Best Places to Visit in Hawaii
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Hawaii with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Hawaii sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Hawaii that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Hawaii whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Papaikou, HI
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a museum of living plants that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The Garden’s collection of tropical plants is international in scope. Over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, are found in this one-of-a-kind garden.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu, HI
Founded in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawai‘i’s largest private presenter of visual arts programs, with an internationally recognized collection of more than 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years. In addition, film and concert programs, lectures, art classes and workshops make the museum the city’s cultural hub.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Laie, HI
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique treasure created to preserve, perpetuate and share with the world all the beauty, enchantment & love found here in these isles of the South Pacific. With its large lagoon, waterfalls, lush tropical flora, and an “erupting” volcano, the Polynesian Cultural Center captures all the romance and excitement of the South Pacific islands.
Manoa Falls
Honolulu, HI
Manoa Falls has to be one of the most fascinating waterfalls on Oahu to be seen. Cascading 150 feet down the mountainside, it will seem more like 1000 feet as you stare up at the endless water falling down the rocks. Not many Oahu waterfalls are easy to travel to, that can also deliver such an impressive show.
Wet N Wild Hawaii
Kapolei, HI
Set on 29 acres in lush, tropical surrounds in Kapolei, Oahu’s “second city”, the all-new Wet’n’Wild water park delivers over 25 rides and attractions for families and thrill-seekers alike. While adrenaline addicts can enjoy slides such as Tornado, which catapults riders through a 130-foot tunnel into the swirling, raging waters and down into a splash down pool, the park also features tamer attractions such as the relaxing Kapolei Kooler, a winding lazy river; Water World, an interactive children’s area filled with fountains, water cannons, mini-slides and a dumping bucket; and Hawaiian Waters, a 400,000-gallon wave pool.
Lyon Arboretum
Honolulu, HI
The Lyon Arboretum is nestled in 193.5 acres of tropical rain forest at the top of the Manoa Valley watershed. Lyon Arboretum serves as a cultural and scientific resource to urban O`ahu’s diverse communities. With over 5,000 taxa of tropical and sub-tropical plants to be found throughout our grounds, over seven miles of hiking trails, and an elevation gradient that starts at 450 feet and rises to 1850 feet above sea level, the Lyon Arboretum has much to offer to all.
Bishop Museum
Honolulu, HI
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian objects and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of objects, documents and photographs about Hawai‘i and other Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world.
‘Iolani Place
Honolulu, HI
‘Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation, and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalākaua, who built it in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani, walked its celebrated halls.
Honoli’i Beach Park
Hilo, HI
Honoli’i Beach Park is located just north of Hilo Bay. Composed primarily of black detrital sand and pebbles that have been eroded from areas mauka and transported makai by Honoli’I Stream. This beach is commonly used by surfers and body boarders. It is in a secluded spot, with good surf and grassy area for laying out. It is considered the top surf spot on the Hilo side of the island. Honoli’i is one of the most popular surfing breaks in the Hilo area.
Nani Mau Gardens
Hilo, HI
Nani Mau Gardens showcases 22 acres of gorgeous tropical flowers and plants. “Nani Mau” which translates as “forever beautiful” in Hawaiian is a perfect name for this beautiful garden that first opened to the public in 1972. Featuring 20 acres of artistically landscaped displays of native and exotic tropical flowers and plants, a spectacular orchid garden, rare palms and tropical fruit orchards, a visit to Nani Mau is a favorite of both visitors and residents alike.
