*This post was updated in November 2024.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and I’ve been lucky enough to both live there and visit frequently. I’ve visited all six islands multiple times and with each new trip I make it a point to go somewhere I’ve never been before.

At this point in my travels, I usually have a pretty good idea of what I like and what I don’t like and can figure it out before I even go, but sometimes things surprise me.

Of all the places I’ve been in Hawaii, here’s how I would break down the most underrated places in Hawaii and the most overrated places in Hawaii. PLUS the places that I think are rated just right (wildly popular and rightly so):

Most Underrated Places in Hawaii

Let’s start out with (in my opinion) the most UNDER-rated places in Hawaii.

Shangri La & the Honolulu Museum of Art (Oahu)

When people ask me for “hidden gems” or my list of “secret spots” in Hawaii, this is my #1 recommendation.

Famous heiress and socialite Doris Duke built Shangri La in the 1930s as a home for her impressive Islamic art collection. If you didn’t know you were at the base of Diamond Head, you’d probably think you were in Morocco or somewhere in the Middle East.

The house is open to tours through the Honolulu Museum of Art and it takes some planning in advance, but a trip to Shangri La is a peek into one of the most picturesque places in Hawaii that very few people even know about.

The Windward Coast (Oahu)

If I had to name the most beautiful part of Oahu, it would hands down be the windward coast. Start on the south side of the island and drive around the coast up towards the north shore.

At the southern end you’ve got the world famous snorkeling spot Hanauma Bay and Koko Head Hike plus the Halona Blowhole.

But the drive gets unbelievably beautiful as you drive farther north. The road winds like a ribbon between white sand beaches with turquoise water and the jagged green mountains.

Read More: Things to Do on the Windward Coast

Iolani Palace

There are few places more historically significant in Hawaii than Iolani Palace. I’m always surprised by how many people don’t know the history of the Kingdom of Hawaii or how the US ended up involved.

Well, take a tour of Iolani Palace and you’ll know pretty much everything you need to know. Besides the history lesson, the palace is spectacular. It had electricity before the White House and Buckingham Palace!

Read More: Underrated Things to Do on Oahu

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

I’m a “National Park geek” so I’ll go out of my way to visit any National Park…BUT Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is pretty special. It’s hard to call a National Park on this level “underrated” (it’s on EVERYBODY’S must do list), but I still don’t think it gets enough hype!

There aren’t too many places in the world where you can see an active volcano, and most of the time when Kilauea is erupting it’s actually possible to see LAVA in the park.

I’ve yet to be able to see it (the volcanoes haven’t been erupting lately and I have the worst timing ; ) but the park is still 100% worth visiting when there’s no lava.

Hiking through the Thurston Lava tube is a don’t miss and there’s plenty of geothermal activity and formations to observe all year round.

Mauna Kea Beach (Big Island)

I’ve been to a lot of beaches and I think Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach is one of the best in Hawaii.

The bay is usually so calm and protected that it feels like swimming in a pool. The snorkeling is pretty good, the sand is soft and white, and the hotel has a platform set up out in the bay that’s fun to swim out to.

Speaking of hotels, this beach is a little hard to access (there’s limited parking) so I think it’s worth the splurge to stay a few days at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to really live it up.

Green Sand Beach (Big Island)

There are only four green sand beaches in the world and you’ll find one of them on the south side of the Big Island.

This isn’t exactly the kind of beach where you go to spend a leisurely day, but it’s a sight to see!

You’ll either have to hike six miles round trip along the coast to get to the beach (take more water than you think you’ll need because it is full sun with no shade whatsoever) or pay to ride one of the “local shuttles” ($20/person will get you a spot in the back of a jacked up Tacoma and about 45 minutes to an hour at the beach)

Stargazing at Mauna Kea (Big Island)

I never thought I’d be wearing a down parka and gloves in Hawaii and be COLD, but the summit of Mauna Kea has an elevation of 14,000 ft and occasionally even gets a dusting of snow.

Going to the summit for sunset and stargazing is one of my all time favorite (and most unexpected) adventures in Hawaii.

Read More: Tips for Stargazing at Mauna Kea

Waimea Canyon (Kauai)

Mark Twain called Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and it doesn’t disappoint.

It’s worth the drive to the most remote part of the island to gaze out across the canyon and from some lookouts you can even look down on a unique view of the Napali Coast.

For the most dramatic view, be sure to stop at the Kalalau Lookout.

I haven’t been up here at sunset (yet), but since it’s a western facing view, it’s got to be spectacular. I mean, it’s spectacular any time of day, but at sunset it’s probably even better.

Hanalei Town (Kauai)

Hanalei is the quintessential Hawaii surf town and it. is. so. cute. Stay in Princeville at a resort or condo or find a vacation rental on the north shore to be extra close.

At the very least, plan to visit for the day. I love the local surf boutiques here plus drinks at Tahiti Nui and dinner at the Dolphin are a must.

Upcountry (Maui)

The slopes of Haleakala are home to an area called the “upcountry” and it’s home to some of my favorite places in Hawaii.

The area is predominantly local, and if you couldn’t look out and see the ocean you’d probably think you were in the Texas Hill Country or Colorado high meadows instead of Hawaii.

The lava rock has created super fertile soil and that combined with the moderate climate make for spectacular agricultural conditions. You’ll find every type of farm tour you can think of here.

On my “don’t miss” list is the Ali’i Lavender Farm, Maui Wine, and Maui Pineapple Tour.

Kapalua Coastal Trail (Maui)

My favorite kind of hike is actually more of a stroll through incredibly beautiful scenery…and that’s pretty much what the Kapalua Coastal Trail is.

Set up your beach gear at Kapalua Bay in the morning and then walk the trail 1.5 miles out and back past some of Maui’s prettiest beaches, lava fields, and coastal scenery.

Kahekili Highway

The Road to Hana gets all the glory on Maui, but the Kahekili Highway that wraps around West Maui is just as scenic with way less traffic. It’s actually a lot more harrowing too!

