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- 14 Of The Most Beautiful Cities In Hawaii
Travelers bound for a Hawaiian Islands vacation can choose to settle in on one island or book a multi-island journey to experience all that the tropical destination has to offer. From spectacular waterfalls to white sand beaches, black sand beaches, coastal cliffs, and lush plantations, Hawaii’s natural attractions offer something for everyone.
Check out this list of the most beautiful cities in Hawaii, which are worth visiting for their incredible natural splendor and a variety of fun activities.
UPDATE: 2023/05/21 17:00 EST BY REENA JAIN
14 Of The Most Beautiful Cities In Hawaii
Hawaii has an abundance of natural wonders and tourist attractions that will astound even the most seasoned traveler located in stunning cities that should not be missed. This list has been updated with more of the prettiest cities in Hawaii, along with photos and significant value adds to help visitors decide their upcoming vacation destinations.
14 Hilo, Big Island
Located on the Big Island's eastern coast, Hilo perfectly reflects the spirit of Hawaii with its stunning coastline, lush forests, and an ideal combination of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Its tropical landscape and numerous natural attractions, including Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park, and Liliuokalani Gardens, offer visitors a true nature retreat away from the city's bustle. With impressive historic architecture, antique shops, and a bustling farmer's market offering fresh local produce, the downtown area is another major draw for visitors.
- Best Time To Visit Hilo: December to April
- Things To Do In Hilo: Admire the beauty of the Rainbow Falls, take a helicopter ride, explore the Liliuokalani Gardens, enjoy surfing, tour the Pacific Tsunami Museum
13 Paia, Maui
Paia is known for its unrivaled natural beauty of stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. The town exudes a laid-back, bohemian vibe that draws artists, surfers, and nature lovers. While the downtown area has a wide selection of boutique stores, art galleries, and distinctive dining options, Ho'okipa Beach offers world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding. From exploring the scenic Road to Hana and witnessing a breathtaking sunset at Baldwin Beach Park to enjoying the local farm-to-table dishes, every experience in this Maui town is truly unforgettable.
- Best Time To Visit Paia: April through May and September through November
- Things To Do In Paia: Enjoy windsurfing, surfing, boating, and other water sports, visit the Ho’okipa Beach Park, explore the Paia Contemporary Gallery, and check out the Paia Bay Coffee & Bar
12 Hana, Maui
Nestled along the popular Road to Hana, this beautiful town is surrounded by verdant rainforests, lovely beaches, and gorgeous waterfalls, ranking it among the best cities in Hawaii to visit and spend a few days in. Its remote location, unspoiled natural beauty, and low development have all helped in retaining its authentic Hawaiian appeal. Visitors will enjoy learning about the local culture, spending time on the red sand beach, exploring the Wai'anapanapa State Park, one of the best places to visit on the Hana Highway. Its unspoiled natural beauty and secluded charm draws nature lovers as well as travelers looking for a serene and peaceful escape.
- Best Time To Visit Hana: Late March to late October
- Things To Do In Hana: Enjoy a helicopter ride, explore the Wai’anapanapa State Park, visit the Hana Bay Beach Park, go on a hiking tour, tour the Kahanu Garden
11 Waialua, Oahu
Waialua on Oahu's North Shore is brimming with spectacular natural scenery, a long history, and a laid-back island vibe, making it one of the most fascinating cities to visit in Hawaii. Its pristine beaches and crystalline turquoise waters provide the perfect setting for surfing and sunbathing, while lush landscapes, rolling hills, and imposing mountains create a picturesque backdrop. With historic architecture, verdant farms, and a distinct culinary scene, it has a unique appeal, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the laid-back culture as well as the beauty and essence of Hawaii.
- Best Time To Visit Waialua: May to November
- Things To Do In Waialua: Learn surfing, tour the Waialua Sugar Mill, enjoy horseback ride, have fun at the Mokuleia Beach Park, explore the Dillingham Ranch
10 Kailua, Oahu
Just a 15-minute drive from Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Kailua is best known for its incredibly powdery white sand beach that’s been ranked among the best in the world. Its 2-mile stretch of beach is a top destination for swimming, kayaking, and body boarding, plus windsurfing, thanks to its steady tradewinds. Wildlife thrives in the town’s 800-acre Kawai Nui Marsh, the largest wetland in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Best Time To Visit Kailua: January to May
- Things To Do In Kailua: Explore the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, have fun at the Lanikai Beach, take a kayaking tour, visit the Kailua Beach Park, learn surfing
9 Honolulu, Oahu
Those planning to visit Honolulu, the gateway to the islands, should know that it is the busiest and most crowded Hawaii cities, but that’s just because its attractions and natural wonders are so spectacular. And, it’s home to the Hawaiian Islands’ main airport and has a slew of hotels and resorts. Stunning Waikiki Beach with the volcanic crater Diamond Head — one of Honolulu’s best views — as the backdrop makes the city’s coastline among the most scenic in the world. While there are lots of unforgettable things to do on Oahu, water sports enthusiasts can indulge in many water-based adventures at Waikiki.
