If you’re looking for the most beautiful places in Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place!
Harrison and I have been to Hawaii six times, and every time, we’ve absolutely loved it!
We went to Oahu on our honeymoon in 2015 (before I was a travel blogger), Maui and the Big Island in 2019, Maui again in 2020, Oahu in 2021, and Kauai in 2022.
All this to say, we love Hawaii, we’ve seen many of its beautiful sites, and we can’t wait to visit as soon as we can to see even more of them!
From our visits and research, we’ve compiled this list of the 50 prettiest places in Hawaii. Let’s get to it!
Oahu
As the most populated island, Oahu deserves its name, “The Gathering Place.” But it’s more than that, it’s also home to some of the most beautiful places in Hawaii! Read on…
1. Kualoa Ranch & Private Nature Reserve
This ranch is kind of a big deal in the movie world. Popular with Hollywood productions, the area is now visited for ziplining and ATV riding.
If you plan on visiting, look out for cows- Kualoa is indeed an active cattle ranch, after all!
But for this view, head to Kualoa Regional Park, just across the street.
2. Halona Beach Cove
This small beach cove boasts turquoise waters, a nearby cave, and is adjacent to a blowhole lookout!
And just a very short drive away, you will also find the Lanai Lookout.
It is effortless to get to by car and has a parking lot directly adjacent. From here, you can see Lanai, Molokai, and Maui on a clear day!
3. Kaena Point & The Farrington Highway
The Farrington Highway boasts spectacular views as it takes you to Kaena Point!
We got the photo above on the west side of the island with the Makua Forest in the background. You can see its exact location on the map on my post on the 50 most Instagrammable places in Oahu.
Home to a bird sanctuary and some outstanding hiking, Kaena Point is at the western tip of Oahu.
This spot holds cultural significance as the cliff from which spirits of the departed jump to enter the netherworld.
Advanced hikers will enjoy the trails here but be warned that water and sunscreen are an absolute must!
4. The Byodo-In Temple
This Japanese temple will make you feel like you’re in Japan!
With a striking mountain backdrop and pristine temple, this spot just begs to be photographed!
5. Kaneohe Bay
Here are two unique locations in Oahu- both hidden gems on Kaneohe Bay that I’m excited to share with you all!
The first is the tiniest black sand beach cove that offers a spectacular view of the Ko’olau Range from across Kaneohe Bay. There isn’t any black sand on Oahu except for on this tiny inlet!
Next, grab your snorkel and underwater camera.
The sandbar is a natural formation in Kaneohe Bay, surrounded by a coral reef.
Perfect for snorkeling and picnic lunches, the area sees a bit of boat traffic, but not much people traffic.
6. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
With a dramatic mountain backdrop almost everywhere you look, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii, hands down.
Tip: While the main road that leads into the gardens is off-limits to photos, you can walk in before they open to take photos via a walking entrance in the gate!
7. Ko’olau Mountain Range & Waterfalls
The Ko’olau Mountain Range is stunning! We captured this shot with our drone from afar, but you’ll find hikes here too!
Brave the often muddy trail and make your way to the waterfalls in the Ko’olau Mountain Range.
A relatively short hike (1.5 hours) will take you past pools of water connected by streams that will eventually lead you to a short 35-foot waterfall.
The water is cold, but it’ll feel nice to dip your toes in!
8. Hanauma Bay
This nature preserve is one of the most popular destinations in Oahu.
The breathtaking beach is the location of volcanic tuff just off the coast, in the water.
The rock creates a separation of turquoise clear water from the deep blue of the ocean and makes for a great place to snorkel as it is teeming with tropical fish.
9. Ha’iku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) Hike
Though the hike is now closed to the public (and trespassing signs are prevalently placed), it’s worth mentioning this fantastic hike in Oahu.
The mostly steel steps of this Stairway to Heaven, of which there are nearly 4,000, lead high into the sky and were initially constructed by the US Navy.
Previously, visitors were rewarded with magnificent views of the island and coast, though this is now forbidden.
