Hawaii is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Hawaii experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Hawaii you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Hawaii
Dole Plantation
- Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (25968)
- Phone: +1 808-621-8408
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMTuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMWednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMThursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMFriday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMSunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
5 Replies to 12 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii
Leave Reply
Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Hawaii
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (17133)
- Phone: +1 808-422-3399
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
So this review will primarily address the Battleship USS Missouri tour.
Arrived at Pearl Harbor National Park around noon on Friday and walked through security to purchase 2 tickets. No issues. If you have a military or veteran ID present it for a discount. Discount is only for the individual holding the card.
Drove to the Battleship on Ford Island (ensure you can do that as the Island is actively guarded and has restricted access, if not no biggie as there is a nice air-conditioned bus to take you).
We walked to the entrance. Go to the end, basically where the ship is, and turn left. Past the concession stands there is another checkpoint to enter the ship. They will take your picture there and then you proceed to the ship. If you want buy a bottle of water at one of the stores and you can bring it along otherwise no food and beverages are allowed.
As we boarded a volunteer group informs you of a free guided 3 stop tour. We opted for the tour and enjoyed it greatly.
Price seemed expensive but the experience was unique, educational, and fun.
Highly recommend if you have the time.
By Oug Dubya (7 months ago)Really enjoyed our morning in Pearl Harbor. Facilities are much improved since my last visit 16 years ago. The reservations we easy to get and definitely the way to go. After a short intro to the memorial site, they take you over to it on a boat. Just enough time on the memorial to look around, talk to the rangers and get any photos. The museums are full of info and artifacts. This site participates in the Junior Ranger program for kids. Also make sure to arrive early since parking is limited and no bags of any kind inside the gates. Definitely worth checking this historic site out.By ashley stidham (9 months ago)Great experience, probably what impressed me (besides the history of what happened in Pearl Harbor) is that there’s oil coming out, you really can see it and smell it. The place is very very small, it is a quick walk. Of course it is a memorial so, not sure why people take small kids here, I would go to the Missouri boat with them insteadBy Hector Morales (10 months ago)It was humbling and an absolute honor to be able to visit Pearl Harbor.
Please be aware you should RESERVE a ticket to go visit the USS ARIZONA. Also if you want to visit Ford Island where the Memorial of the USS OKLAHOMA and USS MISSOURI are you either need to be a member of the military and have an ID proving this or have a seat on the shuttle bus, otherwise you will NOT be allowed to see them except from a distance… they are on an ACTIVE MILITARY BASE.
The museums at Pearl Harbor are very informative, and have lots of WWII history on display, please visit and learn! Also, I think you would benefit greatly from watching the short video provided BEFORE visiting the USS ARIZONA, it provides more perspective and makes more of an emotional impact on what you are seeing, what those people who were there fought and died for. Be quiet and respectful at all times while visiting this Memorial.By megan ailey (8 months ago)What an amazing experience. The passport package was the way to go as this offered the most sight seeing and the whole experience. The boat ride and memorial was sobering and impactful for myself as well as my children. The stories told by the staff were amazing and truly hit you in the heart. You can spend 3 hours to all day and be extremely happy.By Adam Hunt (7 months ago)
Polynesian Cultural Center
- Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (16815)
- Phone: +1 800-367-7060
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 12:30 – 9:00 PMTuesday: 12:30 – 9:00 PMWednesday: ClosedThursday: 12:30 – 9:00 PMFriday: 12:30 – 9:00 PMSaturday: 12:30 – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
- Reviews:
