Why Everyone Should Visit Hawaii at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Nestled just a short 30-minute drive east of Honolulu, the iconic Diamond Head State Monument offers an invigorating introduction to Hawaii’s dramatic volcanic landscape. This popular hike climbs approximately 760 feet to the summit of an ancient volcanic crater, rewarding visitors with sweeping 360-degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The trail itself is well-maintained but steep in sections, featuring tunnels carved through lava rock and historic military bunkers from the early 1900s. What sets Diamond Head apart is its blend of geological wonder and cultural history, making it a microcosm of Hawaii’s natural and human stories. Early morning visits are best to avoid crowds and to enjoy cooler temperatures, with sunrise hikes providing a particularly breathtaking spectacle as the island awakens under a kaleidoscope of colors.
On the Big Island, about an hour’s southward drive from Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park immerses travelers in the raw power of Earth’s creative forces. Home to Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, the park offers trails like the Kilauea Iki Trail—a moderately challenging 4-mile loop that descends through a volcanic crater once filled with molten lava. The stark black lava fields, steaming vents, and sulfur banks create an otherworldly landscape unlike any other in the state. Visitors can walk through Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava, to feel the island’s fiery past beneath a canopy of lush rainforest. The park’s unique mix of geological formations, cultural significance to native Hawaiians, and vivid displays of volcanic activity make it an unforgettable place. Afternoon visits often provide dramatic lighting on the crater walls, but the park’s any-time mystique holds year-round.
In the heart of Maui, the town of Lahaina offers a vibrant blend of history and island culture just under an hour from Kahului Airport by car. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a bustling whaling port, Lahaina’s Front Street is lined with preserved wooden buildings, art galleries, and lively waterfront venues. Walking this stretch transports visitors back to the 19th century while also presenting contemporary Hawaiian art and cuisine. The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is home to one of the largest banyan trees in the United States, its sprawling roots and branches providing a shady canopy that hosts local markets and cultural events. Exploring this historic town is a rich way to connect with the islands’ heritage, and sunset strolls along the harbor reveal the silhouettes of sailboats against fiery skies, best experienced in the calm, balmy evenings of spring or fall.
On the island of Kauai, about 45 minutes north of Lihue, the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast exemplifies the island’s rugged beauty. This challenging 11-mile one-way hike traverses dramatic sea cliffs, lush valleys, and hidden beaches, culminating at the breathtaking Kalalau Beach. The trail demands good physical condition but rewards with some of the most spectacular coastal panoramas in Hawaii, featuring emerald waterfalls, towering sea stacks, and turquoise waters. The trail’s narrow paths and steep drop-offs add to the thrill, while native wildlife such as nene geese and endangered seabirds can often be spotted. Early summer through fall offers the best weather for this trek, as winter rains can make the trail slippery and dangerous. For those seeking a transformative wilderness experience, Kalalau Trail showcases Kauai’s wild spirit unlike anywhere else on the islands.
Turning to Oahu’s cultural fabric, the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, just a 10-minute drive from downtown, is an essential stop for understanding Hawaiian history and natural science. This museum boasts the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts and royal family heirlooms, including intricate feather cloaks, ancient kapa cloth, and detailed genealogical records. Visitors can wander through exhibits that illuminate the islands’ volcanic origins, native flora and fauna, and the vibrant traditions of native Hawaiians before Western contact. The science center’s planetarium adds another dimension, connecting visitors to the stars that guided ancient navigators across the Pacific. The museum’s educational programs and artifacts provide a deep, tangible connection to Hawaii’s past and present. Weekdays during the dry season tend to be quieter, allowing for a more personal exploration of the rich exhibits.
A short ferry ride from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor leads to the island of Lanai, where Shipwreck Beach lies about 20 minutes from Lanai City. This remote shoreline is famous for the rusting remains of a WWII-era ship stranded on its coral reef, creating a haunting yet photogenic sight against the vast Pacific backdrop. Visitors here can explore tide pools teeming with marine life or take leisurely walks along the expansive sandy beach while watching surfers tackle waves further offshore. The beach’s isolation and rugged surroundings make it a stark contrast to Maui’s more developed coastal areas. Mid-morning visits are ideal, as the winds often pick up later in the day. Shipwreck Beach offers a rare glimpse of Hawaii’s raw coastal wilderness combined with a hint of history that few other spots can match.
On the island of Molokai, about a 15-minute drive from Kaunakakai, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park stands as a poignant testament to Hawaii’s complex history. This remote peninsula was once a leprosy settlement where patients were isolated for decades. Today, visitors can explore the area via mule rides or hikes down steep trails that reveal stunning sea cliffs and turquoise waters. The park preserves the stories of the patients and the compassionate Father Damien, canonized for his care of the sick. Walking through the preserved settlement and its small museum offers a deeply moving experience that blends natural beauty with powerful human history. Visiting during the dry, cooler months from April through October ensures safer trail conditions and clearer views of the dramatic coastline.
Finally, the Hana Highway on Maui, beginning just about 40 minutes east of Kahului, is a scenic drive that epitomizes island adventure. Winding through rainforests, past waterfalls such as Wailua Falls and pools like the Seven Sacred Pools of Ohe’o Gulch, the highway’s nearly 64 miles take travelers through some of Hawaii’s lushest and most secluded landscapes. The road offers countless spots for short hikes and beach stops, revealing a side of the islands where tropical flora bursts in vivid color and the ocean crashes against jagged cliffs. The journey itself is as rewarding as any single destination, with narrow bridges and hairpin turns adding to the sense of exploration. Morning departures are best to avoid traffic and to catch the soft light filtering through the dense canopy. The Hana Highway immerses visitors in the islands’ green heart, showcasing why Hawaii’s natural beauty is so deeply cherished worldwide.