Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
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Kahului
The town of Kahului on Maui is often just the starting point for vacations on the island, but if you've got a bit of spare time there are some good reasons to explore Kahului before moving on.
Kahului is one of the main shopping destinations for Maui residents, and it's home to one of Hawaii's largest airports. Besides shopping, however, you can also check out the Kanaha Beach Park and Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. The former is a relatively hidden beach (behind the airport), and the latter is a bird sanctuary with some endangered Hawaiian bird species. There's also a botanical gardens featuring solely native Hawaiian flora. The town's history is closely tied to the sugar industry, which you can trace at Kahului's Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum.
Many visitors to Kahului know it as the starting point for the scenic Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana), which winds more than 50 miles along the northern shore of the island from Kahului to Hana.
Practical Info
Kahului is Maui's largest town, the airport is Hawaii's second-busiest and the port is big enough for cruise ships.
Address: Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, USA
From $ 139
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Pre-contact Hawaiians didn’t believe in land ownership, but they did divide the Islands into sectional slivers called ahupua’a. Running from the mountains to the sea, ahupuaa had enough land and water resources to support a whole community, and the 5,300 acre Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park is one of the few statewide divisions that remains intact and managed as a whole. Surrounded on three sides by the verdant Koolau Mountains, and fronting Kahana Bay, the scenic park includes a dusty neighborhood of mostly ethnic Hawaiian residents, two popular jungle hiking trails —Kapa’ele’ele and the Nakoa Loop—leading back into a deep valley, the remnants of an ancient fishpond and a beach park with year-round camping.
Most visitors, drawn by its forested seaside park and calm tropical waters, stop by the here to snap photos enroute to the North Shore. The bay is very shallow and can be murky thanks to the nearby infusion of Kahana Stream, so swimming is not recommended. Instead, the best parts of this park are both scenic and cultural: Visit the rocky, circular remains of the ancient Huila Fishpond on the eastern side of the bay, or head into the park to speak with residents. The 31 families that live here share responsibilities and assist with interpretive programming. The volunteer-staffed orientation center will help guide you toward the hiking trailheads that navigate Kahana Valley, former site of kalo loi (taro terraces), au’wai (channeled irrigation streams), heiau (temples) and later, during WWII, jungle warfare training.
Practical Info
The orientation center with trail-maps, information and restrooms is visible a short drive into the park, but before the neighborhood houses. Makai (seaside) facilities include include picnic tables, restrooms and showers, but, note there are no lifeguards at Kahana Bay. 10 beach campsites are available by advance permitting only ($18 per campsite of up to six per night for non-residents; permits available via camping.ehawaii.gov).
Address: 52-222 Kamehameha Highway, Hauula, Oahu 96717, USA
From $ 79
Kalalau Lookout
The Napali Coast tops nearly everyone’s Kauai bucketlists with its sheer green undulating cliffs dropping directly into cerulean waters. The Kalalau Trail takes you back in and along Napali’s Valleys for 11 miles down to the beach and back up and out for another 11—a trip that takes most people at least two days to complete. Not for everyone. Enter the Kalalau Lookout, an easily accessible vantage from which to take in the deep expanse of Napali’s most recognizable Kalalau Valley and get a taste of Napali from land without all of the hiking. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the lookout is perfectly positioned to take in the full two-mile-across valley and the ocean beyond.
Practical Info
Kalalau Lookout is located near the end of Kokee Road, off Waimea Canyon Road, at mile marker #18. Visit the lookout in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. if possible. During this window, the sun fully illuminates the valley’s crags, and ensures the best chance of uninterrupted views before the regular afternoon clouds roll in.
Address: Kokee Rd, Kapaa, Hawaii, USA 96746, USA
From $ 135
Iolani Palace
Much more than just a popular Honolulu visitor attraction, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace to exist within the United States of America. Constructed in 1882, this ornate palace served as the political centerpiece for the Kingdom of Hawaii, and monarchs such as King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani ruled the kingdom from its luxurious halls.
During the time it was constructed, Iolani Palace was considered to be one of the most modern buildings in the world and even boasted electricity and telephones prior to the White House in Washington D.C. The palace also featured indoor plumbing, and large galas were thrown to welcome visiting dignitaries to the modern and sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. Since King Kalakaua was the world’s first monarch to circumnavigate the globe, the palace was also adorned with decorations and memorabilia acquired during his travels around the world.