- Best Time To Visit Honolulu: September to November
- Things To Do In Honolulu: Snorkeling, sunset dinner cruise, explore the Waikiki Aquarium, visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Iolani Palace
8 Kane'ohe, Oahu
Kane'ohe and Kane’ohe Bay are among the most photographed places on Oahu, particularly the Kane’ohe Sandbar, where low tide access enables visitors and locals to gather for parties, barbecues, snorkel excursions, and more. Other gorgeous places include the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, featuring 400 lush acres, and the Byody-In Temple, at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Visitors can view a large Buddha statue at the temple, which is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple located in Uji, Japan.
- Best Time To Visit Kane'ohe: January to May
- Things To Do In Kane'ohe: Kayaking, helicopter ride, visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, explore the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, and tour the Kualoa Ranch
7 Makaha, Oahu
Travelers who like to watch big waves will want to visit Makaha, a small town located on Oahu’s west coast. Its claim to fame is its surfing beach, and some major surf events take place in the town, such as the Town and Country Pro, the Buffalo's Big Board Classic, and the Rell Sunn's Menehune Surfing Championships. Wave heights can reach over 30 feet at the so-called Makaha Bowl. Those who don’t care to surf can find plenty of room for sunbathing at this wide stretch of beach.
- Best Time To Visit Makaha: April to June and September to November
- Things To Do In Makaha: Take a surfing lesson, explore the Makaha Beach Park, enjoy snorkeling, tour the Hawaiian Railway Society, and spend some time in the Pokai Bay Beach Park
6 Ka'anapali, Maui
Ka'anapali is in the western part of Maui and is celebrated for its beautiful Ka'anapali Beach, volcanic rock formations, and great snorkeling. Several upscale hotels lure tourists, such as the Sheraton Maui Resort, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, and the Westin Ka'anapali. After swimming and sunbathing, visitors can check out other attractions, including the Sugar Cane Train, which travels from Ka'anapali to nearby Lahaina, its lush farms, and the Whalers Village shopping center, offering lots of shops and restaurants.
- Best Time To Visit Ka'anapali: April to May and September to November
- Things To Do In Ka'anapali: Have fun on the Ka’anapali Beach, explore the Whalers Village Museum, go on a sunset dinner cruise or a snorkeling tour, visit the Black Rock Beach
5 Kihei, Maui
On the south shore of Maui visitors find Kihei, with long stretches of sandy beaches and lots of hotels and eateries. The town is home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and its waters are ideal for whale-watching excursions. Charter boating and rafting trips are popular activities in this lively area, which is one of the island’s most populated towns.
- Best Time To Visit Kihei: December to April
- Things To Do In Kihei: Spend some time in Kamaole Beach Park, explore the Maui Brewing Company, go on a snorkeling tour, learn surfing, explore the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
4 Lahaina, Maui
Lahaina is the biggest town in west Maui, and used to be the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom and the seat of power of the Kamehameha dynasty. It’s also a former whaling port, but today it attracts tourists to its scenic shores and its Front Street commercial area, loaded with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and considered one of the top 10 streets to visit. Visitors also can see the famous banyan tree, planted in 1873 in what is now Banyan Tree Park.
- Best Time To Visit Lahaina: April to May and September to November
- Things To Do In Lahaina: Explore the Lahaina Banyan Court Park, check out Front Street, visit the Baldwin Home Museum, tour the Maui Ocean Center, enjoy a whale watching tour
3 Honomu, Big Island
On the Big Island of Hawaii, Honomu's main attraction and arguably its most beautiful spot is Akaka Falls, a 422-foot waterfall in Akaka Falls State Park. Viewing the falls is considered one of the best things to do on the Big Island. The park also features Kahuna Falls, and self-guided trails that take travelers into lush tropical vegetation to scenic overlooks. The town is not a big commercial area but does have some art galleries, stores, and dining venues. Tourists will come upon two large banyan trees near the Akaka Falls.
- Best Time To Visit Honomu: December to April
- Things To Do In Honomu: Visit Akaka Falls State Park, Nanue falls, Kolekole Beach Park, Umauma Falls, Honoli’i Beach Park
2 Kealakekua, Big Island
The historic town of Kealakekua, on the Big Island, is said to be the landing spot of Captain Cook, who arrived in Kealakekua Bay in 1779 and died there soon after. It’s known for its gorgeous 600-foot-high Pali Kapu o Keoua sea cliffs, and viewing the cliffs is considered one of the best things to do on the island. The town also has a Marine Life Conservation District, where visitors can see dolphins, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
- Best Time To Visit Kealakekua: November to March
- Things To Do In Kealakekua: Visit Donkey Balls Factory and Store, explore beachfront, enjoy seafood, explore Kona Historical Society Museum, enjoy snorkeling and water activities
1 Wailua, Kauai
Wailua, located on the island of Kauai's east shore, is a major tourist destination on the small island. Travelers visit to see the Wailua River and Fern Grotto, and two spectacular waterfalls in the Wailua River State Park – Wailua Falls and Opaeka'a Falls. The town also has great beaches, and the region is known as Coconut Coast, for its abundance of coconut trees.
- Best Time To Visit Wailua: April to June and September to November
- Things To Do In Wailua: Hiking to the Wailua Falls, exploring the Wailua River State Park, Kayaking across the Wailua River, enjoying Stand Up Paddleboarding, visiting the ancient Hawaiian village of Kamokila