From an enchanting red sand beach and a beautiful lavender farm to a serene hiking trail and awe-inspiring temple, the Hawaiian Islands are home to a seemingly limitless supply of magical spots most people only dream of. These 15 breathtaking places in Hawaii are quite simply awe-inspiring, and will surely have you doing a double-take to decide if that vision of beauty is real — or just a figment of your imagination.
- Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
John Morgan/Flickr Upcountry Maui, nestled on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, gets a great deal of rain, resulting in lush, green scenery, and flourishing lavender at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. But the beautiful, fragrant lavender isn’t the only thing to see at this gorgeous farm — visitors will also be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire western half of the island.
- Makauwahi Cave
Anthony Crider/Flickr This relatively unknown archaeological site is home to Kauai’s largest limestone cave that was formed when the once fossilized sand dune collapsed. After you squeeze through the mouth of the cave, you will be rewarded with stunning views of a spacious open-air amphitheater.
- St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church
Prayitno/Flickr Known more commonly as the Painted Church, this magnificent piece of art is open to the public seven says a week, and holds mass five days per week. The masterpiece was built from 1899 to 1902 under the direction of Catholic missionary Father John Velghe, an untrained folk artist who painted frescoes along the interior ceiling and walls depicting various biblical scenes.
- Haiku Mill
Haiku Mill/Facebook From 1858 to 1879, the Haiku Mill was bustling with sugar cane production, but is now used for a slightly different purpose: serving as the backdrop for a variety of events, especially weddings. The mill is now home to an awe-inspiring mix of vine-draped ruins, French-inspired décor, and a unique ambiance.
- Manoa Falls Trail
Dyana/Flickr With a vertical drop of approximately 150 feet, Manoa Falls is reached via a 1.5 mile — often quite muddy and slippery — hiking trail. While the reward for the trek is great, visitors are advised not to swim in the waterfall’s pool, as it is heavily polluted with leptospirosis bacteria. The trail leads you through a variety of ecosystems, including this picturesque spot.
- Kauai Aadheenam Hindu Temple
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery/Facebook Up in the hills, four miles above the coastal town of Kapaa and hidden amongst Kauai’s lush, tropical landscape is the Kauai Aadheenam Hindu Temple, a beautiful magnificent spiritual sanctuary that sits on 363 acres near the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale.
- Three Tables
Zachary Zadell/Flickr Located on Oahu’s north shore, this beach is a popular spot for both snorkeling and sunset viewing. The beach got its name from the three flat sections of reef that appear on the ocean’s surface during low tide, and it is quite the surreal vista.
- Garden of Eden Arboretum
Thomas/Flickr These lush botanical gardens are set on 26 acres full of trails, picnic spots, waterfalls and coastal views. Visitors should be sure not to miss these incredible grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees, which look as though they have materialized here from the pages of a storybook.
- Kaniakapupu Ruins
As_tue/Flickr Better known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, these ruins are both a phenomenal treasure and piece of true Hawaiian history hidden away near Oahu’s Pali Highway. The structure dates back to 1847, and was only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins and must simply admire this stunning piece of Hawaiian history in photographs.
- Kalalau Trail
Jeff Slinkler/Flickr Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is perhaps the most beautiful and remote areas in all of Hawaii. While you can view this magnificent coastline from the air via helicopter tour, one of the best ways to experience the area’s incredible natural beauty is to hike the Kalalau Trail. The hike is eleven miles, and takes hikers on a journey from Ke’e Beach along high rugged cliffs and through coastal valleys.
- Kaihalulu Beach
Paul Bica/Flickr Located south of Hana Bay on the eastern coast of Maui, Kaihalulu is one of only a few red sand beaches in the entire world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but really, the views — and photo opp — is worth a trip.
- Byodo-In Temple
Brandon.L/Flickr Located on Oahu’s lush windward coast at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains is the Byodo-In Temple, a small-scale replica of a famous temple in Japan that is more than 950 years old. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The beautiful grounds include stunning statues, a large reflecting pond, meditation areas, and small waterfalls.
- Camp Olowalu
Anna Kim Photography/Facebook Located just six miles southeast of Lanai are the campsites and cabins at Olowalu. This site, which features six A-frame cabins that sleep six people each, a kitchen, mess hall, and bathroom facility, is suited for group retreats and other large group gatherings. Where better to have a company retreat or family reunion than a oceanfront oasis?