But the first 15 miles or so north of Kapalua is a spectacular drive that’s a fully paved two lane road. Don’t miss it!

After that, travel at your own risk ; )

Big Beach (Maui)

Also called Makena State Park, or sometimes Makena Beach, this is one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches.

It’s a long stretch of golden/white sand with beautiful blue water. There’s a strong shore break here (as the life guards will often remind you) so be careful when entering and exiting the water.

And at the far north end of Big Beach, there’s a rock formation you can climb up (the views are amazing!)

Read More: Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei

Kalaupapa National Historical Park (Molokai)

On the north shore of Molokai, the tallest sea cliffs in the world protect the stunning Kalaupapa Peninsula which is home to the most isolated community in the Hawaiian Islands.

While the area’s natural beauty is second to none, Kalaupapa has an important but sad place in Hawaiian history. With low immunity to western diseases, thousands of Native Hawaiian people suffered from Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

For over 100 years (from 1866 to 1969), patients diagnosed with Hansen’s disease were forcibly separated from their families to live in isolation on the Kalaupapa Peninsula.

There’s still a small, active community living in Kalaupapa and even though the site has now been designated a National Historical Park, entry to the community requires a permit. This used to be possible through a guided tour, but all visits were paused during COVID and while they’re in the works to resume, it’s still not possible yet. But more details to come soon!

In the meantime, the view from the Kalaupapa Overlook is incredible.

Halawa Valley (Molokai)

A trip to Molokai’s Halawa Valley is like a trip back in time. I think the lush, tropical end of Molokai is the most beautiful part of the island and the drive out there is incredible (a bit like the Road to Hana on Maui, but without the traffic ; )

You’ll pass restored fish ponds, a spectacular view of Maui in the distance, and an overlook where you can see the waterfall at the back of the valley.

The beach at the bottom of the valley is beautiful, but to make the most of your visit, I recommend either a visit to Halawa Tropical Flower Farm or the Halawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike.

More Posts about Molokai: Is Molokai Worth Visiting? // 3 Day Molokai Itinerary

Hulopo’e Beach (Lanai)

Hulopo’e Beach is one of the prettiest places to spend the day in Hawaii. The beach is a golden crescent fringed with plenty of shady palm trees and an excellent reef to snorkel.

From the beach, it’s a short hike to check out the tidepools and Puʻu Pehe.

I’ve visited Lanai (and this beach specifically) on a day trip with Trilogy and also on my own taking the ferry from Maui. The Trilogy excursion is one of my favorites that I’ve done in Hawaii, but it’s also really doable on your own since the beach is just a short walk from where the public ferry docks.

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money.

Things Rated Just Right

These things are well known, well loved, and rightly so. They should all be on your Hawaii bucket list ; )

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)

Chances are if you’ve seen any movie that’s set in a tropical jungle in the last 20 years or so…you’ve seen Kualoa Ranch. Jurassic Park made this place famous, but countless movies and tv shows have been filmed at this property on the windward coast of Oahu.

The ranch hosts a long list of offerings to visitors from movie tours to horseback riding to ziplining. It’s one of the top tourist attractions on Oahu, but honestly, even if you’re a little adverse to touristy places, this is one you need to see.

It’s hands down one of the most beautiful spots on Oahu, and I highly recommend the Jurassic Adventure tour.

Read More: Visiting Kualoa Ranch

Lanikai & Kailua (Oahu)

Kailua town and Lanikai Beach used to be the best kept secret in Hawaii, but…the cat’s out of the bag! This charming little beach town is what people hope Hawaii will be like.

Local shops and restaurants and the quaint small town vibes make it special, but the real show stopper here are the beaches. Lanikai Beach with its calm water and epic view of the “Mokes” is iconic, but nearby Kailua Beach is almost just as spectacular.

Wherever you plant yourself for the day, make sure you climb to the top of the Lanikai Pillbox trail for an amazing view from above.

Since Kailua has been “discovered” it’s really starting to change and a lot of people tongue in cheek refer to it as “little California,” but it’s still pretty charming and you 100% need to see the beaches.

North Shore (Oahu)

Oahu’s north shore is home to the most famous big wave surfing in the world. The “Triple Crown” of surfing takes place here every winter when the swells roll in and the culture is really fun.

Compared to Honolulu’s cityscape, locals refer to the north shore as “the country,” and you can easily spend a full day hopping from beach to beach checking out the sites.

You don’t want to miss: Haleiwa town, Matsumoto Shave Ice, Ted’s Bakery, the Sunrise Shack, the Bonzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and the food trucks at Kahuku.

Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

I think a trip out to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor is a must do even on a quick trip to Oahu.

Besides the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor is also home to the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Read More: Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor

Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head

Waikiki Beach is the hub of tourist activity in Honolulu. On Oahu. In Hawaii! I’m not going to lie…it’s chaotic and crowded, and…not at all what I’m looking for from a Hawaiian vacation.

BUT. It’s so iconic. It’s probably the most famous beach in the world and honestly, take away all of the people and buildings and it’s probably a contender for most beautiful. White sand. Turquoise water. Diamond Head in the distance.

Every reference you’ve seen about Hawaii in movies, tv shows, commercials, etc. in the last 70 years probably revolves around Waikiki and Diamond Head. So you’ve got to see it!

A stay at the Royal Hawaiian, sunset drinks at Duke’s or House without a Key, hiking to the top of Diamond Head, enjoying the major foodie scene…put it all on your list.

More Posts about Oahu: 5 Day Oahu Itinerary // Best Luaus on Oahu // Where to Stay on Oahu Besides Waikiki // My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki

Hilo (Big Island)

Once in the running to become Hawaii’s capital, historic Hilo is one of the most charming towns in Hawaii.

Pastel buildings, local shops and restaurants, a vibrant farmers market, and a much more local vibe make a great basecamp for exploring the more tropical and jungle-y side of the island.

