There are so many great places to visit on the Hawaiian Islands that it’s hard to cover them all in one blog post! Please enjoy our carefully curated list of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions.
1. USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
The USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor is the top tourist attraction in the Hawaiian Islands. Every year, almost 2 million Americans and visitors from across the world come to the Arizona Memorial to observe where WWII began for America. In Alaska, California, and Hawaii, there are nine historic sites that contribute to the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The USS Arizona Memorial, USS Utah Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and locations inside Battleship Row and Ford Island are all located at Pearl Harbor.
2. North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu refers to the geographic area between West Oahu’s Ka’ena Point and East Oahu’s Kahuku Point. The North Shore is most well-renowned for its larger-than-life waves during the Winter, breathtaking coastlines, and for attracting surfers from all around the globe. Famous North Shore surf spots include Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach).
3. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is Hawaiian for “spouting waters,” and alludes to the freshwater rivers that used to pour into the ocean. Waikiki’s coastline area in South Oahu used to encompass a greater area, including the Manoa and Palolo Valleys. Waikiki was chosen as the first political headquarters in all of Hawaii in the 1450s.
There are several reasons why Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations!
4. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Without a question, Kauai’s Na Pali Coastline is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet. This coastal region is not only one of Hawaii’s nicest places to visit, but it is also steeped in Hawaiian culture. This area was home to Hawaiian Ali’i (royalty) and known for its lavishly flowing waterfalls and freshwater rivers, an abundance of Hawaiian flora and fauna, and an excess supply of natural food sources from valley to sea; taro, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, fresh fish and more. The Na Pali Coastline has remained rather isolated due to the fact that it can only be reached by foot or by ocean vessel.
5. Haleakala National Park
Feel the force of the 10,023-foot dormant Mt. Haleakala all around you when you visit the magnificent island of Maui! Visitors visiting the Valley Isle must plan a trip to Haleakala for a sunrise or sunset, guided activities, hiking, or camping adventures. Plan on at least a 1-1/2 hour trip from Central Maui (Kahului) to the peak while visiting Haleakala for dawn or sunset.
On Maui, this is a ‘must-do’ activity. Without a doubt, and after viewing the breathtaking beauty, everyone will understand why Haleakala, ‘The House of the Sun,’ is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations.
