Top Ten Destination Spots in Hawaii
Princeville Golf Club
10. Princeville Golf Club
Located in Hanalei Kauai, The Princeville Golf Club has been ranked as the number one golf course in Hawaii along with other accolades.
Opened in 1990, this resort offers an 18 hole golf course and a great clubhouse.
The clubhouse also is home to a tavern which is located on the lower level and there is a place to shop as well. In the shop you will find; brand name clubs and balls along with clothing and other things.
The Princeville Golf Club looks over the ocean and beautiful green cliffs. This Resort offers golf carts that come equip with a GPS system.
There are many species of birds along with other wildlife including streams which are home to local freshwater shrimp. There are also great views of Mt. Namolokama.
Is the Maui Arts and Cultural Center somewhere you might want to visit?
Entertainment at Maui Arts & Cultural Center
9. Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Opened in 1994, The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a visual and performing arts complex which offers the opportunity to experience different forms of arts and entertainment.
Drumming, painting, hula dancing, symphonies, ballet and music are just some of the things you will see while visiting the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Workshops are available for teachers and kids which give the kids educational exposure to the arts and other cultures. This cultural center offers cultural events and some of these events include; hula competitions, Hawaiian dance and more.
There are also; visual arts galleries, musicals and exhibits located in the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Bethel Church was a structure destroyed in the fire
8. Chinatown
Chinatown was settled after two ships arrived in 1789 which followed by transferring people from China to do contract labor work in the 1800’s.
By 1884 most of the Chinese people became self-employed. Due to this change, the contract labor work declined and Chinatown began. Restaurants, stores, temples and more could all be found in Chinatown.
In 1900, tragedy struck when there was a fire which burned down most of Chinatown and had to be built again.
Over the years Chinatown has struggled with hardships however; today it attracts tourists to its shops, restaurants, art galleries, entertainment and several parades such as the Chinese New Year Parade, plus more.
Wo Fat Building in Chinatown
Waikiki Beach
7. Waikiki Beach Walk
The Waikiki Beach Walk is a popular tourist attraction and is loaded with shops, both casual and fine dining and lodging.
Located on the Pacific Ocean, The Waikiki Beach Walk is also a great spot to see live entertainment. The lodging available at Waikiki Beach Walk are nice hotels which include Embassy Suites and The Trump International Hotel & Tower.
There are different types of foods on this beach walk and is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of culture with some Hawaiian fusion. The Kani Ka Pila Grill is a great place to see live entertainment and some of the top Hawaiian musicians play there.
Between the cleanliness of the beach walk to the street performers and the aroma of the foods in the air, Waikiki Beach Walk is a great place to visit.
A walk down Waikiki Beach Walk
Lava from Kilauea
6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Kilauea Volcano’s last eruption was in 1983 and it has been spewing lava continuously ever since. Kilauea is also said to be home to Pele’, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. The Mauna Loa Volcano is the largest volcano in the world and last erupted in 1984.
This unique National Park is full of different formations caused by lava and there are active eruptive sites as well. There are also camping and hiking opportunities.
One of the trails located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the historic Ainapo Trail which the original section of it is on the Register of National Historic Places.
This National park is also home to the 1790 footprints which are believed to be the footprints of warriors who were there during an unexpected eruption and when the lava hardened the footprints stayed.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is what is used to monitor the volcanic activity in the area and there is a visitor center as well.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
5. Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park
Located on the West Coast of Hawaii, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park is a historic site known to be where Hawaiian civilians would seek safety after breaking Kapu, an old Hawaiian law with the punishment being death.
Established in 1955, sledding tracks, temple platforms and village sites were all discovered at this National park.
The Royal Grounds offer a trail to walk on and explore the area on a self-guided tour. There is also another trail located at Kiilae Village. Kiilae Village is a historic abandoned village where you will see houses, animal pens and more. The 1871 Trail will take you from the visitor center to the village.
Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park also offers; picnic areas with charcoal grills, fishing spots, places to hike, snorkeling, views of the wildlife and cultural exposure.
At Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic park
Cook Monument
4. Kona
Kona is home to the Kealakekua Bay which is a great place to kayak, scuba dive and snorkel. The first documented European to arrive here was Captain James Cook in 1779.
This was also the place of his death after conflict with the local people. Now standing in the spot James Cook died at is the Cook Monument which was erected in 1874.
Kona is known for its spinner dolphins as well as its popular coffee. Also located in Kona is Kona Adventures which offers hiking spots, zip lining and ATV rides.
There are places to experience boat tours, air tours and manta ray & Dolphin viewing as well. Misty Mountain Farm is another place in Kona and is used as an animal sanctuary.
A Scuba Diver in Kona
Rainbow Falls
3. Hilo
Hilo is full of history, lush rain-forests and entertainment. Located in Hilo is the Haili Church which was built in 1859 and was the first Christian mission in Eastern Hawaii.
Another place located here is The Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens which are a must see while visiting Hilo and are a combination water and flora. Take in the views of these breathtaking botanical gardens while walking along the beach walk.
Onomea Bay is another must see. The lava tubes located here are a great place to walk on to get views of the ocean since this takes you out on top of the ocean in some areas.
Hilo is the largest macadamia nut producer in the world and there is a plant with tours available as well.
Also see Rainbow Falls, which are 80 feet tall and on the Wailuku River is a popular attraction. The Wailuku River is the longest river in the Hawaii and located in Wailuku State Park.
Also in this state park is Peepee Falls which are gorgeous falls that contribute to the boiling pots which are close by.
If you are looking for shops, art galleries, museums and places to eat, the historical downtown Hilo is where to go.
The Wailuku River
Diamond Head
2. Honolulu
Honolulu is the State Capital of Hawaii and on Oahu Island. Honolulu is home to Diamond Head which is a 200,000 year old inactive volcano and has been inactive for about 150,000 years.
There are resort hotels and beaches around the area and Diamond Head is a State Monument. Fort Ruger is also located in Honolulu and is set up in and around Diamond Head.
Honolulu is home to the Iolani Palace which was built in 1879 and a National Historic Landmark. It has served two monarchs and even served as the State Capital until 1969. It was opened as a museum in 1978.There is also a pavilion outside that was built in 1883.
A gorgeous natural landmark in Honolulu is Manoa Falls which is 150 feet tall and a great place to see.
Also located in Honolulu is The USS Arizona Memorial which is located in Pearl Harbor in memory of the bombing of Pearl Harbor which happened in 1941 during World War II. The memorial was erected on The USS Arizona itself which rises above and views of the deck can be seen below the water. Tours are free.
Iolani Palace
Hana Drive
1. Maui
Located in Maui is Haleakala which is a large bowl like volcano and is surrounded by the beauty of Haleakala National Park.
Haleakala National Park is home to birds, plants and insects which are some of the rarest in the world. Also located in Maui is Hana which offers waterfalls, forests and views of the Pacific Ocean and the drive is beautiful along the shore.
Snorkeling in Maui is a popular recreation for the area and snorkel cruises are available.
Also located in Maui is Makena which is an area that offers no facilities however; the gorgeous blue waters make it worth a visit. Pack a lunch or order from a food truck in the area and soak up some sun and breathtaking views.
Maui also has plenty of spas and resorts, whale watching opportunities, golf courses, windsurfing experiences and you can even go to a traditional luau.