If you’re looking for an off the beaten path, less touristy Hawaiian vacation, consider staying in Hilo. And even if you’re staying in Kona and enjoying all of the fun and sun of a traditional Hawaiian vacation, definitely set aside a day to explore Hilo.

Read More: One Day in Hilo

Akaka Falls State Park (Big Island)

The 442-foot tall Akaka Falls is one of Hawaii’s most spectacular waterfalls and it’s surprisingly accessible.

The half mile loop trail takes you along the gorge through a lush jungle filled with tropical flowers and wild orchids. This is my favorite kind of hike…short with a BIG payoff!

Kona Coffee Farm (Big Island)

Kona coffee is world famous and if you’re a coffee lover or you love a good farm tour then you’ll definitely want to spend some time checking out some of the local farms and even touring a processing plant.

You can do this Napa Valley style and visit 2-3 different farms a day tasting your way around the island, or just pick one farm that offers a full tour and tasting.

I think Greenwell Farms has one of the best free tours on the island.

If you’re a serious coffee enthusiast, consider timing your trip to coincide with the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November.

Black Sand Beach (Big Island)

Hawaii is famous for its black sand beaches and Punalu’u Beach is one of the best.

Something about the black sand with the green palm trees really pops, but the real showstopper here are the turtles.

It’s not uncommon to see half a dozen or more turtles resting on the beach here.

Manta Rays (Big Island)

One of Hawaii’s most unique wildlife phenomenons are the manta rays on the Big Island. Most manta rays are migratory but the Big Island is home to about 300 permanent manta residents.

The mantas come out at night to feed on plankton that are attracted to lights set up around different parts of the island, and many companies offer boat tours to take people out to snorkel or dive with them.

Yes, in the ocean. After dark. If you can’t quite work up the courage for that, make dinner reservations at Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and you can watch the whole thing on dry land from their viewing platform.

Read More: How to Swim with the Manta Rays

More Posts about the Big Island: 7 Day Big Island Itinerary // Where to Stay on the Big Island // Where to Eat on the Big Island // 28 Things You Can ONLY Do on the Big Island

Napali Coast (Kauai)

If you come to Kauai without seeing the Napali Coast, you haven’t really been to Kauai. The jagged, green sea cliffs are one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, and they’re on my shortlist of places you MUST see in Hawaii.

Because the coast is one long stretch of sea cliffs, it’s not terribly accessible, but that’s part of the fun. You can only see the Napali Coast by helicopter, boat, or by hiking the Kalalau Trail.

Read More: How to See the Napali Coast

Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

Speaking of the Kalalau Trail, I think this is the #1 hike in Hawaii.

The full trail is 11 miles out and back (and requires overnight camping permits), but day hikers can do the first two miles (4 miles round trip) to Hanakapiai Beach and it is SPECTACULAR.

It’s tough to be sure, but if you’re at all physically able, you’ve got to push yourself to do this.

The Kalalau Trail does require advance reservations to access the trailhead (either by shuttle or to get a parking spot).

Helicopter Tour (Kauai)

Kauai was pretty much made to be seen from the air. Only 20% of the island is developed (including roads!) which means that most visitors only see a tiny fraction of its splendors. And boy does it have splendors.

While every Hawaiian Island has absolutely stunning scenery, Kauai is overwhelming in the “jagged, majestic green mountains that look like the backdrop to every single Jurassic Park movie” department.

Because many of its most beautiful sites are so remote and difficult to reach, they remain unseen by all but the most intrepid hikers and…helicopters!

Read More: Kauai Helicopter FAQs

Beach House at Sunset (Kauai)

I like a good restaurant as much as the next girl, but besides good food, the Beach House in Poipu has the most incredible location for watching the sunset and a social “party every night” kind of vibe that makes it an experience.

No trip to Kauai is complete for me until I’ve had a Monkeypod Mai Tai at the Beach House.

Read More: Where to Eat in Poipu

Monk Seals on Poipu Beach (Kauai)

There are only about 1000 monk seals left in Hawaii and while you can technically find them on any island, I’ve only ever personally seen them on Kauai.

The beaches on the south side of Kauai around Poipu are a favorite resting area for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals, and after a big meal they’re known to crawl up onto the beach and nap all day.

I’ve seen them at Poipu Beach and also Shipwreck Beach, but REMEMBER…it’s illegal to approach them so just admire them from a distance!

Read More: Things to Do in Poipu

More Posts about Kauai: 5 Day Kauai Itinerary // Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai // Where to Stay on Kauai

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Road to Hana (Maui)

Tales of the harrowing drive along narrow and winding roads on the edge of cliffs, through jungles, and past waterfalls have only built up the folklore surrounding Hawaii’s most popular drive.

And taking part is practically a right of passage when visiting Maui. Set out early and spend the day visiting rainbow eucalyptus trees, bamboo forests, black and red sand beaches, 400 foot waterfalls, and Hana town itself which will give you a taste of the real Hawaii. Old Hawaii.

Of all the things to do in Maui, you really shouldn’t miss this one.

Sunrise at Haleakala National Park (Maui)

There aren’t many places in the world where you can stand on top of a 10,000 ft tall volcano in the middle of the ocean and watch the sun begin to awaken.

It’s become a pilgrimage of sorts, with bleary eyed tourists waking up in the middle of the night and donning coats and hats to make the long and windy drive up the mountain to Haleakala’s summit where they stake out spots and wait for a glimpse of those first sights of peachy orange hues peaking through the cloud canopy.

It’s been called magical and that’s all you can really say about it. You’re unlikely to experience this kind of phenomenon anywhere else in the world.

Read More: Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala

Molokini Crater & Turtle Town (Maui)

Located three miles off Maui’s southern shore, Molokini Crater has long been Maui’s (and possibly Hawaii’s) most popular snorkeling and diving destination and it’s easy to see why.

