Here Are The 11 Best Places In Hawaii To Visit On A Long Weekend
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Megan Shute
Author
If you’re itching to get away from your daily life, but can’t take a week of vacation right now, why not plan a weekend trip? From hiking trips and national parks to relaxing getaways, there are various destinations throughout Hawaii that are either right in your backyard — or just a short flight away to a neighboring island. While experiencing these 11 destinations could fit within the confines of a regular weekend, we think they are best experienced when you have at least three days to dedicate to adventure — no matter what form that takes.
While Oahu’s north shore is known for its massive waves and professional surf competitions during the winter months, this beautiful stretch of coastline has so much more to offer. From the best acai bowls and shave ice in Haleiwa to snorkel spots, secluded beaches and phenomenal hiking, you could spend a year exploring the north shore without visiting the same place twice — but a weekend will have to suffice for now.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
With more than 323,000 acres to explore, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the state’s largest national park — and it’s still growing! The park is also home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive subaerial volcano. A trip to Hawaii Volcanoes isn’t complete without a visit to the Kilauea Caldera, a trip down the Thurston Lava Tube, a walk through the lava fields, a drive down the Chain of Craters Road, and, of course, as much hiking as you can handle!
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
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Along Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast, this strenuous hike is approximately 11 miles long and stretches from Ke’e Beach to the Kalalau Valley. Most hikers opt to camp along the trail, as only expert hikers can complete the 22-mile round trip trek in one day. Note: this is an extremely dangerous hike, and should only be completed by extremely experienced hikers.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
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With a fascinating whaling history and thriving tourism industry, there is truly no city in America quite like Lahaina. Lahaina has a resident population of 11,000, though, during tourist season, the population can grow to upwards of 40,000. What makes this town so special? Is it the town’s fascinating history, or perhaps the incredible destinations and attractions within its border?
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
The fifth largest of the Hawaiian Islands — Lanai — is home to only one school that serves the entire island, and you won’t find a single traffic light here. Also known as the Pineapple Island, for its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation, the island measures in at only 141 square miles. The island is home to 3,100 residents, and approximately 98 percent of the land is owned by Larry Ellison, founder and chairman of Oracle.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
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Waikiki draws more tourists than any other place in Hawaii, and with world-class beaches, luxury resorts, high-end shopping and some of the best food around, it’s hard to argue with them. Stay at the quirky and cool Surfjack Hotel for a weekend you’ll never forget.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Located along Hawaii Island’s scenic Kona coast is Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village full of natural beauty, royal history, and plenty of charm. Established by King Kamehameha I to be the seat of his government when he was the chief of Mona before he consolidated rule of the island chain. The historic town later became the capital of a newly unified kingdom, before it moved to Lahaina, and later, Honolulu.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
The eight main Hawaiian Islands are not only wildly different from one another, but one side of the island can be in stark contrast to the other. Nowhere is this truer than on the island of Kauai, where the legendary north shore is unlike anything you’ll find across Kauai, and even throughout the islands as a whole. From hidden caves and picturesque beaches to mouthwatering shave ice spots and breathtaking gardens, you’ll find amazing destinations along this stretch of coastline.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
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The Valley Isle is a place of uninterrupted natural beauty, and nowhere is that more true than upcountry Maui, on the slopes of Mount Haleakala. It is easy to say that this area of Maui, comprised of Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Ulupalakua, is known for its magic landscapes and stunning vistas, and there are countless destinations to pack into a short weekend: Maui Wine, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, Surfing Goat Dairy, and the Kula Botanical Garden, just to name a few.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
This secluded and remote slice of paradise is perfect for a weekend spent getting in touch with nature. Found just 55 yards off Kamehameha Highway between Kahuku and Laie is this 37-acre campground surrounded by ironwood trees and backing up to a pristine white sand beach. Here you will find tent campsites and plantation-style cabins from which to enjoy a weekend off the grid.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, history, and unspoiled natural beauty, look no further than a weekend getaway to Molokai to visit Kalaupapa, a former leper colony. With the ocean on one side and giant 1,600-foot cliffs on the other, the Kalaupapa Leper Colony — described by Robert Louis Stevenson as a "prison fortified by nature." — is a U.S. National Park.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Click here to learn more about this weekend getaway destination.
Looking for a road trip instead? Check out these 16 Hawaii road trips that will lead you to places you’ll never forget.
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