Time and time again, I still believe Hawaii to be one of my favorite vacation spots in the world.
Who wouldn’t enjoy such a place?
The waters of Kauai is perfect for diving with sea turtles all the while, if you’re looking for a great hike, the vegetation is so lush and tropical that it seems like you’re hiking through an endless garden!
Getaway with these top 6 favorite Hawaiian vacation hotspots where you can surf along some of Hawaii’s most famous shorelines, snorkel some of the most pristine beaches the Pacific Ocean has to offer, road trip Maui’s Kahekili Highway or even get up close and personal to molten lava. Take a look and enjoy today’s glance into paradise!
My Top 6 Favorite Hawaiian Vacation Spots:
Waikiki Beach
Located along the South shore of Honolulu, Waikiki is Hawaii’s world famous neighborhood that visitors from around the world flourish too. Here you can find opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, sunbathing or simply lounging lazily on the beach.
If you somehow find yourself getting a little too much fun in the sun, then head towards the plethora of shops, stalls & restaurants for a totally different experience along the outside walking mall!
Snorkeling in Kailua-Kona
When the day comes that I finally take refuge in Hawaii, Kailua-Kona would be the place. It’s perfect ‘small town feel’ is great for lazily strolling around. You can find markets with fresh fruit, affordable shopping stalls, lots of coffee shops overlooking the sea where they serve the famous Kona Coffee and right down the road is the Kona Brewing Company.
But not only is the shopping good, but it’s a great place to snorkel and dive. You have plenty of opportunities to take a full days trip by renting a boat or you can quickly dive right into the water, swim 20 yards and find yourself above a lively reef.
Road trip Maui’s Coastline
Road trips are perfect along the coastline of Maui. Get an early start and enjoy a full personalized tour provided by a rental car, motorcycle or scooter. You’ll find yourself cruising along a scenic, under-developed windy roads with the cool ocean breeze blowing through your hair.
There are seemingly endless private beaches to be lounged on, lots of photo-ops and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your way up one of the sketchiest stretches of highway I’ve ever seen: Kahekili Highway!
What’s up there you ask? Notoriously narrow, twisty, windy & steep roads that some rental car companies still place as “off-limits” for the rental contracts.
Cruising the Na Pali Coastline
One of the most exotic, breathtaking and scenic hotspots located in Hawaii would be the Na Pali Coastline. Located along the Northwest side of Kauai and stretching for over 16 miles, these high cliffs climb (in some spots) well over 4,000 feet into the air.
The best way to access them would be via waterway (sailboat, catamaran, cruise ship) but if this is not an option for you, an equally adventurous trek would be to take a few days and hike down the Kalalau Trail where you can witness breathtaking views, secluded beaches, and exotic fruit. Even options to view this beautiful stretch of land are available through helicopter and paragliding tours!
Hiking Waimea Canyon
Hawaii’s hiking trails are some of the best I’ve seen to date available on a remote island. Even hiking up El Yunque in Puerto Rico couldn’t rival this. But where is the heart of it all located? In Waimea Canyon!
The diversity of the trails is unmatched, teaming with wildlife and stretch for well over 80 miles! Be sure to take a raincoat and some waterproof cases as, in some areas, these are the wettest spots on earth but you’ll not be able to put your camera down.
Exploring the Kilauea Volcano
Looking to heat up your holiday in Hawaii with other ways than getting some sun at the beach? Then take a trip up to Kilauea Volcano. Lava constantly flows from the top of Kilauea, down through Kapoho and into the sea.
Another great angle to view the lava flow without getting too close would be via the ocean on a boat/ship, but be careful not to get too close to the last place you want to get stuck is at the bottom of the ocean!
Where would you like to vacation in Hawaii?
I’m just not a fan of Waikiki! It’s far too much concrete in one place for my liking and really doesn’t showcase the real Hawaii. Having said that it’s great to see the Napali coast and Waimea Canyon, just a note though that the Kalalau Trail is not to be attempted on the fly. The trail is often washed out and helicopters are called in for rescue up to 2/3 times a day in peak season! Plus you need a permit to camp at the end of the trail. Thanks for showcasing some of the best spots in Hawaii!
Good points Charli. I totally agree about Waiki but if you’re looking for nightlife in Hawaii, this is the first place I would recommend (unless you’re looking for that authentic Hawaiian feel, of course). Totally forgot about the permit for hiking Kalalau Trail…but once you get it, it’s definitely a worthwhile trip considering proper planning of course. Thanks for your valuable input to help point these things out! 🙂
So many great spots–I would love to see them all, especially Waimea Canyon! We went to Oahu and loved it, but I really want to explore the other islands now as well!
We’ve only been to Maui but toally loved it – actually got married there! So completely agree that a Maui roadtrip along the coastline is a must! Even though the Road to Hanna is SCARY!!
Haha yeah the Road to Hanna is for the light of heart but is a definite must see!
If you asked me, I would definitely go on a roadtrip across Maui’s Coastline with my friends! Awesome!
I’ve only done the Maui coastline and Volcanoes National Park but I’d love to go back to Hawaii and get to Kauai. That coastline just looks so amazing.
It is Tamara…absolutely breathtaking with a sort of prehistoric feel to it.
Thank you for sharing! I am planning a trip to Hawaii in the near future and didn’t really have any idea which parts I would visit but now I have some great ideas!
Glad I could help Andrea; Hawaii is an absolutely breathtaking place. Be sure to give yourself enough time to fully explore the islands and really indulge yourself in the culture! 🙂