Top Hawaii Attractions

Top Hawaii attractions are indeed vast as there is a chain of paradise of wonderful places to see for your Hawaii family vacation. There are 7 or 8 ‘main’ ones (depending on the criteria used), and over 150 smaller ones.

Hawaii is not just a land of volcanic outcroppings. It is a rich, tropical paradise full of natural and human-made wonders. Those are the reasons why Hawaii is also one of the top family vacation destinations.

Certainly, there are natural sights and Hawaii views galore. First of which is the natural chain of paradise.

Some of Hawaii attractions like the view of the loveliest waterfalls in the world are a must see. The Akaka Falls majestically pouring down 442 feet into crystal clear waters below is just one example.

And, there is no doubt that extinct volcanoes such as Diamond Head crater – and live ones like those at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – offer some of the most interesting hikes around.

But, some of its most fascinating natural features lie under the surface. Hawaii’s attractions of underwater and underground tours are some of the best attractions there is to see while staying in Hawaii. It is the underwater Hawaii view of what the island of Hawaii has to offer.

The Kula Kai Caverns offer deep caves, lava tubes and many other natural features below the surface. Scuba diving in these waters is bound to bring sights you could find nowhere else from underwater lava tubes to thousands of tropical fish species and monk seals.

The humpback whales that migrate to waters around the islands every winter are another fascinating natural sight available to visitors. Shark encounters are easy to have on any of the dozens of boat tours offered by experienced guides. These are some of the places to see in Hawaii’s chain of paradise, an adventure in itself.

Other animal attractions include the first rate Honolulu Zoo and the one-of-a-kind Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. The first offers an African Savannah exhibit where the lions roam free like San Diego’s Wild Animal Park, but in a much more lush setting. The second is set in an actual rainforest and is unlike any other zoo in the world.

Not surprisingly, a Hawaiian vacation offers several truly fine aquariums. The Maui Ocean Center has a 54-foot tunnel that fronts a 750,000 gallon tank full of creatures you’re likely to find while scuba diving. The Waikiki Aquarium provides an equally thrilling look at many of the native marine life species.

You can see a lot of these natural wonders by cycling around the islands, then taking a hike. You can stop at one of the thousands of world-class beaches or snorkel around and see live tidepool inhabitants with ease. You can take in numerous botanical gardens that house thousands of native plant species that are unique to this region.

But Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and the rest also have numerous man-made attractions to offer visitors.

The Bishop Museum has millions of objects on display that record the state’s past and present. The unique blend of Asian, European and Polynesian culture that is Hawaii finds representatives from every thread here. The Kokee Natural History museum in lush Waimea Canyon provides yet another take on a interesting phase of Hawaii’s evolution.

The Dole Plantation provides a look into Hawaii’s fascinating past and ever-changing present. The Pineapple Express train ride will give you a history lesson on the great entrepreneur who put the state on the map, while you see some of the grounds and the lovely mountains nearby. The world’s largest maze will amuse the kids as the adults stroll through the outstanding gardens.

Make sure to make time to see the USS Arizona Memorial, commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Battleship Missouri standing guard on the fallen offers a chance to get on board to see what life on such a ship was like. The USS Bowfin and Submarine Museum are not far away.

Those looking for an ideal family beach vacation in Hawaii often think of the outstanding hotels, the first-rate beaches and the stellar restaurants and shows offered. Those all exist, to be sure. But Hawaii is so much more than a Hula dance near the swimming pool or a stroll in the sand during a luau.

Hawaii is an adventure along a chain of paradise with many links. Top Hawaii attractions, yes they are so many but you should try to see them all.

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Travelon Jo

Travelon Jo is a mom and travel blogger who believes that taking your kids travelling is one of the best things you can do for them. As a former travel agent, she knows all about the ins and outs of planning a trip, and loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with others.