The biggest problem when planning a trip to Hawaii isn’t deciding what to see, but narrowing down your options! From lush tropical forests to oceans teeming with marine life, pristine beaches, and volcanoes, Hawaii has so much to offer. With countless destinations spread over eight inhabited islands, a trip to Hawaii requires careful planning—and accepting that you can’t see everything on one visit.
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Here are the most important destinations in Hawaii to help you plan your trip.
Waikiki
Waikiki in Honolulu is the most famous beach in Hawaii. It has it all—pristine sand, splashing surf, and shopping and entertainment in the neighborhood that surrounds the beach.
From Waikiki, getting to Honolulu’s other attractions is easy. Local experts on the Moped Rental Waikiki website recommend renting a scooter. Scooters are more gas efficient than cars and make you more mobile without relying on your own two feet or public transportation.
While you’re in Waikiki, check out Honolulu’s other attractions, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the only attack on US soil in World War Two. Diamond Head State Monument is a crater with great hiking and views.
Hanauma bay
On the other side of Oahu is Hanauma Bay, a state park and marine conservation area. It has beautiful sandy shores and gentle waters, protected from the open ocean by a bay.
Besides swimming, Hanauma Bay is a great destination for snorkeling and other water sports.
Volcanoes National Park
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It would be a shame to visit Hawaii without getting up close and personal (safely) with a volcano. This is the US state with the most volcanic activity, after all.
The best way to do so is to visit Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island (Hawaii). The national park has Mauna Loa and Kilauea, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. On your visit, you can view volcanic fissures from safe platforms but also hike the demanding mountains, admire the many plants, and take in some of the best views in the state.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Hawaii also has plenty to offer beyond the volcanoes and shoreline. Head inland on Kauai, which is nicknamed the Garden Island due to its lush landscapes.
Beautiful views abound on Kauai no matter where you turn, but Waimea Canyon is one of the most beautiful. The park boasts rugged rocky landscapes and lush forests.
There are scenic viewpoints throughout the park that you can access by car, but the best thing to do is to get close to nature. This is a popular destination for hiking and camping.
Your Hawaii bucket list
No matter when you visit, there are a few things that you have to do on your trip to Hawaii. You must spend some time on the beach, whether that’s on popular Waikiki, natural Hanauma Bay, or one of the hundreds of other beaches in the state.
Hawaii also has plenty of natural wonders, from volcanoes to tropical forests and national parks. Take time to explore all that the state has to offer, from the shore to the inland.