater Rim Drive for sweeping views of Kilauea’s caldera
- Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava
- Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail across a hardened lava lake with steam still rising
- Stop at the Jaggar Museum & Overlook to learn about volcanology and Hawaiian legends
- Witness active steam vents and sulfur banks along short interpretive trails
- After dark, look for the glow of lava or stars above Mauna Loa
- Stay nearby in Volcano Village, with its cozy inns and rainforest lodges
6. Maui
Maui is the island of contrasts, where luxury resorts meet wild coastlines, and sun-drenched beaches give way to misty mountains. Known as the “Valley Isle,” it offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, with golden sands, lush valleys, and a cultural spirit that runs deep. It’s the kind of place where each day feels like a different island, yet everything connects in a rhythm that’s unmistakably Maui.
What stood out most was Maui’s diversity of experiences. One moment you’re watching the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakala, the next you’re winding along the Road to Hana, discovering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and quiet villages that feel far removed from the modern world. On the western side, vibrant Lahaina and Ka?anapali pulse with history, dining, and nightlife, while quieter upcountry towns like Makawao offer a taste of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage.
What to do in Maui in a weekend:
- Wake before dawn to catch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park
- Drive the legendary Road to Hana, with stops at waterfalls and black sand beaches
- Snorkel at Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic reef teeming with marine life
- Stroll through Lahaina’s Front Street, rich in Hawaiian history and oceanfront charm
- Relax on the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach or Wailea Beach
- Sample farm-to-table cuisine in upcountry Maui or visit a local distillery
- Stay the night at the Andaz Maui at Wailea or a boutique inn in Pa?ia
7. Honolulu
Honolulu is a dazzling blend of island beauty, urban energy, and deep cultural roots. As the capital of Hawaii, it’s where volcanic mountains meet turquoise waters, and where vibrant neighborhoods pulse with a mix of modern life and Pacific heritage.
You can spend the morning surfing at Waikiki, explore a royal palace or historic WWII site in the afternoon, and finish the evening with world-class dining by the ocean. It’s a city that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply tied to its natural surroundings. Palm-framed sunsets, the scent of plumeria, and the hum of city life create a rhythm that feels uniquely Hawaiian.
What to do in Honolulu in a weekend:
- Stroll along Waikiki Beach — surf, swim, or simply enjoy the world-famous shoreline
- Tour the Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States
- Visit Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial for a moving look at WWII history
- Hike up Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of the city and Pacific Ocean
- Wander through the Bishop Museum to explore Hawaiian culture and natural history
- Stay overnight at the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel, a “First Lady of Waikiki.”
8. Oahu
Oahu is the island of balance, where city energy meets island serenity. Known as “The Gathering Place,” it’s home to Hawai?i’s capital, Honolulu, with its bustling streets, world-class dining, and historic landmarks. Yet just beyond the city, you’ll find surf towns, lush valleys, and quiet coves that feel a world away. It’s the island where culture, history, and adventure converge.
What struck me most was O'ahu’s variety. In one day, you can hike Diamond Head at sunrise, surf legendary waves on the North Shore, explore Pearl Harbor’s living history, and end with a sunset luau on Waikiki Beach. It’s lively and cosmopolitan, but also deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition, with a rhythm that draws people back again and again.
I found Oahu to be both exciting and grounding, a place that offers the best of both worlds: the buzz of a modern city and the timeless beauty of island life.
What to do in Oahu in a weekend:
- Climb Diamond Head for panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific
- Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial to reflect on history
- Swim and surf at Waikiki Beach, the island’s iconic shoreline
- Drive to the North Shore to watch world-famous waves and explore Hale?iwa town
- Hike through the rainforest to Manoa Falls
- End your day with a traditional Hawaiian luau under the stars
- Stay at the Moana Surfrider on Waikiki or the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore
9. 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.
Conclusion
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.
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.
