The Most Beautiful Place to Visit in Hawaii: A Spectacular Paradise Awaits

Choose the location you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 20, 2023 06:04
Aloha, fellow travelers and Hawaii enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a journey of unparalleled beauty and wonder? Welcome to StrawPoll, where we invite you to dive into the enchanting world of Hawaii's most breathtaking destinations. We've curated an awe-inspiring ranking of "What is the most beautiful place to visit in Hawaii?" and now, it's your turn to make your voice heard! Cast your vote for your favorite slice of paradise, or share your hidden gem by suggesting a missing option. Together, let's unravel the captivating tapestry of Hawaii's natural wonders and celebrate the true essence of Aloha spirit. So, grab your lei, put on your hula skirt, and let the spirit of the islands guide you through this mesmerizing exploration of Hawaii's finest treasures. Mahalo!

What Is the Most Beautiful Place to Visit in Hawaii? (September 2023)

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Haleakalā National Park
    Michael Oswald · Public domain

    Haleakalā National Park

    United States Congress
    This national park is home to the Haleakalā volcano, which offers incredible views of the sunrise and sunset. It also has unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Hawaiian goose.
    Description
    Haleakalā National Park is a stunning natural wonder located on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. The park is named after its towering volcanic crater, Haleakalā, which translates to 'House of the Sun' in Hawaiian folklore. Spanning over 33,000 acres, Haleakalā National Park offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
    • Location: Maui, Hawaii
    • Area: 33,000 acres
    • Elevation: 10,023 feet at the summit
    • Crater Size: 7.5 miles long, 2.5 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep
    • Biodiversity: Over 400 native plant species, many of which are found only within the park
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
    Jmblanco74 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This park has stunning views of the rugged coastline, including sea cliffs and waterfalls. It's also a popular spot for hiking and camping.
    Description
    Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a stunning natural park located on the northwestern side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Its name 'Na Pali' translates to 'The Cliffs' in Hawaiian, which perfectly captures the breathtaking landscape that awaits visitors. This park is known for its rugged and dramatic coastline, consisting of towering cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
    • Location: Kauai, Hawaii
    • Size: 6,175 acres
    • Elevation: Up to 4,000 feet
    • Trailhead Access: Kalalau Trail, Ke'e Beach, or the Nualolo Cliff Trail
    • Camping: Allowed with a permit
  3. 3
    5
    votes
    Waimea Canyon State Park
    Aaronbernstein · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this park has incredible views of the canyon's red and orange walls. It's also home to several hiking trails.
    Description
    Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The park spans over 6,000 acres and features stunning panoramic views, vibrant red cliffs, lush green vegetation, and picturesque waterfalls. It is often considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
    • Location: Island of Kauai, Hawaii
    • Size: 6,000 acres
    • Nickname: Grand Canyon of the Pacific
    • Views: Panoramic views of vibrant red cliffs
    • Vegetation: Lush green vegetation
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Hanauma Bay
    ErgoSum88 · Public domain
    This snorkeling spot is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. It's a great place to observe the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world.
    Description
    Hanauma Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful beach located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is a famous natural bay that is renowned for its crystal-clear azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The bay is sheltered by volcanic crater walls, creating a serene and picturesque setting for beach-goers and snorkelers.
    • Location: Oahu, Hawaii
    • Water Clarity: Crystal-clear
    • Reef: Vibrant and thriving
    • Marine Life: Diverse and abundant
    • Setting: Sheltered by volcanic crater walls
    Hanauma Bay in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    This active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is a must-see for visitors. It offers incredible views of the lava flows and steam vents.
    Description
    Kīlauea Volcano is an active shield volcano located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is considered one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing natural wonders in Hawaii. The volcano is renowned for its continuous eruptive activity, which has shaped the landscape over the years and created striking features.
    • Location: Big Island, Hawaii
    • Type: Shield volcano
    • Activity: Continuous eruptive activity
    • Elevation: 4,091 feet (1,247 meters)
    • Caldera Diameter: 2.5 miles (4 km)
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    This scenic drive takes visitors through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along the rugged coastline. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of Maui.
    Description
    Maui's Road to Hana is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds along the northeastern coast of the island. It is a world-famous route known for its natural beauty, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The road stretches for about 64 miles and takes travelers through a variety of landscapes, from bamboo forests to colorful floral gardens.
    • Distance: Approximately 64 miles
    • Location: Northeastern coast of Maui
    • Highlights: Waterfalls, rainforests, coastal cliffs
    • Scenic Views: Breathtaking ocean vistas, lush landscapes
    • Landmarks: Twin Falls, Seven Sacred Pools
    Maui's Road to Hana in other rankings
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Papakōlea Beach
    Aren Elliott · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This unique beach on the Big Island features green sand, which is made from a mineral called olivine. It's a stunning sight and a great place to relax by the ocean.
    Description
    Papakōlea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach, is a mesmerizing natural wonder located on the southern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is renowned for its unique green sand, which gives the beach its distinctive appearance. The beach is nestled within a cove formed by an eroded volcanic cone, creating a picturesque and secluded destination for visitors.
    • Location: Southern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii
    • Breathtaking Color: The sand on the beach has a distinct green hue, created by the presence of the mineral olivine.
    • Volcanic Origin: Papakōlea Beach is located within a cinder cone, known as Pu'u Mahana, which was formed by volcanic activity.
    • Secluded Setting: The beach is somewhat remote and requires a hike to reach, providing visitors with a serene and uncrowded experience.
    • Rare Phenomenon: Green sand beaches are extremely rare, with only a few existing in the world.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This double waterfall on Kauai is a popular spot for photos and a great place to cool off in the refreshing pool below.
    Description
    Kauai's Wailua Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located in the Wailua River State Park in the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is one of the most iconic and beautiful attractions on the island, attracting numerous visitors from around the world each year. Standing at an impressive height of 80 feet, the waterfall cascades down a lush green cliff into a natural pool below, surrounded by tropical foliage and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Location: Wailua River State Park, Kauai, Hawaii
    • Height: 80 feet
    • Water Source: Wailua River
    • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with a short walk from the parking area
    • Surrounding Vegetation: Lush tropical foliage and vibrant greenery
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Lanikai Beach
    Hakilon · CC BY 3.0
    This picturesque beach on Oahu is known for its turquoise waters and soft white sand. It's a great place to swim, kayak, or just relax in the sun.
    Description
    Lanikai Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful beach located in Kailua on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Renowned for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Lanikai Beach is often regarded as one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. The beach stretches for about half a mile and is framed by lush greenery and towering coconut palms, creating a truly idyllic tropical paradise.
    • Location: Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
    • Sand Color: White
    • Water Color: Turquoise
    • Beach Length: 0.5 miles
    • Surrounding Vegetation: Lush greenery
    Lanikai Beach in other rankings
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    Molokini Crater