10. Diamond Head Hike
Diamond Head is the most famous hiking trail in Hawaii.
If you make it here, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and coast.
The hike is pretty easy, so what’s stopping you? 🙂
11. The Mokes & Lanikai Beach
The Mokes are a pet name for the Mokulua islands, often photographed, but rarely visited.
Though mostly Instagrammed from the beach, these tiny islands can be reached by kayak within 20 minutes.
Your arms will be tired, but it will all be worth it for jumping cliffs and small secluded beaches!
And Lanikai Beach is not just the vantage point from where you will see the Mokes!
It has often been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sand is white, the water is clear, and palms stand on the periphery offering cool shade to sunbathers.
Check out my full list of 50 most Instagrammable places in Oahu here!
Kauai
“The Garden Isle” is rightfully named… Here are the beautiful places in Hawaii that reside in Kauai.
12. Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay, located on the north shore, is an absolute dream.
Perfect for water sports like sailing and paddleboarding, the bay rests under low-hanging clouds and between green hills and a sandy beach.
On a foggy day, you can walk to the end of Hanalei Pier and watch the mist rise above the hills in the distance.
13. Na Pali Coast
On Kauai’s northwestern side, visitors will find the 6,000-acre wilderness park known as Na Pali.
It’s by far one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii and seeing it with my own eyes blew me away!
Na Pali Coast is popular with campers and permits sell out far in advance, especially in the summer.
The erosion of the coast’s shoreline is where you will find mountains that seem to fold onto each other, cascading into the distance.
14. Haena State Park and Ke’e Beach
Located at the very end of the road in Kauai’s north, you’ll find Haena State Park. It’s home to the Kalalau trail and some of the best swimming in Kauai (where isn’t?) at Ke’e Beach. The trail has remarkable views of the Na Pali Coast, you’ll find that hikers flock to Haena State Park by early morning.
Here’s the catch: non-Hawaiian residents need a reservation to enter Haena State Park. There are two main kinds: a parking reservation, which allows you to drive yourself, and a shuttle reservation. Parking reservations sell out very quickly, but the shuttle ($35 per person, which includes the park entrance fee) is far more plentiful. We opted for the shuttle and found it quite easy to use!
PS. If you are not the hiking type, the walk to Ke’ e Beach is about .3 miles, and you can enjoy a dip in the clear water and dodge wild chickens on the sand.
15. Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Located just outside of Haena State Park on Kauai’s north shore, Limahuli Garden & Preserve is a stunning botanical garden that offers a self-guided walking tour throughout its grounds.
When we visited in 2022, reservations were required, so be sure to book yours ahead of time!
16. Queen’s Bath
The Queen’s Bath is a lagoon fit for royalty.
Black lava rock at the edge of the shore surrounds the turquoise water in this tide pool.
You can swim with tropical fish inside this large pool, but be warned that it is not safe when local waves are higher than 4 feet!
17. Wailua Falls
One of Hawaii’s many beautiful waterfalls, Wailua Falls is famous for its cameo on TV’s “Fantasy Island.”
Don’t remember that show? That’s ok. Just stay for the views.
The waterfall has two-streams dropping endless gallons of water 173 feet down below the Wailua River.
18. Waimea Canyon
It’s been called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, but perhaps it’s time to start calling the Grand Canyon the Waimea Canyon of Arizona.
Waimea Canyon’s magnificent dips and divots are covered in beautiful strokes of color, from red to green.
19. Kalalea View
At the end of Kalalea View road, before you turn into the parking area for Anahola Beach, turn around and feast your eyes on this view!
We visited Anahola Beach from around 7 to 8 in the morning and had the beach almost entirely to ourselves! It’s a great place to watch Hawaii’s colorful sunrises.
On our way out, we realized this view had been behind us the whole time while driving to the parking area! Simply stunning!
20. Pu’u O Kila Lookout
At the end of the road in Kokee State Park, you’ll find gorgeous views at Pu’u o Kila Lookout.
It’s an easy drive to get to and doesn’t require a lot of hiking, yet most people miss this spot when they’re on Highway 550, opting to stop at the Kalalau Lookout instead.
