Explore this map, I made as the ultimate Hawaii guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information.
I see all my Guide Maps as perpetual works in progress and will do my best to add to and update them as my knowledge expands.
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Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.
Less than a block from Kuhio Beach Park, this sprawling resort with 2 high-rise towers is a 9-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo and 3 miles from Diamond Head State Monument.
High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. Honolulu Zoo is home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, while parrotfish and urchins inhabit Waikiki Aquarium’s reef exhibit.
Set in a lush valley, Mānoa is a largely residential area, with hiking paths like the rocky rainforest trail to Mānoa Falls. Lyon Arboretum has a huge palm tree collection and colorful bromeliad plants, while Manoa Heritage Center offers tours of its native garden. Mānoa Marketplace hosts a twice-weekly farmers’ market selling tropical fruit and crafts. The area is also home to the University of Hawaii’s main campus.
Hawaii Kai is a residential area that's also home to Hanauma Bay State Park, a popular snorkeling spot with colorful fish and coral. Bodysurfers head to Makapu’u Beach and Sandy Beach, while Sea Life Park offers the chance to swim with dolphins. On the Koko Crater Trail, steep steps lead to a peak with sweeping sea views. Within the crater, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden shelters rare desert plants.
1.8 mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of 452 feet.
Oahu's most well known and highly trafficked hike hasn't become so popular for no good reason. One of Oahu's few hikes I consider an option for families and those who might only hike on occasion. There is still a good amount of elevation gain to this hike as you will begin inside the crater and hike up to its highest peak for a spectacular view of Honolulu and the ocean. There are stairs and tunnels on this hike as Diamond Head used to an army base and the trail was how servicemen accessed the pillbox look outs at the top. The Hawaiian place name for Diamond Head is Lē'ahi, which means tuna fin. You may notice when looking at Diamond Head from Waikiki that it does indeed look like a fish's fin surfacing from the water. One thing to make sure of is reserving your visit before hand on their website if you are a visitor as you will not be able to enter the monument otherwise. Parking costs $10 per car and entry is $5 per person.
1.7 mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of 633 feet.
Mānoa Falls is probably Oahu's second best known trail and is a favorite for a reason. The falls at the end is great but this hike's true high point might be the amazing rainforest which you hike through to get to the falls. Wonder at the giant albizia's and mysterious banyans and you take in the fragrant air. The trail is mostly at a gentle slope if there hasn't been too much trail erosion from the rain. I think this is a good family friendly hike, just be sure to bring lots of water and be prepared to carry tired small children. I have seen some families attempting to bring strollers on the trail and I'll just say that, it's a mistake. The beginning of the trail may give the impression that a stroller can make it, but I assure you it is ill advised. There are not stairs exactly but at some parts there are large steps and the trail can be narrow at parts. Also to be expected is a crowd, this hike is quite popular and no one will appreciate having to scorch around your stroller. There is plenty of cover on this trail but still, don't skip the sunscreen and the bug repellent is a must. If there has been recent rain this trail can be real muddy, but the trade off is a more full waterfall. At the end there is a viewing area for the falls and signs all around warning to not cross the barrier. You will probably see many others ignoring the warnings of falling rocks, so just know you are taking your own life, and the lives of any children with you, in your hands if you choose to ignore the warnings. Another thing to know is that parking at the trail head costs $5 per car.
Kailua is a town on the east coast of the island of Oahu, in Hawaii. Long stretches of sand on Kailua Bay include Kailua Beach Park, a water sports hub, and Kalama Beach Park, with its gentle waves. Quiet Lanikai Beach overlooks the tiny, bird-rich Mokulua Islands. High above the beach, the Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Ka’iwa Ridge Trail) leads to old military bunkers. The weekly Kailua Farmers' Market sells local produce.
1 mile out-and-back but with an elevation gain of 406 feet.
This iconic hike is great for those without mobility issues. Make no mistake you will need good knees and ankles to make it up to the pillboxes. Parking can be difficult around the trailhead and Bluestone, a residence, will tow your car if you park in front of them. I recommend not parking at all on Kaelepulu Dr and instead finding a spot on a side street. If there is no parking in the Lanikai neighborhood then you can try for parking at Kailua beach and consider the walk to the trail head just an extension of your hike.
If you are up to turning your adventure up a notch and have head lamps then I really recommend hiking up for the sunrise. Just be sure to be respectful of residents and move quietly through the neighborhood during those early hours.
Also the pillboxes have been recently reinforced so they are much safer to climb on and get that bucket list photo.