The partially submerged volcanic crater with its famous crescent shape is not only home to an extensive coral reef with 250+ species of tropical fish, but it also has an incredible quality of water that boasts up to 150 feet of visibility.

My favorite way to snorkel Molokini is with Kai Kanani on their Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel because they get to Molokini before the crowds show up and they also include a stop at the famous Turtle Town on the way back.

Iao Valley (Maui)

Maui’s Iao Valley is where you’ll get those “Jurassic Park vibes.” Jagged, green mountains are the backdrop to a lush jungle that seems like it could be home to a spare dino or two. In terms of actual history, this is the site where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army and united the Hawaiian Islands.

You’ll need to do a little light hiking to get the best views, but it’s a great easy hike on Maui. There’s a 0.6 mile paved walkway that leads to an overlook of the Iao Needle. There’s also a small botanical garden where you can learn about the plants brought to the valley by the Hawaiians who first settled there.

Wailea (Maui)

Maui’s posh resort area is where I go when I want the full blown luxury resort experience in Hawaii.

There’s a handful of swanky beach resorts that are all connected by the Wailea Beach Walk and the whole area is one convenient bubble of gorgeous beaches, swaying palm trees, manicured tropical landscapes, water activities, golf, tennis, restaurants, shopping, spas, and every vacation activity you can imagine.

It’s pretty much paradise.

Mama’s Fish House (Maui)

Mama’s Fish House is easily the most recommendable special occasion restaurant in Hawaii. Tell 100 people who’ve been to Maui before that you’re going to Maui and 95 of them will ask “are you going to Mama’s?”

It’s not a “hidden gem” or an out of the way place that nobody knows about. But it’s the best.

Located beachfront on Maui’s north shore, the setting is incredible, the vibe is laid back luxury, and the food is memorable.

I wouldn’t necessarily say a luau is a “must do” in Hawaii, but a meal at Mama’s certainly is ; )

Read More: Is Mama’s Fish House Worth It?

Whale Watching Off Maui

Humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii each year to mate, give birth, and raise their young. While the whales can be seen in season around all of the Hawaiian Islands, if this is a bucket list experience for you, you’re going to want to visit Maui in February. It’s PEAK whale season and they are EVERYWHERE.

There are a TON of companies that take visitors (and locals alike!) out on boats to get a closer look at the whales. Humpback whales are protected in Hawaii so all boats are required to stay 100 yards away from whales (unless the whale approaches the boat), but (despite extremely rare circumstances) that’s MUCH closer than you’ll be if you’re viewing them from the beach.

Read More: Whale Watching on Maui

More Posts about Maui: 9 Things to Skip on Maui // Where to Find Maui Condos // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // Wailea vs Kaanapali

The Most Overrated Things to Do in Hawaii

Making lists of things that are overrated or things you should “skip” gets so tricky because not everybody will agree with you 100%. What I think was a waste of time or way too expensive was probably the highlight of somebody else’s trip. That’s a true story based on personal experience ; )

So here’s my disclaimer: Many (probably all) of these things will be right for some people at some times. You know you.

Maui Ocean Center (so lovely for kids and folks who don’t snorkel but at $50/person it’s…a lot)

Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu (skip, skip, skip. It’s basically just a gift shop/tourist trap now – but if you love the idea of touring a REAL pineapple farm do the Maui Pineapple Tour – 100% worth it)

Honolulu Zoo & Aquarium on Oahu (I promise you have better ones where you live)

Sea Life Park on Oahu (it’s just so sad)

Anywhere you can swim with dolphins (I think they still do this at the Kahala Resort on Oahu and Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island…it just makes me sad)

Wet & Wild Waterpark on Oahu (get some boogie boards and go to the beach!)

Oceanrider Seahorse Farm on the Big Island (this one pains me to say because I love this place so much but the price is double now and it’s…a lot. But out of everything on this list I’d still do it if you have the money/interest)

Floating the Sugar Cane Ditches with Kauai Backcountry Adventures (this is another case of something that is actually really fun, but also really overpriced for what it is. I’m glad I did it, but it was a one and done for me)

How I Booked 3 FREE Trip to Hawaii (Including Airfare & Hotels) in the Last Year

I’ve been on THREE trips to Hawaii in the last year with free flights AND free hotels ALL booked using points and miles.

That’s:

One trip to Maui staying at the super swanky Wailea Beach Resort and doing my favorites like sunrise at Haleakala, the Road to Hana, and soooo much beach time.

One trip to the Big Island staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tour a Kona coffee farm, and see the manta rays after dark.

And one trip to Maui staying at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua to explore the west side beaches, drive the Kahekili Highway, and do a day trip to Lanai.

WITH FLIGHTS FOR TWO PEOPLE.

Some people call it “travel hacking,” but basically…it’s using credit card points & mile systems to cover travel experiences, usually in a more luxurious way than you would normally if you were paying cash.

I’m certainly no expert in this industry, and I’m sure there are people who do this WAY better than me (and on a bigger scale), but I do travel to Hawaii a lot and I’ve saved a LOT of money using points and miles. So I’m going to tell you how I do it ; )

First of all, a BIG Disclaimer: You should NEVER go into credit card debt to do this. And you should never use this to justify spending more money on things than you normally would because you’ll “get points.”

Also, let’s be clear. Stringing together free stays and amazing deals isn’t as simple as applying for one credit card and getting a free trip. It usually involves a little more strategy and synchronization (and sometimes just time to accrue points).

But here’s how to start:

Pick an Airline

I like Southwest and they’re the only airline I fly to Hawaii anymore. They’ve also got BY FAR the easiest credit card point system to use plus bags are free I think they have the most flexible rebooking/cancellation policy.

I have this Southwest Premier Rapid Rewards Visa card through Chase. The current sign up offer is 50,000 points. Depending on where you live and fly from, that’s at least one completely FREE ticket to Hawaii and it could be two depending on the time of year (or more if you catch a crazy sale).

