Islands & Beaches
15 Reasons to Visit Hawaii Right Now
Few places in the world inspire as much sheer wanderlust as the islands of Hawaii. Home to eight national parks, 400-plus beaches, and countless scenic hikes, the state is a goldmine of staggering natural beauty. But there's more to the islands than Instagram-worthy views. From fresh food to world-class surfing to incredible wildlife, here are 15 reasons to start planning your next Hawaiian getaway.
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The sunrise over Maui's Haleakala National Park, a phenomenon so popular that you have to make a paid reservation to see it.
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The colorful snorkeling at Molokini Crater, located between the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe. This half-in, half-out-of-water crater and reef ledge boasts hundreds of varieties of underwater species that come to nibble daily.
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Shave ice, undoubtedly one of the state's most delicious food staples (it's decidedly better than poi). Try Matsumoto in Haleiwa for the most old-school experience, or Wing Shave Ice & Ice Cream in Honolulu for something a little more unusual.
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The abundance of hidden beaches tucked among the islands (for when you need a break from Waikiki). One of our favorites: the rocky, black-sand beach at the base of the Big Island's Waipio Valley, complete with turquoise water and 2,000-foot cliffs.
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Adorable spinner dolphins, some of the most common dolphin species in Hawaii's sheltered bays. Though you'll have to enjoy these creatures from afar, as feds have recently proposed a ban on swimming with them due to high stress levels in the population.
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The Road to Hana, 50-plus miles of turquoise surf, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and lush rainforest along Maui’s North Shore.
Caitlin Morton has been writing about travel for nearly a decade, with bylines in Vogue, Travel + Leisure, AFAR, TripSavvy, Real Simple, and more. She enjoys baked goods, Ireland, orange nail polish, and horror movies. One time she held the door open for Ian McKellen, which is as close to ... Read more
TopicsIslands