In the overthrow of 1893, however, possession of the palace was transferred to Sanford Dole and a group of Western businessmen who formed the Republic of Hawaii. During this time, Queen Liliuokalani was sentenced to house arrest in an upstairs bedroom of the palace, and despite the fact that she firmly believed the United States would grant power back to the monarchy, the start of the Spanish-American war resulted in Hawaii being acquired as a territory, and the palace (and the Kingdom), has remained in American hands ever since.
Iolani Palace today is an enduring symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy and the greatest physical representation of the overthrown Kingdom. The palace is now a popular visitor attraction which is open from Monday through Saturday, and hour-long tours are offered which detail the history of the royal palace.
During the time it was constructed, Iolani Palace was considered to be one of the most modern buildings in the world and even boasted electricity and telephones prior to the White House in Washington D.C. The palace also featured indoor plumbing, and large galas were thrown to welcome visiting dignitaries to the modern and sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. Since King Kalakaua was the world’s first monarch to circumnavigate the globe, the palace was also adorned with decorations and memorabilia acquired during his travels around the world.
In the overthrow of 1893, however, possession of the palace was transferred to Sanford Dole and a group of Western businessmen who formed the Republic of Hawaii. During this time, Queen Liliuokalani was sentenced to house arrest in an upstairs bedroom of the palace, and despite the fact that she firmly believed the United States would grant power back to the monarchy, the start of the Spanish-American war resulted in Hawaii being acquired as a territory, and the palace (and the Kingdom), has remained in American hands ever since.
Iolani Palace today is an enduring symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy and the greatest physical representation of the overthrown Kingdom. The palace is now a popular visitor attraction which is open from Monday through Saturday, and hour-long tours are offered which detail the history of the royal palace.
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm
Admission: Guided Tour: Adult $21.75, Child $6. Self guided tour: $14.75, Child $6.
From $ 25
Hualalai Volcano
Hualalai is massive, and yet it’s unknown. For all of its size and volcanic grandeur—gradually rising behind the town of Kona and fading into the clouds—this dormant volcano is shrouded in obscurity by its famous, more active neighbors.
At 8,200 feet in height, Hualalai isn’t nearly as high as Mauna Loa, and having last erupted in 1801, it isn’t considered nearly as active as the currently erupting Kilauea. Nevertheless, Hualalai remains an active volcano just miles from populous Kona, and experts feel that this sleeping volcano is on the brink of waking up.
It’s believed that Hualalai will erupt again within the next 100 years, potentially adding more black lava rock to Kona’s volcanic landscape. As the volcano sleeps, however, coffee farms continue to dominate its flanks and resorts now dot its shoreline. The odd hiker will occasionally venture up to its fog-lined, uppermost reaches, although since much of the land is private property, Hualalai mostly sits stoically behind Kona and silently lays in waiting.
Practical Info
The summit of Hualalai is often clear during early summer mornings, and the best way to get a view of the summit is during a helicopter tour from Kona. Visiting a Kona coffee plantation is another way to see the mountain and to learn how this land that gives rise to coffee may one day be its destruction.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA
From $ 185
Jaggar Museum
For the last several years, the Jaggar Museum and its overlook have enjoyed one of the best vantages for spotting glowing lava in Kilauea's summit lake. A must-stop location for all Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitors, the elongated, single-room rock building houses exhibits on volcanology and Hawaiian culture, with large windows facing the Halemaumau crater. Regular displays include real-time monitors where you can cause your own “earthquake” by jumping; historical volcanic measuring and data gathering equipment; artifacts including the various and unusual types of Hawaiian volcano eruptive material; historical photographs; and a massive mural detailing the fire goddess Pele's relationship to other Hawaiian deities.
Though it’s possible to see the fumes coming out of the crater during the day, or even the nene, Hawaii’s endangered and endemic goose in the parking lot, nature’s real show here happens at night. That’s when the glowing lava, reflected by the vog (volcanic fog) emits a bright orange glow that can be seen for miles. If you’re really lucky—as some visitors were during a brief period in April and May 2015—levels in the lava lake could rise, bringing with it the chance to see lava itself with your own eyes, day or night, as it spills onto the crater floor.