The card also gives you:

2 Early Bird Check-Ins per year (super nice when you’re going to Hawaii and the perfect seat is really important)

6000 anniversary points

3x points on Southwest purchases (more points for your next flight)

If you’re new to the “travel hacking” game, I think this is a REALLY good place to start. You’ll get some free flights right away and honestly, I feel like Southwest points rack up sooooo fast when you’re using the card for your everyday purchases.

Again, use >> this link << to get 50K bonus points when you sign up.

But my FAVORITE Southwest points feature is the Companion Pass. If you rack up enough points in a calendar year (through credit card spending and flights flown), you get a Companion Pass. For the entire year, every time you fly, you get to take somebody with you FOR FREE (whether you pay cash or book with points).

The Companion Pass is good for the rest of the year when you qualify plus the entire next year (for example: if you qualify in October, you get the Companion Pass for the rest of that year plus the entire next year)

So once you qualify for a Companion Pass, your points actually end up going twice as far.

It’s too good to pass up. Details >> here <<

Later in this post I’ll get into logistics about picking the best airline that makes sense for YOU to fly (based on where you’re flying from) and I’ll layout options with Southwest, American, United, Delta, Hawaiian, and Alaska.

So keep reading!

Pick a Hotel

Hotels and resorts are my FAVORITE thing to use credit card points on because there’s such a spectrum of what you could save. Flights cost what they cost, but using points on a luxury hotel could save you up to $1500 PER NIGHT.

My go to is Marriott. They have by far the most options available of any of the major hotel chains plus they’ve got a ton of luxury and boutique options (which are my favorite).

This Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card through Chase is probably my most used credit card.

As soon as you sign up for this card (and meet the minimum spend requirement) you get 3 FREE nights to use anywhere you want! The free nights attached to this card are good for hotels worth up to 50K points per night (plus you can add 15K points to each of those certificates) meaning you can book three nights at a hotel that’s valued at up to 65K points per night. There are quite a few hotels in Hawaii that will fall into that category (even more if you go during shoulder season – spring or fall).

Again, use >>this link<< to get 3 FREE nights when you sign up for this card.

But I have a “go big or go home” philosophy when it comes to travel, so I like to DOUBLE DIP on Marriott Bonvoy rewards with the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.

If you’re self-employed, a freelancer or contractor, a gig economy worker, if you own rental properties, etc…you qualify for a business card. (And you don’t need to be registered as an LLC or corporation. You can apply as a sole proprietorship with just your social security number.)

This card comes with three free 50K nights (the same as my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless through Chase) so right out of the gate, that’s SIX FREE NIGHTS.

Plus having both really gives you a jump on hitting an “elite status level” where you get perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, late check out, etc.

AND with each of these cards…every year on the anniversary of the date you opened your card, you get a free 35K/night free night certificate. I just used a couple of these to stay at the new AC Hotel Wailea!

Later in this post I’ll get into the logistics of which Marriott properties on which islands will give you the best options for using free nights plus which properties are most “aspirational” (AKA which ones I would save up a bunch of points to spend on).

Two Free Nights at the Grand Wailea on Maui

Yes, yes, yes, I’m pretty loyal to Marriott. BUT here’s a “quick hit” that’s good to know about…

Maui’s flagship luxury resort, The Grand Wailea, is a Waldorf Astoria hotel which is owned by Hilton. If you scout around a bit, you can usually find it available for as low as 110K points per night. Right now, the sign up bonus on this Hilton Honors (Amex) is 155K.

And one of the Hilton loyalty program’s stand out features (to me) is that members can transfer points to one another without a limit (Marriott caps the number of points you can transfer to someone at 100K per year).

If your travel partner (husband, wife, daughter, friend, etc) also signs up for the card and gets the bonus, one of you can transfer your points to the other and you’ll have enough points total to book 2-3 nights!

That’s probably not going to be your whole trip, but you can either pay cash for the remaining nights (a major way to lessen the bill), or use your free nights at the end of your trip (maybe you’re staying in an affordable condo) as a big splurge.

Again, use >>this link<< to get your 155K point sign up bonus when you sign up for this card.

More about Flying to Hawaii ON POINTS

Okay, now that you know about my favorite airlines for points, here’s what you need to know LOGISTICALLY about flying to Hawaii:

Flying Southwest Airlines to Hawaii

Here’s what Southwest flights to Hawaii look like.

You can fly direct to Hawaii on Southwest from:

Las Vegas (LAS) to Maui (OGG), Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Big Island (KOA)

Oakland (OAK) to Maui (OGG), Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Big Island (KOA)

Phoenix (PHX) to Maui (OGG) and Oahu (HNL)

Sacramento (SMF) to Oahu (HNL)

San Jose (SJC) to Oahu (HNL)

Los Angeles (LAX) to Oahu (HNL)

Long Beach (LGB) to Oahu (HNL)

San Diego (SAN) to Oahu (HNL)

If you live in one of those cities, you are GOLDEN. You’ll be able to find flights fairly cheap (and low miles) and it’s an easy 4-6 hour flight.

If you do not live in one of those cities (hi, it’s me), you’ll need to do a little research into which (if any) you can fly directly from your city to.

For example, flying from Tulsa, OK, I can get direct flights on Southwest daily to Las Vegas and Phoenix, making those options for me to get to Hawaii (Southwest won’t sell you a through ticket with more than one connection).

Now, the flight times have to line up so you’ll be able to do it all in one day, but I can usually make something work even if it’s just on certain days of the week.

Maybe you noticed that from Las Vegas you can fly to all four of the main Hawaiian Islands, and that’s not by accident.

First of all, Las Vegas is a wildly popular destination with Hawaiians so there’s always demand for those flights.

Second, most mid-sized cities in the US have direct flights to Las Vegas making it the perfect “hub” for Southwest to use for people who don’t live in one of the cities with a direct flight and need to make a connection.