Great family experience. We came as a couple for the first time here. Would highly recommend getting there as soon as they open to spend more time going through each of the islands. We got there later and wished we could have spent more time. The ticket was good for three days, so that could be something if you don’t get it all in. The tour to the temple was great and the food was pretty awesome. The show was the highlight and really well done with very seasoned actors and cast that have some great heritage.By Scott R (9 months ago)Great place to emerge into the Polynesian cultures and learn about each island culture and language. Definitely a fun and family friendly place to be at. A big plus is that they let you come back for 3 additional days for free so you can see and do other activities. I recommend you pay for the fire dance Hā (Breath of Life) and the Luau for the full experience. Friendly reminder to be there when they open at 1230 so you can spend more time/see more things at the center.By Albert Vo (2 months ago)Definitely recommend a few days here so you are able to tour each island with a guide and then explore on your own. The guides are wonderful. They call you family and I truly felt like they were part of mine throughout our day. Unfortunately I can’t remember our guides name, but we loved and appreciated every second with her. The Luau, dinner and program was a good time and a must when you go. Overall an amazing experience and would love to go againBy Kristi Hill (3 months ago)It was a very nice day. It was my birthday and all the stuff made me feel good. All the activities are awesome. The energy and stamina of everyone is incredible. I took hula lesson, tattoos, games, best buffet and a perfect closure. The final show is amazing! So cool!By Susana Silva (3 months ago)Really enjoyed our time here!! The cultural presentations were very entertaining and informative. Luau was a blast. The hostess really made it a great experience. And the evening show Ha Breath of Life was amazing. I would definitely recommend this place and suggest getting the upgrades for the luau and evening show!By Madison Chapman (5 months ago)
Diamond Head State Monument
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (13555)
- Phone: +1 808-587-0300
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
There is a large field that is perfect for a picnic without going on the hike, if preferred (picture included). It was a moderate hike up to the summit, the slower you go the easier it is. The trail had plenty of places to rest and allow others to pass with plenty of photo opportunities. The hike back down was a breeze, just make sure you take some water and maybe a small snack and keep all your trash until you get back down. Highly recommended for the beautiful view of the crater and surrounding area at the top, also has an interesting history to read about!By william bolden (11 months ago)What a great experience and what a great view from the top.
Being out of shape, the hike did make my wife and I work, but we made it up fairly quickly. This is more of a rugged hike compared to some of the paved bikes in Hawaii, but it’s still manageable for most people and the view is well worth it.
By Michael C. (7 months ago)Such a gorgeous view! I would call this more of a moderate hike than easy. There are some daunting steps, but it’s really worth it. Bring water, wear sunscreen, take your time and enjoy the views on the way up!Also make sure to book your reservation ahead of time! They were kind enough to work with me at the gate, but I don’t know how lucky I got with slots that were left.
It definitely was not crowded. There were people there but at no point was it overwhelming. Everyone was super friendly and mindful of pictures and letting everyone get that perfect picture.
By Mallory turner (3 months ago)Diamond head was a great hiking challenge but quite congested and not the smoothest path to making it to the top. I recommend wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes to stay safe. And we arrived at 7am in the morning so it might be better to go as soon as it opens or 1-2 hours before closing to avoid the crowds.By Tee Khema (4 months ago)This place contains an amazing view. It does come at a cost to “vacationers”, at the time of this comment, you must reserve a spot online to get a parking spot. It’s well worth it. The hike to the top is quite challenging. But there are spots along the way you can stop and rest. They also have water bottle machines at the trail head before you start the hike if you would like to purchase one.By MG42 (5 months ago)
Kualoa Ranch
- Address: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (12488)
- Phone: +1 808-237-7321
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Reviews:
This was a great first time visit. We took the Movie sites bus tour and enjoyed it greatly. Lots of stunning landscapes to gawk at. There are lots of different tour options, so we are excited to come back for more! The food served here is also pretty good. We spent about 2 hours here….tour then lunch. Loved it!By Steven Grondin (7 months ago)Beautiful ranch on which a bunch of movies were shot. A lot of different tours offered. We did a self-driven ATV tour which lasted around 2h. The tour guides were pretty good and did awesome pictures. Most of the road was very easy though. I would say that the tours are priced way too much for what you get and you can see very similar landscapes elsewhere on the island. However, I hope that this money goes into supporting local communities and keeping this site as is, in which case I don’t mind. Definitely book the tours in advance as they get booked up. There is a cafe and a souvenir shop on site. Ah, and keep in mind that you will get very dirty during the tour, so be prepared.By Karina Kisselite (in the last week)One of the best experiences I’ve had. I had a friend come in to visit and wanted to do some fun things and see