20 Reasons To Visit Hawaii

There are so many reasons to visit Hawaii if it’s still not on your vacation list. This state is a famous tourist vacation destination for a lot of wonderful reasons.

The Hawaiian Islands offer a variety of activities, places, and accommodations for different types of vacation preferences.

With your vacation in Hawaii, you will find yourself with a lot of options of things to do that will make your stay the best experience ever.

We have prepared a list of all the incredible things about Hawaii that will secure its spot as a perfect destination for your next trip.

Let’s go ahead and take a look at the 20 reasons to visit Hawaii below:

20. Extraordinary Hiking Trails

A photoshopped image of someone on a mountain

Hawaii offers extraordinary hiking trails for hikers, trail runners, and all outdoor enthusiasts who love a scenic walk in nature.

From verdant forests view to breathtaking ocean scenery, different kinds of trails await every vacationer.

Among the famous hiking trails are:

Pipiwai Trail on Maui – this trail will take you to bamboo forest and waterfalls

Kalalau Trail on Kauai – this trail offers jagged cliffs and an ocean view

Diamond Head Trail on Oahu – this trail gives a view of the breathtaking volcanic rock

Kilauea Iki Trail on the Big Island – this trail is on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park


19. Memorable Whale Watching

Humpback whale breaching the water

In Hawaii, watching the ginormous humpback whales in their natural habitat is a must-do activity.

From December to April, these gentle giants come to the Hawaiian Islands to mate, give birth, and nurse their young.

You don’t need to be a whale expert to marvel at these creatures as you see them breaching, tail slapping, and spy-hopping in the water.


18. Wondrous Spots to Visit

A big farm area

When you visit Hawaii, there are several highly recommended wondrous spots for sightseeing. Here are just some of the lovely places:

  • Kona Coffee Farms on the Big Island
  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
  • The Island of Lana’i on Maui
  • The North Shore of Oahu
  • Farmers’ Markets like Hilo Farmers Market and Hāmākua Harvest.

17. Interesting Wildlife and Spectacular Natural Beauty

A seat turtle swimming

Hawaii has interesting wildlife to see like the green sea turtles, nene geese, and monk seals.

You can find these creatures in their natural habitat or sanctuaries like the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo on the Big Island or the Maui Ocean Center.

Laniakea Beach in Oahu also known as Turtle Beach as the name suggests is a great spot to see sea turtles.

Other wildlife to see in Hawaii are mongooses, wild pigs, Axis deer, and Hawaiian hoary bats.

You’ll be closer to nature in Hawaii with some spots that are untouched places of natural beauty like Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui with its black sand beach or Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area on the Big Island with its white sandy shores.


16. Cultural Festivals and Events

A cultural event with people dancing on a truck full of flowers

In Hawaii, there are a lot of cultural festivals and events happening all year round that showcase the Hawaiian culture.

Some of the festivals are the Merrie Monarch Festival, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, and Maui Film Festival.

If you want to experience an event that is unique to Hawaii, then attending the Aliʻi Kai Catamaran Luau on Oahu is a must.


15. Magnificent Sunrise and Sunset

Sunset from an island of Hawaii

One of the main reasons to visit Hawaii are the sunrise and sunsets in Hawaii which are phenomenal to experience.

The east coast of the Big Island, in Kapoho, is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise over the water.

On Maui, Haleakala National Park is a popular destination to see the sunset over Haleakala Crater.

Kauai and Oahu also have great locations to witness magnificent sunrises and sunsets.


14. Delicious Hawaiian Cuisine

Hawaiian cuisine with salmon and tomatoes

When in Hawaii, you must try the delicious Hawaiian cuisine that is a blend of different cultures like Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, and American.

Some of the Hawaiian food to try are:

Poké – a raw fish salad that is a popular appetizer

Plate lunch – a hearty meal that usually includes two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad, and an entree

Loco moco – a dish that has white rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and an egg

Malasadas – Portuguese donuts that are deep-fried


13. Friendly People

Hawaiian people dancing

People of Hawaii bring the aloha spirit to your vacation with their amiable disposition and helpfulness. That’s why this is one of our main reasons to visit Hawaii.

In Hawaii, it is considered impolite to not say hello when you pass someone by or to refuse a lei.

The people of Hawaii are also very laid-back which makes for a stress-free vacation.

You can easily mix with the locals so make sure to have some friendly conversations with the people of Hawaii during your trip.


12. Utmost Relaxation

2 people sitting in a beach chair at the beach

Another reason why to go to Hawaii is the utmost relaxation experience. Lounging under the warm sun with the salty breeze and the gentle sound of waves is the epitome of relaxation.

There are also great spas in Hawaii to get a full body massage or a beauty treatment.

Some of the best spas are the Halele‘a Spa at the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai, The Kukui‘ula Spa on Kauai, and Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea on Maui.

Most people don’t need any more reasons to visit Hawaii than this one alone. Perfect relaxation from their normal daily routines.


11. Glitzy Nightlife

A party at night with a DJ

For partygoers the wild yet unique nightlife is one of the main reasons to visit Hawaii. Nightlife in Hawaii is quite glitzy with a lot of clubs and bars to enjoy.

In Honolulu, the most happening nightlife spot is Waikiki with its plethora of nightclubs, sports bars, and pubs.

Other great places for nightlife are Maui’s Lahaina town and Kauai’s Po’ipu Beach.

If you want to enjoy a more laid-back nightlife, then head to Hilo on the Big Island where you can find live music in bars and restaurants.


10. Mild Climate All Year Round

View of the beach with palm trees

Hawaii is a paradise that has a mild climate all year round with temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water temperature is also pleasant for swimming and surfing all year round.