- Fern Grotto
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr This naturally-formed lava cave, located off Kauai’s Wailua River, was formed millions of years ago, and is home to various native Hawaiian plant species as well as colorful, exotic plants, that come together to make visitors feel as though they have entered a tropical rainforest.
- Lake Waiau
Charles/Flickr Located at 13,000 feet above sea level on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea, Lake Waiau is arguably one of the highest lakes in all of the United States. However, it is also relatively small, measuring in at just about 100 meters across. It’s also a pretty dreamy landscape.
How many of these simply breathtaking places in Hawaii have you visited? Which one is your favorite? To discover more stunning spots to visit in the Aloha State, click here to read about 15 Beautiful Spots In Hawaii Where Time Stands Still.
John Morgan/Flickr
Upcountry Maui, nestled on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, gets a great deal of rain, resulting in lush, green scenery, and flourishing lavender at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. But the beautiful, fragrant lavender isn’t the only thing to see at this gorgeous farm — visitors will also be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire western half of the island.
Anthony Crider/Flickr
This relatively unknown archaeological site is home to Kauai’s largest limestone cave that was formed when the once fossilized sand dune collapsed. After you squeeze through the mouth of the cave, you will be rewarded with stunning views of a spacious open-air amphitheater.
Prayitno/Flickr
Known more commonly as the Painted Church, this magnificent piece of art is open to the public seven says a week, and holds mass five days per week. The masterpiece was built from 1899 to 1902 under the direction of Catholic missionary Father John Velghe, an untrained folk artist who painted frescoes along the interior ceiling and walls depicting various biblical scenes.
Haiku Mill/Facebook
From 1858 to 1879, the Haiku Mill was bustling with sugar cane production, but is now used for a slightly different purpose: serving as the backdrop for a variety of events, especially weddings. The mill is now home to an awe-inspiring mix of vine-draped ruins, French-inspired décor, and a unique ambiance.
Dyana/Flickr
With a vertical drop of approximately 150 feet, Manoa Falls is reached via a 1.5 mile — often quite muddy and slippery — hiking trail. While the reward for the trek is great, visitors are advised not to swim in the waterfall’s pool, as it is heavily polluted with leptospirosis bacteria. The trail leads you through a variety of ecosystems, including this picturesque spot.
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery/Facebook
Up in the hills, four miles above the coastal town of Kapaa and hidden amongst Kauai’s lush, tropical landscape is the Kauai Aadheenam Hindu Temple, a beautiful magnificent spiritual sanctuary that sits on 363 acres near the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale.
Zachary Zadell/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s north shore, this beach is a popular spot for both snorkeling and sunset viewing. The beach got its name from the three flat sections of reef that appear on the ocean’s surface during low tide, and it is quite the surreal vista.
Thomas/Flickr
These lush botanical gardens are set on 26 acres full of trails, picnic spots, waterfalls and coastal views. Visitors should be sure not to miss these incredible grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees, which look as though they have materialized here from the pages of a storybook.
As_tue/Flickr
Better known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, these ruins are both a phenomenal treasure and piece of true Hawaiian history hidden away near Oahu’s Pali Highway. The structure dates back to 1847, and was only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins and must simply admire this stunning piece of Hawaiian history in photographs.
Jeff Slinkler/Flickr
Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is perhaps the most beautiful and remote areas in all of Hawaii. While you can view this magnificent coastline from the air via helicopter tour, one of the best ways to experience the area’s incredible natural beauty is to hike the Kalalau Trail. The hike is eleven miles, and takes hikers on a journey from Ke’e Beach along high rugged cliffs and through coastal valleys.
Paul Bica/Flickr
Located south of Hana Bay on the eastern coast of Maui, Kaihalulu is one of only a few red sand beaches in the entire world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but really, the views — and photo opp — is worth a trip.
Brandon.L/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s lush windward coast at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains is the Byodo-In Temple, a small-scale replica of a famous temple in Japan that is more than 950 years old. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The beautiful grounds include stunning statues, a large reflecting pond, meditation areas, and small waterfalls.
Anna Kim Photography/Facebook
Located just six miles southeast of Lanai are the campsites and cabins at Olowalu. This site, which features six A-frame cabins that sleep six people each, a kitchen, mess hall, and bathroom facility, is suited for group retreats and other large group gatherings. Where better to have a company retreat or family reunion than a oceanfront oasis?
