11 Magnificent Hidden Gems In Hawaii You Won't Find On A Map
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Megan Shute
Author
With approximately 6,428 square miles of land between Hawaii’s eight main islands, there are countless places to explore – and hidden gems to discover – across the beautiful Aloha State. Some of these secret spots are often secluded but still found on Google Maps. There are other hidden gems in Hawaii, however, you aren’t likely to find exact directions to, like these 11 magical places hiding across the Hawaiian Islands.
1. Beginning of the Haiku Stairs
Haiku Stairs, Oahu, HI, USA
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, this hike is extremely difficult, illegal, and dangerous. With 3,922 steps, the stairs were built to access the Haiku Radio Station, a top-secret U.S. Navy facility, which was decommissioned in the 1950s. Though it is perhaps the most famous hike in the country, the stairs have been neglected, and you won’t find the entrance to the stairs on any standard map.
Hike the iconic Haiku Stairs, or Hawaii's Stairway to Heaven, in this video from Made to Explore:
Hike the iconic Haiku Stairs, or Hawaii's Stairway to Heaven, in this video from Made to Explore:
2. King Kamehameha’s Burial Site
King Kamehameha’s Burial Site, Maui, HI, USA
The burial chamber of King Kamehameha, who died in 1819, has never been located. In addition to his corpse is a great treasure – including jewels, diamonds, pearls, and elaborate warrior robes decorated with the feathers of now-extinct birds. Rumor has it that the burial is in a rainforest cave…
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3. Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility
Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility, 94F4+HG, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
Inside the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility, 450 feet below the surface, runs a train that services twenty fuel tanks that were built to withstand attacks during WWII. The former top-secret engineering feat is currently off limits to the general public, following 9/11.
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4. Golden Ponds of Keawaiki
Keawaiki, HI 96740, USA
In the middle of a massive lava field on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast is this pair of freshwater pools called the Golden Ponds. It is home to a thriving population of golden algae that gives the pools a luminescent glow.
5. Waimea Valley Amphitheatre
Waimea Valley, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
The only thing left of the Waimea Valley Amphitheatre are wooden benches that are slowly rotting away, set in a picturesque forest. If only you could still visit this beautiful amphitheater to take in a low-key production in a beautiful setting.
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6. Oahu's Mermaid Cave
Mermaid Cave, Oahu, HI, USA
While many people have heard of Mermaid Cave, not many have actually been there, or even know where it is. Rumor has it that this luminous cave is located on Oahu’s leeward coast, and if you’re able to find it, or have someone take you there, you are sure to create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Head to the secret Mermaid Caves on Oahu in this video from Murphy Travels:
Head to the secret Mermaid Caves on Oahu in this video from Murphy Travels:
7. Mount Waialeale’s Abandoned Tunnels
Waialeale, Hawaii 96746, USA
In the 1920s, tunnels were hand dug out of the mountainside of Mount Waialeale in order to divert millions of gallons of water to sugar crops. Carved out of solid rock, the abandoned tunnels can be accessed via an unmarked - and incredibly muddy - trail.
8. Maui’s Heart Rock
Nakalele Blowhole, Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
While we can easily deduce that this charming heart-shaped cutout is near the Nakalele Blowhole, you won't find "Maui Heart Rock" on any traditional map.
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9. The Tantalus Treehouse
Tantalus, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Found somewhere near the summit of Mount Tantalus is this picturesque spot of paradise. Rumor has it the treehouse has been torn down, but the views you can enjoy at this secret location will remain forever.
10. Uluwehi Falls
Uluwehi Falls, Kauai, HI, USA
Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach – but we think it’s totally worth it. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls.
11. Kaniakapupu Ruins
Kaniakapupu Ruins, Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI, USA
More commonly known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, the Kaniakapupu Ruins date back to 1847 and were only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. The grass roof is long gone and all that remains are a few walls, the main entrance, a few windows - and lots of crumbling stone - somewhere near Lulumahu Falls and the Pali Highway. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins and must simply admire this stunning piece of Hawaiian history in photographs.
Take a quick peek at the Kaniakapupu Ruins in this video from Ancient Aerials:
Take a quick peek at the Kaniakapupu Ruins in this video from Ancient Aerials:
What other hidden gems in Hawaii are you unable to find on a map, but so desperately want to find?
While these 17 little-known beaches and these 19 hidden gems may be featured on maps, they are still worth a visit. Speaking of maps, if you do any hiking in Hawaii, AllTrails+ can help you find your way.
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More to Explore
Things To Do In Hawaii
What are some of the best things to do in Hawaii?
Keeping a list of the best things to do in Hawaii is the utmost challenge because this beautiful state has so many hidden treasures. Here are a few of the best things to do in Hawaii — we'll let you discover more on your own:
- Hike within inches of lava flows: An incredible experience is hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can get right up to actively flowing lava or see it oozing into the ocean with great billowing clouds of steam. At this unique national park, you can visit the Kilauea Caldera, walk through lava fields, or take a trip down the Thurston Lava Tube. There are numerous adventures to be had at this incredible spot on Hawaii’s Big Island.
- Stand under Akaka Falls: It is no secret that Hawaii is blessed with some of the world's most incredible waterfalls. Akaka Falls is certainly one of them. This gorgeous waterfall plunges over 440 feet into a shallow basin of water along the northeastern Hamakua Coast on the Big Island. To get there, hike along a paved trail for about a half hour until the waterfall springs forth in front of you with all of its glory.
- Travel the road to Hana: Hana is a lovely small town in Maui that is hiding many unique treasures. To get there, you have to travel on a twisty-turvey 64.4-mile road from Kahului to Hana with incredible ocean and tropical vegetation views. There is something in the order of 620 curves, so if you get car sick make sure you come prepared. The journey is definitely worth it though. Be sure to keep an eye out for roadside shops and snack stands too. Coconut Glen's is one of our favorites. You'll find it around the 27.5-mile marker.
If you are fascinated by the surreal beauty of Hawaii like we are, you'll enjoy these fun facts about Hawaii that you may not have known about.