Discover the beauty of Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its lush rainforests, black beaches, resorts, and volcanoes. With these hidden gems in Hawaii, you’ll be able to discover the best-kept secrets Hawaii has to offer.
- Mermaid Caves, Oahu
- Kilauea Crater, Big Island
- One’uli Beach, Maui
- Kalalau Trail, Kaua’i
- Bamboo Forest, Maui
- Nakalele Blowhole, Maui
- Queen’s Bath, Kaua’i
- Kaumana Lava Tubes, Big Island
1. Mermaid Caves, Oahu
One of the most beautiful hidden gems in Oahu is the Mermaid Caves. Head to Nanakuli Beach Park on the Western side of the island. It can be tricky to find these caves, but you can now book tours to take you there or follow this guide to find the exact location. On some days, you’ll be able to find a ladder leading you down to the caves, so you don’t have to jump in and climb out on the slippery rocks. You can also come here by snorkeling from the ocean and discovering this beautiful hidden gem in Hawaii.
2. Kilauea Crater, Big Island
The Kilauea volcano is one of the most active volcanoes worldwide and can be visited on tours. You can see lava flow and a lava lake at the summit. The views here are unique. You can learn a lot about how the island group of Hawaii was formed and why the active volcanoes here are monitored so closely by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
3. One’uli Beach, Maui
One’uli Beach, also known as Naupaka Beach, can be found on the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone in Maui. It might not be perfect for sunbathing and spending your whole day here sleeping in the sun, but it’s perfect for snorkeling and diving. Not many tourists come here, but locals love this beach and its fantastic views, which makes it one of the best hidden gems in Hawaii.
4. Kalalau Trail, Kaua’i
This Napali Coast State Wilderness park trail is perfect for nature lovers. You can choose between a 4-mile round trip trail along the coast with amazing views and a secluded beach on the trail or a 22-mile round trip through the whole park. Ensure to get entry and camping permits online before heading to the state park.
5. Bamboo Forest, Maui
You’ll find a stunning bamboo forest along the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. This beautiful hidden gem in Maui is similar to the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Japan and has a very eerie yet beautiful vibe. You’ll need to hike a mile to get here; many visitors don’t make the trip. However, the beautiful view of the bamboo and a waterfall makes the trip worthwhile.
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6. Nakalele Blowhole, Maui
The blow hole is about a mile hike away from the nearest parking lot. Much like a geyser, water suddenly erupts from the sea to the sky through this large hole in the rugged coast. The beautiful viewpoint does not only offer a view of the blow hole but also of the fantastic rugged coastline. Because of the rather rugged way there, not many people make their way here, but you should definitely not miss out!
7. Queen’s Bath, Kaua’i
This hidden gem in Hawaii is truly an off-the-beaten-path destination. A short 10-minute hike past a glorious waterfall will take you to the sinkholes on the rugged coast. Before you head to Queen’s Bath, you should, however, check the surf forecast to ensure you can swim and relax in the pools.
8. Kaumana Lava Tubes, Big Island
The Kaumana Caves State Park is the perfect place to see Lava Tubes filled with rich nature. From Hilo, head down Saddle Road and carefully cross the Kaumana drive to find the cave entrances. You can climb down a skylight into the tubes and explore. Don’t forget to take your flashlight to feel like a true adventurer.
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