15 Scenic Locations In Hawaii For A Crowd-Free Getaway

Hawaii is famous for its attractive beaches, dense rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. However, with popularity comes crowds, and this makes it hard to fully appreciate Hawaii’s natural beauty and serenity. Fortunately, for every bustling hotspot, there’s a tranquil, lesser-known paradise waiting to be explored. Keep reading to discover how you can escape the crowds and enjoy Hawaii’s most peaceful and breathtaking spots!

Kaena Point State Park, Oahu

This remote, undeveloped area is home to native Hawaiian seabirds like albatrosses, shearwaters, and endangered monk seals basking on the shore. The hike to the point is an easy-to-moderate trek along a dirt trail. According to Hawaiian mythology, this place is a spiritual “leaping-off” point for souls transitioning to the afterlife.

Maui’s Upcountry Lavender Farms

While most visitors flock to Maui’s beaches, the Upcountry provides a peaceful escape into rolling hills, cool breezes, and the aromatic beauty of lavender farms. Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm is a standout destination, featuring 55,000 lavender plants across 13.5 acres with breathtaking views of the island’s coastline.

Lapakahi State Historical Park, Big Island

Lapakahi State Historical Park, with its well-preserved archaeological ruins, provides a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian village life. Tourists can walk through the remnants of traditional fishing communities, including stone house foundations, petroglyphs, and sacred sites. Informational plaques throughout the park explain how Native Hawaiians sustained themselves with fishing, taro cultivation, and salt production.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve, Kauai

Makauwahi Cave is Hawaii’s largest limestone cave, revealing 10,000 years of geological and cultural history. This hidden gem is home to fossils of extinct birds and native plant restoration projects. Until its closure to the public in October 2024, guided tours provided fascinating insights into Hawaii’s prehistoric past. Visitors can check its status for a potential reopening.

Molokai’s Halawa Valley

One of the oldest settled areas in Hawaii, Halawa Valley offers a breathtaking combination of towering waterfalls and a rich cultural history. Guided hikes led by Native Hawaiian families take visitors through taro farms and ancient temple ruins. The valley is a sacred place, with oral histories tracing its roots back over 1,300 years.

Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park), Big Island

This location is tucked within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a hidden sanctuary for birdwatchers. Its beautiful oasis, formed by an ancient lava flow, shelters a variety of native Hawaiian birds. The park also features rare plant species found nowhere else in the world.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai

Once a place of exile for people with Hansen’s disease, Kalaupapa National Historical Park is now a serene destination open only to visitors with a Hawaii Department of Health permit. The peninsula houses a community that once endured immense hardship, and visitors can learn about the works of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne Cope.

Puu o Mahuka Heiau, Oahu

This is the largest ancient Hawaiian temple on Oahu. This sacred site once served as a center for religious ceremonies and sacrificial offerings. It affords guests a tranquil location for reflection away from Oahu’s bustling beaches, while preserved stone platforms provide insight into the spiritual practices of pre-colonial Hawaii.

Pololu Valley, Big Island

As one of Hawaii’s most scenic spots, Pololu Valley features dramatic cliffs, a black sand beach, and lush greenery. The ocean here is too rough for swimming, but the valley is often misty in the morning, adding an almost mystical quality to the experience. Since the trail can be slippery, sturdy shoes are recommended.

Maha’ulepu Beach, Kauai

Here, tourists can explore sea caves, watch for Hawaiian monk seals, and see fossilized remains embedded in the cliffs. A hidden paradise on Kauai’s south shore, this location provides golden sands, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. It contrasts the busier beach nearby and is perfect for those seeking solitude.

Kaumana Caves, Big Island

Just outside Hilo is a fascinating lava tube system formed by the 1981 eruption of Mauna Loa. Kaumana is raw and untamed, with minimal lighting and no paved pathways. Explorers can tour the cave’s dark tunnels, marvel at its unique rock formations, and experience the eerie quiet of the underground world.

Kokee State Park, Kauai

This location is a haven for hikers. It features misty forests, breathtaking lookouts, and rare native plants. The park’s trails include easy walks and challenging treks, and the crisp mountain air and frequent rain showers create a lush, green scenery. The Kokee Museum provides insight into the area’s unique ecosystem and history. 

Keahiakawelo (Garden Of The Gods), Lanai

Keahiakawelo, also known as the Garden of the Gods, is a surreal, Mars-like backdrop of red rock formations sculpted by centuries of erosion. Hawaiian legend attributes its barren appearance to a contest between two kahuna (priests) from Lanai and Molokai. The area is best reached with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Honomalino Bay, Big Island

Those seeking a secluded beach can visit Honomalino Bay, a hidden paradise south of Milolii. A 20-minute hike through lush coconut groves leads to this serene black-and-white sand beach lined with swaying palm trees. The crystal clear waters are an ideal spot for snorkeling, with frequent sightings of sea turtles and colorful reef fish.

Kaneana Cave, Oahu

According to Hawaiian mythology, Kaneana Cave is the home of Nanaue, a legendary shark-man. The cave’s eerie, dimly lit interior adds to its mystique, while its geological formations reveal its volcanic origins. Unlike many of Oahu’s popular attractions, this mysterious lava tube remains relatively unknown but offers a unique blend of cultural legend and natural wonder.