Hawaii Attractions

Hawaii Attraction Guide

Hawaii Attractions

Browse Hawaii attractions by island, from scenic lookouts and historic landmarks to family-friendly stops, cultural sites and memorable places to visit.

Attraction directory

This Hawaii attractions guide helps visitors browse scenic lookouts, historic sites, cultural landmarks, gardens, parks, natural wonders and family-friendly places across the Islands. Use it to compare top sights by island and plan stops that match your travel style.

Hawaii Attractions by Island

Each island offers a different mix of sightseeing experiences. Oahu attractions include famous landmarks, museums, cultural sites, shopping areas, scenic lookouts and family-friendly stops. Maui attractions feature volcanic landscapes, coastal viewpoints, gardens, farms, historic places and popular Road to Hana stops.

Kauai attractions are known for lush valleys, river scenery, dramatic cliffs and natural landmarks such as Waimea Canyon State Park and Na Pali Coast State Park. Big Island attractions include volcano landscapes, waterfalls, coffee country, historic sites and high-elevation viewpoints near places like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea.

Visitors looking for quieter island experiences can also browse Molokai attractions and Lanai attractions. These islands offer a slower pace, open landscapes, cultural sites, scenic shorelines and peaceful places away from the busiest resort areas.

Plan Your Hawaii Sightseeing Day

Before heading out, check drive times, parking, weather, trail access and whether a site requires advance reservations. Some attractions work best as quick scenic stops, while others need a half day or full day. For broader planning, visitors can also compare Hawaii island tours, Oahu sightseeing tours, Maui sightseeing tours, Kauai sightseeing tours and Big Island sightseeing tours.

Oahu

Oahu Attractions

Ala Moana Shopping Center

Ala Moana Shopping Center is a major open-air Honolulu mall with 350-plus shops and restaurants, dining, cultural events and easy Waikiki access.

Ala Wai Canal

The Ala Wai Canal borders Waikiki with historic city scenery, walking paths, paddling views, sunset light and easy access to Honolulu landmarks.

Aloha Tower

Aloha Tower is a 1926 Honolulu Harbor landmark with lighthouse history, clock tower architecture, harbor views and a currently closed observation deck.

Aloha Tower Marketplace

Aloha Tower Marketplace is a Honolulu Harbor waterfront stop with dining, events, HPU campus spaces, harbor views and Aloha Tower nearby.

Art on the Zoo Fence

Art on the Zoo Fence is a weekend Waikiki art venue where local Hawaii artists sell paintings, prints and photography near the Honolulu Zoo.

Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple is a peaceful Kaneohe landmark with Japanese temple architecture, koi ponds, mountain views and quiet garden paths.

Chinatown

Honolulu Chinatown is a historic downtown district with markets, restaurants, cultural landmarks, art spaces and multicultural local flavor.

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is Oahu's iconic volcanic crater above Waikiki, with a popular summit trail, ocean views, military history and reservation access.

Dillingham Airfield

Dillingham Airfield, now Kawaihapai Airfield, is a North Shore aviation landmark known for gliders, skydiving history and mountain views.

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Dole Plantation is a central Oahu attraction with pineapple history, the Pineapple Express train, garden maze, tropical gardens and Dole Whip.

Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole is a southeast Oahu lava-tube lookout where waves can send sea spray high above the rocky shoreline.

Hawaii Convention Center

Hawaii Convention Center is a major Honolulu event venue near Waikiki with open-air architecture, meeting spaces, gardens and cultural design.

Hawaii State Capitol

Hawaii State Capitol is downtown Honolulu's open-air seat of government, known for symbolic island architecture and civic history.

Hawaii State Library

Hawaii State Library is a historic Carnegie-funded downtown Honolulu landmark and the flagship of Hawaii's public library system.

Hawaii Theatre

Hawaii Theatre is a restored 1922 downtown Honolulu performing arts landmark known as the Pride of the Pacific.

He'eia State Park

He'eia State Park is a scenic windward Oahu park with Kaneohe Bay views, He'eia Fishpond scenery, picnic areas and event space.

Honolulu Hale

Honolulu Hale is downtown Honolulu's historic city hall, home to city government, Spanish Colonial architecture and Honolulu City Lights.