Practical Info
The museum is located off Crater Rim Drive, about 2.5 miles from Volcano House, the only hotel in the park. The museum is open daily from 8:30am until 5pm, but sometimes stays open later for geology talks by park rangers or during certain times of the year. A small gift shop sells HVNP-branded apparel and trinkets as well as informative book and DVDs. Because the summit lake eruption is a natural phenomenon, there is no guarantee the eruption will be occurring in the park during your visit.
Address: Crater Rim Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
From $ 99
Hulihee Palace
Though this stately two-story lava rock and stucco home in downtown Kailua-Kona is no castle, it did serve as a vacation home for royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Built by Hawaii’s second governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838, the six-room estate was handed down to Princess Ruth Keelikolani after his death, and she opened its doors to many visiting members of the Hawaiian royal family including King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiolani. The palace today is run as a museum of Hawaiian artifacts downstairs—including kapa (bark) cloth, King Kamehameha’s own giant spears, royal busts—and a showcase of royal life with original Victorian furniture and details—koa wood furniture, original bed frames and quilts—upstairs. Docent-led tours give a brief overview of Hawaiian and palace history including the rapid adoption of European tastes evident in the home’s décor.
Set on prime ocean-front real estate in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona off Alii Drive, the palace is close to other historic attractions including the islands' oldest Christian church (1820) across the street and the final residence of Island-uniting King Kamehameha I visible from the palace’s top floor lanai (porch). A small gift shop on the property outside the palace sells Hawaiian cultural books and souvenirs, and one Sunday a month, traditional music and hula performances take place on the palace lawn.
Practical Info
The palace is located at 75 -5718 Alii Drive and open from 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. Admission is $8 for adults and $1 for children 17 and under. Docent-led tours are on-demand (for a $2 additional charge for adults only) before 3 pm.
Address: 75 - 5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults $8; Children 17 and under $1
From $ 124
Kahaluu Beach Park
Yellow tang, surgeon fish, multi-colored parrot fish, pufferfish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii’s state fish) and over 100 other species can be spotted in this crystal clear and protected cove south of Kailua-Kona. Kahaluu Beach Park’s small stretch of white coral and black lava beach makes this one of the great and rare Hawaii Island snorkeling spots that also affords easy ocean access. Couple that with its picturesque setting—fringed with palms and bookended by the tiny white-clapboard 1880s Saint Peter by the Sea mission—shallow u-shaped bay, and year-round water temperatures hovering between 75 and 81 degrees, and Kahaluu is a strong a contender for the Island’s best snorkeling locale. Beyond the ancient rock wall said to be built by Menehune (a hard-working race of little people in Hawaiian legends), seasonal breakers around five feet high entice both beginner and moderately experienced surfers. During the winter months, monster waves rage and bring out the experts as they have for centuries—it’s said this was a popular surf spot for alii (Hawaiian royalty). With all of these great features, Kahaluu Beach Park’s charms are no secret—after around 10 a.m. it can be challenging to find a spot in the parking lot or on the sand.
Practical Info
Kahaluu Beach Park is located at 78-6740 Alii Drive and is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. There is an onsite lifeguard as well as several showers, bathrooms and half a dozen picnic tables under a small gazebo (though there is no place within walking distance to get food, so pack a snack!). Recently, a large truck-turned-information center run by an area non-profit has begun parking in the onsite lot. Its volunteers are expert locals who care about the ocean life and promote safe snorkeling habits (like not standing on the reef), and can tell you more about “that orange fish” you saw. The truck also sells reef-safe sunscreen and rents snorkeling gear. Other popular rental options include Kahaluu Bay Surf and Sea, which also offers surf and SUP lessons from its shop across the street, and Snorkel Bob’s in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Address: 78-6740 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
Hours: Open daily dawn-dusk
From $ 103
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
Visible by kayak from the Huleia River, or from a roadside overlook, the otherwise closed-to-the-public Huleia National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Kauai is a popular bird watching spot. The site is one of just two sanctuaries on the planet (both National Wildlife Refuges on Kauai) home to wild populations of five species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds—the Hawaiian coot, stilt, duck, goose (the state bird) and the elusive moorhen. Twenty-six other species of bird also call the federally-managed wetlands home. The lush landscape of riverine pools and waterfalls that surround the refuge have served as a jungle backdrop in several movies including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and Lost World.
