Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Hawaii.
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1
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The site of Japan's 1941 attack that launched the US into WWII. The USS Arizona Memorial spans the sunken battleship where 1,177 sailors remain entombed. America's most visited military memorial.
Tip: Reserve boat shuttle tickets at recreation.gov well in advance — timed-entry slots fill weeks ahead, especially in summer. · Arrive 30 minutes before the reserved shuttle time; late arrivals forfeit their slot. · Bags larger than a small purse are not permitted on the USS Arizona Memorial boat — free lockers are available at the visitor center. · Allow a full day to visit all four sites: Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and USS Bowfin. · The USS Missouri and Pacific Aviation Museum charge separate admission fees beyond the free Arizona Memorial. · Audio guides for the USS Missouri provide significantly more historical context than the site signage alone.
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2
Haleakala National Park
A massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with a lunar-like crater. Watching sunrise above the clouds from the summit is among Hawaii's most extraordinary experiences. Silversword plants grow nowhere else on Earth.
Tip: Book sunrise summit reservations exactly 60 days ahead at recreation.gov — they sell out within hours of becoming available. · Dress in warm layers for the summit; temperatures near 10,000 feet can drop to 30°F even in summer. · The Kipahulu District and Summit District are not connected by road — plan separate drives if visiting both. · Check weather forecasts at the summit before the drive up; clouds can completely obscure the crater view. · Rangers at the Haleakala Visitor Center (9,740 ft) give free talks throughout the day. · Sunset from the summit is equally spectacular and requires no advance permit.
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3
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kilauea and Mauna Loa — make this the most geologically dramatic national park in the US. Walk through lava tubes, across hardened lava lakes, and past steaming vents.
Tip: Check eruption status before visiting at nps.gov/havo — active conditions change rapidly and some viewing areas may close without notice. · Night viewing of active lava glow in Halema'uma'u is spectacular; bring a headlamp and warm layers for after-dark visits. · Arrive early morning to beat midday tour buses that fill the Kilauea Overlook parking area. · Chain of Craters Road requires 2 to 3 hours to drive, stop at overlooks, and return — allow a full afternoon. · Volcanic fumes (vog) can aggravate respiratory conditions; check air quality alerts and carry a mask if sensitive. · Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes on the Kilauea Iki Trail — the jagged lava surface is rough on footwear.
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4
Waimea Canyon State Park
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific — 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over 3,600 feet deep, carved by erosion of Kauai's ancient volcanic plateau. Multiple overlooks offer staggering views into the red canyon walls.
Tip: Visit early morning before 9 AM — canyon views are clearest and the red canyon walls glow best in morning light before clouds build. · Combine the Waimea Canyon drive with Koke'e State Park further up the same road to add Kalalau Valley overlook views. · The Awa'awapuhi Trail (6.4 miles round trip) rewards with Na Pali cliff views — start by 8 AM to beat midday heat on the exposed ridgeline. · Weather changes rapidly; bring a light rain layer even on a clear-sky morning. · Toilets are available at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout parking area.
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5
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Kauai's most spectacular coastline — 4,000-foot fluted sea cliffs plunging into turquoise water for 15 miles. Inaccessible by road, it's experienced by boat, helicopter, or the grueling 11-mile Kalalau Trail.
Tip: Book boat tours 4 to 8 weeks in advance for summer departures — seasonal demand is high and operators fill quickly. · Helicopter tours book out 2 to 3 weeks ahead; early morning slots typically offer the clearest skies. · Kalalau Trail permits beyond mile 2 are required — obtain them in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov. · North-shore boat access from Hanalei Bay is summer-only (May to September); south-coast tours run year-round in calm weather. · Wear secure trail shoes on the Kalalau Trail — the first 2 miles involve stream crossings and muddy sections. · Take seasickness medication before zodiac boat tours; the open-ocean swells can be significant.
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6
Iolani Palace
The only royal palace on American soil, where Hawaii's last monarchs ruled until the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom. Guided tours of the lavish state rooms, and the basement where Queen Lili'uokalani was imprisoned.
Tip: Book guided tours online in advance at iolanipalace.org — weekend slots fill up quickly. · The Grand Tour ($27) includes upper-floor access not available on the self-guided audio tour ($14). · Photography is permitted in the State Apartments and grounds; flash photography is not allowed indoors. · Bags larger than a small purse must be stored in free lockers at the palace entry. · The palace is closed Sunday and Monday — verify opening days before planning the visit.
