Hawaii’s abundant natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe seeking to experience its remarkable setting and preserved outdoor areas. For those who want to experience Hawaii’s best raw natural scenery, we provide a quick look at some of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring outdoor attractions.
Glass Beach, Kauai
Glass Beach is a one-of-a-kind natural destination, a true example of the rare sites across Hawaii. The beach is composed of discarded glass that the ocean’s tides subsequently smoothed, which now offers a dazzling display of colors.
Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai
Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai has trails that lead to incredible vantage points overlooking the park’s main feature: Waimea Canyon. Waimea Canyon is a gorge 14 miles long and one mile wide, with a depth of over 3,600 feet. It has been called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” but its combination of red and green colors gives it a unique appearance.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island
Hawaii’s volcanoes are a distinct and iconic part of the state’s mystique, and on the Big Island, you can see them up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This park has multiple active volcanoes with steam vents and trails intersected by lava flows. This park’s unique geology and craters create an intensely dramatic landscape, and it might be the best place in the U.S. to witness the incredible power of volcanoes firsthand.
Mauna Kea, the Big Island
Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii, is a long-dormant volcano overlooking the Big Island. It is a hub for astronomy with 13 massive telescopes atop its summit. The lack of light pollution makes gazing millions of miles into the cosmos easier, and stargazing tours are a common attraction on the mountain.
Akaka Falls State Park, the Big Island
Akaka Falls State Park is home to Akaka Falls, a massive waterfall over 440 feet tall. The hike to the waterfall is brief and easy, making this natural area ideal for families or those looking for a low-exertion destination. The falls have been the site of famous movie shoots, including Jurassic Park.
Iao Valley State Monument, Maui
Iao Valley State Monument is a National Natural Landmark offering awe-inspiring scenery and excellent hiking trails. This 4,000-acre park contains paved trails leading to views of one of Maui’s best-known natural sites: the Iao Needle. The Iao Needle is a 1,200-foot rock formation covered in greenery. Also, the park was the site of a pivotal Hawaiian battle fought in 1790.
Kaneohe Sandbar, Oahu
The Kaneohe Sandbar is a large strip of sand in Kaneohe Bay. This sandbar is most exposed at low tide, offering a pristine environment surrounded by the bay’s turquoise waters. Many visit the Kaneohe Sandbar through charters and tours; at the sandbar, visitors can enjoy the setting by relaxing on the soft sand, wading through the water, snorkeling, or looking for the native wildlife inhabiting the water.
