The 10 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In Hawaii
From unique natural wonders and geological formations carved from lava to one-of-a-kind animal sanctuaries and fascinating historic sites, the Hawaiian Islands, like the rest of the United States, are home to some truly odd places — if you know where to look, that is. These 10 places found across the Aloha State, from Kauai to Hawaii Island, all have two things in common: they’re a little weird and totally worth a visit. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Makauwahi Cave is not only the largest limestone cave in Hawaii but also one of the state’s largest archaeological sites. This relatively unknown archaeological site was formed when the once fossilized sand dune collapsed. After you squeeze through the mouth of the cave, you will be rewarded with stunning views of a spacious open-air amphitheater.
Nestled in the heart of Waikiki near the police station along the bustling Kalakaua Avenue, these fenced-off basalt rocks are hidden in plain sight and said to contain mystical healing powers. Originally placed in four different locations along Waikiki Beach in the 16th century by Oahu chief Kakuhihewa, the stones were believed to contain the "mana," or spiritual power of four great kahunas who arrived from Kahiki — the mythical homeland of the Hawaiian people often believed to be Tahiti.
Located on five acres above Kailua-Kona is Three Ring Ranch, home to various exotic animals — including Zoe, a Golden zebra who is distinguished by gold stripes and blue eyes. She was rescued from Molokai and was the third reported zebra of her kind throughout history when she was born in 1998.
On the outside of this tuff cone is the popular Koko Head Stairs, while on the inside, you will find that extensive plant collections occupy 60 acres of the inner slopes and basin of this 200-acre volcanic crater found on Oahu’s southeastern shore. Flora includes native Hawaiian and African plants, a plumeria grove, dryland palms, and large cactus and succulent garden. The garden focuses heavily on the cultivation of rare and endangered dryland plants and utilizes xeriscape concepts in order to transform this dry landscape into a stunning garden where plants suitable to desert-like conditions can flourish.
A 17-acre park that features a forest of lava trees, the result of a lava flow in 1790 that swept through the forest, leaving behind lava molds of the tree trunks. The park is free to visit and features a 0.7-mile loop path and picnic tables.
Waikapalae Cave, also known as the blue room, is quite simply the stuff of dreams. Legend states that the Maniniholo Dry Cave and the Waikapalae and Wakanaloa Wet Caves were created by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire for her lover, but abandoned them when they filled with water.
This unique sculpture in Honolulu created by world-renowned artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi features a bendy, bumpy ring that drastically changes height as it goes around. Most of the year, it makes a curvy, twisted shadow on the ground, but during the solar phenomenon known as a "Lahaina Noon" where the sun is directly overhead and closest to Hawaii which happens twice a year, the height-changing ring casts a perfect circular shadow on the ground.
These volcanic formations are found on the edge of the Ritz’s golf course. The jagged, gray rocks were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky. This intriguing scenery looks like something out of a science fiction or fantasy novel, does it not?
Found on the outskirts of Wahiawa in the middle of a sugarcane field is an unsuspecting sacred site you could easily drive past if you weren’t aware of its existence. This group of rocks, known as the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones, represent a sacred Hawaiian site that has seen countless royal births over the last several centuries. Recent research has discovered that the stones may have served an astronomical purpose as well — perhaps as a sort of a Pacific Islands henge?
Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold — and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest.
So, how many of these unique places have you been to? Any you’d like to add to your Hawaii bucket list? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
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