Live in Minneapolis, Dallas, Denver, Memphis, Albuquerque, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Pittsburgh, etc? You can probably get a direct flight to Vegas which opens up Hawaii to you.

So flying to Hawaii from Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego will generally be fewer points (and a cheaper cash price) than if you have to make a connection, but you’ve got options. And that’s not even taking into account a sale.

PLUS…when Southwest entered the Hawaii market, they also added a TON of interisland flights so even if you can only get to Oahu from the mainland, you can easily island hop once you get there.

Flying United Airlines to Hawaii

If you’re flying out of any of these cities, United is a great option for Hawaii:

Chicago (ORD) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG)

Denver (DEN) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG)

Houston (IAH) has flights to Oahu (HNL)

Los Angeles (LAX) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Hilo-Big Island (ITO), Kona-Big Island (KOA), Kauai (LIH), and Maui (OGG)

New York Newark (EWR) has flights to Oahu (HNL) and Maui (OGG)

Orange County (SNA) has flights to Oahu (HNL)

San Francisco (SFO) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG)

Washington Dulles (IAD) has flights to Oahu (HNL)

I’m currently working on the United Explorer MileagePlus (Chase) sign up bonus for an upcoming trip to Tokyo, but one of the things I’m most excited about is that if you book a cash ticket with United, you can use your miles to upgrade your economy seat to business class.

I don’t think that’s a big deal if you’re flying to Hawaii from the west coast, but if you’re flying from the east coast (even Houston or Chicago) it’s sooooo much nicer to fly in business or first class.

If you use >>this link<< to sign up for the card, you’ll get a 50K point bonus which could be enough to book a free economy ticket to Hawaii OR upgrade your economy ticket to first class.

The other reason I love this card is because United is one of Chase’s travel partners and my Chase Sapphire Reserve card is my go to travel card in general. So I can transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United to book directly if there’s a flight that works best for me.

And United is also in a bigger airline alliance so you have a lot of options to use your points on other airlines if you travel internationally.

Grab that United 50K bonus here.

Flying American Airlines to Hawaii

If you’re flying out of any of these cities, American Airlines could be a good option for Hawaii:

Dallas (DFW) has flights to Maui (OGG) and Oahu (HNL). These two routes are AA’s “Flagship” Hawaii routes meaning they fly a widebody aircraft more commonly seen on international flights. You’ll get a full meal plus the option for premium economy seating and lie flat seats in business class. These flights are usually more $$$ even in economy.

The rest of these routes are just standard domestic flights:

Los Angeles (LAX) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG).

Phoenix (PHX) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG).

*AA used to fly some routes to Hawaii from Chicago and Charlotte, but those aren’t currently offered.

Flying Delta Airlines to Hawaii

If you’re flying out of any of these cities, Delta could be a good option for Hawaii:

Atlanta (ATL) has flights to Oahu (HNL) and Maui (OGG).

Detroit (DTW) has flights to Oahu (HNL).

Los Angeles (LAX) has flights to Oahu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Kona-Big Island (KOA), and Maui (OGG).

Minneapolis (MSP) has flights to Oahu (HNL).

New York (EWR) has flights to Oahu (HNL).

Salt Lake City (SLC) has flights to Oahu (HNL).

Seattle (SEA) has flights to Oahu (HNL).

Delta also offers interisland flights so you can connect to another island through Honolulu.

Flying Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii

If you’re flying out of any of these cities, Hawaiian Airlines could be a GREAT option for Hawaii (get those aloha vibes going before you even get there ; )

Austin (AUS)

Boston (BOS)

Las Vegas (LAS)

Long Beach (LGB)

Los Angeles (LAX)

New York (JFK)

Oakland (OAK)

Ontario, California (ONT)

Phoenix (PHX)

Portland (PDX)

Sacramento (SMF)

Salt Lake City (SLC)

San Diego (SAN)

San Francisco (SFO)

San Jose (SJC)

Seattle (SEA)

Hawaiian Airlines also offers an extensive network of interisland flights.

Flying Alaska Airlines to Hawaii

This west coast based budget carrier isn’t something that’s ever on my radar (since I fly from the middle of the country), but if you’re flying out of one of these cities, they’re usually very competitively priced.

Anchorage, Alaska (ANC)

Portland (PDX)

Los Angeles (LAX)

San Diego (SAN)

Seattle (SEA)

San Francisco (SFO)

San Jose (SJC)

Always Book Directly with the Airline

Whichever airline you choose, be sure to follow the cardinal rule of air travel. ALWAYS BOOK DIRECT. Under no circumstances should you ever book airfare through a third party company like Expedia, Travelocity, and I hate to say it but even Costco. Air travel is WILD. Wildly undependable.

Flights get delayed, they get canceled, plans get derailed. And when you’ve booked through a third party, you can’t deal with the airline directly. You can literally be in the airport at the gate and depending on what the problem is (flight canceled, flight delayed and you’re going to miss your connection, etc) the gate agent may not be able to help you.

You haven’t known frustration until you’re literally standing in front of a human that handles flight changes for the airline and they can’t help you because you have to call Expedia and be on hold with them for 6 hours instead. When you book with a third party, THEY hold the reservation, not you.

Here’s the other thing…these booking sites hardly ever have prices any cheaper than the actual airline anyways. Do your research using Expedia or whoever you like to shop and then go directly to the airline to book.

More about Using Marriott Points in Hawaii

Besides the traditional Marriott marquis hotels, Marriott’s brands in Hawaii also include Sheraton, Westin, Ritz Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Marriott Vacation Club, and the Luxury Collection & Autograph Collection (collections of boutique hotels like the Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and the Laylow – these are some of my favorites ; )

So there are a LOT of great hotel choices in Hawaii under the Marriott umbrella – whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime destination resort, a boutique hotel with fun vibes, or a good bang for your buck hotel.

Hawaii Hotels to Use 50K Free Night Certificates

In Hawaii (depending on dates), that could work at hotels like:

Oahu: The Laylow, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, Courtyard Waikiki Beach, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Waikiki Beach Marriott, Renaissance Honolulu Hotel, AC Hotel Honolulu, Residence Inn Kapolei, and Courtyard North Shore.

Maui: Sheraton Maui Resort, Westin Maui Resort, AC Hotel Wailea, Courtyard Kahului (in August 2024 the Wailea Beach Resort has redemptions for 55K/night!!)

Kauai: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, Sheraton Kauai Resort

Big Island: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Waikoloa Beach Marriott

But I’ve saved my favorite thing about using Bonvoy points to book Marriott hotels for LAST:

When you book four nights using points, you get a FIFTH NIGHT FREE. So after I use my free night certificates (that have max point values like 50K or 35K per night), I only use my Marriott points for “big” stays where I have enough points to book four nights and get the fifth free. It’s by far the best way to max out the value on your points.

Side note: You cannot combine free night certificates with points to take advantage of the fifth night free promo.

Last year, I cashed in 325K points to stay for 5 nights at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island. And I’m getting ready to stay at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua for 5 nights for 330K points.

And obviously, if you’re not staying at premium luxury properties, you can get stays for a LOT less. Or stay a lot longer ; )

I mentioned a list of hotels above that are good places to get the best “bang for your buck” on points and use free night certificates above, but if you’re like me, and you have a “bucket list” of great hotels, here’s also a list of the top aspirational Marriott properties in Hawaii (places that are worth hoarding your points for a big splurge):

Wailea Beach Resort (Maui)

Ritz Carlton Kapalua (Maui)

Koloa Landing Resort (Kauai)

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Big Island)

Royal Hawaiian (Oahu)

Moana Surfrider (Oahu)

Turtle Bay Resort (Oahu) ***This hotel JUST joined the Ritz Carlton brand earlier this year!!

Hawaii FAQs

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

I’ve got good news for you…there’s no BAD time to go to Hawaii ; )

But depending on what you’re after (low crowds, best weather, low prices, WHALES), then some times are definitely better than others.

As far as weather goes, Hawaii is pretty temperate year round (the air and water temp only varies a few degrees), but their seasons technically match ours on the US mainland. Our summer is their summer and our winter is their winter. The biggest thing weather wise is that it rains more during the winter months.

But if you’re staying in the resort areas (Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu, Wailea/Kihei and Lahaina/Kaanapali on Maui, Kona and Kohala on the Big Island, and Poipu on Kauai) you’re going to be pretty good on the sunshine year round.

If you’re planning your trip with the main goal of seeing humpback whales…make it February, and make it Maui.

As far as crowds go…when kids are out of school is peak season. The summer months and winter holidays will be the most crowded (and expensive).

The best times to go to Hawaii in terms of low crowds and therefore low(er) prices are during shoulder season in the spring and fall.

I’ve been to Hawaii pretty much all times of the year and I’m constantly monitoring prices on flights and hotels and I consistently find mid April through May and mid August through mid October to be the cheapest time of year to go to Hawaii.

But my personal FAVORITE time to go to Hawaii is…February!

February is not necessarily the cheapest or the least crowded (it’s also not the most!), but there is NOTHING more luxurious than escaping the long, cold, dark winter where I live for a trip to Hawaii. I will pay a little bit more as a “winter tax” and while visiting Hawaii anytime is a treat, visiting Hawaii during the winter is my ultimate treat.

Read more about the best times to visit Hawaii here >> Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Which Island is best?

If you want gorgeous beaches, aloha vibes, water and cultural activities, good food, great hotels, and an all around amazing vacation…I can plan you the PERFECT Hawaiian vacation to ANY of the main four islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island). Seriously, anyone that tells you that a specific island is the best “hands down” is just biased. They’re all spectacular.

If you’re not already swayed to one island over another, some things that I would consider…

Are there direct flights to a certain island from where you live? Sometimes the easiest logistics will sway my vacation planning.

Are there specific activities that you’re interested in or sites you want to see that are unique to a certain island? Always wanted to see Waikiki and Pearl Harbor? Head to Oahu. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and swimming with manta rays? The Big Island. The Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park? Maui. Those jagged green Jurassic Park mountains? Kauai. While all of the islands have some version of what you’ll expect from a Hawaiian vacation, there are a handful of unique experiences on each island.

Start with these posts about things you can ONLY do on each island: Maui, Big Island Kauai, Oahu.

If we’re making the vaguest of generalizations, people usually say that Oahu is city and has the most things to do. Kauai is country and is the most undeveloped. Maui is the best overall island. And the Big Island is the most undiscovered.

I can (and do) argue all of those points in this post if you want to read more about picking the best island for YOU.

How many days on Maui? Or Kauai? Or Oahu?

Well, you’ve only got however many days you’ve got, but if you’re wanting the best overall vacation, I wouldn’t suggest less than one week (probably 6 full days, but you could do a lot in 5 full days too) on any one island.

If you’re short on time (doing a quick long weekend getaway from the west coast), you can still have a great trip just as long as your expectations are more about resting and relaxing.

But in general, if you’re wanting to explore the island and still feel like you’ve had a relaxing vacation, you’ll want at least 6 full days. I also don’t recommend splitting up a one week vacation between two different islands. Just stick to one and really experience it.

The exception to this is if you’re going to spend a week on one island and add on a few days on a different island because there’s something really specific that you want to see.

Which airport to fly into?

These days, the four main islands are all easily accessible from the mainland US (or a quick layover in Honolulu). Here’s a list of each island’s major city and airport code:

Oahu: Honolulu (HNL)

Maui: Kahului (OGG)

Kauai: Lihue (LIH)

Big Island: Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO)

What’s the best airline to fly?

The short answer…it’s the airline that offers the best flight options from YOUR home airport.

For me, that’s usually Southwest (I’ve written a full post about why they’re my airline of choice here).

For you, that could be American, United, Delta, Hawaiian, or Alaska Airlines.