But this gem offers views of one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii; you’ll see the Honopu and Kalepa ridges towering over the valley below you. The main lookout area has a railing around it, but you can get a photo like the one we got above by walking just past the official lookout area.
Maui
Maui is known as “The Valley Isle,” and it’s easy to see why as you scroll through some of the photos on this list. Check out these beautiful places in Hawaii that live on Maui!
21. Haleakala National Park
Haleakala means House of the Sun, which might explain why it’s so popular with sunset seekers.
The national park is home to a massive dormant volcano, the rim of which reaches 10,000 feet into the sky.
This is by far one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii if you ask me! This spot is specifically overlooking Red Hill on Haleakala.
If you want to visit for sunrise, you need to make a reservation ahead of time, which you can do here. But check out my instructions on this post to make sure you get your highly sought-after ticket!
22. Makena Beach State Park
Flanked by black rock lava on either end, Makena Beach is nearly a mile of pristine white sand and surf.
Popular with travelers who enjoy fishing and snorkeling, a visit to this beach is just what the R&R doctor ordered.
23. Iao Valley State Park
So this is what it would look like if the movie Avatar were real.
Iao Valley State Park is located in a lush valley, much like you would expect. The lava remnant known as Iao Needle is the focal point, standing 1,200 feet high and covered in greenery.
24. Road to Hana
The Road to Hana isn’t one spot so you can expect to see plenty of beautiful places along your drive!
As you might have guessed, it’s a road that drives to Hana, a town on Hawaii’s east coast.
This coastal route contains over 50 miles of glorious Hawaiian scenery. Pick the places you will stop at ahead of time on this once-in-a-lifetime road trip.
There is no place like it, with countless waterfalls, beaches, and surprising twists and turns along the way.
Check out my complete list of 60 unforgettable things to do in Maui!
25. Kula Ali’i Lavender Farm
Hawaii must have been the inspiration for all of the colors of the rainbow. At Kula Ali’i Lavender Farm, you will get a dose of purple.
The delicious lavender smell and beautiful flowers growing over the hills are absolute perfections.
That and the panoramic view of the island make this a great place to visit.
26. Wai’anapanapa State Park & Honokalani Black Sand Beach
If you are planning to follow the Road to Hana, Wai’anapanapa must be a destination on your itinerary.
The black sand beach and wild tidepools here are the jewels of Maui.
Remember to charge the batteries in your camera, because you will be snapping a lot of shots.
27. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Can I add a heart-eyes emoji here, because this beach is unbelievable?
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is a hidden cove at the end of a trail leading to Ka’uiki Head.
The beach is covered in red sand and surrounded by even reader cliffs. Jagged rocks sit between the ocean and the cove, and are popular with daredevil climbers.
28. Waihee Ridge Trail
The Waihee Ridge Trail is for hikers with a bit of experience.
If you brave the steep 2.5-mile trail, you will be rewarded with views of the Waihee Valley and tropical bird calls.
29. Seven Sacred Pools
You will see the Seven Sacred Pools appear on itineraries and guidebooks, and for a good reason.
This area is one of the most visited in Maui.
While the name was a bit of a marketing stunt, the natural waterfall and the cascading pools it creates are magnificent and worth visiting.
Click here for my one-week Maui itinerary so you don’t miss a thing!
30. Waimoku Falls & Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail
At 400 feet, Waimoku Falls is the jaw-droppingest (can we say that?) waterfall in Maui.
Follow the Pipiwai Trail through the thick bamboo thicket to make your way to the clearing where you can see the falls in all of their glory.
Check out my full list of the 41 most Instagrammable places in Maui here!
The Big Island
The island of Hawai’i, in the state of Hawai’i, is nicknamed “the Big Island” because- you guessed it- it’s the biggest! As such, you can expect to find plenty of the most beautiful places in Hawaii on The Big Island.
31. Rainbow Falls
If you are hanging out at nearby Akaka Falls, pay a visit to the Hawaiian goddess Hina at Rainbow Falls.