Kaneohe or Kāneʻohe is a census-designated place included in the City and County of Honolulu and in Hawaiʻi state District of Koʻolaupoko on the island of Oʻahu. In the Hawaiian language, kāne ʻohe means "bamboo man"
Casual, long-running American eatery with outdoor seating & live music, plus ocean & mountain views.
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Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai is a residential area that's also home to Hanauma Bay State Park, a popular snorkeling spot with colorful fish and coral. Bodysurfers head to Makapu’u Beach and Sandy Beach, while Sea Life Park offers the chance to swim with dolphins. On the Koko Crater Trail, steep steps lead to a peak with sweeping sea views. Within the crater, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden shelters rare desert plants.
1.6 mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of 679 feet.
The Pink Pillbox hike is very similar to its much more famous cousin Lanikai Pillbox but I've ranked it as slightly harder as it is a little longer. The trail condition is a bit better than Lanikai Pillbox though as it is less trafficked. This hike is also a bit of a drive out from Waikiki, it is 32 miles away or about 50 minutes without traffic. I do still very much recommend the hike as it will give you a chance to check out the West Side of the island and the pink pillbox, a breast cancer tribute, makes for great pictures. As the Pink Pillbox hike is on the West side of the island the summit makes for a great place to catch the sunset. I do recommend headlamps and caution when hiking in the dark. Another piece of advise is to not leave any valuables is your car at this trailhead because it is a known spot for car break-ins.
Towering, dormant volcano with a small lake & a 6-mile trail to the summit & its observatories.
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Hilo
Hilo is a town on Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, in the state of Hawaii. It’s known for Wailuku River State Park, featuring Waianuenue, or Rainbow Falls, with its colorful mist effects. The bubbling basalt-lava rock pools known as the Boiling Pots are nearby. To the south is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to rainforests and the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
Walk-up eatery serving 30 loco moco varieties, plus pupu platters, burgers & other island classics.
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Volcano
Volcano or Volcano Village is a census-designated place in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States located in the District of Puna with a small portion of the CDP in the District of Kaʻū.
Scenic lookout with striking views & access to a steep path leading to a black sand beach.
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Kona
Kailua-Kona is a town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church. On Kailua Bay, reconstructed thatched houses at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark mark King Kamehameha I’s residence. Colorful coral lies off Kamakahonu Beach. Kailua Pier has boat moorings.
Campsites are offered at this scenic, sandy beach featuring shade trees & a tranquil atmosphere.
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Kaanapali
Kaanapali is a planned resort community in Maui County, Hawaii, United States, on the island of Maui located in the Old Hawaii ahupuaa of Hanakaʻōʻō, as in the same name of the southern end of Kaanapali Beach's Hanakaʻōʻō Canoe Beach.
Pā'ia is a census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaii, United States, on the northern coast of the island of Maui. The population was 2,470 at the 2020 census. Pā'ia is home to several restaurants, art galleries, surf shops and other tourist-oriented businesses.
Sushi burritos, maki rolls & poke bowls from local fish are served from a walk-up window.
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Kapa'a
Kapaʻa, also spelled Kapaa, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Kauaʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. It is the most populous town in the island of Kauai, with a population of 11,652 as of the 2020 census, up from 9,471 at the 2000 census. Kapaʻa is a Hawaiian word meaning "the solid one"
Breezy eatery offering bowls, fish tacos & burritos in a pared-back space, plus outdoor dining.
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Hanalei
Hanalei is a small town on the north shore of Kauai, in Hawaii. Its crescent-shaped beach on Hanalei Bay features the Pine Trees surf area at Waioli Beach Park. Forested hills back nearby Lumahai Beach, a location in the movie “South Pacific.” East of town, the Hanalei Valley Lookout offers views of mountains and taro fields. Within the valley, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for rare water birds.
Colorful, energetic coffee shop turning out seafood, local dishes & other comfort fare.
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Lihue
Lihue is an unincorporated community, census-designated place and the county seat of Kauai County, Hawaii, United States. Lihue is the second-largest town on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, following Kapaʻa.
Picturesque crescent of sand with a protected cove for swimming, backed by an upscale resort. Surf Lessons with Kauai Beach Boys offered here, book with GetYourGuide.
Hanapepe or Hanapēpē is a historic, unincorporated community in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States. The name means "crushed bay" in Hawaiian, which may refer to landslides in the area.
Embark on an epic adventure along the majestic Na Pali Coast. Explore waterfalls, lush valleys, and sea caves before heading across the channel to snorkel off the Forbidden Isle of Niihau at Lehua Crater. Breakfast, lunch, and drinks are included.
Set sail along the majestic Napali Coast for an evening on the water. Relax as the sinking sun casts the cliffs of Napali in spectacular golden light. Enjoy dinner and glass of champagne, while experiencing the breathtaking views.