Honolulu Harbor

Honolulu Harbor is Oahu's historic working seaport, with cruise terminals, cargo operations, Aloha Tower and downtown waterfront views.

Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo is a 42-acre Waikiki attraction with tropical paths, animal habitats, royal park history and easy access from the beach.

International Marketplace

International Marketplace is an open-air Waikiki shopping and dining center with tropical walkways, restaurants, shops and a preserved banyan tree.

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is downtown Honolulu's restored royal palace, built in 1882 and tied to Hawaii's monarchy, sovereignty and history.

Kahuku Farms

Kahuku Farms is a North Shore farm café and agrotourism stop with fresh food, tropical gardens, local products and guided farm tours.

Kaneohe Sandbar

Kaneohe Sandbar, also known as Ahu o Laka, is a shallow offshore sandbar in Kaneohe Bay reached by boat, kayak or paddleboard.

Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani Park is a historic Waikiki green space near Diamond Head, with lawns, paths, sports areas, events and easy beach access.

Kawaiahao Church

Kawaiahao Church is a historic downtown Honolulu coral church tied to Hawaiian royalty, early Christianity and the Capitol District.

Koko Head Crater

Koko Head Crater is a steep southeast Oahu hike with old tramway stairs, summit views, strong sun exposure and important safety warnings.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a windward Oahu private nature reserve and working ranch known for valley scenery, movie sites, tours and cultural history.

Kuilima Point

Kuilima Point is a scenic rocky North Shore peninsula near Turtle Bay with coastal walks, sunset views, lava rock and ocean scenery.

Lanai Lookout

Lanai Lookout is a southeast Oahu roadside viewpoint with lava cliffs, ocean views, neighbor island vistas and seasonal whale watching.

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also called Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, is a short but steep windward Oahu ridge hike with pillboxes and ocean views.

Makapu'u Lookout

Makapuu Lookout is a southeast Oahu roadside viewpoint with ocean cliffs, Rabbit Island views, Makapuu Beach scenery and nearby lighthouse trail access.

Makua Valley

Makua Valley is a culturally significant leeward Oahu valley with fragile habitat, restricted access, military history and deep Hawaiian meaning.

Mokoli'i Island

Mokolii Island is a small windward Oahu islet off Kualoa Regional Park, known for ocean views, kayaking, low-tide access and scenic photos.

Mokulua Islands

Mokulua Islands are protected windward Oahu seabird sanctuary islets off Lanikai, known for kayaking, ocean views and fragile wildlife habitat.

North Shore Soap Factory

North Shore Soap Factory is a Waialua Sugar Mill shop where visitors can browse handmade natural soaps, skincare gifts and soap-making tours.

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a wind-swept Oahu viewpoint with Ko'olau cliff scenery, windward coast views and important Hawaiian history.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of Oahu's most important historic sites, with the USS Arizona Memorial, museums, battleships and World War II history.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie offers island villages, cultural demonstrations, canoe experiences, dinner options and the HĀ: Breath of Life evening show.

Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island, also called Manana Island, is a protected seabird sanctuary off southeast Oahu best viewed from Makapuu and Ka Iwi viewpoints.

Royal Mausoleum

Royal Mausoleum State Monument, also known as Mauna Ala, is a sacred Nuuanu Valley burial place for Hawaiian royalty.

Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is a southeast Oahu marine life attraction near Makapuu with animal talks, encounters, ocean views and Aloha Kai Luau.

Tantalus

Tantalus is a scenic Honolulu ridge drive with forested curves, Round Top Drive viewpoints, city views and access to Puu Ualakaa lookout.

Tropical Farms

Tropical Farms is a windward Oahu macadamia nut outlet with samples, coffee tasting, local gifts and a relaxed country-store setting.

Waialua Estate

Waialua Estate connects visitors with North Shore coffee, chocolate, cacao and Old Waialua Sugar Mill history in a casual local setting.

Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium is an oceanfront Waikiki attraction near Diamond Head with Pacific marine life, live coral, reef fish and conservation exhibits.

Waikiki Shell

Waikiki Shell is an open-air concert venue in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head, with reserved seating, lawn space and Waikiki access.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a North Shore cultural and botanical garden destination with paved walking paths, Hawaiian sites and Waimea Falls.

Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii

Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii is a Kapolei water park with slides, wave pool areas, family attractions, kids' play zones and seasonal events.