At 80 feet, these falls aren’t the tallest, but they are still impressive.
Nestled between tall trees, Rainbow Falls will reward worthy travelers with beautiful rainbows over the water.
32. Waipi’o Valley
With incredible views of the Hamakua Coast, the lookout at Waipi’o Valley calls.
The former seat of power for Hawaiian royalty, this area boasts towering cliffs and the tallest waterfall in Hawaii – Hiilawe Falls.
As one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii, this valley is the perfect place for a hike, too!
If you choose to drive down to the valley instead of hike, be sure you have 4-wheel drive… it’s a very steep and bumpy road!
33. Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall that you can access by staying at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. It felt a little bit like a fairytale being here since we happened to have the waterfall entirely to ourselves!
Above is the view from the main Bed & Breakfast area, but you can do an easy walk to the falls. Major bonus: this is one of the only waterfalls on the Big Island that you can actually swim in!
(Fun fact: this is my husband’s favorite spot in all of the Big Island! We actually stayed here on his birthday!)
34. Kaunaoa Beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Waimea
This public beach is relatively short at only a half-mile, but the white sand and turquoise water make it an excellent spot for snorkeling and sunbathing.
It’s often referred to as Mauna Kea Beach because it is right in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Golf Course.
There are plenty of trees further back from the water if you need to cool off in the shade.
But if you ask me, the best time of day to visit is sunset. Chances are, a breathtaking view will take your breath away!
35. Akaka Falls, The Big Island
Good news! These falls are actually not that hard to get to.
Only a half-mile hike through Akaka Falls State Park will bring you to the smaller Kahuna Falls, followed by the much larger Akaka Falls.
The steps to the falls are carved into the park’s lush greenery. If you make it far enough, the 442-foot waterfall is a sight to behold.
36. Volcanoes National Park & the Thurston Lava Tube
Yes, there are real active volcanoes at Volcanoes National Park!
Although you won’t be able to enter any area of the park with active lava flow, this is still an interesting place to visit with some pretty sites.
That said, much of the park is not beautiful, but rather looks like a rocky wasteland.
The Kilauea volcano usually produces hundreds of cubic yards of lava a day, and you can see the entire caldera and lava lake from a safe distance.
You’ll find the Kilauea Caldera Overlook on Crater Rim Drive. It provides an all-encompassing view of the volcano.
Sometimes, the volcano isn’t active, like when we visited, but you can still see the cool volcanic landscape.
But for the pretty (and kind of ominous) photo pictured above, head to the Thurston Lava Tube!
The photo above is at the entrance, and from there you walk through a 600-foot long cave created by- you guessed it- lava!
37. Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Hawaii Island
One of the most unique places on the Big Island, Papakolea is famous for its green sand.
Volcanic activity created the olivine crystals that make up the green sand. If you look at the sand closely, you’ll notice that it has lava and shells mixed in with the crystals.
The beach is remote, located on the southern tip of the Big Island, so you might just get the entire thing to yourself!
38. Mauna Kea
Dormant volcanoes don’t stay that way for long, historically speaking, and maybe Mauna Kea is overdue, having erupted approximately 4,000 years ago.
However, you are likely safe at this popular stargazing site.
If you get to trek up the mountainside to look up at the sky, you will be rewarded with quite possibly the most spectacular cosmic show in the world.
Is it any surprise Mauna Kea made it on this list of the most beautiful places in Hawaii?
Unfortunately, we have yet to make it to the top because when we visited it was closed off due to protests. But we can’t wait to see it for ourselves someday!
Heading to the Big Island? Check out my list of 40 things to do on the Big Island!
39. Puna, Big Island
If you can brave the waves, swim out at Puna’s Kehena beach, for the chance to enter a popular hangout spot for dolphins!
Wild pods of dolphins are known to visit this area on the Big Island’s far east side.
The waves can be rough at pretty much any beach in Hawaii at times, so use caution before entering the water.
Not a fan of dolphins? Not a problem. Take a dip in the Ahalanui Warm Springs in Puna.
