Top Things to do in Hawaii
10 Lookouts in Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Puuo Kila
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By maitaimike2015 - Laguna Hills, United States
The long drive to the end of Koke'e road, lets you view one of Kauai's natural treasures. Being one of the rainiest (#8 by one account) places on earth. Most visitors have to get here very early to have a chance at a good view. If you have enough time, the visibility might improve if you wait. Our early October summit, had us at the Pu 'u O Kila overlook well before 10:00 am. Not only was the view stunning, but the normally muddy Pihea trail was dry enough to walk out & back 100 yards easy. This can get you to the Kilohana lookout via the Alakai swamp trail. Nice views from the platform, but use caution getting near the trail edge as vegetation hides the cliff ledge. Parking is limited, when busy. The nearby Kilalau lookout is an option, with more spaces, and it also has restrooms. Tips: Be prepared for muddy conditions if hiking the trail. Walking sticks a very good idea. The site has brushes to clean mud off boots, but they were a mess. Use a stick. Keep younger children on the paved paths and fenced platform area. Mahalo
2. Epic Experience Maui
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 256 reviews
Maui's Premier Private Adventure Tour Company. Join us to explore this beautiful island from a local perspective. Venture on the Road to Hana, explore West Maui, hike in bamboo forests, swim in waterfalls, cliff jump, and adventure! Leave the planning to us so you can live in the moment!
3. Waimea Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,194 reviews
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Reviewed By Starlinghall
Beautiful sites that I think every person visiting Kauai needs to see... the highlight for us was going to the very highest lookout point at the end of the road at the top of the mountain. We looked out across the ocean and it took our breath away!
4. Pu'u Hina Hina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Rich11766
As a lifelong islander, I didn’t think anything so naturally beautiful existed! Driving along the twisty roads...sometimes very steep and narrow roads, one is constantly challenged not to stop and take in all the natural beauty that surrounds and envelopes you. But many local islanders shared that you must stop at the very very top first, by far, the views there were most impressive. When we finally reached the very top, we were disappointed at first because of the thick cloud cover blocking our view. After a quick break, we returned to view the magical beauty of the enchanting view! Cooling trade winds caress you as you view for miles along the coastline of the Garden Isle... the second vantage point from the top was also soothing to ones soul...not for those who fear heights but when you peer over the edge, you’ll see many mountain goats prancing these steep cliffs and wonder how they manage not to fall. The other vantage points show more of the canyon and it’s subtle yet rich and vivid colors. Be prepared for a bountiful of king roosters that are always looking for a treat. Parking was a bit of a challenge at all view points but well worth the wait!!! Will visit Waimea Canyon at least one more time!
5. Nahiku Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By warreno966
This is a beautiful lushly green area with outstanding coastline views at the end. The 2-3 mile road down is mostly one lane, but with far less traffic then the Hana road and should be no problem. Park at the church (unless there are services), the road is closed at a bridge just beyond. It's an easy walk down the pavement from there to the overlook, but don't miss the deep pool and small waterfall halfway down, good for a swim if the stream isn't flowing fast. The overlook has beautiful views of the wild and rugged coast. You can make this side trip in less than an hour and it's well worth it.
6. Barber's Point Lighthouse
7. Kalahaku Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Kalahaku Overlook is an awesome overlook in Haleakla National Park along the Crater Highway. The views of the volcanic crater and the cinder cones are breathtaking. Our eyes keep wandering back and forth to not give up the amazing scenery. The overlook has ample parking; the climb from the parking lot to the overlook is short but has some incline. The shelter at the top has sign posts explaining the views and the human history associated with the place. Do not miss stopping ta Kalahaku Overlook.
8. Southern Point Lookout
9. Haleakala Summit Sunrise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By 362taylorg - Chico, United States
Ok, so we made it! It seems a lot goes into making it to the summit for sunrise so I'll start from the beginning: Registering; Make sure you go the nps.gov site to book. You can book only 7 days in advance for the low, low price of $1.00! Bit of advice, this sells out almost instantly since they only sell 50 passes at a time. So go in & register/create your account all your info before trying to book or you'll never get a pass. Then go in @ exactly 7am HST (10am PST). Best to be ready w/ your CC info because this sells out within seconds (I'm not kidding!). The day before; Check the website because the park may not be open due to weather or other reasons (more below). The day of; We left Lahaina just before @ 3:30am & made it to the entrance just before 5am & they were closed! WTH?! We stopped at lookout where all the disgruntled people were gathering just below entrance. We spoke w/ a lady who said she saw on site they were closed for winter conditions (we never found that notice). We all stood around complaining on why they don't send an email & trying to download a compass to see if we would be able to see the sunrise from where we were. Spoiler alert, there is NO place to see the sunrise on that side of mountain! We decided to take in the stars (so beautiful!) and could even see the Milky Way! We noticed that some cars were going up but not coming down... We decided to try the entrance one last time. They were OPEN!!! We now raced to the summit to arrive just few min before sunrise. The summit; It is SO COLD!!! We read it was cold & prepared accordingly. I had a shirt w/ a thick hoodie over, thick pants & a beanie. I was freezing even still! It was <30 degrees w/ wind that cut right through you. Honestly it was the first time since COVID I was happy to be wearing a mask. I recommend gloves & thick socks & maybe bring a space heater... You will still be cold but you won't lose a limb to frostbite. The sunrise; to quote my friend Jodie "they should have sent a poet!" My word it is beautiful!!! Pictures don't do it justice & my vocabulary isn't large enough to provide a suitable depiction. Words like spectacular, divine, magnificent, sublime, etc. just don't capture it. It must be seen not read, viewed not pictured. Mahalo for reading!
10. Hanalei Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By AimeeE351 - Frisco, United States
Just off the main road a few parking spots await. You pull off and stop for a quick photo of the valley and the taro fields with mountains behind.