The only time that Hawaii experiences bad weather is from November to March when it is prone to hurricanes.

Hawaii in September is an excellent time for vacation as the summer crowd is beginning to lessen with still the warm climate that you want for a summer vacation.

During these months, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before heading out.


9. Remarkable Shopping

Shopping street

Shopping in Hawaii is of the top reasons to go to Hawaii.

The Island of Maui is a great place for shopping with its numerous art galleries, boutiques, and malls.

The Shops at Wailea is a high-end outdoor shopping mall with stores like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.

On the Big Island, you can find several shopping centers in Kailua-Kona town.

The popular Kokua Market is a great place to shop for local produce and goods.

In Kauai, the Roberto Coin Boutique at The Shops at Kukui‘ula is a must-visit for luxury jewelry shopping.


8. Marvelous Stargazing

The night stars

Another reason to answer your question of why go to Hawaii is the stargazing experience.

The Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii for stargazing with its lack of light pollution.

The Mauna Kea Observatories offer guided stargazing tours where you can see the stars up close through a high-powered telescope.

The Haleakala Crater on Maui is also an excellent place for stargazing.

During the day, you can hike or bike down the crater, and at night, you can enjoy the gorgeous stars above.


7. Lovely Islands for Top-Notch Island Hopping Experience

Drone view of Hawaii

The remarkable island-hopping experience is another reason why you should go to Hawaii. If you’re still thinking of questions like why is Hawaii a good vacation spot or is Hawaii a good place to visit, the answer is on the lovely islands.

The Hawaiian Islands are divided into nice islands to visit composed of eight main islands, and each island has its unique charm.

If you’re looking for an action-packed vacation, then Oahu is the perfect island for you with its world-famous surfing beaches and hiking trails.

For a more laid-back vacation, Maui is the ideal choice with its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests.

The Big Island is great for adventure seekers with its active volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Kauai is perfect for nature lovers with its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and verdant valleys.

Lanai is a paradise with a great option if you’re looking for a secluded and romantic getaway.

And finally, Molokai is perfect for those who want to experience Hawaii’s old-fashioned charm.


6. Interesting Culture and History

Drone view of a lake

Another answer to the question of “why should I travel to Hawaii” is the interesting culture and history.

When you visit Hawaii, you will be reminded of the distant past. Hawaii marked its place in history during World War II with the famous attack on Pearl Harbor.

The state is also home to the USS Arizona Memorial which is a reminder of the devastating attack.

In addition to that, Hawaii has a rich culture with a mix of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences.

You can see this cultural diversity in the food, music, dance, aloha spirit, and art of Hawaii.


5. Unforgettable Surfing Experience

Surfing on a big wave

When you visit Hawaii, make sure to try and learn how to surf as your trip to this paradise will not be complete without you having the best surfing experience.

An unforgettable surfing experience is worth being on the top 10 reasons to visit as Hawaii is well-known as the birthplace of surfing, and Oahu is the best place to learn how to surf with its world-famous waves.

If you’re a beginner, then Waikiki Beach is the perfect place for you to start as the waves are gentle and there are plenty of surfing schools where you can take lessons.


4. Marvelous Volcanoes

Volcano erupting in the ocean

Belonging to the top 10 reasons to visit Hawaii is the Volcanoes National Park where you can see the active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

The close-up view of craters of volcanoes answers the question of why is Hawaii so popular.

You can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the formation of the Hawaiian Islands and see the lava flows up close.

Make sure to hike down into the crater of Halema’uma’u for an unforgettable experience.

You can also see underwater volcanoes by taking a submarine tour off the coast of the Big Island.


3. Different Types of Accommodations

Luxury hotel in Hawaii with a pool

Hawaii has a myriad of accommodation types to choose from whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort, a secluded villa, or a budget-friendly hotel.

Accommodations that suit all budgets and preferences are some of the reasons why Hawaii is the best vacation spot.

For a luxurious experience, you can stay at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai which is located on the Big Island.

If you’re looking for a secluded villa, then you can stay at the Lanikai Pillbox Villas on Oahu.

And finally, if you’re on a budget, then you can find plenty of hotels on Waikiki Beach.


2. Endless Outdoor Activities

Snorkeling in Hawaii with fish

Why visit Hawaii? Endless outdoor activities are the answer.

If you love outdoor activities, then Hawaii is the place for you with its tons of outdoor adventures.

There is a variety of things to do in Hawaii from hiking to biking to kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, Hawaii has it all.

You can also have an amazing snorkeling adventure and scuba diving escapade in Hawaii as the state has some of the best diving spots in the world.

And finally, you can go ziplining through the rainforest or take a helicopter tour of the islands.


1. Idyllic Beaches

Blue beach in Hawaii

Hawaii is blessed with countless idyllic beaches. Each island has unique beaches to offer, from white sand to black sand beaches, there’s a beach that will fit your fancy.

Here are some of the famous beautiful beaches in Hawaii:

  • Waikiki Beach on Oahu is a famous tourist spot with its gentle waves and plenty of facilities.
  • Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu is one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
  • Maui’s Big Beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
  • The black sand beach of Punaluu is located on the Big Island and it’s a must-visit beach.
  • Kailua Beach Park is one of the best beaches on Oahu for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

These are some of the reasons why you should visit Hawaii. It’s truly a paradise that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, jaw-dropping scenery, diverse wildlife, rich culture, or an adventure-filled trip, Hawaii has it all. So, what are you waiting for? There can’t possibly be any more reasons to visit Hawaii so start planning your trip now!

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Article by Kyle

Digital nomad since 2010. I spend my time traveling around the world learning about new cultures and languages. I've lived in 4 continents and still have a lot left to explore!