Most People Don't Know These 10 Hidden Gems In Hawaii Even Exist
By Megan Shute|Updated on May 18, 2020(Originally published May 04, 2020)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From beautiful black, green, and red sand beaches to otherworldly caves and lava formations, the Hawaiian Islands are positively chock-full of magnificent hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered. In fact, you could spend a lifetime exploring Hawaii’s eight main islands and never run out of new places to discover. But, just in case you’re not sure where to start, these 9 hidden gems in Hawaii are just waiting to be discovered.
Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park, this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails.
Found on the northern coast of Kauai is an otherworldly cave that glows with a striking blue light. Waikapalae Cave, also known as the blue room, is quite simply the stuff of dreams. The grotto’s blue hue can be explained simply as the sun reflecting off calcite, though there are those who choose to believe in a slightly different — perhaps otherworldly — explanation.
Opened in 1925 is this traditional, Hawaiian-style country store where modern visitors can grab a snack, experience the gorgeous scenery, or check out the stores’ collection of antiques, including cameras, tools, and household items.
Unlike many of the wrecks you will find off the Hawaiian coast that are intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs, this particular wreck is the real deal. This plane lies 100 feet deep on the ocean floor just off Oahu, where it has been guarded by eels and rays since 1946. Scuba divers can explore the wreck from Oahu’s Portlock.
Also known as the "Forbidden Isle," this small island is home to approximately 200 native Hawaiians who have preserved traditional ways of life, including speaking Hawaiian. Expensive air tours are available to those who are curious.
Construction on "Broken Ridge Temple" began in the 1980s, but was halted when neighbors complained the roof height violated city and county ordinances. The temple sits in the Palolo Valley and is one of the largest Korean Buddhist temples outside Korea.
Located on the Mauka side between mile markers 6 and 7 en route to Hana is this tranquil, calm, bamboo forest within Haleakala National Park's Kipahulu District. The bamboo forest is found along the Pipiwai Trail, which features several stunning cascading waterfalls and enchanting sights.
Established and curated by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden is tucked into the Lawai Valley on the southern shores of Kauai, and is transected by Lawai Stream. Likened to the Garden of Eden, the garden is not only surrounded by incredible natural beauty but is home to an extensive variety of plant collections.
Located on the coast of Maui, Nakalele Point Blowhole is a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly.
Have you ever experienced any of these unique destinations? What hidden gems in Hawaii would you like us to write about next? Tell us your favorite spots in the Aloha State, then check out our previous article to discover even more incredible spots to visit: “Shhh… These 15 Hidden Places Are Hawaii’s Best Kept Secrets.”
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Where can I go in Hawaii that only the locals know about?
For every tourist destination in the Hawaiian Islands, you'll find at least one incredible hidden gem. From sea caves hidden along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to magical gems hiding within the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these 15 Hidden Places In Hawaii Only Locals Know About are always worthy of a visit — whether you're enjoying your first trip to the islands or have lived here your entire life.
