9 Secret Places to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the ultimate travel destinations. Its description is often used when overtired employees and students talk about their dream vacation. Paradise, beaches, laid back lifestyle, nature, and activities- Hawaii has got it all. Literally, Hawaii is the destination of millions of travelers each year who come to see its islands. With so many beaches and gorgeous landscapes, it is a pity that a majority of these tourists all tend to flock to the same places. Hawaii is more than just its main attractions, but tourists don’t often get to see its other sides. Here is a breakdown of just a few of the many secret places to visit in Hawaii that you should put on your itinerary for your next Hawaiian vacation. (Each place has a link added to a website where you can find further information i.e. address, contact numbers etc.)

Stairway to Heaven
Atop the Puʻukeahiakahoe mountains in Oahu, is an old U.S radio station that was constructed in 1942. In order for the U.S Navy to reach the station, a wooden staircase was built along the mountains to reach the top. Although not in use today, the radio station is still there as well as the steps used to reach it. Officially called the Ha’iku Trail, as labeled at the trailhead, hiking this stairway to heaven is technically illegal. Although it is against the law and the hike contains close to 4,000 steps, brave travelers still make the journey all of the time. Hikers will get lush green views of mountains and ocean and an adrenaline rush going up the steep cliffs. However, if you are apprehensive to break the law, there is a legal way to do the climb. Get in touch with Friends of Ha’iku Stairs and volunteer to clean up trash and invasive species along the way while making the trek.

Redwood Trail
Hawaii is not typically associated with the magnificent Redwood trees, but it should be. Located at Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area in Maui, this hiking trail is not often experienced by travelers. Guests can walk or bike along a 2-mile trail full of gigantic Redwoods, Cedars, and Pines. The trail connects with other hiking routes as well as camp grounds and fruit trees. It makes a fantastic way to get lost amongst Hawaii’s lesser known nature.

Corsair Airplane Wreck
Although not a common tourist destination over all, this wreck is one of the most famous wrecks in Oahu. On the sea floor since 1946 when it was abandoned due to engine problems, there is still much of the plane that is intact. Many sea animals call thissite home so you will get to see eels, fish and octopi on your dive.

Ono Organic Farms
This family owned fruit farm cultivates a wide selection of vegetables, rare fruits, chocolate, and coffee. A visit to this farm is highlighted with a fruit tasting tour for guests. The tasting tours are available from Monday to Friday at around 1:30 pm. Visitors are given at least ten different fruits and coffee to sample and will receive a brief education in organic farming.

The Blue Room
Located in the jungles of north Kaua’I is this fresh water pool. It is located inside a cave and has magically divine blue waters and an assortment of rare tropical flowers. To get to the cave you will have to park on the ocean side of the highway just before the end of the road at Ke’e and then just look for a small trail that leads up to the cave. Getting to this natural swimming hole is quite the adventure, but without a doubt worth it.

Halawa Valley
Located on the island of Molokai, this town is one of the least touristic places amongst the famous islands. Strips of upscalerestaurants and hotels don’t exist here and neither do throngs of noisy tourists and traffic. Come here to drive along the two-lane road that winds alongside the ocean and valleys. This countryside is filled with taro farms and tiny wooden houses and chapels. There is not much to do here if you don’t like nature. However, those who do love it can rejoice in the company of white sand beaches, great surf and guided hikes to waterfalls.

Makalawena Beach
Located on the Big Island, this beach is almost always empty of tourists. It is a true paradise with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, dunes, and coves. Snorkelers will love it here as it is abundant in coral and sea caves. In order to reach it, you must take Route 19, otherwise known as Queen Ka’ahumanu highway to Kona Coast State Park between the mile markers 89 and 90. Take the road until you get to a parking lot by the water and enter the gates that are open from Thursday until Tuesday from 9am-7pm. Be careful about timing your departure as you will get locked in if you try to leave after closing hours. Start your hike on a former carriage road and you will pass an abandoned mansion, many trees, a couple of springs and a dry lava field before making it to the sand dunes.

Town of Paia
Located on the north shore of Maui, this historic town was once centered around the sugarcane business. Today, the town is a bohemian beach side destination that is full of art, boutique stores and surf shops. Hang at the beaches, find some live music or try some windsurfing. This is a great place to slow down your travels and enjoy a little bit of local beach life.

Nakalele Blowhole
Located in western Maui, right off of highway 30 is this natural wonder. Due to an eroding shoreline underneath a lava shelf, the incoming waves push the water into the holes and create geyser-like eruptions. When driving to the north of Kapalua heading towards Wailuku you can make two stops at hiking trails that will grant you access to the site. One trail can be found by a parking lot near mile marker 38 and another one a little past it that starts at a red dirt pullout. The hike takes about 30 minutes and hikers should be careful about the conditions.
Choosing a Hawaiian island to stay on can be a task, but not if you check out these these travel tips.