While there are countless adventures to be had across the breathtaking Hawaiian Islands, after you’ve spent enough time exploring, it can feel as though you’ve done it all. Luckily for you, there is always another trail or attraction to discover — even when island fever sets in and you feel like there is nothing new to explore. From gorgeous gardens to wonderful waterfalls, here are 14 places to check out when you think you’ve done everything Hawaii has to offer. Because although the Hawaiian Islands are small, they are chock-full of magnificent adventures just waiting to be had.
- Drive down a picturesque country road.
T Sea/Flickr Kapoho Kalapana Road, also known as Highway 137 and more affectionately referred to as “red road,” is perhaps the best country road the Aloha State has to offer, even though it is an extremely short stretch of road. The entire 17-mile drive stretches from Kalapana — where you’ll bike or hike to the ocean’s lava entry for sunrise — to the Kapoho Tide Pools, where you can relax the afternoon away. Read more about this stunning scenic drive here.
- Explore an off-the-radar town.
Joe Parks/Flickr On the slopes of Mount Haleakala, you will find Kula, a gorgeous little town in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The word Kula translates from Hawaiian to “open meadows,” and is a perfect description of the serene natural beauty you’ll find in this area. The area is also home to countless epic attractions — from an organic vodka distillery to charming gardens and everything in between. Read more about this awesome town here.
- Be transported to another planet at this Kauai waterfall.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold — and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest. Read more about this otherworldly waterfall here.
- Enjoy a sunset sail.
Star of Honolulu/Facebook Is there really any better way to end a perfect day in paradise than with a signature Hawaiian sunset? Of course, there is — you could be watching the sun slip behind the horizon on one of the many magnificent sunset sails offered across the Hawaiian Islands while you enjoy the ocean breeze, live entertainment, Hawaiian cocktails, and some mouthwatering food. While this all may sound too good to be true, it’s not: you can find all this and more aboard the Star of Honolulu.Read more about this sunset sail here.
- Get lost at this stunning natural preserve.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr Located on the isolated northeast corner of Molokai, the sprawling 921-acre Mo’omomi Preserve protects one of the state’s last intact coastal regions, a holdover from an ancient era. Steady and strong northeast trade winds have shaped the linear sand dunes, which measure in at nearly a mile long and hundreds of feet wide. It is within these seemingly barren dunes that native grasses and shrubs flourish. In fact, here you will find more rare coastal species than any other single location in the main Hawaiian Islands.Read more about this natural wonder here.
- Learn how honey is made at this bee farm.
Big Island Bees/Flickr Located on Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast in Captain Cook is this stunning bee farm known for making the best single-source artisanal honey around. Founded in 1971 with just a few beehives, Big Island Bees has since grown to encompass more than 3,800 hives and 190 million bees. The farm produces several varieties of pure and organic honey, with no heating, filtering or blending, and is a truly remarkable spot worthy of a spot on your Hawaiian bucket list — as long as you aren’t deathly allergic, or terrified, of bees.Read more about this unique farm here.
- Immerse yourself in history at America’s last remaining battleship.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com While there are still countless naval ships and submarines found throughout the United States, the last remaining battleship in America can be found right here in Hawaii, floating off the coast of Ford Island. The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, is a stunning piece of military history, and is definitely worthy of a visit. The “Mighty Mo,” as it is affectionately referred to, the USS Missouri is an awe-inspiring behemoth of a ship, weighing more than 58,000 tons and measuring in at approximately 900 feet from bow to stern.Read more about this awesome activity here.
- Check out this dreamy lighthouse.
Greg Bate/Flickr There is something so inherently serene about lighthouses, and this enchanting lighthouse in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is no different. Plus, its surroundings are absolutely magical. This picturesque Kauai lighthouse stands amongst rocky sea cliffs that tower above the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, home to the endangered monk seals, humpback whales in the winter, and honu.Read more about this landmark lighthouse here.
