Hawaii’s legendary beach and top tourist attraction spot tends to be filled with people enjoying the waves, rays, and warm beach sand. Although much of the original beauty has been eroded by the millions of visitors and bare feet, the historic beach still has a special aura and unique charm being nestled amongst tall skyscrapers surrounding it.

Waikiki neighborhood, Outrigger Waikiki Hotel

This site marks a very significant historical mark in American history and culture. The Visitor’s Center and Arizona Memorial are the main tourist attractions. Definitely take time to walk around the very large open space. Tours are available from various tourist company’s and activity brokers.

To get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki Beach – take Nimitz Highway past the airport to Highway 99, and continue past the naval community.

On December 7, 1941 the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, as were the lives of 1,100 sailors. Visit the deck of the USS Arizona at the memorial that is located 6 feet under sea level. A shuttle takes you from the shore to the monument. Also be sure to visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial located nearby. Free guided tours available 8am-3pm.

Pearl Harbor

The magnificent and well-kept Battleship USS Missouri, also known as “Mighty Mo,” is the place where General Douglas MacArthur declared the end of World War II in September, 1945 at Tokyo Bay. Visit this vintage one-of-a-kind Battleship and stand on the deck. Admission: USD16 Adults, USD7 Children ages 4-12. Adult admission for guided tours starts at USD22

Pearl Harbor

Book tickets and make reservations early for your favorite Hawaiian activities.

Visit the giant crater of an extinct volcano and enjoy a few hours walking along the 761-foot historic trail. The 45-minute journey begins inside the crater and goes through a steep but rewarding climb to the top where magnificent drop-jaw 360-degree views of O’ahu are seen. Definitely worth checking out and having a moment that you’ll never forget. Admission: Free

This company also owns the Navatek I and Atlantis Submarines, as well as several other major Honolulu attractions. Great discounts on tour packages are available. Highlights include Sea Life Park, dinner cruise with live show, and submarine rides. Call or check website for details.

they also have this on oahu and maui both.

This is a truly awesome site in Hawaii. Known for the gorgeous horshoe-shaped warm sandy beach, with peaceful turquoise colored waters. The best part is the thousands of beautiful colorful tropical fish that reside in this waist level water reef. Perfect place for beginning snorkelers or people that are not too fond of swimming but still want to get that once in a lifetime Hawaii experience. Experienced snorkelers can check with the lifeguards and travel out into the deeper waters where sea turtles and even more tropical marine life can be found. Non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle

This lookout point in Oahu is one of the best in Hawaii, and definitely the windiest! Be prepared for goose bumps galore, gusts of wind can be very strong so hold onto your kids!! The lookout point is an incredible experience, all overlooking the panoramic view of Windward Oahu and the spires of the Koolau Mountains. Admission: Free

take Pali Highway to the lookout point

A truly great place to rent bikes to take a leisure guided biking tour around town. Definitely a unique way to tour the town. Recommended is the ‘Honolulu City Lights Tour,’ which is a ton of fun. The shop also sells bikes for all budgets, including top name brands.

This historical commercial hub has been around since the days of Honolulu’s European colonization. Back then you would see countless sail boats, steamships, whaling ships and sea merchants crowding the harbor. Nowadays there are more cruise liners than anything else, but the place remains a central location that you’ve just got to visit. Checkout the countless restaurants, shops, vendors, and people that fill this beautiful waterfront.

Commonly recognized as the famous backdrop of the Fantasy Island television show, this drop-jaw waterfall can be viewed and enjoyed from the roadside. Very experienced hikers can climb up the steep terrain to get up close and personal with the falls. Admission: Free

North of Hanamaulu. Located directly off the road, past the town of Lihue on the southern coast of Kaua’i. It is just a short ride down a rough road in Kapaia Valley.

Fly over the Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon and various other stunning landmarks. Take once in a lifetime birds-eye view pictures from the unique “Scenic View” windows where glare is practically eliminated from your photos. Charters start at USD159 per person.

The three distinct departments of this tourist company provide a complete visit of Kauai island. Kauai Backroads gives you a chance to trek around private property and bumpy backroads. Kauai Mountain Tours let’s you hike around Palii-Kona Forest Reserve and Koke’e Park as well as a pleasant drive around the outdoors. SeaFun Kauai allows tourists to snorkel at the premier spots along the Kauai coast. The scenic photo opportunities will fill up that memory card. Take one tour or all three, it’s totally up to you (and your budget). USD60 for adults and USD50 for children

180 degrees of warm white sand and blue clear water. What’s unique and worth checking out at this beach are the Kauai Lagoons located very close by. These fresh water lagoons exhibit a plethora of tropical wildlife reaching across over 40 acres of land. Also worth seeing seeing is the legendary surfing beach and great swimming waters. Public restrooms and showers are on site. Admission: Free

about two miles from Lihue

A must see for any Lahaina visitor. This free landmark tree park has forestry aging well over a hundred years old. The twelve trees stand at over 60 feet high and cover over 200 feet of space with dropping branches that act as swings for children. Admission: Free

between Hotel and Canal streets

Although surfing is not easy, it sure is a ton of fun at the West Maui surf school with head instructor Tim Sherer. The staff here is fantastic with each student getting plenty of personal attention and training. You can also rent surf boards or take ‘surf safaris.’ Beginner classes start at $55 per person

The Dolphin Galleries exhibits the islands most exclusive jewelry and art collections. Check out the Petroglyph Collection, sculpture and art gallery found at the Whalers Village branch. Much of the unique jewelry and artwork here can only be seen by visiting the Dolphin Galleries.

Whalers Village

Hop on one of the six sailing catamarans ships and depart from Ka’anapali, Lahaina Harbor and from the neighboring island of Lan’i. Highlight trip is called “Discover Lanai” which departs from Lahaina Harbor and sails you to Hulopo’s Beach and eventually returns you to Maui (USD 159). “Discover Kaanapali” takes you along a sailing trip of paradise with five hours of sunning, sailing and snorkeling along the warm waters of the West Maui Coast. USD59 per person for beginners, USD49 per certified passenger

Maui’s version of Waikiki Beach without the crowded and tired beach sand. The whole beach space is open to the public, all equipped with public restrooms and showers. Plenty of shops and restaurants can be found right along the beach strip. The clear, peaceful and blue water goes along in tandem with the gold warm sand. Be sure to checkout Black Rock where brave souls can leap into the ocean below. Admission: None

western shore of Maui