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7
Bishop Museum
The world's premier repository of Pacific and Hawaiian culture. The Victorian Hawaiian Hall houses royal feathered cloaks, ancient weapons, navigational instruments, and the largest collection of Hawaiian artifacts anywhere.
Tip: The museum is closed Tuesday — check the weekly schedule at bishopmuseum.org before visiting. · Planetarium shows are not included in standard admission — purchase tickets separately at the entrance desk. · Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the Hawaiian Hall and Pacific Hall; the Science Adventure Center adds another 45 minutes. · TheBus Route 2 from Waikiki stops near the museum — a practical alternative to paid parking in the museum lot. · Audio guides available at the entrance add significant depth to the Hawaiian Hall featherwork and artifact displays.
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8
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
A protected volcanic crater bay with the clearest water in Oahu and 400+ species of tropical fish. Educational video required before entry teaches reef conservation. One of Hawaii's best snorkeling sites.
Tip: Reserve entry online in advance at hanaumabaystatepark.com — timed slots sell out days ahead, especially on weekends. · Arrive at opening (6:45 AM) for the shortest queues, clearest water, and best morning reef light. · Only reef-safe mineral sunscreen is permitted — chemical sunscreens are banned and may be confiscated at entry. · Snorkel fins and masks are available for rent on-site; a rash guard provides sun protection during long sessions. · Do not touch, stand on, or feed the coral reef — doing so is both damaging and subject to fines. · TheBus Route 22 (Beach Bus) serves Hanauma Bay from Waikiki on weekends, avoiding the $3 parking fee.
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9
Polynesian Cultural Center
A living museum of seven Pacific island cultures across 42 acres — Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Maori, Tahiti, Fiji, and Marquesas. Interactive village demonstrations, imu ceremony, and spectacular evening show.
Tip: Purchase a package that includes the village tour and the 'Ha: Breath of Life' evening show — the show alone justifies the admission. · Arrive by noon to complete the village circuit before the afternoon canoe pageant at approximately 2:30 PM. · The center is in Laie, about 60 minutes from Waikiki by car; hotel shuttle packages simplify the logistics considerably. · Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than Saturdays. · Village demonstrators appreciate visitors who ask questions and attempt the hands-on activities — active engagement is expected and welcomed.
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10
Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii's most iconic hike — a 1.6-mile round trip through military tunnels and up spiral staircases to the 762-foot summit of the famous tuff cone crater, with panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
Tip: Reserve entry online in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov — walk-in availability is extremely limited and often unavailable on popular days. · Arrive at opening (6:00 AM) to beat the heat and crowds — the exposed summit trail becomes very hot by midmorning. · Bring water and wear sunscreen; the upper trail sections are fully exposed with no shade between the tunnel and the summit. · The tunnel sections are low and narrow — taller visitors should duck, and a phone torch helps in the darker passages. · Parking inside the crater is limited ($10 fee); TheBus, rental bike from Waikiki, or the Waikiki Trolley are practical alternatives. · Sunrise hikes offer dramatic light over Waikiki but require an early reservation slot.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
History
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Iolani Palace
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Bishop Museum
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Nature
Haleakala National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Waimea Canyon State Park
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Culture
Polynesian Cultural Center
Bishop Museum
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Beaches
Waikiki Beach
Ka'anapali Beach
Lanikai Beach
Scenic
Road to Hana
Diamond Head State Monument
Waipio Valley
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Which island is best for first-time visitors to Hawaii?
Oahu offers the most complete introduction to Hawaii — Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Polynesian Cultural Center are all easily accessible. Add Maui for beaches and Haleakala, or the Big Island for volcanoes if extending the trip.
How many islands should I visit in 7 days?
Two islands is the sweet spot for a 7-day trip — enough time to settle in and explore each properly. The classic combination is Oahu + Maui, or Oahu + Big Island. Three islands in 7 days results in rushed island-hopping.
Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?
Yes, on all islands except central Waikiki/Oahu. Oahu's TheBus covers major sights from Waikiki, but Maui, Big Island, and Kauai are impossible to explore properly without a car. Book rental cars immediately after booking flights.
Is Hawaii safe for tourists?
Hawaii is one of the safest destinations in the US. Crime rates are low. The main safety risks are environmental: ocean rip currents, UV radiation, flash flooding on hiking trails, and volcanic gases on the Big Island. Follow posted guidelines at all times.
What is the best time to visit Hawaii?
April-May and September-October offer the best value: excellent weather, lower crowds, and 20-30% lower prices than peak season. The only downside is that whale watching (December-April) is outside the spring value window.