The pond is popular with visitors and locals, and the water’s average temperature is a steady 93 degrees all year round.
40. Pololu Valley
Big sky, green valley, endless ocean? Must be the Pololu Valley lookout.
This spot is easily accessible but feels remote. From this vantage point, you can see the Big Island’s spectacular northern coastline.
Peer into the distance and watch the cliffside fade away into the sky.
41. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Island
Hawaii’s volcanic activity means lovely black sand beaches for those excellent Instagram-worthy photos.
Punalu’u Beach is one such black sand beach. Great for snorkeling and hiking, and turtle watching.
Be careful of the hot sand, since it absorbs more of the sunshine than the regular stuff.
Check out my full list of the most Instagrammable places on the Big Island here!
Lanai
Lanai is nicknamed “The Pineapple Isle” because of the many plantations on the island. But it has more than just that- here are some of the most beautiful places you can find in Hawaii on Lanai.
42. Garden of the Gods
Adjacent to Lanai City, the Garden of the Gods looks like it was transported to Lanai from Mars.
The red earth, rock formations, and boulders covered in amber mosses are just some of the things you will see at the Garden of the Gods.
43. Puu Pehe
Bring your sweetheart to Puu Pehe, the Sweetheart Rock.
Years of erosion have separated a small rock island from the mainland. It now sits just far enough away from the red rock cliffs to make for a stark view against the deep blue sea.
44. Kaunolu
This former fishing village is the site of the most extensive prehistoric Hawaiian ruins.
The area was frequently visited by King Kamehameha I, who would fish here at his house on the edge of a cliff overlooking the bay.
45. Polihua Beach
Polihua Beach is one of the longest and, somehow, emptiest beaches in Hawaii.
You can visit the Garden of the Gods and this beach on the same day for a beautiful comparison of the white sand and blue sea of Polihua with the red earth of the Garden.
Molokai
Molokai has been nicknamed “The Friendly Isle”- and rightfully so! As the least touristy of the main six Hawaiian islands, you’ll mostly see locals here. You’ll also see some of the most beautiful places in Hawaii on Molokai!
46. Pāpalaua Falls
These waterfalls are so remote; most visitors will only see them by helicopter.
Papalaua Falls drops 1,200 feet, disappearing between two green cliff sides that nearly touch.
From a distance, the waterfall looks like a thin white line cutting through the lush green landscape.
47. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
This historical park aims to preserve the memory and experiences of those sent here and confined to the area due to their affliction with leprosy (Hansen’s disease).
A tour of the park will involve an education of Hansen’s disease and the history of the area.
48. Papohaku Beach
Papohaku Beach is known for its rough waves and white sand.
Though swimming here is probably not a great idea, you can enjoy the sandy beach and watch a beautiful Molokai sunset here.
49. Molokai’s Halawa Valley
Halawa Valley is splendid and can be seen from the road, but it’s best seen on foot with the help of a guide.
This way, you can learn about the history and culture of this vital valley and trek 3 miles through the flora towards Mo’oula Falls.
50. Molokai Sea Cliffs
The tallest cliffs in the entire world, standing at nearly 4,000 feet, are the fabulous Molokai Sea Cliffs.
Is it any wonder they made this list of the most beautiful places in Hawaii?
There are almost no words to describe how incredible these remote cliffs genuinely are.
The best vantage point to see them from is definitely from a helicopter tour, but advanced kayakers can paddle to the base for a unique point of view.
In conclusion…
I hope you can see just how many beautiful places exist in Hawaii!
The thing is- this list doesn’t even begin to cover all of the stunning beauty Hawaii holds!
Go see it for yourself!
And if you are planning a trip to Hawaii, here are some helpful articles for you!
- 60 Unforgettable Things to Do in Maui
- 40 Things You Have to Do on the Big Island
- The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: A Hotel Review
- What You’ll Find at the Four Seasons Hualalai
- The Ultimate Maui Itinerary So You Don’t Miss a Thing
Safe travels,
Jasmine
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