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
This naturally-formed lava cave, located off Kauai’s Wailua River, was formed millions of years ago, and is home to various native Hawaiian plant species as well as colorful, exotic plants, that come together to make visitors feel as though they have entered a tropical rainforest.
Charles/Flickr
Located at 13,000 feet above sea level on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea, Lake Waiau is arguably one of the highest lakes in all of the United States. However, it is also relatively small, measuring in at just about 100 meters across. It’s also a pretty dreamy landscape.
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Address: Ali’i Kula Lavender, 1100 Waipoli Rd, Kula, HI 96790, USAAddress: Makauwahi Cave Reserve, 1571-4 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USAAddress: St Benedict Catholic Church, 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USAAddress: 250 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708, USAAddress: Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USAAddress: Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 107 Kaholalele Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USAAddress: 59-776 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USAAddress: Garden of Eden Arboretum, 10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USAAddress: 4295 Nuuanu Pali Dr, Honolulu, HI 96817, USAAddress: Kalalau Trail, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USAAddress: Kaihalulu Beach, Hana, HI 96713, USAAddress: The Byodo-In Temple, 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USAAddress: Camp Olowalu, 800 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAAddress: 60 N Nimitz Hwy #1106, Honolulu, HI 96817, USAAddress: Lake Waiau, Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Breathtaking Places In Hawaii September 09, 2020 Megan Shute What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii? From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: like the summit of Maui’s Mount Haleakala, a volcanic wonder that was shaped by lava and will transport you to another planet or the striking Papakolea Beach found on the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island, one of the world’s only green sand beaches. If you need help starting your bucket list, check out the 21 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Hawaii That You Must See Before You Die. What are the most beautiful scenic drives in Hawaii? The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. Others that deserve mention include Waimea Canyon Road, Oahu’s Kalanianaole Highway, and Hawaii Island’s Mauna Kea Access Road. Where should I go to take photos of Hawaii? The Aloha State is a photographer’s paradise, and while we love heading to the islands’ most famous lookout spots — think Oahu’s Pali Lookout, Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island, or Kauai’s Waimea Canyon — stunning natural beauty can be found all around you here in Hawaii — from the golden yellow leaves that blanket the trees of Oahu every year to the vistas you’ll encounter on Hawaii’s lesser-known trails like this one.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Breathtaking Places In Hawaii
September 09, 2020
Megan Shute
What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii? From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: like the summit of Maui’s Mount Haleakala, a volcanic wonder that was shaped by lava and will transport you to another planet or the striking Papakolea Beach found on the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island, one of the world’s only green sand beaches. If you need help starting your bucket list, check out the 21 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Hawaii That You Must See Before You Die. What are the most beautiful scenic drives in Hawaii? The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. Others that deserve mention include Waimea Canyon Road, Oahu’s Kalanianaole Highway, and Hawaii Island’s Mauna Kea Access Road. Where should I go to take photos of Hawaii? The Aloha State is a photographer’s paradise, and while we love heading to the islands’ most famous lookout spots — think Oahu’s Pali Lookout, Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island, or Kauai’s Waimea Canyon — stunning natural beauty can be found all around you here in Hawaii — from the golden yellow leaves that blanket the trees of Oahu every year to the vistas you’ll encounter on Hawaii’s lesser-known trails like this one.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: like the summit of Maui’s Mount Haleakala, a volcanic wonder that was shaped by lava and will transport you to another planet or the striking Papakolea Beach found on the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island, one of the world’s only green sand beaches. If you need help starting your bucket list, check out the 21 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Hawaii That You Must See Before You Die.
What are the most beautiful scenic drives in Hawaii?
The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. Others that deserve mention include Waimea Canyon Road, Oahu’s Kalanianaole Highway, and Hawaii Island’s Mauna Kea Access Road.
Where should I go to take photos of Hawaii?
The Aloha State is a photographer’s paradise, and while we love heading to the islands’ most famous lookout spots — think Oahu’s Pali Lookout, Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island, or Kauai’s Waimea Canyon — stunning natural beauty can be found all around you here in Hawaii — from the golden yellow leaves that blanket the trees of Oahu every year to the vistas you’ll encounter on Hawaii’s lesser-known trails like this one.
