7 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Hawaii – The Islands of Hawaii
The Islands of Hawaii are full of enchanting natural wonders – so many, in fact, that there are countless places you likely have never heard of before. From majestic caves and hidden beaches to spellbinding geological formations and ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, here are 7 of the most beautiful places in the Islands of Hawaii.
In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the snow goddess Poli‘ahu. In ancient times, the summit was considered the realm of the gods and was forbidden to all except the highest chiefs and priests. Today, astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its summit and the Hawaiian people go to it in search of ancient spiritual connections. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawaii.
Deserted black sand beach, Ke-awa-iki Beach is enchanting, rarely visited, and offers extraordinary snorkeling. Near the beach, in the middle of the a’a lava flows, are the stunning Ke-awa-iki Golden Ponds; a unique ecosystem of golden algae in freshwater ponds.
Akaka Falls is a breathtaking 420ft waterfall and is undoubtedly one of the most captivating waterfalls on the Big Island. The most fascinating part of the falls? The goby fish, called “o’opu alamao’o”, literally climb up the wet rocks behind the falls to reach their spawning grounds.
A fern draped opening into the earth, that enchants us to explore what was once the domain of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, a place of fire and molten rock, now a cool, dripping passage beneath the earth.
Papakolea Beach is a green sand beach at Mahana Bay and is truly magical with breathtaking scenery and wide-open vistas. It’s the only green sand beach in Hawaii and one of only four in the entire world, you will be in awe. But, do not remove the sand from the beach. The volcano goddess Pele has been known to wreak havoc upon visitors who remove green or black sand from her beaches. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Two Step is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Hawaii archipelago. With hundreds of multi-colored fish swimming in shoals, consistent visits from dolphins and seals, deep blue crystal clear waters, striking coral seabeds, and green sea turtles abound, Two Step is quite simply a must! And the marvelous federal park leading to the bay is where kappa breakers, defeated warriors, and civilians found refuge in ancient Hawaiian times. The historical significance of this place is truly awe-inspiring and the energy here of forgiveness and peace can be felt deep inside.
Ka Lae is the southernmost tip of the US and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. It is sprinkled with fishing shrines, temple ruins, and other cultural relics. A trip here is a chance to experience the elements: land, air, and sea. That’s what South Point is all about: nature’s raw and mighty beauty.
So whether you visit the Big Island for the exhilarating cliff jumping, the bragging rights to say you have stood on the southernmost piece of land in the US, the majestic caves, or just to enjoy the stunning views from the end of the world, Hawaii is a magical destination for unforgettable memories. What are your favorite places to visit when you travel to the Islands of Hawaii?
I hope this list of 7 most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii, the Big Island, inspires you to get out and explore the beauty the world has to offer. Even if it’s in your own backyard!
