Hawaii is one destination that has something to offer all year round. With plenty of islands endowed with lush forests, tough hiking trails, and beautiful beaches, a vacation here is sure to be satisfying and unforgettable. While many people in the state often set their travel radar on Maui, there are other destinations around the state that are just as adventurous and beautiful as Maui. Without further ado, here are alternative destinations in Hawaii that will have you ditching Maui for now.
10 North Shore, Oahu
Oahu’s North Shore is a coastal stretch that features an abundance of things to see and do. Here, one can engage in adventures from snorkeling with sharks and skydiving to surfing the roaring waves or just camping on the beach, eating, drinking, and enjoying the breath of fresh air. The rugged landscape of the area also makes it suitable for amazing hiking.
9 South Shore, Kauai
Kauai’s South Shore is lined up with spectacular beaches, wonderful food, and a nice array of different vacation rentals and resorts. This part of Kauai particularly comes alive during the winter as it also welcomes friendly dolphins and Humpback Whales. The beaches here are great for relaxing, surfing, and camping. Visitors here can drive through the tunnel of tall green trees and explore towns like Old Kōloa town, Kalāheo, and Ōmaʻo, where there are several resorts, shops, boutiques, golf courses, and several pretty beaches also.
8 Windward Coast Oahu (Oahu’s East Shore), Oahu
Just a thirty-minute drive from Waikiki and Honolulu, this mesmerizing natural beauty promises visitors a wonderful vacation. It comes with a quiet atmosphere and features jagged green peaks, nice laid-back towns, and stunning beaches. Visitors here can relax at Kailua beach park or enjoy a spiritual experience at the Valley of Temples. Opportunities for hiking are available at Windward Coast, and the area also features several restaurants, shops, and hotels.
7 Pala’au State Park, Molokai
Situated on the north shore of Molokai - Hawaii’s least visited island, this renowned park is one of the most adventurous destinations in Hawaii. Hiking is the signature activity here, and hikers will have lots of trails, many of which lead to roaring waterfalls, sea cliffs, and dense jungles. Besides hiking, this park also offers camping, and it has amazing views of the historic Kalaupapa.
6 Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu is the perfect destination for those seeking a city atmosphere combined with exciting natural attractions. This city is endowed with sparkling beaches encircled by lined up with lush palms and classic hotels. The city features a bustling nightlife and cultural festivals, and visitors also have attractions like the Hanauma bay, Ala Moana Center, Bishop Museum, and so many other interesting attractions to see in this city.
5 Hilo, Island Of Hawaii
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a town that’s home to rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Visitors here will enjoy exploring the interesting Tsunami Museum, where there will be education and awareness on Tsunamis. At the town’s beaches, one can swim, snorkel or simply watch the sea turtles. Opportunities for hiking and skydiving are also offered in Hilo, and one can also enjoy some cave exploration at the Kaumana Caves.
4 Kailua, Oahu
Located Northeast of Honolulu, Kailua is a town of lovely sandy beaches and great restaurants that are always ready to give visitors memorable experiences. It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Here one can enjoy relaxation and some water activities at Kailua Beach Park or head over to Lyman Museum to explore the area’s history. For more adventures, visitors can shop at the Kailua Farmers Market, taste some delicious food at one of the restaurants, or hit the trails for some hiking adventure.
3 Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai
There are plenty of exciting destinations that make Kauai a great alternative to Maui, and Waimea Canyon State Park is one of them. Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this 14-mile natural creation offers the stage for a wide range of adventures, from hiking to fishing. It has waterfalls, stunning overlooks, and a scenic drive that take visitors through all the natural scenery.
2 Akaka Falls State Park, The Big Island
The Big Island is a great alternative to Maui as it offers lots of exciting attractions to enjoy. One such attraction is Akaka Falls State Park. Situated just northeast of the Hilo coast, this park offers visitors the opportunity to hike and see two mesmerizing waterfalls. Perfect for those seeking to unwind, this adventure takes visitors through a lush path surrounded on both sides by trees and beautiful leaves.
1 Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai
Napali Coast State Wilderness is one more reason Kauai is a perfect alternative to Maui. The wilderness area is characterized by towering cliffs, adventurous hiking trails, picturesque beaches, and roaring waterfalls. Some of the world’s most exciting adventures are found here. To begin, the world-famous Kalalau Trail is located here. While hiking this trail, one will come across streams, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and an amazing view of the coast. Camping, snorkeling, museum exploration, and boat cruising are some more things one can do here.