Top Things to do in Hawaii
What to do and see in Hawaii, United States: The Best Nature & Parks
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Midway Atoll
3. Princeville Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,052 reviews
Princeville Botanical Gardens is a family owned and operated garden paradise located in the Princeville area on the magnificent north shore of Kauai. Established by The Robertson Family with the help of their close gardening friend Michael in 2001, this 9-acre property has been transformed into a breathtaking garden with dramatic landscaping in two steep valleys. The tour includes homegrown honey and fruit samples, as well as a chocolate tasting that teaches you the history of chocolate making. You'll have fun learning about the uses and folklore of native Hawaiian plants and exotic species from around the world. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Visitors can experience the garden on pre-scheduled tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Tours are not recommended for children under 6 years. Moderate mobility is needed to go on our nature walk. Please be sure to call us before visiting. Thank you!
Reviewed By MichelleK776 - Sacramento, United States
Expecting a typical botanical garden, I knew I would enjoy browsing through the flowers, but this is MUCH MORE. There is a little natural medicine, unexpected and very unusual plants, delightful grounds, a chocolate tasting and instructing, knowledgeable guide (Sara) and definitely worth the price. I would recommend this tour to ANYONE looking for something a bit unusual and entertaining on Kauai. Michelle K
4. Haleakala Crater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,954 reviews
A dormant volcano measuring 10,000 feet above sea level, it is Maui's highest point.
Reviewed By waynemQ1946NK - Chester, United States
Although you have to wake up very early to make it to the top of the crater to watch the sun rise above the clouds, this is a must do- once in a lifetime opportunity. Well, maybe you can go more than once in your lifetime... It is amazing once you realize that you are above the clouds and then to see the beautiful colors as the sun rises up. It is cold, but you will survive with a sweatshirt.
5. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
6. Maui Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,102 reviews
Named “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Maui Ocean Center is the premier destination to encounter and learn about Hawaii’s marine life. Home to one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals, the Aquarium exhibits only marine life found in Hawaiian waters including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, octopuses, sea jellies, and more. The Aquarium highlights the beauty of Hawaii’s undersea world while perpetuating the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the sea. The Aquarium’s mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life.
Reviewed By M6869VMmargaretk - Parksville, Canada
This is a fabulous aquarium with beautifully presented displays.Loads of lighting and informational displays and the highlight was the shark tank with manta rays and sharks swimming above you in the tunnel.An added bonus for cruise visitors is that you can catch a bus opposite the small port terminal and buy a day pass for $4. The bus takes about 30 minutes to the Ocean centre.
7. Kilauea Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
Nature truly is amazing. One of the highlights of the Big Island tour because there are very few places on Earth where one can see an active volcano like this. Unfortunately for us tourist, there hasn't been an active lava flow for a few years since the last major eruption, but it is still an active Caldera. There are also really amazing steam vents that you can walk right up to and really get surrounded by this natural phenomenon.
8. Waipi'o Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs.
Reviewed By swearengen
You can drive a 4-wheel (though rentals might not let you) or hike down. But we took the Waipio Valley Shuttle down for a great tour of the valley. Surrounded by mountains with gorgeous rivers, taro farms, wild horses, and fruit trees all around, it is really something to see. A beautiful and unique area.
9. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
10. Pololu Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,096 reviews
One of many scenic valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Reviewed By tano14130831 - San Ramon, United States
Had to insist that we give this hike a try. The concierge at our hotel said it was her favorite. Took about an hour to drive from Waikoloa to the lookout point but there were cute little shops in little towns on the way. Parked at the top of the cliff and hiked down to the most beautiful, serene and breathtaking scenery on the Big Island. There were tree swings near the black sand beach, majestic mountains on one side and ocean on the other. Cows were grazing in a far-off field near a peaceful meadow. I’d say hiking down took longer than hiking back up but neither took too long. Amazing views as you traverse the path. Went near sunset so only a few other people there. I’d do this hike again in a second!
