Hawaii is a popular tourist destination because of its tropical feel and beaches. Tourists can visit popular islands like Maui and Hawaii Island (or the Big Island) and enjoy water activities like snorkeling, surfing, fishing, kayaking and whale watching. Hawaii has several other natural attractions to see, such as its canyons, lava pools, sea cliffs, rock gardens, mountains and volcanoes. It is a good place to visit for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
On your trip to Hawaii, you’ll likely spend some time in urban areas where you can take public transportation. However, if you want to go to a more secluded beach or hike in a national park, you will need a rental car. Renting an affordable exotic car of your dreams for this trip can be icing on the cake. Then you can easily take a scenic drive around the Big Island and the smaller islands of Maui and Oahu to enjoy better views of the ocean and mountains. Some famous picturesque drives include Kuhio Highway (also known as Route 56), Honoapiilani Highway, Hana Highway and Pali Highway. Book an SUV to drive into more mountainous areas or alongside the beaches, or a van to provide plenty of room for the family. If you’re in Hawaii for a romantic getaway, a convertible will make the trip even more special. For a longer trip, choose your favourite ride using SIXT weekly rental cars.
- 1. Waikiki Beach
- 2. Kohala Coast
- 3. Garden of the Gods
- 4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 5. Punalu’u Beach
- 6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- 7. Diamond Head State Monument
- 8. Byodo-In Temple
- 9. Wailua Falls
- 10. Sea Life Park
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Hawaii
Must-see attractions in Hawaii
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach has a beautiful shoreline with numerous restaurants, hotels and shops where you can buy souvenirs, apparel, jewelry and beachwear. After-hours you can grab a drink at one of the beach’s many bars. If you’re looking for something more active, try water sports like surfing, take a glass-bottomed boat cruise, listen to live music, watch the street performers, or take part in a traditional luau.
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: It’s best to spend a day here.
2. The Kohala Coast/Puako Bay
The Kohala Coast is on the Big Island. You can rent a kayak on Puako Bay and go looking for humpback whales or green turtles. Because of its clear water, this is also a good place to snorkel or dive, and also a popular spot to fish. Along Puako Beach Drive, there are golf courses, a historic church, cottages and a general store where you can buy snacks.
Address: 691630 Puako Beach Dr., Waimea, HI 96743
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours or more
3. Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
From this elevated area on the island of Lanai, reachable via the Polihua Trail, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the islands of Oahu and Molokai. The Garden of the Gods is a massive rock garden that celebrates the beauty of nature, with rock formations in hues of red, purple, orange and brown. They change colors depending upon the time of day. You should wear comfortable shoes to this attraction because you’ll have to do lots of walking to get here.
Address: Lanai City, HI 96763
Entry fees: Free
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend at least 2 hours here.
4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
If you’re near Honolulu, you can learn a lot about US history with a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There are several educational exhibits here including a theater presentation or war veterans, Remembrance Circle and a Road to War exhibit. You can also enjoy a boat ride on your visit. The boat will take you from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan at least a 4-hour visit
5. Punaluʻu Beach
This is one of the most well-known black sand beaches in Hawaii, and a great place for swimming or surfing. Most tourists, however, simply enjoy walking on the beach. The sand is black because of its proximity to volcanoes, but don’t worry, there are outdoor showers on the beach for you to clean your feet before returning to your car.
Address: Between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on the Big Island
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: At least 2 hours
6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Those who love the outdoors will enjoy a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Here you can take in the beauty of the land on a hike or drive around the park. You can also learn all about the science behind and the history of volcanoes at the visitor’s center. This is an amazing place to take photos of nature and to see the volcanic landscape.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan a visit of 4-6 hours
7. Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head State Monument is a volcanic landform near Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Many tourists come here to hike and climb to the top of it. Once at the top, you can take in views of the island and do some birdwatching. There is also an exhibit that you can visit to learn about the history of this landmark.
Address: Honolulu, HI 96815
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend a couple of hours here
8. Byodo-In Temple
Tour this Buddhist temple that is in the Ko’olau Mountains on Oahu. You’ll appreciate its Japanese- inspired architecture. Along with touring the temple, you can walk the grounds, which have a koi pond, peacocks, frogs and other wildlife. You’ll also find a meditation pavilion where you can sit and reflect.
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: At least 2 hours
9. Wailua Falls
This breathtaking waterfall featured on TV shows like “Fantasy Island” is on the island of Kauai. It is a great place to hike, or simply enjoy a picnic with your family or significant other. If you want a full-day activity, the waterfall is close to Wailua River State Park and rainforest where you can go boating, hiking or kayaking.
Address: Off of Highway 583 north of Lihue on the east side of Kauai
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2-4 hours
10. Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park is a great destination for the family on Oahu, providing the experience of getting up close and personal with marine life. You can even swim with the dolphins if you like. You can also visit the aquarium and the shark pool. When you’re ready to take a rest, sit and listen to a presentation or take part in a luau.
Address: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo Beach, HI 96795
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend a good portion of the day here in order to take part in all the activities.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Hawaii
In Honolulu, you can experience fine dining at 5-star or waterfront restaurants. If you want to sample a few dishes, you’ll find several food trucks in the North Shore area of Oahu. There are also several fast-food restaurants that serve Hawaiian dishes like poke, fish tacos, huli-huli chicken and Spam.
The Elephant Truck: Located on the North Shore of Oahu, this food truck serves Thai cuisine. Some of its specialties include pad Thai, yum pla and Thai iced tea.
Tim Ho Wan: This is a Michelin-rated restaurant that specializes in steamed dumplings and sticky rice. The restaurant has a casual ambiance, and the food is reasonably priced.
Zippy’s: This is a fast food chain that’s popular in Hawaii. It serves multicultural cuisine from Japan, China, Vietnam and Korea. Of course, some of its specialties are Hawaiian-inspired and feature seafood and Spam.
Mama’s Fish House: Located on the North Shore of Maui, Mama’s Fish House specializes in seafood served amid Polynesian-inspired decor featuring vibrant colors. From the restaurant, diners can enjoy ocean views and a beachfront vibe. It is a good place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
