14 scenic spots that prove Hawaii is on another level of beauty

It’s a fact: Hawaii is a place of vast natural beauty. Everywhere you look is a scene from some kind of tropical heaven. Today we’ve gathered 14 scenic lookouts you should see in person to believe they actually exist.

Enjoy! — and keep in mind this is a partial list 🙂

Kaua’i

Kalalau Valley

At 4,000 feet in Koke’e State Park, the Kalalau Valley lookout offers breathtaking views of the valley below and the rugged Na Pali Coast. It’s a scene literally out of a movie — Jurassic Park was filmed here.

Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon stretches for 10 miles with dramatic depths of up to 3,000 feet. As the light shifts throughout the day, the rich red and green hues paint a vibrant picture of natural beauty. It’s a sight that changes with the hour, and it’s stunning at every time of day.

Hanalei Valley

Gazing our onto Hanalei Valley qualifies as relaxation therapy. Lush green taro fields framed by towering mountains stretch across the landscape. When the sun sets, the sky can turn fiery orange and red, creating one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in Hawaii.

O’ahu

Tantalus

For a stunning view of the Honolulu skyline, the Tantalus Lookout is where you want to be. You get clear views all the way to Diamond Head, and at night, the Honolulu city lights sparkle peacefully down below.

North Shore ‘Ehukai pillbox hike

On Oahu’s North Shore, this hidden gem of a hike takes you up to an old military bunker, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the coastline below. If you visit during the winter surf season, you can actually watch surfers take off and ride the waves — the bigger the better!

Makapu’u Lighthouse trail

A hike along the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail leads to incredible vistas of Oahu’s southeast coast — starting from Makapu’u beach directly below all the way to Waimanalo, Kailua, and Kaneohe. In the winter months, keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching in the distance.

Moloka’i

Judd Park at Kalaupapa

This gorgeous lookout provides a beautiful and sobering view of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka’i, where people with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) once lived in isolation.

Waikolu lookout

If you’re looking for tranquility, Waikolu Lookout offers some of the most serene vistas you’ll find. Overlooking lush valleys and dramatic cliffs, it’s a peaceful escape from the usual tourist trails — perfect for total nature immersion.

Maui

Haleakalā crater

While this one is obvious, Haleakalā does indeed offer one of the most breathtaking views in all of Hawaii at any time of day. The panoramic vistas of the crater and surrounding landscapes are just jaw-dropping as the sky comes alive with brilliant, contrasting hues and Mars-like terrain.

Ho’okipa

For direct views to one of Maui’s most exhilarating surf and windsurf spots, head to Ho’okipa lookout. You can watch for hours in awe as these expert watermen and waterwomen take on powerful waves, winds, and currents (and often make it look easy).

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is marine preserve known for its crystal-clear aquamarine waters and vibrant coral reefs, and world-class surfing waves in the winter months. Enjoy some of the best views from above the Bay. You may even get lucky and find a ripe dragonfruit waiting for you to pick fresh off the vine.

Big Island

Waipi’o Valley

Waipio Valley is one of Hawaii’s most sacred places. It’s known as the “Valley of the Kings” because King Kamehameha literally spent his childhood here. From the lookout above the valley, you can admire the lush landscape — which include taro patches, waterfalls, surfers, and wild horses. Thankfully, Waipi’o Valley is not developed, except for a few farming families who have been there for generations.

Mauna Kea (at night)

At more than 13,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is a stargazer’s paradise thanks to almost zero precipitation or light pollution. On clear nights, the stars and Milky Way feel so close you could practically touch them! Be sure to acclimate properly at the Mauna Kea ranger’s station, stay hydrated, and dress warm. And drive carefully, of course.

Rainbow Falls

In Hilo, the 80-foot tall Rainbow Falls is famous for the glimmering rainbows that appear in its mist, particularly in the morning after a light rain. The lush greenery surrounding the falls completes this picture-perfect tropical waterfall scene, making it a glorious place to admire Hawaii’s natural beauty.

 

Image credits: 60035031@N06, Jeff King, hawaiisavvy, ulziibayar badamdorj, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau