There’s a reason why Hawaii’s island of Oahu is known as “The Gathering Place.” Offering the best that the aloha state has to offer — all in one tiny tropical paradise — this dream destination brings people together to share good times amid gorgeous places, and with great people.
Read on to discover the attractions in Oahu that are not to be missed. Sightseeing in Oahu is an adventure in itself, the only downside being trying to squeeze all of the amazing Oahu attractions into one visit! From inspiring tropical terrain filled with cascading waterfalls to white sand beaches boasting crystal waters and deep blue waves, nature offers an abundance of outdoor attractions in Oahu.
Walk along the world-famous Waikiki Beach, stroll the sands of Waimanalo Beach, or head to the renowned North Shore to take in its top attractions, including the epic waves of Pipeline, Sunset and Waimea Beaches.
While visiting the North Shore, stop into shop among the charming boutiques and cafes in Haleiwa town, or simply while the day away watching surfers ride the tides at the seven-mile miracle stretch, home to the most challenging surf competitions across the globe.
Apart from surfing, snorkeling is among Oahu’s most popular attractions, with Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove among the best places to visit in Oahu when looking for idyllic conditions to cruise and peruse the island’s ocean wildlife.
Also among the famous attractions and noteworthy sites to see is Diamond Head, standing tall upon the island’s south shore. History buffs looking for things to see in Oahu will appreciate stopping by to pay homage to those who served at Pearl Harbor, where one may step aboard actual naval ships used in combat, as well as visit the onsite museum.
Oahu, Hawaii tourist attractions also embrace the deep roots of the Hawaiian people. Culturally rich as it is gorgeous, Laie’s Polynesian Cultural Center finds its place among the most special places to see in Oahu. With hands-on demonstrations and an authentic Polynesian village replica, visitors may view and experience firsthand what it was like to live in Hawaii during the early days of the island’s settlement.
As you can see, The Gathering Place beckons to all with the open invitation to come together, sharing with your loved ones the idyllic paradise that is Oahu. Presented here is just a smattering of all that this beautiful island has to offer — the cream of the crop for Oahu tourist attractions.
Attractions on Maui
Hawaiian vacations are meant to be relaxing, but there are so many different attractions in Maui that visiting can seem overwhelming.
After all, how are you supposed to snorkel Molokini, drive the Road to Hana, watch sunrise at Haleakalā — and still lie out by the pool? This is one of the reasons that visitors return to Maui time and again; to experience the different Maui attractions they didn’t see the first time around.
Since trying to cram them all into one trip can easily sap the enjoyment, consider choosing a few Maui attractions and simply focusing on those. For example, if outdoor adventure is the top priority, some of the best places to visit in Maui are snorkeling spots like Honolua Bay or scuba diving Molokini Crater.
Start the day ziplining in Kapalua before driving to Nakalele Blowhole, and spend a day hiking and swimming beneath waterfalls while driving the Road to Hana. Beaches, of course, are some of the most popular Maui attractions, and with dozens of sandy stretches of shoreline, Maui is a place where you could spend every day of vacation at a different beach.
In fact, four of Maui’s most popular beaches — Ka‘anapali, Wailea, D.T. Fleming, and Kapalua — have been awarded the title of “Best Beach in America” in the rankings by Dr. Beach. Other beaches, like Hamoa Beach in Hana, consistently make the top 10, or you could always find a hidden beach that’s well off the beaten path.
For shopping, dining, and entertainment, nowhere has a higher concentration of shops than famous Front Street in Lahaina. Watch the sunset while eating mahimahi on the oceanfront deck at Kimo’s, or shop for paintings, carvings, and crafts at the weekend Banyan Tree market. In the past few years, Paʻia has started to rival Lahaina for artwork and fashionable boutiques, as has the Upcountry town of Makawao for jewelry and women’s fashion.
Finally, Haleakalā Crater is undoubtedly one of Maui’s top attractions, but there are other ways to visit the crater than waking up early for sunrise. Make the drive during the middle of the day and enjoy some afternoon hiking, or finish the perfect Maui day with a Haleakalā sunset. Just because sunrise is one of the most popular Maui tourist attractions, doesn’t mean it’s the only time to find magic up on the mountain.
Attractions on Kauai
The Garden Isle portrays nature at its finest, so it’s no wonder there are so many Kaua‘i tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Cascading waterfalls and serene beaches are among the many attractions that bring visitors to this tropical paradise year-round. The places to visit on Kaua‘i encompass the entire island, even inaccessible portions like the Nā Pali Coast. Areas like this, however, require a journey on a boat or helicopter.
Tours of this nature will take you to some of the most popular attractions and must-see places on Kaua‘i. Other top attractions that give you an opportunity to do some sightseeing on Kaua‘i as well as mingle with other visitors from around the world include Kaua‘i Fern Grotto Tours, which take guests on a boat along the Wailua River to an alluring cave dripping in ferns.
Attractions on Lanai
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Lanai’s only activities are hiking, snorkeling, and golf. Those, after all, are the most popular activities and the best way to explore the outdoors, but there are also a number of traditional attractions scattered across the island.
In the cool uplands of Lanai City, where old plantation homes with wooden front porches are shaded by Cook Island pines, you’ll find the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center across the street from Dole Park. Here, visitors can learn the history of Lanai from settlement up through today, and peruse traditional Hawaiian artifacts and black-and-white photos.
In addition to being one of Lanai’s best attractions, the staff can point you in the right direction for what to see on your trip, whether it’s searching for shells on Shipwreck Beach or visiting the Luahiwa Petroglyphs. Or, for one of the best attractions on Lanai, experience a sunset at Keahiakawelo — also known as “Garden of the Gods” — where the deep red hues of the rocky landscape make it seem like the surface of Mars.
To visit a village site frozen in time, one of the best places to see on Lanai is ancient Kaunolu Village, where Hawaiian chiefs would spend their summers on the island’s southwestern coast. When strolling the dry, rock-strewn shoreline, you’ll see the imposing Halulu heiau that was constructed out on the point, and the notch in the cliff where King Kahekili would courageously leap towards the sea.
The canoe house, or hale, still sits on the shore, and while reaching the site requires a couple of miles of off-road hiking, it’s one of the best Lanai attractions for Hawaiian history and culture.
Attractions on Molokai
Mention to somebody you’re going to Molokai and they’ll tell you there’s nothing to do.
It’s a myth that couldn’t be further from the truth, but is fueled by the fact that Molokai is free of large oceanfront resorts. Sure — Molokai has fewer visitors than islands like Maui or Oahu, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of things to do once you get there.
One of the best and most popular attractions on Molokai is the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which you can either reach by air, by foot, or by riding in on a mule. This isolated spot was where Hawaii’s lepers were essentially sent to die when they were rounded up, shipped on a boat, and left to fend for themselves.
Backed by some of the world’s tallest sea cliffs and surrounded by tumultuous ocean, it’s essentially an island attached to an island with minimal ways to get out. Life was unspeakably miserable for residents of Kalaupapa, and it wasn’t until Belgian-born Father Damien arrived in 1873 that living conditions slowly improved.
Though leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is now curable, the remnants, history, and stories remain for visitors to experience while touring the infamous settlement. It’s a trip that takes up most of the day and, aside from the sobering history, also offers sweeping views of Molokai’s northern coast.
Another top attraction on Molokai is the drive to Halawa Valley, which is made even better by taking part in a guided cultural hiking tour. This remote valley on the northeastern coast is believed to be Hawaii’s oldest continuously inhabited spot, with evidence of human activity here as early as 600 AD.
The drive to Halawa is an experience in itself, where a single-lane road hugs a rocky coast and climbs through pastures full of cattle, deer, and endangered nene geese. When the road ends at the beach in Halawa, it can feel like the end of the Earth. Guided cultural tours depart each day at 9 am from the pavilion.