The refuge’s flat valley, formerly comprised of wetland taro and rice paddies, is shielded from the sea to the west by a long ridge of peaks. It abuts Alekoko, the Menehune Fishpond, a historic aquaculture system thought to be built 1,000 years ago by an early and mythical race of Hawaiian of people called the Menehune.
Practical Info
The refuge is four miles southwest of Lihue via Highway 50W. The best way to view the refuge is on a guided kayak tour, but if you’re short on time, it’s also visible from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook off Hulemalu Road, just under a mile from the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
Address: Lihue, Kauai, USA
From $ 124
Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park
It’s easy to look at the Kona coastline and wonder how Hawaiians survived. Barren, dry, and covered in black lava, this desolate terrain appears inhospitable and incapable of supporting life. In actuality, however, this harsh coastline boasted a thriving population of native Hawaiian inhabitants, who worked intimately with the natural surroundings to maximize all of its resources.
At Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park—set just south of the Kona Airport—this ancient history is brought to life and is blended with recreation. Take a hike past ancient fishponds that were used for feeding the village, and follow trails past historic heiau that were used to worship the gods. If the Kona sun gets a little too hot, cool off at white sand Honokohau Beach, or a take a dip in the Queen’s Bath and enjoy the secluded, hidden surroundings.
More than just the beaches and hiking trails, the Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is as an outdoor museum of Hawaiian archaeology. Petroglyphs, fishponds, and ancient rock walls are scattered across the park’s 1,160 acres, and traditionally restored, thatched-hut hale (houses) sit on the shore like they once did for centuries. Local fisherman can often be seen throwing nets like their ancestors before them, and this is the perfect place to unplug and escape when staying in downtown Kona.
Practical Info
The Hale Ho‘okipa Visitor Center is open from 8am-4pm daily and is off of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. To access the park after 4pm when the gates to the Visitor Center close, follow the road to the Honokohau Marina and the signs to the Kona Sailing Club. From here, a short trail leads north to the beach and all of the hiking trails within. There is no admission fee for visiting the park, and no camping is allowed.
Address: Kaloko-Honokohau, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
From $ 124
Iao Valley
The iconic rock pinnacle known as the Iao Needle is the focus of Maui’s Iao Valley State Park.
Rising 2,250 feet (675 meters) into the air, the unusual plant-covered peak rises from the Iao Valley floor, surrounded by rainforest-covered volcanic craters, pools and streams.
The pinnacle was used as an altar, and the evocative location was the site of a famous battle between Kamehameha and the warriors of Maui.
Come to the Iao Valley State Park to follow easy hiking trails along tumbling streams. Views take in the Iao Needle, all the way across the rainforest to the coast at Kahului.
Practical Info
The Iao Valley is on the western side of Maui, 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the regional town of Wailuku. To get here from Wailuku, head west along Iao Valley Road.
Address: Iao Valley Road, Wailuku 96793, USA
Hours: Open daily 7am - 7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 144
Kaneohe Bay
The best stretch of sand in Kaneohe Bay is out on the middle of the sea. That’s where the sandbar, or “Sunken Island” emerges during low tide, and its sugary white sands are like a floating cay that was made especially for you. Kayaking to the sandbar is one of the most popular activities on the Windward Side of Oahu, and while the beaches along the shoreline aren’t great for swimming, the protected waters make the perfect spot for paddling, boating, or kayaking.
In addition to the sandbar, five islands poke above the turquoise, reef-fringed waters. The tallest of the islands—Chinaman’s Hat—rises 200 feet from the northern edge of the bay and offshore of Kualoa Park. Known to Hawaiians as Mokoli“i, the island resembles a large straw that seems to be floating on the surface of the water. While there may or may not be a Chinese man underwater (according to local legend), one thing that’s found on the Kaneohe seafloor is tens of thousands of sea urchins—imported by scientists to help stave off the growth of highly invasive algae. While the water around the sandbar offers nice swimming and has a soft, sandy bottom, much of the shoreline is rocky, slippery, and potentially covered in urchins. A better bet is to stay in the kayak and enjoy the view of the mountains, which explode from the shoreline with a rugged fury, their peaks outstretched toward the clouds.
