Discover Hawaii: Volcanic Landscapes, Coastline and Culture

Hawaii offers a wide variety of travel experiences: hikes through volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, coastal wildlife watching and historic sites. If you’re looking for hotels in Hawaii, it’s worth deciding first which destinations you want to prioritize on your trip. Hiking, nature watching and culture each bring a different focus to your planning.

Volcanic Landscapes and Hiking Trails

More than 850 plant species grow in Haleakalā National Park, including more than 300 endemic species. The Summit District provides habitat for rare and endemic species; you can also hike through a cinder desert landscape and other ecosystems there. Trails and weather conditions vary considerably with elevation. Advance reservations are required to watch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. Check the reservation procedures before your trip.

The Kīlauea Iki hike leads through lush rainforest to a solidified lava lake on the crater floor. From the viewpoint, the loop trail is 3.3 miles long and takes approximately two to three hours. Check trail conditions and parking availability before your hike. A different option is the self-guided tour of the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua: the 0.5-mile route includes an audio guide and is considerably shorter than the Kīlauea Iki hike.

Chain of Craters Road is an exceptionally scenic and spectacular drive. Along the coastal section of the road are trails, settlement sites, heiau, petroglyphs and agricultural structures. Together, they bear witness to centuries of human use. As road conditions and closures can change in an active volcanic park, check the situation in advance.

Waterfalls and Coastal Wildlife

At ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a 0.4-mile loop trail leads to viewpoints of ʻAkaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. ʻAkaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Check trail conditions and the park’s operating status before your visit.

ʻAimakapā Fishpond provides habitat for endangered Hawaiian stilts and Hawaiian coots. At Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, you can watch sea turtles and shorebirds along the coast; Hawaiian monk seals are occasionally seen. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Observe wildlife respectfully.

Hawaiʻi Island is known for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; Kīlauea is the island’s youngest part. Visitor activities on Hawaiʻi Island also include night snorkeling with manta rays. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is a gateway to the island. As flight connections can change, check your current itinerary before your trip.

Historic Sites and Hawaiian Culture

Puʻukoholā Heiau was built by Kamehameha the Great in 1790–1791. ʻIolani Palace was built by King Kalākaua in 1882. Until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, the palace was the official royal residence and the center of political and social life in the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. Hale o Keawe is a heiau and royal mausoleum with carved wooden figures.

The USS Arizona Memorial program is free, but tickets are required. During the memorial program, a U.S. Navy-provided boat takes visitors to the memorial. The museums and outdoor grounds of Pearl Harbor National Memorial are also free. Check the current visitor guidelines before your trip.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, canoe rides travel the full length of the lagoon. The Aliʻi Lūʻau includes a traditional Hawaiian feast featuring kalua pork. Menus and schedules may change; check the details for your visit.

Practical Visit Planning

Advance reservations are generally required for admission to Hāʻena State Park. Exceptions apply to Hawaiʻi residents and people with valid camping permits for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Check the current reservation policy before your visit. It’s also worth keeping the stated requirements for other destinations in mind: advance reservations are required for sunrise at Haleakalā, while trail conditions and, where applicable, parking are part of planning your hikes.

When choosing your destinations, you can decide based on the experience that matters to you: a hike with a stated duration, a shorter self-guided tour, a waterfall trail, coastal wildlife watching or a historic site. Plan your hotel stay around the specific destinations you want to visit, and check current details for time-sensitive offerings.

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