Attracting over 9 million visitors each year, Hawaii has been a dream vacation destination for many people. My husband and I chose Hawaii for our honeymoon and spent two wonderful weeks on the three most popular Hawaiian Islands: the Big Island, Maui, and O’ahu. It was an amazing lifetime experience.
The number of visitors to Hawaii increases every year, and tourism is Hawaii’s major industry. Why do so many people visit Hawaii? Hawaii has comfortable semi-tropical weather, hospitable local people, and countless stunning beaches that are the prefect essential characteristics when you are looking for a vacation destination. Hawaii actually has more to offer to its visitors. Here are the top 10 irresistible reasons to add Hawaii to your bucket list of travel destinations.
1. The Gorgeous Natural Scenery
Hawaii has 137 islands in total, stretching over 1,500 miles. With mountains ranging along the coast, hidden waterfalls folded into green jungles, and stunning beaches with overhanging palm trees, Hawaii offers visitors amazingly gorgeous natural scenery.
The geography among the Hawaiian Islands varies widely. A single island provides a diversity of ecosystems and landforms. You will find a lot of unique natural scenery: mountains, lava deserts, volcanic craters, lush fern and bamboo forests, and waterfalls. Hawaii is a perfect destination for any avid nature lover. There are plenty of hiking trails that will lead you as close to nature as you can get. If you are a beach lover, you will never be disappointed. Each Hawaiian island has plenty of coastal areas with stunning beaches which are suitable for all kinds of beach and water activities.





2. The Rare Colorful Beaches
Have you ever seen a beach with green sand? You can find one on the Big Island, Hawaii. There are only two green sand beaches in the United States, and four in the whole world. In addition to the green sand beach, you will also find beaches with black sand on both the Big Island and Maui; there is also a red sand beach on Maui.
- Black sand beaches on the Big Island and Maui
- A green sand beach on the Big Island
- A red sand beach on the Road to Hana, Maui
The rareness and remoteness of those beaches keep them well preserved with fewer footprints.


3. The Majestic Volcanoes
Each of the Hawaiian Islands was formed by at least one volcano. Visiting a volcanic crater in Hawaii is a “must-do” thing, and many volcanoes can be visited on hikes.
On the Big Island, you can visit the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, by driving along the rim of its crater – when it is NOT active. Kilauea is the world’s only drive-in volcano, offering its visitors a magical experience.
The volcanoes that formed every Hawaiian island have left a mark. Many are easily accessible, such as the Diamond Head crater on O’ahu island, only a short drive from Honolulu and an easy hike to the top of the crater rim.


4. The Magnificent Mountains
Hawaii has more than a thousand mountains, including some of the highest peaks in the Pacific. At 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea on the Big Island is the highest peak in Hawaii. At 10, 023 feet above sea level, Haleakala is the tallest mountain on Maui. You can drive from the shore to the summit of Mauna Kea or Haleakala. The views from the tops of these mountains are uniquely magnificent, sights with 360 degrees of horizon from over 10,000 feet.


5. The Lush Green Rainforests
After white sand beaches with overhanging palm trees, lush tropical rainforests are a Hollywood staple for Pacific islands. Hawaii has plenty of green jungles, picturesque enough for any movie.
The Kualoa Ranch on O’ahu has been the scene for more than 70 movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Kong: Skull Island, and Hawaii Five-0. Maui has numerous lush green rainforests and is home to one of the world’s most beautiful winding roads, the Road to Hana. Kauai island, also known as “The Garden Island,” offers a breathtaking lush green scenery. If you love to explore nature and wander through green jungles, the beauty and accessibility of the green scenery in Hawaii will surely surprise you.




6. The Sensational Sunset Views
With skies clear enough to host some of the finest astronomical observatories in the world, the brilliant sunsets in Hawaii unveil their sublime majesty all the way to the edge of the horizon. Whether you want to experience a sensational sunset view from above 10,000 feet, from a relaxing tropical beach or from a luxurious table at one of the finest restaurants in the world, you can do that in Hawaii. Chances are you can have all three of these experiences since Hawaii has, on average, 278 sunny days per year.

7. The Year-Round Semi-Tropical Weather
Hawaii has year-round semi-tropical weather and abundant sunshine, some of the best weather in the world. The temperatures are steady, ranging from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and rarely going over 90 degrees, even in the summertime. February is the coldest month of the year in Hawaii, with average temperatures between 68 and 79 degrees. For a lovely island experience, good weather is key, making Hawaii a great vacation destination.


8. The Diverse Culture
In addition to natural beauty and the perfect weather, Hawaii also has a bewitching mix of cultures. The first Hawaii settler brought the ancient Polynesian culture and lifestyles to the island. Later, many immigrants came to Hawaii from the islands of the Western Pacific and Asia, bringing their cultures and lifestyles. Over the last few centuries, Hawaiian culture absorbed Californian cattle ranchers, Chinese sugarcane workers, Japanese, Koreans, and Filipinos.
All of these enhance the spirit of Aloha. You can discover the ancient Polynesian culture and lifestyle, such as Luau feast, Hawaiian music and native dance, at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O’ahu.

9. The Crystal-Clear Water, Ocean Waves, and Rich Marine Life
The crystal-clear turquoise water in Hawaii is just irresistible. All year round, but especially November through February, the wind, waves and ocean surf in Hawaii draw the best surfers in the world. The Hawaiian geography and pure water with rich volcanic minerals make its shores a haven to marine life. Snorkeling or scuba diving is fun and amazing. You can see schooling fish, beautiful coral, green sea turtles, and many other marine creatures. You can also experience catamaran and sailing tours, whale watching tours, and cruise tours where you can dine and enjoy the sunset views on the water.




10. The Delicious Hawaiian Cuisine
A trip to Hawaii is not complete without tasting Hawaiian cuisine. Same day caught wild fish grilled in Hawaiian style, fresh fruits and other locally sourced ingredients, the best restaurants offer farm-to-table dishes found nowhere else. Hawaiian cuisine reflects the diversity of Hawaiian culture and island lifestyle. Enjoying Hawaiian cuisine is an amazing experience and can be one of the highlights of your trip.





You can’t find another place in the world where you can have all the spectacular experiences that Hawaii has to offer. Hawaii is the perfect place where you can get away from your daily routine and enjoy the unforgettable journey of a lifetime.
Most people will spend two weeks on a trip to Hawaii. The islands are remote, and you may want to plan enough time to enjoy many of the best experiences. Below is an overview of our itinerary that covers all the main attractions on the three most visited islands in two weeks. You can use it directly and skip the time-consuming planning process and just enjoy your upcoming island vacation.
If you are looking for more information on what to do on the Big Island, Maui and O’ahu, check my previous posts here.
- Natural Scenery and Stunning Beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii
- How to Spend Four Days on Maui, Hawaii
- The Best Places to Dine on Maui, Hawaii
- Four Exciting Days on O’ahu, Hawaii
I will see you in my next post!