Practical Info
Kaneohe Bay is on the island’s eastern shore about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Morning hours offer calmest conditions for paddling, swimming, and boating, and check the tide charts for low tide for the best time to visit the sandbar. Private boats and charter boats can be rented in Kaneohe, and kayak rentals are offered in the neighboring town of Kailua.
Address: Oahu 96744, USA
From $ 48
Honolulu Zoo
The shriek of the Honolulu Zoo’s population of endangered white-handed gibbons is a familiar morning sound to Waikiki’s regular surfing contingent; the zoo is just across the street from some of the most popular beginner surf breaks toward the far end of Waikiki near Diamond Head crater. In addition to the monkeys, the sprawling 42-acre open-air zoo is home to more than 900 tropical animals including elephants, black rhino, giraffe, Sumatran tiger, aardvark, meerkat, orangutan, birds, reptiles and more. The zoo also houses animals only found in Hawaii, including the state bird, the nēnē, as well as a number of endemic plants in and around the enclosures.
Practical Info
The zoo’s entrance is just off a large parking lot on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Waikiki’s main oceanfront drag, Kalakaua Avenue. There is a $1/hour cash-only charge for on-site parking. Several TheBus routes as well as the popular Waikiki hop on/hop off trolley also pass near the zoo.
The Honolulu Zoo is open daily (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. til 4:30. p.m. General admission tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for children with discounts for Hawaii residents and military with ID. Allot at least an hour and a half to explore the zoo.
Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $14; Children: $6
From $ 25
Kalapana
More than anything else, the town of Kalapana is a town that was, not a town that is. It is a sad, black, graveyard of homes where dreams, memories and material possessions were incinerated by nature’s fury. Prior to the eruption of Kilauea volcano, Kalapana was a sleepy town along the Big Island’s eastern coastline. All of that changed in 1990 when Kilauea literally rolled through town. By the time the molten carnage was through, over 100 homes had been burned and swallowed by the shifting orange magma.
Today there are still about 35 homes remaining in Kalapana, although the main highlight is where visitors can hike to watch lava spill into the sea. Ever since Kilauea began erupting in 1983, over 500 acres of new land has been created along the coastline, and even though it isn't officially a part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana is often the best place to watch the drama unfold.
Practical Info
The town of Kalapana is 32 miles from Hilo and 40 miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The lava viewing area is at the end of Highway 130, and the hike to reach the lava flows can vary from 20 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the exact location of the flow. The hike to the lava is across rocky terrain, so closed–toe shoes are needed, and the best time to view the lava is at night when it glows a fiery bright orange.
Address: Kalapana, Hawaii, USA
From $ 225
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is perhaps the most well-known beach in all of Maui. Situated on west the west coast, these three miles of soft, golden sand have been called the best beach in America. It was once the retreat for the royal family of Hawaii, and it is now home to some of the most famous Hawaiian resorts.
There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful beach, from a stroll on the sand to swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm sea. There is a paved walkway along the length of the beach, but it’s hard to resist walking on the sand. If you’re in the water, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles—they’re common visitors to the area. During whale season, humpback whales can be seen breaching from the shore.
At the northern end of Kaanapali, Black Rock has some of the beach’s best snorkeling. Every night at sunset cliff divers can be seen performing the Hawaiian ritual here, lighting torches along the cliff before leaping into the ocean.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beach activities, head up to nearby Whalers Village for some of Maui’s best shopping and dining, as well as a whaling museum with history of the area.
Practical Info
Kaanapali Beach is located in northwest Maui, roughly a 50-minute drive from Kahului Airport. Blue shoreline access signs point to public beach access points and limited free parking. There are showers located along the beach but no public restrooms. Water activities are available from vendors lined up along the shore.
Address: Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761, USA
From $ 73
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Just off Maui’s shore on the island of Molokai, Kalaupapa National Historic Park is the former site of two leper colonies. People living with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) have been quarantined here since the days of King Kamehameha, and a community of cured patients still inhabits the Kalaupapa Settlement, scenically surrounded by steep Pali cliffs. The park is dedicated to preserving the experiences of the past so that they might be learned from in the present and future.
Father Damien, a Belgian missionary, first came to Molokai in the 19th century and cared for the afflicted until his death. In doing so, he brought awareness of the disease to the rest of the world. Once completely isolated, the peaceful area is now a center for education and reflection. Historic churches, homes, and cemeteries can still be seen. Out of respect for the residents, the number of visitors is limited to 100 per day.
