Exploring Top 8 Hidden Attractions in Hawaii for First Time Tourist
Hawaii is one of the top dream vacation spots in the globe, drawing millions of tourists there each year. And with good reason: the four main islands of the Polynesian island chain in the center of the Pacific are strikingly distinct, extraordinarily diverse, and they make wonderful excursion destinations for everyone from nature lovers to hikers to fans of water sports to beach goers.
Are you traveling to Hawaii anytime soon, here we will discuss the Top 8 must visit attractions in Hawaii for first time visitors
1. What is the must-see attraction in Hawaii
What should you see in Hawaii? If you have this question on your mind, then thisarticle about the top places to visit in Hawaii will definitely help you. We havesummarized the most important information and most beautiful places on the 4 main islands of Hawaii (Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai). This will give you aquick overview of what the islands have to offer and what makes them different. You will quickly notice that there are some natural wonders waiting for you inHawaii: from breathtaking volcanic landscapes to paradisiacal beaches to green, rippled mountains and cliffs. Hop on a surfboard, dive into a unique underwater world and meet turtles and giant manta rays or explore beautiful viewpoints.
The top must see Tourist Attraction in Hawaii right now
2. The Waikiki Beach
The Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is one of the most famous attractions in Hawaii. Behind the white sandy beach there is one high-rise building after the next, mostly containing hotels . So it’s no wonder that the beach is so overcrowded. Anyone who enjoys partying , shopping and hustle and bustle will love the beach and the lively Waikiki district in general . However, a day like this on Waikiki Beach is not cheap . If you want to rent a lounger including an umbrella, it costs $60/day.
Surfing is big on Waikiki Beach. The waves are also suitable for beginners, which is why you can rent surfboards or book surfing lessons in several places. A must-see on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii is the 2.7 meter tall bronze statue of Hawaiian Olympic champion Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. He is considered the inventor of international surfing.
Tip: There are cheap parking options in the city park at the southern end of Waikiki Beach
3. The Coast of Napali
The 27 kilometer long Napoli Coast is one of the most stunning coasts in the world with its green cliffs, some of which are over 1000 meters high, numerous waterfalls, and rough canyons.
There are three ways to explore this breath-taking area of the planet: by boat, by helicopter, or on foot along the fabled “Kalalau Trail.” It takes at least two days and a proper permission to hike the entire 18-kilometer trek from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. You can walk the first two miles of the trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach without this permit. I strongly advise doing this. My words nearly failed me. Make sure to reserve a spot on the shuttle bus that frequently travels from Hanalei to Ke’e Beach or one of the limited parking spots at the trailhead in advance
4. Pearl Harbor
Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor is a famous historical landmark. Japan unexpectedly launched an attack on the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet in 1941, leading to one of the most catastrophic defeats in American history. Despite the fact that Pearl Harbor is still a military installation, you can visit the museum there, which is split into a number of free and paid sections. The USS Arizona Memorial, which was constructed over the lost battleship, and the museum or tourist center are both free to visit. Reservations are required for the latter.
Visit the USS Missouri if you’ve ever wanted to see a real battleship from the inside. Here, in 1945, the Japanese surrender pact was signed, officially ending the Second World War. At Pearl Harbor, you can also board an actual submarine and visit the Aviation Museum to learn more about fighter jets.
The Oahu Go City Pass offers free admission to all attractions.
5. The Northsore
One of the top surfing locations in the world is on Oahu’s Northshore, or northern shoreline. In this instance, waves occasionally reach heights of up to 8 meters. The alleged “big wave season” lasts from November to February. Competitions are also held during this time. You can still see surfers every day, for instance on the expansive Sunset Beach, even when the big wave season is over. The Northshore’s sunsets, as the name implies, are absolutely magnificent. Sadly, the weather wasn’t as cooperative as normal, but often, after sunset, the clouds on the horizon turn orange-purple.
