The 18 Best Places To Visit In Hawaii In 2018

Tucked away in a Hanapepe industrial area, near Port Allen Harbor is Kauai’s Glass Beach, a hidden gem covered with millions of sea glass pebbles in brilliant hues of aqua, blue and brown. The glass found at this beach was mainly created from broken bottles and auto glass that was dumped years ago, and subsequently smoothed by time and ocean tides.

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Located on the western shore of Maui, the beautiful Kahakuloa Bay, is home to an isolated community absolutely incredible scenery, and little else. This is easily one of Hawaii’s most remote towns — as well as one of the most charming. Tucked into a valley, the old fishing village is home to approximately 100 residents, most of whom are direct descendants of the village’s original inhabitants. Most of the village’s residents also work here, and the coastline is populated by modest homes and taro fields.

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Accessible only on foot or by four wheel drive vehicle and located on the northeastern shore of Lanai, Shipwreck Beach — also known as Kaiolohia — not only provides excellent views of the shipwreck in the Kalohi channel, but the beautiful island of Molokai as well. The Kalohi Channel is notorious for its numerous reefs and powerful currents, and because of this, many ships have met their watery demise here in the shallow channel. However, the most famous shipwreck — and the one you can see from shore — isn’t actually a shipwreck at all.

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Dedicated to saving, restoring, and protecting Hawaii’s railway history, the Hawaiian Railway Society is not only the only historic railroad on the island, but the only operating railroad museum in the state as well. The railroad is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Sites, and is a stunning slice of history many people have never visited. Train rides are 90 minutes long round trip, and held Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The 3 p.m. rides both stop at Two Scoops in Kapolei, where riders can purchase ice cream to enjoy on the return trip. What could be better than a train ride and ice cream? It’s a true childhood dream come true!

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From Hawaiian sweetbread to the famous malasada, there’s little better than the baked goods you’ll find in Hawaii — especially if you head to Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Bake Shop. Located on Hawaii Island, halfway between Kailua-Kona and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the small town of Na’alehu, Punalu’u is not only a welcome respite for weary travelers in need of a quick meal or snack, but it is a destination in and of itself. Punalu’u Bake Shop serves up some of the best Ka’u coffee, Hawaiian sweetbread, anpans, several flavors of mouthwatering malasadas, and a variety of bakery treats, ice cream, sandwiches, plate lunches, and fresh salads.

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With fresh and delicious seafood and a picturesque oceanfront location, there is little better than this Paia eatery with breathtaking sunset views that evokes memories of old world Polynesia. This charming converted beach house is full of eclectic and exotic kitschy decor, and is nestled within a picturesque coconut grove and situated on a pristine white sand beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. First opened in 1973, Mama’s Fish House was Maui’s first fresh fish restaurant, and has been serving up mouthwatering surf and turf entrees, creative appetizers, and creative tiki drinks ever since.

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Measuring in at nearly three miles long — and 100 yards wide — Papohaku is not only the largest beach on Molokai but it is easily one of Hawaii’s longest, uninterrupted white sand beaches. Also known as "Three Mile Beach" for obvious reasons, Papohaku is relatively secluded, despite its well-known status. Truthfully, this Molokai beach is probably the closest you will ever get to the deserted tropical island paradise you’ve been dreaming of.

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Nestled at the base of the striking Ko’olau Mountains on Oahu’s Windward Coast is a breathtaking Buddhist temple that will quickly transport you to Japan. This is the Byodo-In Temple, and it is an absolute must-visit for anyone living — or vacationing — in Hawaii. Located within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe, the Byodo-In Temple is a half-size-scale replica of a famous temple in Kyoto, Japan that is more than 950 years old AND a United Nations World Heritage Site. The Hawaii replica was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The striking temple couldn’t be located in a more picturesque setting, and you won’t find a better spot to reflect, relax, and take in Hawaii’s natural beauty and history anywhere else on the island.

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While you’ll find secluded restaurants with killer views throughout the islands, The Coffee Shack will provide you not only with delicious food, secluded surroundings, and panoramic views but also some incredible dining companions. Overlooking 26 miles of stunning coastline on Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast, you’ll want to add this breakfast and lunch joint to your Big Island bucket list as soon as possible. Combine jaw-dropping views, 100 percent Kona coffee, mouth watering food, and the cutest geckos you’ve ever seen and you have The Coffee Shack — one of Hawaii’s best restaurants.