Practical Info
Kalaupapa is accessible only by tour, and must be traveled to by mule, hiking, or small plane. It is open Monday to Saturday and is not accessible by car.
Address: Kalaupapa, Hawaii, USA
From $ 189
Kaeleku Caverns
Also known as the Hana Lava Tube, these subterranean caverns were created when lava once cooled on the surface here but continued to flow underneath the ground above. Now there are hundreds of unique rock formations throughout the half mile long cavern system, including stalagmites and stalactites. The Kaeleku Caverns are the largest accessible lava tubes on Maui. It is estimated that the caves were formed nearly 30,000 years ago, and legend would tell us they are the work of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
Water drips from the ceilings of the caves, but bats and insects are noticeably absent from the environment. Much of the caverns look as though they’ve been coated in chocolate. It’s an underground landscape that feels almost otherworldly, waiting to be explored. Above ground, there is a unique red Ti botanical garden maze that is also easy to get lost in.
Practical Info
The Kaeleku Caverns are located near mile marker 31 on the Road to Hana (Hana Highway). To reach the visitor’s center, turn left on Ulaino Road from the highway and drive about a half mile. The caves are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 4pm, and admission costs $12. Handrails are present along the walking path, and flashlights or headlamps are both recommended and provided with entry. Bring a jacket, as temperatures inside the caverns can be quite cool.
Address: Hana, Hawaii 96713, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–4pm
Admission: $12
From $ 270
Kaanapali
Hawaii’s first planned resort town, Kaanapali is a consistent favorite with visitors, with numerous hotels and condominium complexes sharing the prime waterfront location along Kaanapali Beach. Once named America’s Best Beach, the spot offers three miles of sand and warm, swimmable water. Families play on the shores, keeping eyes open for a possible whale swimming in the distance. Tour boats depart directly from the sand during whale-watching season, which runs through the winter.
Along with numerous restaurants, there are a variety of stores located in Kaanapali’s open-air Whalers Village shopping mall. Throughout the day, free Hawaiian entertainment, like hula dancing and lei-making lessons, are offered to guests. A walkway runs in between the beach and the line-up of resorts and businesses, making it easy to forget about the car and stroll from one spot to the next. There’s always a fun crowd of folks moving about.
Practical Info
Kaanapali Beach is just under an hour’s drive from Maui’s Kahului Airport. It’s considered by most to be West Maui’s signature beach town.
Address: Maui, Hawaii, USA
From $ 111
Kailua Beach Park
Thanks to its ample parking, family-friendly atmosphere, and postcard-worthy shoreline, Kailua Beach Park is often regarded as one of Oahu’s nicest beaches. Like its neighboring cousin, Lanikai Beach, this stretch of white sand is fronted by turquoise waters which stretch out to the Mokulua islands.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Address: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Hours: Open 5am - 10pm. Restrooms open 6am - 10pm.
From $ 121
Kailua Pier
Kailua Pier is the northern bookend to most of Kailua-Kona’s restaurants, shops and bars, a stretch of concrete wide enough to host four-lanes of traffic (if it wasn’t closed off to cars). The historic pier was first built as a downtown fishing dock in 1900 and utilized rocks from deconstructed Hawaiian palace and fort walls, but today few boats moor here. Instead, the pier is mostly used for large events and festivals including the annual Kona Ironman World Championships, which starts and finishes at the pier, and the Kona International Billfish Tournament whose daily catches of sometimes-massive fish species including Pacific blue marlin are weighed from pier-side scales for all to see.
On the pier’s northern side, a small beach fronting the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel has public showers, restroom blocks and hosts community events such as the Kona International Surf Film Festival and the Kona Brewers’ Festival. Aside from the beach, the best vantage for
Ahu’ena Heiau, a still-revered thatch-roof temple dedicated to Lono and dating to the early 19th century, is from Kailua Pier. Some say the temple is just 1/3 of its original size when built by Island-uniting King Kamehameha I. Because it is believed the monarch also died here, the site and its tiny man-made island remain sacred and off-limits to the public, despite being on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
Practical Info
The pier is located on Kaahumanu Place at the bend where Alii Drive becomes Palani Road. It is next door to the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel and across the street from the Fish Hopper Restaurant and ABC Store.
Address: Kaahumanu Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
From $ 116