Hawaii: 10 Best Places to See, from Volcanoes to Beaches
Explore Hawaii's top attractions across multiple islands, from the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park to world-class beaches like Kaanapali Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Hapuna Beach. The route includes cultural sites such as Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, the iconic Nā Pali Coast on Kauai, and urban highlights in Honolulu and Waikiki.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Oahu's North Shore
- End
- Waikiki
- Stops
- 14
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Oahu's North Shore — Famous surf destination featuring world-class surfers and championship contests.
- Banzai Pipeline — Watch world-class surfers and championship contests.
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park — Historic site that once served as a leper colony, most famous attraction on Molokai.
- Hapuna Beach — Gorgeous beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.
- #7 Kaanapali Beach & Black Rock — Golden-sand beach on Maui's west coast featuring calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset viewing from volcanic rock formations.
- Nā Pali Coast — Dominates the northwest of Kauai and is one of Hawaii's most famous sights.
- Lanikai Beach — Located on the eastern coast of Oahu, 30 minutes from Downtown Honolulu.
- Haleakala National Park — Shield volcano forming more than half of Maui, summit exceeds 10,000 feet. Home to Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls.
- Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls — Maui hiking trail through bamboo forests leading to a dramatic 400-foot waterfall cascading into a pristine pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
- #1 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site on Hawaii's Big Island showcasing active volcanic landscapes, crater formations, and rare native ecosystems shaped by volcanic geology.
- Honolulu — Capital city of Hawaii and primary visitor destination.
- Kaanapali Beach — Beach on the western coast of Maui, near the tourist hub of Lahaina.
- Black Rock — Most famous rock monument near Kaanapali Beach.
- Waikiki — Popular beach destination for tourists and local surfers.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Spend as much time as possible outdoors: hiking among volcanoes, surfing, or snorkeling above colorful coral reefs.
- Tip
- Visit Oahu's North Shore for fantastic beaches with some of the best winter waves in the world, less touristy than Honolulu.
- Tip
- Head to Banzai Pipeline to watch world-class surfers and championship surfing contests.
- Tip
- Molokai is one of the least developed but most scenic islands; visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park for history and pristine beauty.
- Tip
- Hapuna Beach offers a long stretch of fine white sand, is family-friendly, and has reefs for snorkeling.
- Tip
- Walk the stunning boardwalk at Kaanapali Beach, over two miles long with views of the Pacific Ocean and historic rock monuments.
- Transport
- Visit Nā Pali Coast by hiking, kayaking, or helicopter only—the rugged terrain is inaccessible by other means.
- Tip
- Lanniki Beach is only 30 minutes drive from Downtown Honolulu but feels like a completely different world with white sand and palm trees.
- Tip
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park to find swimming pools and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls at the trail's end.
- Timing
- Visit Waimea Canyon in early morning when it's clear; clouds often roll in during the afternoon.
- Timing
- Camp at Waimea Canyon to experience the glorious sunrise in the morning.
- Tip
- Climb Diamond Head Crater summit in Honolulu for amazing views overlooking Waikiki, and visit Pearl Harbor's USS Arizona Memorial.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii - Travel Video