What to See in Hawaii

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Hawaii has 2 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ★★★★ (1987)
Magnificent UNESCO-listed volcanic landscapes with lava fields and tunnels. Perfect for stunning hikes.

Hawaii (Big Island)

Hilo ★
The largest city on Big Island, on the east coast, is primarily a base for exploring the rest of the island. However, you can visit several small museums (including the tsunami museum), Rainbow Falls, and surf there.

Kailua-Kona ★
Simply called Kona, it's the town on the west coast. There are a few Hawaiian ruins in the surrounding area, along with the usual range of water activities.

Kaloko-Honokohau Historical Park ★
A small site with primarily cultural value, aimed at protecting and interpreting traditional local activities.

Waikoloa ★
The locality, located on the northwest coast of the island, is home to an artificial resort complex with golf courses and shops.

Natural Heritage

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ★★★★
Magnificent UNESCO-listed volcanic landscapes with lava fields and tunnels. Perfect for stunning hikes.

Kauai

Waimea Canyon ★★★
A stunning canyon with beautiful colors, perfect for hiking.

Lumahai Beach ★★
It's a very beautiful and quiet beach, accessible only after a short walk. There are caves and great snorkeling opportunities all around.

Na Pali Coast State Park ★★★
These are magnificent cliffs plunging into the sea, offering a unique panorama. You can explore the area on foot along the 18 km Kalalau Trail or from the sea with boat trips.

Lanai

Lanai City ★
The only town on Lanai Island, home to several hotel complexes, two golf courses, and once the world's largest pineapple plantation. The island also features some beautiful coastal landscapes.

Maui

Hana Highway ★★
This (tourist) road of about a hundred kilometers connecting Kahului to the town of Hana is renowned for its lush forest setting, stunning panoramas, and numerous waterfalls.

Kihei ★
A seaside resort with its beaches and opportunities for water activities.

Lahaina ★★
This former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 19th century is now the main tourist hub of Maui. It is popular for its lively atmosphere and nearby beaches.

Molokini ★
This small uninhabited island near Maui is popular for diving and snorkeling.

Paia ★
Beaches, windsurfing, and surfing define this town on Maui’s north shore.

Natural Heritage

Haleakalā National Park ★★★★
This park offers stunning volcanic desert landscapes with a lunar appearance (dominated by the Haleakalā volcano), perfect for hiking. It’s also known for the many telescopes installed here.

Iao Valley ★★
It’s an "eco-nature center" offering walks in a very beautiful natural setting.

Molokai

Oahu

Haleiwa ★
The most touristy town in northern Oahu and a great base for nearby surfing and diving spots.

Hanauma Bay ★★
Despite being "over-visited", this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Oahu, which has over a hundred.

Honolulu ★★★
It is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii, known for its beaches (including Waikiki), surfing, and the Pearl Harbor memorials.

North Shore of Oahu ★★
The northern part of the island, around the town of Haleiwa, is world-famous for its massive waves that draw surfers from across the globe.