- Wander through this picturesque park in Hilo.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com Located in the heart of Hilo — Hawaii’s oldest city — near Coconut Island on the breathtaking Banyan Drive, is Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a positively enchanting slice of waterfront paradise. Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields. Read more about this urban park here.
- Grab a cup of Hawaiian coffee.
Green World Farms/Facebook Tucked between two Hawaii state highways just outside Wahiawa is Green World Coffee Farm, a quirky coffee shop with local coffee, tea, espresso drinks, and a variety of baked goods. With painted green walls full of hilarious coffee signs, prints, and memorabilia, Green World is part coffee shop, part working farm and roastery, part retail store — and 100 percent amazing. After grabbing a cup of coffee, customers can tour the coffee garden out back and see the coffee beans as they are grown. Read more about this captivating coffee farm here.
- Relax in Hawaii’s first salt cave.
Sheraton Kona/Website Halotherapy — also known as salt therapy — is used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions as well as provide a calming effect, and it has recently become popular across the United States. While Hawaii is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness fads, there are only a few salt caves found across the Hawaiian Islands. The Ho’ola Spa, located in the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, features the state’s first salt room, and certainly worthy of a visit.Read more about this awesome activity here.
- Head to this remote beach on Oahu.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com Located on Oahu’s beautiful windward coast between Laie and Kaneohe is Kahana Bay Beach Park, and unspoiled gem worthy of a little attention. Surrounded on three sides by the stunning Ko’olau Mountains, this stunning stretch of sand is backed by ironwood trees and is often overlooked for more accessible — and less remote — spots on the island.Read more about this awesome activity here.
- Visit a breathtaking secret garden.
Kula Botanical Garden/Website Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the Kula Botanical Garden is truly something special. Created in 1968 as a native Hawaiian plant reserve by Warren McCord, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden, and is positively enchanting, to say the least. The Kula Botanical Garden features an impressive assortment of colorful flora includes collections of protea, orchids, bromeliads, and native Hawaiian plants, as well as native trees like the koa and kukui on 8 acres. Read more about this gorgeous gardenhere.
- Take a hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to hikes recommended only for experienced hikers in top physical shape. When completed together, the Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail and ‘Iliahi (Sandalwood) Trail provides hikers with a magnificent experience unlike any other throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Less than three miles round trip, this hiking trail leads adventurers through a tropical rainforest full of ferns, and through sulfur banks along a paved boardwalk, where steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits abound.Read more about this distinct trail here.
How many of these places have you experienced? Have you ever experienced island fever before? Share your favorite “cure” on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.
T Sea/Flickr
Kapoho Kalapana Road, also known as Highway 137 and more affectionately referred to as “red road,” is perhaps the best country road the Aloha State has to offer, even though it is an extremely short stretch of road. The entire 17-mile drive stretches from Kalapana — where you’ll bike or hike to the ocean’s lava entry for sunrise — to the Kapoho Tide Pools, where you can relax the afternoon away. Read more about this stunning scenic drive here.
Joe Parks/Flickr
On the slopes of Mount Haleakala, you will find Kula, a gorgeous little town in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The word Kula translates from Hawaiian to “open meadows,” and is a perfect description of the serene natural beauty you’ll find in this area. The area is also home to countless epic attractions — from an organic vodka distillery to charming gardens and everything in between. Read more about this awesome town here.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold — and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest. Read more about this otherworldly waterfall here.
Star of Honolulu/Facebook
Is there really any better way to end a perfect day in paradise than with a signature Hawaiian sunset? Of course, there is — you could be watching the sun slip behind the horizon on one of the many magnificent sunset sails offered across the Hawaiian Islands while you enjoy the ocean breeze, live entertainment, Hawaiian cocktails, and some mouthwatering food. While this all may sound too good to be true, it’s not: you can find all this and more aboard the Star of Honolulu.Read more about this sunset sail here.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr
Located on the isolated northeast corner of Molokai, the sprawling 921-acre Mo’omomi Preserve protects one of the state’s last intact coastal regions, a holdover from an ancient era. Steady and strong northeast trade winds have shaped the linear sand dunes, which measure in at nearly a mile long and hundreds of feet wide. It is within these seemingly barren dunes that native grasses and shrubs flourish. In fact, here you will find more rare coastal species than any other single location in the main Hawaiian Islands.Read more about this natural wonder here.
