Each of Hawaii’s eight main islands — as well as the countless islets and atolls we’ve never visited — is home to unsurpassed natural beauty around every corner. And while we love the lookouts at the summits of Mauna Kea, Haleakala, and Diamond Head, there is one overlook on the island of Kauai with phenomenal views everyone needs to visit at least once. We’ll give you a hint: it’s not the Waimea Canyon or Kalalau Valley lookouts.

If you guessed that we’re taking you to the Hanalei Valley Lookout today, you’d be correct! Nestled within the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, this lookout point might just be one of the best views you’ll find in all of Hawaii.
Mark Goebel/Flickr
With panoramic views of Hanalei River and expansive taro fields flanked on either side by towering, emerald-green mountains full of cascading waterfalls, the Hanalei Valley Lookout is almost too beautiful for words.
J Brew/Flickr
The fertile soil of the Hanalei Valley has been planted with taro as far back as 700 AD, and while we find the history fascinating, it's the vista you'll find here that will truly wow you.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Wikipedia
The serenity found within the iconic, 900-acre Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is unparalleled, and you’ll quickly get lost in the moment. There is truly no better destination on Kauai for a relaxing picnic.
Jasperdo/Flickr

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Don’t forget your camera: amateur and professional photographers alike love shooting the scenery found within the lush Hanalei Valley, and really, can you blame them? This might be the prettiest Hawaii view we've ever witnessed.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Depending on the weather and time of day when you visit, the view can look entirely different, and you’ll want to soak up the views at this picturesque spot as often as possible.
Terry Straehley/Flickr
While you will find interpretive panels at the lookout, this dreamy destination has a bright future: a new overlook and visitors center is planned near the existing rudimentary outlook.
iddiride/Flickr
This postcard-perfect spot found off of Highway 56/560 proves that it’s not always about the ocean views — even in a state surrounded on all sides by the vast Pacific.
Lauri Sten/Flickr

The Hanalei Valley Lookout is located off of the Kuhio Highway across from the Princeville Shopping Center on the island of Kauai. Click here to find exact directions. Have you ever visited this vista? Share your experience and thoughts with us in the comments below, and join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more of Hawaii’s best natural scenes.

For another phenomenal Hawaiian vista that’s both overlooked and easy to reach, head to Oahu’s Lanai Lookout.

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