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If you live on Oahu, you undoubtedly see the Ko’olau Mountains on a regular basis, whether you’re watching the clouds roll over the verdant peaks from Honolulu, driving through the mountain on H-3 via the Tetsuo Harano Tunnel, or lounging on Kailua Beach and looking back towards the towering mountains. But how often do we really take a step back and appreciate the beauty of this colossal mountain range? Serving as a backdrop to Oahu’s stunning windward coast, these verdant mountains rise more than 3,000 feet above sea level.

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he Mauna Kea Access Road takes you on an unforgettable — and potentially nerve-wracking — journey to more than 13,700 feet above sea level. It is not only the highest road in the Aloha State, but one of the highest paved roads in the world as well. The eight-mile road to the summit from the visitor’s center requires that you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, and although it can be quite nerve-wracking, the expansive views from above the clouds are well worth the effort it takes to get here.

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Hidden off a side street in the small town of Wahiawa, located in the center of Oahu, is a magical slice of paradise home to a variety of stunning plants and several meandering walking paths perfect for an afternoon stroll. Often considered the "tropical jewel" of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the Wahiawa Botanical Garden is located nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. This area receives an average of 65 inches of rain each year, allowing a variety of tropical flora to flourish.

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The rugged Na Pali Coast is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches, including the gorgeous Honopu Beach, a drop-dead gorgeous slice of paradise nestled between Kalalau Beach and Na Pali’s open-ceiling cave that was recently recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. With striking blue waves crashing against a stretch of fine white sand, Honopu is surrounded on three sides by towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. This landscape almost looks too gorgeous to be real. What’s the catch, you’re thinking? How can somewhere with such unspoiled beauty exist? Due to the valley’s spiritual history and ceremonial grounds, boats — including kayaks — are not allowed to land here, and the only other way to visit this breathtaking beach is to swim… yes, we’re serious.

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Built by King Kamehameha I who ruled the Hawaiian Islands from 1795 to 1819, this old coastal lava rock road circled the Big Island, connected many of the island’s villages, and served as a major traveling route for native Hawaiians. Now, however, the road serves as a popular hiking spot - and is the site of various supernatural stories. Legend says that the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors still use the trail. There are reports of a procession of disembodied flickering torches and the sounds of drumming, chanting and battle cries. These are the Huaka’ipo — also known as the Night Marchers — spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors who have been cursed to march the islands for eternity. The night marchers are said to march in a single line, often carrying torches and weapons while chanting and playing drums.

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In the heart of Oahu’s tourist district and among the hoards of luxury hotels and resorts, stands a picturesque pink landmark you surely won’t miss as you stroll down the famous Waikiki beach. This is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and, at 90 years old, it is still just as legendary — and just as pink – as when it first opened in 1927. With a long history firmly rooted in Hawaii’s rich culture, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is positively magical.

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If you’ve never been camping — let alone know which gear to purchase or borrow for a stress-free camping trip — pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground can seem a little daunting. Luckily, there’s a secluded paradise hiding in Maui that is a "glamping" — you know, glamorous camping — paradise. Though located just six miles southeast of Lahaina, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from it all at Camp Olowalu. Camp Olowalu’s "tentalows" — part bungalow, part tent, all enchanting — are an incredible, cost-effective alternative to the pricey resorts you’ll find across the island.

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Located on Kauai’s north shore just past the luxury resort area of Princeville is the magnificent Hanalei, a tiny little town surrounded by endless natural beauty, from the crystalline turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay to the majestic mountains. With a small one-lane bridge leading into town, and an unusual mix of shopping and dining options, the very small town — approximately 0.8 square miles — is full of old world charm. The town has a population of 450 and is home to stellar views of Kauai’s taro fields, various art galleries, and historic sites, as well as fresh air and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.

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One of the most iconic Hawaiian foods is the mouthwatering malasada, a Portuguese doughnut introduced to the islands by the iconic Leonard’s Bakery. The sweet treat has since become wildly popular throughout the Hawaiian Islands — and everyone in Honolulu has fallen in love with Leonard’s. A crispy golden brown exterior rolled in flavored sugar gives way to a soft and fluffy inside: some malasadas are even filled with custard, haupia or chocolate, and Leonard’s even offer a malasada flavor of the month. In addition to Leonard’s mouthwatering malasadas, they also serve a variety of pastries, cookies, cakes and pies. Their coffee cake and sweet bread is absolutely to-die-for.

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