Maui

Maui Attractions

Dragon's Teeth

Dragon's Teeth is a striking lava formation near Kapalua, known for jagged coastal rocks, ocean views and nearby cultural history.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is Maui's high-elevation volcanic landscape, known for summit views, sunrise, crater trails and rare plants.

Hana Farms

Hana Farms is a popular Road to Hana stop known for banana bread, local treats, gifts and a relaxed east Maui setting.

Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is a lush Central Maui landmark near Wailuku, known for the Iao Needle, rainforest scenery and Hawaiian history.

Jaws (Peahi)

Jaws, also known as Peahi, is Maui's legendary north shore big-wave surf break, best viewed during rare winter swell events.

Ke'anae Peninsula

Keanae Peninsula is a scenic Road to Hana stop with lava-rock shoreline, taro fields, ocean views and historic village scenery.

Kihei Boat Ramp

Kihei Boat Ramp is a South Maui launch point for snorkeling tours, Molokini trips, boating charters and quick ocean-view stops.

Lahaina Harbor

Lahaina Harbor is a historic West Maui waterfront landmark tied to ocean tours, Lahaina history, wildfire damage and recovery.

Ma'alaea Harbor

Ma'alaea Harbor is a central Maui launch point for Molokini snorkeling, scuba diving, dinner cruises and ocean tours.

Makena State Park

Makena State Park is a South Maui coastal preserve known for Big Beach, Little Beach, Oneuli Beach, lava rock and powerful surf.

Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea showcases Hawaiian marine life, reef exhibits, sharks, honu, cultural displays and family-friendly ocean learning.

Molokini

Molokini is Maui's crescent-shaped offshore crater, known for clear water, snorkeling tours, scuba diving and protected marine life.

Nakalele Blowhole

Nakalele Blowhole is a rugged northwest Maui coastal landmark where waves force ocean spray through lava rock.

The Shops at Wailea

The Shops at Wailea is an open-air South Maui shopping, dining and event destination in the heart of Wailea Resort.

Kauai

Kauai Attractions

Bali Hai

Bali Hai, also known as Makana Mountain, rises above Kauai's north shore with dramatic views, movie fame and deep Hawaiian history.

Fern Grotto

Fern Grotto is a fern-draped lava cave reached by boat along Kauai's Wailua River, known for scenery, music and natural acoustics.

Kalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail is Kauai's legendary Na Pali Coast hike, known for sea cliffs, remote beaches, permits and challenging wilderness terrain.

Kauai Coffee Company

Kauai Coffee Company is a scenic south shore coffee estate with tastings, a self-guided walking tour, gifts and plantation views.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Kilauea Lighthouse stands at Kilauea Point on Kauai's north shore, with ocean views, seabird habitat and historic light station charm.

Koke'e State Park

Koke'e State Park is a cool mountain refuge on Kauai's west side, known for forest trails, canyon views, birdwatching and rustic escapes.

Mount Wai'ale'ale

Mount Waialeale is Kauai's rain-soaked interior peak, known for misty summit views, waterfalls, wet forests and rare clear skies.

Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn is a dramatic Kauai south shore blowhole near Poipu, known for ocean spray, lava rock, coastal views and legend.

Wailua River

Wailua River is Kauai's scenic east-side waterway, known for kayaking, boat tours, Fern Grotto and lush valley views.

Big Island

Big Island Attractions

Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies in Hilo is known for chocolate-dipped shortbread, macadamia nut treats, factory viewing and island gift boxes.

Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay is a historic Big Island landmark known for snorkeling, boat tours and steep trail access.

Hilo Clock

Hilo Clock is a Big Island tsunami memorial stopped at 1:04 a.m., marking the May 23, 1960 wave that struck Hilo's bayfront.

Hilo Coffee Mill

Hilo Coffee Mill is a Mountain View coffee farm and roastery with island-grown coffee, gifts, cafe items and a convenient Volcano Highway location.

Kaimu Beach Eco-Path

Kaimu Beach Eco-Path is a short Big Island lava-field walk near Kalapana, leading toward a newer black sand shoreline shaped by the 1990 eruption.

King Kamehameha Statue

King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo honors Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Islands and founded the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo is a family-friendly rainforest zoo and garden with animals, tropical plants, walking paths and peacocks.

