Guide Match Maps Maps Concierge

My Trip

Hawaii Sights Guide

Top Things to See on each Hawaii Island

03-10-2025

John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.

Aloha! This article may link to trusted Hawaii resources at no extra cost to you. Mahalo for your support!

Hawaii Things to See

Popular Hawaiian Sights Guide

Welcome to the captivating sights of Hawaii, an archipelago like no other. Each island in this Pacific paradise is brimming with unique landmarks, natural wonders, and unforgettable vistas, all beckoning you to explore.

Discover the mesmerizing volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, the iconic beaches and surf spots of Oahu, the mesmerizing waterfalls and cliffs of Kaua'i, and the stunning sunrises atop Maui's Haleakala Crater.

Delve deeper to uncover hidden gems that embody the spirit of Aloha, from historical sites echoing the rich Hawaiian culture to marine life-filled coral reefs off the beaten path. Choose your island and set off on a visual feast where every view holds a story, every landscape sparks awe, and every moment becomes a cherished memory. Embrace the beauty of Hawaii, where the unforgettable sights are just the beginning of your journey.

Our Top Statewide Things to See

#1 Diamond Head Crater Honolulu »
Waikiki & Honolulu Region

Diamond Head, an ancient volcanic crater, has been extinct for around 150,000 years—fortunately, as the massive crater looms over Waikiki. The short but steep trail to Diamond Head’s 760-foot summit gives a 360 degree view of Oahu from above.The summit of Diamond Head was used as a lookout for spotting menacing fleets of war canoes. A bonfire was kept alight to guide friendly visitors coming from outer…

explore this topic »

#2 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park »
Volcano Region

Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is…Here…

explore this topic »

#3 Road to Hana »
Hana Highway Tips, Map, & Checklist

Discover our Must See & Do on the Hana HighwayThe scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. We've been researching the attractions on the Hana Highway since 2002 when it first made a significant and incredibly positive impression on us. We can now offer our visitors over 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive.From checklists and the best Road to Hana…

explore this topic »

#4 Haleakala National Park »
Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Region

To say Haleakala National Park is impressive would do it a great injustice. Spanning a huge swath of land across Maui’s southeastern region, Haleakala is home to the highest peak on Maui, at 10,023 feet. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance- a mere 38 miles!And not only is it one of the most popular sights in Hawaii, but…

explore this topic »

#5 Waimea Canyon »
West Kauai

Dubbed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold at ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500 ft. deep. Carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit, the canyon is home to the Waimea River. The river was named for the red hue of the water, as Waimea…

explore this topic »

#6 Pearl Harbor on Oahu »
Central Oahu Region

Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, is a lagoon harbor situated about 10 miles west of Honolulu. It is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan in 1941, which heralded the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II. In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, the tranquil waters of the harbor were disrupted by war. Japan believed that the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor…

explore this topic »

#7 Oheo Gulch Kipahulu »
Hana Highway Region

The Oheo Gulch, part of Haleakala National Park, is located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Hwy. 31.In 1969, the land where the Oheo Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.Today, the Oheo Gulch is known…

explore this topic »

#8 Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve »
Waikiki & Honolulu Region

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located on Oahu's southeastern coast near Hawaii Kai, is a stunning curved bay nestled against the sheltered side of Koko Head. Approximately a 30-minute drive from Honolulu, this picturesque bay offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, surrounded by the lush, gently fluted hills of Koko Head.In the early mornings, Hanauma Bay is serene and secluded, but as the day…

explore this topic »

#9 Wailua Falls »
Kauai's Twin Falls

If you've ever fantasized about seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then get ready to turn your fantasy into reality at the gorgeous Wailua Falls. And speaking of fantasy, Wailua Falls is so lovely that it was featured in the opening scene of the long-running TV show Fantasy Island.There are several reasons Wailua Falls is such a great (and popular) place for visitors to enjoy. First, it was catapulted into…

explore this topic »

#10 Kalalau Lookout »
West Kauai Region

Kalalau Lookout isn't just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many first-time visitors often believe. It's a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley- one of the most-photographed and well-recognized valleys in all of Hawaii. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including "King Kong" (the original), "Mighty Joe Young," "Jurassic Park,"…

explore this topic »

#11 Iao Valley State Park »
Iao Needle (Kukaemoku)

Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor. As of May 1, 2023, a new reservation system is now being implemented to reduce congestion and diffuse parking…

explore this topic »

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →

Hawaii Sights Guide

Top Things to See on each Hawaii Island

Hawaii Things to See

Popular Hawaiian Sights Guide

Our Top Statewide Things to See

Get Your Free Hawai'i Guide

Hawai'i Travel Guides

- Select an Island -