15 Places In Hawaii You Thought Only Existed In Your Imagination
By Megan Shute|Updated on September 09, 2020(Originally published August 26, 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 an enchanting red sand beach and a beautiful lavender farm to a serene hiking trail and awe-inspiring temple, the Hawaiian Islands are home to a seemingly limitless supply of magical spots most people only dream of. These 15 breathtaking places in Hawaii are quite simply awe-inspiring, and will surely have you doing a double-take to decide if that vision of beauty is real — or just a figment of your imagination.
Upcountry Maui, nestled on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, gets a great deal of rain, resulting in lush, green scenery, and flourishing lavender at the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. But the beautiful, fragrant lavender isn’t the only thing to see at this gorgeous farm — visitors will also be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire western half of the island.
This relatively unknown archaeological site is home to Kauai’s largest limestone cave that was formed when the once fossilized sand dune collapsed. After you squeeze through the mouth of the cave, you will be rewarded with stunning views of a spacious open-air amphitheater.
Known more commonly as the Painted Church, this magnificent piece of art is open to the public seven says a week, and holds mass five days per week. The masterpiece was built from 1899 to 1902 under the direction of Catholic missionary Father John Velghe, an untrained folk artist who painted frescoes along the interior ceiling and walls depicting various biblical scenes.
From 1858 to 1879, the Haiku Mill was bustling with sugar cane production, but is now used for a slightly different purpose: serving as the backdrop for a variety of events, especially weddings. The mill is now home to an awe-inspiring mix of vine-draped ruins, French-inspired décor, and a unique ambiance.
With a vertical drop of approximately 150 feet, Manoa Falls is reached via a 1.5 mile — often quite muddy and slippery — hiking trail. While the reward for the trek is great, visitors are advised not to swim in the waterfall’s pool, as it is heavily polluted with leptospirosis bacteria. The trail leads you through a variety of ecosystems, including this picturesque spot.
Up in the hills, four miles above the coastal town of Kapaa and hidden amongst Kauai’s lush, tropical landscape is the Kauai Aadheenam Hindu Temple, a beautiful magnificent spiritual sanctuary that sits on 363 acres near the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale.
Located on Oahu’s north shore, this beach is a popular spot for both snorkeling and sunset viewing. The beach got its name from the three flat sections of reef that appear on the ocean’s surface during low tide, and it is quite the surreal vista.
These lush botanical gardens are set on 26 acres full of trails, picnic spots, waterfalls and coastal views. Visitors should be sure not to miss these incredible grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees, which look as though they have materialized here from the pages of a storybook.
Better known as King Kamehameha III’s summer home, these ruins are both a phenomenal treasure and piece of true Hawaiian history hidden away near Oahu’s Pali Highway. The structure dates back to 1847, and was only used for a few decades before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to visit the ruins and must simply admire this stunning piece of Hawaiian history in photographs.
Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is perhaps the most beautiful and remote areas in all of Hawaii. While you can view this magnificent coastline from the air via helicopter tour, one of the best ways to experience the area’s incredible natural beauty is to hike the Kalalau Trail. The hike is eleven miles, and takes hikers on a journey from Ke’e Beach along high rugged cliffs and through coastal valleys.
Located south of Hana Bay on the eastern coast of Maui, Kaihalulu is one of only a few red sand beaches in the entire world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but really, the views — and photo opp — is worth a trip.
Located on Oahu’s lush windward coast at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains is the Byodo-In Temple, a small-scale replica of a famous temple in Japan that is more than 950 years old. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The beautiful grounds include stunning statues, a large reflecting pond, meditation areas, and small waterfalls.
Located just six miles southeast of Lanai are the campsites and cabins at Olowalu. This site, which features six A-frame cabins that sleep six people each, a kitchen, mess hall, and bathroom facility, is suited for group retreats and other large group gatherings. Where better to have a company retreat or family reunion than a oceanfront oasis?
This naturally-formed lava cave, located off Kauai’s Wailua River, was formed millions of years ago, and is home to various native Hawaiian plant species as well as colorful, exotic plants, that come together to make visitors feel as though they have entered a tropical rainforest.
Located at 13,000 feet above sea level on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea, Lake Waiau is arguably one of the highest lakes in all of the United States. However, it is also relatively small, measuring in at just about 100 meters across. It's also a pretty dreamy landscape.
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More to Explore
Breathtaking Places In Hawaii
Megan Shute|September 09, 2020
What are the most beautiful places in Hawaii?
From mauka to makai, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders than we could possibly count. Even still, some landscapes certainly stand out in a crowd: like the summit of Maui’s Mount Haleakala, a volcanic wonder that was shaped by lava and will transport you to another planet or the striking Papakolea Beach found on the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island, one of the world’s only green sand beaches. If you need help starting your bucket list, check out the 21 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Hawaii That You Must See Before You Die.
What are the most beautiful scenic drives in Hawaii?
The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. Others that deserve mention include Waimea Canyon Road, Oahu's Kalanianaole Highway, and Hawaii Island's Mauna Kea Access Road.