some cool places. We had a great time, only a small group on our tour, and a phenomenal guide. We took the movie site tour and had a great experience. Great on-site food and pretty decent souvenir shop. Definitely would go again for a different tour or adventure!By Greg Bradley (a year ago)Absolutely amazing. My family (73,68,30,5) all loved this tour so much. I booked the Hollywood movie tour the day before and had no problem at all. Lani was our guide and she was so thorough and fun. She really made things come to life with her story telling. Her personality was very welcoming. Also her video and picture skills were THE BEST!!!! I highly recommend. Even if you don’t get Lani, it will be a trip to rememberBy Alexis Keller (2 months ago)ATV tour was awesome! Highly recommended for everyone, adults and kids/families alike. Both our guides (Austin and Fallon) were GREAT and very funny/knowledgeable and had great personalities. You could tell they loved their job. The trail itself was fun and took us around the entire ranch and valleys. Saw a lot of movie sites and historical locations. Well worth the cost!!!By Matt Perry (11 months ago)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (10645)
Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
- Address: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (7608)
Paradise Cove Luau
- Address: 92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (5717)
Akaka Falls State Park
- Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5712)
Waimea Canyon State Park
- Address: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (4781)
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Address: Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (4480)
Iolani Palace
- Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4198)
Waimea Valley
- Address: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3224)
Hawaii is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 12 best place to visit in Hawaii – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
The Dole Plantation is overall a pretty fun experience. To begin, the Dole Plantation is an upfront free experience, but you can pay more to enjoy attractions like the guided train tour, garden, and maze. With regards to getting a place, there is ample amounts of parking, at least when my family and I went, so l wouldn’t worry too much about getting a spot. Furthermore, you can’t buy tickets online, so they’re sold on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Looking back on the excursion, the train ride was definitely worth it, however the maze and garden were a miss. I may recommend the maze-train package if you have kids, otherwise I’d stick to the train. In hindsight, since our group was older, we thought only the guided train tour on the Pineapple Express was amusing. It’s a relaxing train tour that teaches you a little history on pineapple growing in Hawaii and you get to see a variety of tropical fruits like bananas, coconuts cocoa, coffee, sugar cane, and more. If you want to spend money, I’d try the Dole Whip because it’s a unique experience. They have limited outdoor seating so make sure to get a spot and enjoy the cool treat under the sun. Overall, a fun experience, but not a must-see site by any means.
Great stop on the way to the North shore… it is a drive away but totally worth it. The small gift shop has a lot of cool snacks and gift ideas . If you get hungry there is a lot more then just the soft whip pineapple dole ice cream to eat. I would recommend on taking the short tour on the Pineapple Express train not only for the ride but also the cool facts and information that you learn on the way. But if the ride is not your thing taking a walk on the garden maze is a lot of fun.
Worth the visit! Food was excellent. We planned to do the train and the maze but the train took longer than we thought so skipped the maze. Took almost an hour from starting to wait for the train (after buying tickets) to when we were on the train. Then another 30 or so minutes on the train itself. The train was calm and relaxing and gave you a good history. My young kids weren’t as excited as I thought they would be. Still a nice visit!
Definitely recommend, perfect for everyone. A day trip, couples, families, etc. The pineapple maze and train ride are educational and fun. Well worth the trip and the restaurant to showcase the natural and delicious pineapple flavor. You have to try the Dole pineapple whip and so many goodies including the different flavor shortbread cookies and chocolates. Don’t forget to check out the unique jewelry and handmade crafts!! Thank you for a wonderful visit…
First of all, I taught that my kids, which are ages 13 and 12, will not like this place. I was wrong, I think they loved it more than my wife and I did. They offer military discount which is always a pleasant surprise. We bought the all inclusive tickets that includes the garden grounds, the train ride and the maze. Per my kids, the maze is the main attraction here and the most fun to complete. They complemented the garden grounds saying that everything was pretty and well taken care of. Even the train ride they said that it was educational in nature and a perfect compliment to it all. As a family we had a lot of fun. This is a must visit place and I will recommended 10/10.