Pololu Valley

Pololu Valley is a remote North Kohala lookout with dramatic sea cliffs, a steep trail, black sand beach views and important safety concerns.

South Point - Ka Lae

South Point - Ka Lae is the southernmost point of Hawaii Island and the United States, known for cliffs, wind, history and dangerous currents.

Thurston Lava Tube

Thurston Lava Tube, also called Nahuku, is a short Hawaii Volcanoes National Park walk through rainforest and a lava tunnel.

Volcano Art Center

Volcano Art Center is a historic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gallery featuring local artists, handmade gifts, classes and cultural programs.

Volcano Winery

Volcano Winery is a small Volcano tasting room near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, known for island wines, local flavors, tea and cool upland scenery.

Waipi'o Valley

Waipi'o Valley is a sacred Hamakua Coast valley best viewed from the lookout, with steep cliffs, taro lands, waterfalls and restricted road access.

Lanai

Lanai Attractions

Halulu Heiau

Halulu Heiau is a sacred Lanai archaeological site at Kaunolu, connected with Kamehameha I, a puuhonua, petroglyphs and remote coastal cliffs.

Kahekili's Leap

Kahekili's Leap is a dramatic Lanai cliffside at Kaunolu, tied to warrior traditions, ancient village remains and remote coastal views.

Kane'apua Rock

Kane'apua Rock is a remote Lanai lava-rock landmark near Kaunolu, with tide pools, sea cliffs, Hawaiian place stories and rugged coastal scenery.

Kanepu'u Preserve

Kanepuu Preserve is a rare native dryland forest preserve on Lanai with lama, olopua, endangered plants and a self-guided interpretive trail.

Kaumalapau Harbor

Kaumalapau Harbor is Lanai's main commercial seaport, with pineapple-era history, west coast cliffs, sunset views and active harbor operations.

Lanai Art Center

Lanai Art Center is a nonprofit community gallery in Lanai City with local artwork, handmade gifts, workshops, ceramics and studio programs.

Manele Harbor

Manele Harbor is Lanai's public boat harbor and Maui-Lanai ferry arrival point, with tour boats, parking, south shore access and nearby Hulopoe Bay.

Pu'u Pehe

Pu'u Pehe, also called Sweetheart Rock, is a dramatic Lanai sea stack between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay with coastal views, legends and a short trail.

Molokai

Molokai Attractions

Coffees of Hawaii

Coffees of Hawaii is a Molokai coffee estate in Kualapuu tied to island-grown coffee, agricultural history and a former visitor cafe and tour stop.

Halawa Valley

Halawa Valley is a lush east Molokai valley with waterfall views, Hawaiian cultural history, Halawa Bay scenery and guided access to sensitive valley areas.

Kamakou Preserve

Kamakou Preserve is a limited-access East Molokai rainforest preserve with Pepeopae Bog, native plants, cloud forest habitat and guided conservation hikes.

Kapuaiwa Grove

Kapuaiwa Grove is a historic Molokai coconut grove near Kaunakakai, planted during the reign of King Kamehameha V and best viewed safely from outside the trees.

Kaunakakai Harbor

Kaunakakai Harbor is Molokai's main commercial harbor and small boat harbor, with a long wharf, barge supply activity, boat ramp and south shore views.

Molokai Plumerias

Molokai Plumerias is a family-run plumeria farm near Kaunakakai with fresh flowers, leis, farm tours, lei-making experiences and online flower orders.

Molokai War Memorial

Molokai War Memorial is a quiet downtown Kaunakakai tribute with engraved plaques, flags and cannons honoring Molokai residents who died in American wars.

Pala'au State Park

Pala'au State Park is a forested Molokai upland park with Kalaupapa Lookout, Phallic Rock, picnic areas, camping by permit and cool mountain scenery.

Rock Point (Pohakuloa)

Rock Point, also known as Pohakuloa, is a volcanic roadside landmark on east Molokai between mile markers 21 and 22 along Kamehameha Highway.

Saint Damien Church

Saint Damien Church, also known as Saint Joseph Church, is a historic Kamalo mission built by Father Damien in 1876 on Molokai's south shore.

Wailau Valley

Wailau Valley is a remote north shore Molokai valley with sea cliffs, waterfalls, wild shoreline scenery and very difficult access.