These 13 Incredible Spots In Hawaii Offer Jaw-Dropping Panoramic Views
By Megan Shute|Published July 08, 2016
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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.
The Hawaiian Islands are undoubtedly home to some of America’s best views, with an excess of majestic mountain peaks, striking valleys, cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches. But not all views are created equal – especially when you want to utilize that nifty panorama feature on your camera or cell phone. From mountain peaks to valley and ocean lookouts, these 13 incredible spots offer sweeping panoramic views of the beautiful islands we call home.
Far less crowded than nearby Waipio Valley, the Polulu Valley Lookout offers dramatic views of Hawaii Island’s northeastern coastline and impressive cliffs, a black sand beach, and small offshore islands.
Undoubedly one of Hawaii's most famous natural wonders, Waimea Canyon is truly a piece of heaven on earth. Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," no vacation to Kauai is complete without a stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout.
Overlooking a former leprosy colony nestled between the vast Pacific and steep cliffs, Kalaupapa Lookout provides visitors with one of Molokai's most famous views.
A short, one-mile hike on Oahu's windward coast that provides not only expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Mokes, two offshore islands that are popular kayaking destinations.
Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state of Hawaii. In fact, when measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall – that’s higher than Mount Everest.
This extremely popular tourist attraction south of Honolulu offers sweeping views of the city, Diamond Head crater, and beyond. I'm not sure there is a more iconic view than this one.
Also known as Keahiakawelo, this otherworldly rock garden is located 45 minutes from Lanai City at the end of Polihua Road, a dirt path only advised for vehicles with four-wheel drive. On a bright, clear, day, you can see the islands of Oahu and Molokai in the distance.
For breathtaking vistas of windward Oahu, Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside is your best bet. This windy 1,186-foot high lookout was the site of the Battle of Nu'uanu, where Kamehameha I drove more than 400 soldiers off the cliffside.
If you live - or are vacationing - anywhere near Hanalei, it is imperative that you visit this stunning lookout point, which features an unobstructed view of the Hanalei River and expansive taro fields, flanked on either side by towering mountain peaks.
Just 27 square miles short of equaling the entire size of Oahu, Mount Haleakala is a gentle giant – a dormant volcano that has inspired those who make the journey to its summit for centuries.