Hawaii Attractions

The Hawaii attractions cover a wide spectrum, and while some visitors will be interested in little more than some time on an idyllic beach, others will want to tackle as many different activities as possible. There are activities in Hawaii to fit every taste and preference, and if surfing the big waves on Oahu's North Shore isn't for you, you might treat yourself to an unforgettable kayaking tour along Kauai's stunning Na Pali Coast. When looking for attractions in Hawaii to add to your vacation itinerary, you won't run out of options. In fact, you'll need more than one Hawaii vacation to enjoy all of the activities and attractions that this unique state has to offer.

Understandably so, spending time on the beach is one of the top activities in Hawaii. Some will argue that the Kauai beaches are the best beaches in Hawaii, while others might find favor with the sandy stretches that can be found on the island's of Maui and Oahu. Truth be told, all of the main Hawaiian Islands boast some spectacular beaches, and thanks to the island's volcanic history, some of these beaches even feature black sand. Speaking of volcanoes, Hawaii is the state to visit if you are interested in them. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which can be found on the Big Island, is easily one of the top Hawaii tourist attractions, and you won't want to miss it if you want to learn more about the state's geology.

When you're not hanging out at the beach or taking in the volcanoes on the Big Island during your Hawaii vacation, a trip to a Hawaii plantation can make for a welcome addition to the agenda. The Kona coffee plantations, which can be found on the Big Island's western side, are the most renowned coffee plantations in Hawaii, though they're not the only ones that you can tour. The largest coffee plantation in Hawaii can actually be found on the island of Kauai. Visit the Kauai Coffee Company, and you can learn about the entire coffee making process, not to mention sample some premium coffee. Other Hawaii plantations that figure among the top overall Hawaii attractions include the Dole Plantation, which specializes in pineapples, and the Maui Tropical Plantation, which grows coffee, nuts, and a variety of exotic fruits.

Sightseeing is one of the most rewarding activities in Hawaii, and there will be great sights to see virtually everywhere you go in this tropical archipelago. One of the best ways to take in the countryside on the different Hawaiian Islands is by driving. Scenic drives on roads like Maui's Hana Highway or the Big Island's Saddle Road can definitely be a highlight of your trip, and if you get the chance, touring the small island of Lanai in a 4x4 vehicle is a real treat. Lanai is an island that many Hawaii visitors leave out when planning their trips, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't venture over for a look at some point. In addition to two upscale resorts, Lanai is also home to some home rentals, a bed and breakfast inn, and a small hotel. The relatively deserted beaches might be the top attractions, however, unless you prefer the crowds of sunbathers that can be found on Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous Hawaii tourist attractions, partly because of the fact that it is an excellent place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports like surfing and swimming. Waikiki Beach is also a great place to people watch, and lining the beach are numerous resorts and hotels, some of which figure among the best in the state. Waikiki is part of Honolulu, which is the state capital of Hawaii, and it can be found on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is an excellent city to explore, thanks to renowned Hawaii attractions like the Punchbowl Memorial, the Waikiki Aquarium, and Chinatown, and it's definitely the city of choice if you want to enjoy some urban exposure in the Aloha State.

Museums, national parks, sacred sites, and waterfalls figure among the most popular Hawaii tourist attractions, and you will have numerous opportunities to enjoy attractions like these on all of the main islands. What one island lacks, another one has, which is why interisland travel is big in Hawaii. Interisland cruises and interisland flights are your transportation options when it comes to island hopping in the 50th state, and flying isn't only limited to planes. Helicopter tours are wildly popular in Hawaii, thanks the breathtaking scenery that can be found across the land.

Hawaii is a great place to visit any time of year, though some activities have their seasons, which might affect your decision concerning when to go. Whale watching and surfing, for example, which are two of the most popular activities in Hawaii, are best enjoyed in the winter months, while snorkeling and swimming are usually at a premium during the summer months. You're bound to have fun on a Hawaii vacation regardless of when you decide to visit, so start planning yours today and see why so many Hawaii visitors choose to return to the islands time and again.