    Volcanic activity
    This crescent-shaped island off the coast of Maui is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. It's home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and coral.
    Description
    Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater located off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and pristine marine environments in the world. The partially submerged crater is home to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem and offers an exceptional snorkeling and diving experience.
    • Location: Off the coast of Maui, Hawaii
    • Shape: Crescent-shaped
    • Origin: Volcanic activity
    • Significance: One of the most beautiful and pristine marine environments
    • Marine Life: Abundant marine species including tropical fish, corals, and sea turtles
    Molokini Crater in other rankings

Missing your favorite location?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful place

  1. Natural Beauty - The landscape, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and overall scenery of the area should be visually captivating and picturesque.
  2. Climate and Weather - Consider choosing an area with a pleasant climate and weather conditions, allowing for outdoor activities and exploration all year round.
  3. Cultural and Historical Significance - The presence of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique Hawaiian traditions or celebrations give a sense of the local history and enhance the overall experience.
  4. Activities and Attractions - A variety of activities and places to explore, including hiking trails, snorkeling spots, or local markets, will keep visitors engaged and entertained in the area.
  5. Accessibility - The ease of getting to and around the location, including available transportation options and infrastructure, can impact the overall appeal and accessibility of a place for tourists.
  6. Accommodation Options - Availability of various types, ranges, and styles of accommodations that cater to different budgets, preferences, and needs can factor into the overall appeal of the place.
  7. Safety and Security - Areas with low crime rates and accessible emergency services provide a sense of safety and comfort to visitors.
  8. Environmental Sustainability - Places that prioritize conservation and maintain pristine natural beauty without contributing to environmental degradation are increasingly valued by tourists.
  9. Local Cuisine and Dining Options - Experiencing local Hawaiian flavors and dishes can enhance the experience and create lasting memories.
  10. Crowds and Visitor Density - Locations that offer a more exclusive, less crowded, and off-the-beaten-path vibe can be more appealing to some visitors than well-trodden tourist spots.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful place to visit in Hawaii. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite location is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1716 views
  • 168 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each location once every 24 hours. The rank of each location is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.



More information on most beautiful place to visit in hawaii

Hawaii, an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse culture. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes, it's no wonder that Hawaii is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. From the bustling city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, to the laid-back vibe of Maui, to the rugged and remote beauty of Kauai, Hawaii offers something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore some of the most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii, as voted by our community of poll-takers on StrawPoll. So sit back, relax, and let's take a virtual tour of the Aloha State!