The turtles on the Northshore of Hawaii are yet another attraction. At both Turtles Beach and Laniakea Beach, with any luck, you can see turtles lazing around on the sand. It’s funny to note that green sea turtles only exhibit this behavior in Hawaii. When it’s sunny and the tide is high, your chances of sighting turtles are highest.
6. The Mountain East of Oahu
Although the mountains east of Oahu lack a specific name, their ridged shape and lush flora give them the appearance of traditional “Hawaiian Mountains.” For instance, the Pali Lookout offers a stunning view of the lush highlands. This location has the ideal lighting for photographing pictures, especially in the morning.
The Botanical Garden is directly traversed by what is likely the island’s most breathtaking panoramic road. There are quick hikes that you may go on while driving through. When hiking enthusiasts see these magnificent mountains on Oahu, their feet will start to tingle.
However, because they are so steep, the majority of treks on Oahu are quite challenging and should only be attempted by confident, seasoned hikers. Additionally, be sure to avoid any forbidden or unlawful hikes. The highlight box lists our two favorite hikes.
A trip to Kualoa Ranch is a simpler way to take it all in. It’s a sizable, exclusive area that encompasses two valleys. Unfortunately, hiking is not an option there; instead, you can only reserve a variety of tours or activities, such a Hollywood Movie Tour. You travel to several movie locations because the Kualoa Ranch has served as a setting for many movies, including King Kong and Jurassic Park.
7. Kuala Ranch
On the East side of Oahu, there is a sizable, privately owned nature reserve called Kualoa Ranch. It has a short section of coastline as well as two lovely valleys. It is also known as “Jurassic Valley” since it has served as the location for the filming of numerous television shows and movies, including King Kong, Godzilla, Lost, Hawaii Five-O, and Jurassic Park & World.
This Hawaiian attraction can be compared to a sizable amusement park that you can visit while engaging in a variety of activities.
There are ziplining, bike or quad rides, horseback riding, farm visits, boating, and tours of different movie sets. We heartily endorse the $52 Hollywood Movie Sites Tour. You go through the valley in a bus for 1.5 hours while viewing the various movie locations. A little bit of luck, they’re shooting right now. The Ocean Voyage Adventure, which would have been our second-choice excursion, sails down the coast with stunning vistas of the rippling mountains beyond.
8. Kailua Beach
The southeast of Oahu is where we believe the most gorgeous beaches for swimming and resting are to be found. Kailua Beach’s substantial parking lot demonstrates that both locals and visitors value its popularity. It’s preferable to visit this beach during the week; we were quite fortunate to find a parking spot on the weekend.
You can still locate a quiet area on the beach because it is so large. Long beach strolls and kiteboarding are both great activities on Kailua Beach.
There are restrooms and showers there as well, exactly like at Waimanalo Beach. The latter has slightly steeper water, but it is still swimmable, and at the southern end, you can see the lush mountains.
Due to the fact that you must find a parking spot on the street in the town, Lanikai Beach is a little bit smaller and quieter. So these beaches are ideal for you if you’re searching for a leisurely beach day beneath the shade of palm trees.
9. Hanalie beach park
The ideal starting point for exploring H’ena Beach Park and all of Northeast Kauai’s attractions is Hanalei. The town deserves to be included on the list of the top places to visit in Hawaii because both the town and the beaches there are stunning. Due to the beginner-friendly waves on Hanalei Beach, there are some excellent eateries and surf schools there. Surfing is undoubtedly even more spectacular with an amazing mountain backdrop.
However, there are also a few shady, more sedate beaches nearby that call to you to unwind and go snorkeling. Photographers should not miss the picturesque church and the Hanalei Bay Lookout.
CONCLUSION
We sincerely hope that we were able to motivate you to visit this far-off island paradise with Hawaii’s most breathtaking locations and attractions. Be sure to look at our routes for future travel if you are organizing a multi-week tour on your own.