Big Island Bees/Flickr
Located on Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast in Captain Cook is this stunning bee farm known for making the best single-source artisanal honey around. Founded in 1971 with just a few beehives, Big Island Bees has since grown to encompass more than 3,800 hives and 190 million bees. The farm produces several varieties of pure and organic honey, with no heating, filtering or blending, and is a truly remarkable spot worthy of a spot on your Hawaiian bucket list — as long as you aren’t deathly allergic, or terrified, of bees.Read more about this unique farm here.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
While there are still countless naval ships and submarines found throughout the United States, the last remaining battleship in America can be found right here in Hawaii, floating off the coast of Ford Island. The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, is a stunning piece of military history, and is definitely worthy of a visit. The “Mighty Mo,” as it is affectionately referred to, the USS Missouri is an awe-inspiring behemoth of a ship, weighing more than 58,000 tons and measuring in at approximately 900 feet from bow to stern.Read more about this awesome activity here.
Greg Bate/Flickr
There is something so inherently serene about lighthouses, and this enchanting lighthouse in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is no different. Plus, its surroundings are absolutely magical. This picturesque Kauai lighthouse stands amongst rocky sea cliffs that tower above the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, home to the endangered monk seals, humpback whales in the winter, and honu.Read more about this landmark lighthouse here.
Located in the heart of Hilo — Hawaii’s oldest city — near Coconut Island on the breathtaking Banyan Drive, is Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a positively enchanting slice of waterfront paradise. Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields. Read more about this urban park here.
Green World Farms/Facebook
Tucked between two Hawaii state highways just outside Wahiawa is Green World Coffee Farm, a quirky coffee shop with local coffee, tea, espresso drinks, and a variety of baked goods. With painted green walls full of hilarious coffee signs, prints, and memorabilia, Green World is part coffee shop, part working farm and roastery, part retail store — and 100 percent amazing. After grabbing a cup of coffee, customers can tour the coffee garden out back and see the coffee beans as they are grown. Read more about this captivating coffee farm here.
Sheraton Kona/Website
Halotherapy — also known as salt therapy — is used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions as well as provide a calming effect, and it has recently become popular across the United States. While Hawaii is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness fads, there are only a few salt caves found across the Hawaiian Islands. The Ho’ola Spa, located in the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, features the state’s first salt room, and certainly worthy of a visit.Read more about this awesome activity here.
Located on Oahu’s beautiful windward coast between Laie and Kaneohe is Kahana Bay Beach Park, and unspoiled gem worthy of a little attention. Surrounded on three sides by the stunning Ko’olau Mountains, this stunning stretch of sand is backed by ironwood trees and is often overlooked for more accessible — and less remote — spots on the island.Read more about this awesome activity here.
Kula Botanical Garden/Website
Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the Kula Botanical Garden is truly something special. Created in 1968 as a native Hawaiian plant reserve by Warren McCord, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden, and is positively enchanting, to say the least. The Kula Botanical Garden features an impressive assortment of colorful flora includes collections of protea, orchids, bromeliads, and native Hawaiian plants, as well as native trees like the koa and kukui on 8 acres. Read more about this gorgeous gardenhere.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to hikes recommended only for experienced hikers in top physical shape. When completed together, the Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail and ‘Iliahi (Sandalwood) Trail provides hikers with a magnificent experience unlike any other throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Less than three miles round trip, this hiking trail leads adventurers through a tropical rainforest full of ferns, and through sulfur banks along a paved boardwalk, where steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits abound.Read more about this distinct trail here.
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