Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in Hawaii
Driving along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, about 45 minutes north of Hilo, you’ll find the quirky and enchanting World Botanical Gardens. Nestled in a lush valley near Papaikou, this sprawling 40-acre garden bursts with tropical plants, waterfalls, and even a secret bamboo maze. Wander the Kahili and Exotic Garden trails to absorb unusual flora like giant palms and vibrant heliconias. The gardens stand out for their intimate paths and the surprise of a hidden koi pond, offering a calm oasis compared to the island’s more famous national parks. Early mornings here are magical, when soft mist clings to the foliage and birdsong fills the air, making it a perfect start to a day exploring the island’s verdant side.
On Oahu’s windward coast, about a 30-minute drive northeast of Honolulu, the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park offers a serene and visually striking roadside stop. This non-denominational Buddhist temple, an exact replica of a 900-year-old Japanese structure, surprises visitors with its vivid orange architecture set against lush mountain backdrops. Visitors can stroll through the koi pond, ring a sacred bon-sho bell, or simply admire the intricate woodwork that transports you straight to Kyoto. The temple’s calm atmosphere and photo-worthy reflections in the water are best enjoyed in the late afternoon light, when the golden sun softens the temple’s colors and the crowds thin out.
Travel about 20 minutes northwest from downtown Lahaina on Maui and you arrive at the colorful town of Paia, a place that feels like stepping into a vintage surf movie. Paia’s quirky roadside charm is embodied in its collection of funky art shops, surf stores, and roadside food trucks serving fresh banana bread and tropical smoothies. The town’s laid-back vibe is punctuated by its quirky murals depicting Hawaiian mythology and surf culture. Just a few blocks inland, the Ho’okipa Beach Park offers top-notch surf watching and the chance to spot honu (green sea turtles) basking on the sand. Early mornings bring the best light for photography and a chance to watch professional windsurfers carve across the waves.
On Kauai’s north shore, approximately 40 minutes from Lihue, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a fascinating blend of history and wildlife. At the refuge, the historic Kilauea Lighthouse stands as an iconic sentinel overlooking the crashing Pacific. This area is a quirky roadside gem because it doubles as a bird sanctuary and a prime spot for whale watching during the winter months. Visitors can explore the interpretive center and walk the short trail to the lighthouse for panoramic ocean views and glimpses of Laysan albatross and red-footed boobies nesting nearby. The refuge’s rugged cliffs and abundant wildlife make it uniquely rewarding in the early morning, when seabirds are most active and fog often rolls in for a mystical atmosphere.
On the island of Hawaii’s west coast, about 30 minutes north of Kailua-Kona, the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park invites travelers to step back into Hawaiian culture with its preserved “place of refuge.” This site, once a sanctuary for those who broke ancient laws, features reconstructed temple platforms and a massive royal fishpond. What makes this park quirky is the deep dive into ancient Hawaiian legal systems and spirituality through interactive exhibits and walking trails along the coast. Visitors can wander beneath swaying palms and marvel at the coral walls that once protected this sacred site. Visiting in the late afternoon brings softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the feeling of stepping into another time.
About an hour’s drive from Honolulu on Oahu’s windward side, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail offers a scenic and quirky roadside experience with a well-paved 2-mile loop hike. This trail leads to one of the most photographed lighthouses in Hawaii, perched high on a cliff with sweeping views of the turquoise ocean and, in winter, the chance to spot migrating humpback whales breaching below. What sets this hike apart is its accessibility combined with dramatic coastal panoramas and the opportunity to experience a historic lighthouse without the crowds of Waikiki. Early morning or late afternoon hikes here reward visitors with soft light perfect for capturing the rugged cliffs and waves crashing far below.
On Lanai, a small ferry ride from Maui, the Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo) is a lunar-like landscape of rock towers and red earth that feels like stepping onto another planet. Located about 30 minutes from Lanai City, this remote and quirky formation of volcanic rock spires stands out from the usual lush Hawaiian scenery. Visitors explore this otherworldly area along rugged dirt roads and short hiking paths that showcase nature’s sculptural power. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the rocks glow fiery red and orange, creating surreal vistas that contrast sharply with the island’s usual greenery. It’s an unexpected and striking stop for those seeking something wildly different from the typical island postcard.
Finally, on Molokai’s east side, about 20 minutes from Kaunakakai, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park offers a deeply moving and unique roadside experience. Though access is limited to preserve its sensitive history, visitors can arrange guided tours that explore this former leper colony, nestled between towering sea cliffs and the ocean. The park tells a story of isolation and resilience, with preserved buildings and a small, vibrant community that continues today. The stark contrast between the steep cliffs and the calm bay below, along with the echoes of human strength, makes this site unlike any other in Hawaii. Early morning tours often offer the clearest weather and soft light to fully appreciate the dramatic landscape and its history.
Each of these destinations showcases a playful, unexpected, or poignant side of Hawaii that goes beyond beaches and volcanoes. They invite visitors to explore unique stories, landscapes, and cultural treasures that can only be discovered by venturing off the beaten path. Whether it’s a secret garden, a historic refuge, or a surreal rock garden, these places offer memorable glimpses into the islands’ rich and quirky tapestry.