This post has all my best info about flying to Hawaii.

Do I need a rental car?

In a word, yes.

Hawaii is not an all-inclusive destination where you’ll arrive by shuttle and never leave your resort (I mean you could do that…but it’s pretty expensive just to get to Hawaii so most people want to actually see Hawaii. If you want a cheaper resort only vacation, just go to Mexico).

The islands are pretty large so unless you’re just going a few miles, taking Ubers and Lyfts isn’t really feasible (you could be talking $100 one way to go to another part of the island). Also, Oahu is the only island that has a decent bus system.

So you’ll most definitely want a rental car for your stay even if you’re staying in a resort area. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Where should I stay?

My favorite question!!

I am a hotel PERSON and I’ve stayed at a LOT of hotels in Hawaii.

On Maui, the first thing you’ll have to decide is which part of the island to stay on. Most visitors either stay on the South Side (Wailea and Kihei) or the West Side (Kaanapali and Kapalua). Both have beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants, and all of the vacation amenities you could want. I’ve got a full comparison/breakdown of the two areas here >> Wailea vs Kaanapali

Personally…I prefer to stay in Wailea. It’s a bit nicer, has everything you could ever want right there (plus soooo many restaurants nearby in Kihei), AND it’s more conveniently located for exploring the rest of the island.

As far as specific hotels, the Four Seasons Maui is the go to if you’re looking for luxury. But I’m becoming partial to the Andaz for the price. I also think it’s on the best resort beach on Maui.

But I’m also a Marriott Bonvoy member which often pushes the Wailea Beach Resort to the top of my list.

Soooo much info on my specific Maui hotel recommendations here >> Where to Stay on Maui

And if you’re visiting Maui on a budget, or you prefer more space, I’ve got a pretty comprehensive breakdown of where to book condos on Maui here >> Maui Condos

On Kauai, the north shore is hands down the most beautiful part of the island, but I usually opt to stay in sunny Poipu on the south side and do day trips up to the north shore. Read the pros and cons of staying in Princeville vs Poipu plus my specific hotel recommendations here >> Where to Stay on Kauai

On the Big Island, I like to stay on the Kona side of the island because it’s where the best beaches and resorts are but the island is so huge that some people like to do a split stay and stay 3-4 days on the Hilo side and 3-4 days on the Kona side >> Kona vs Hilo

Also, the Big Island has some of the best beach resorts in Hawaii. I’ve ranked them all here >> Big Island Beach Resorts Ranked The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a prime location on what I think is the best beach in Hawaii. But the Four Seasons Hualalai, Kona Village, and Mauna Lani Resort all get top points for luxury.

On Oahu, you’ll find the best deals in Waikiki and it’s a great basecamp for exploring the island. The Royal Hawaiian is iconic, but you can find such good value for the money at smaller boutique hotels like the Laylow, Kaimana Beach Hotel, Surfjack, Wayfinder, etc. >> My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki

But if you want a real vacation and to see the best parts of the island, you’re going to want to stay outside of Waikiki >> Where to Stay on Oahu BESIDES Waikiki I personally love staying in Ko Olina at Disney’s Aulani Resort or the Four Seasons and can’t wait to stay at Turtle Bay on the North Shore now that it’s joined the Marriott Bonvoy family as a Ritz Carlton.

Tips for saving money on hotels?

YES….SO MANY! I love staying in a fabulous hotel, but I’m always looking for ways to save some $$$.

Some of my best tips:

Do a split stay. Spend the first part of your trip at a more budget friendly hotel or condo and do the bulk of your “exploring” and sightseeing. And then switch to a nicer place the last few days and just “vacation.” You’ll get the best of both worlds.

Visit during shoulder season. There’s not much of an off season in Hawaii anymore, but I usually find the best rates on hotels in late April through May and late August through September.

Also, just picking the “right” days can save you a bundle. Prices vary throughout the month and even week (especially if standard rooms are sold out for certain dates and they’re showing you the price of a suite). If you can view the 30 day calendar and pick your dates more strategically, you can save $$$.

More details here >> How to Save Money on Hotels

But my FAVORITE way to save money on hotels is TRAVEL HACKING. I’ve done THREE trips to Hawaii in the last 18 months staying at luxury resorts for FREE using credit card points.

Here’s how I do it >> Travel Hacking Guide

Best places to eat?

I’m always updating these posts with my favorites and recommendations:

Where to Eat on Maui

My Favorite Special Occasion Restaurants on Maui

Where Locals Eat in Waikiki

Where to Eat on Kauai

Where to Eat on the Big Island

Best things to do?

I’ve written a TON about the best things to do on each island, but this is a good place to start:

On Maui, the top highlights are Haleakala National Park and driving the Road to Hana >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui

On Kauai, the top highlights are the Napali Coast (seen by boat or helicopter) and the Waimea Canyon >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai

On the Big Island, the top highlights are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and swimming with the manta rays >> Things You Can ONLY Do on the Big Island

On Oahu, the top highlights are Waikiki & Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Oahu

What to pack?

A few of my most important things:

Underwater phone case for snorkeling (+ pool pics!)

Hiking sandals for adventure days

A great coverup for living that “resort life”

Light sweater/jacket for evenings

Kindle loaded with books

Reef safe sunscreen

Warm clothes for Haleakala or Mauna Kea

My full list >> Hawaii Packing List

Reservations to make in advance?

Quite a few actually ; )

In the last few years, a lot of popular attractions and sites have moved to a reservation system to help manage the crowds and effects of tourism.

Haleakala National Park // Maui (for sunrise hours)

Waianapanapa State Park // Maui (black sand beach)

Iao Valley // Maui (Jurassic Park mountains)

Diamond Head // Oahu

Hanauma Bay // Oahu (popular snorkeling spot)

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor // Oahu

Haena State Park // Kauai (Kalalau Trail)

Full details on time lines and where to book here >> Hawaii Reservations