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The Haiku Stairs
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, this is a ladder that takes you from the base of the Puʻukeahiakahoe mountain to the top, at an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 m). As you’d expect, this activity is quite a workout, so you may want to think twice before stepping on the first step.
Still, you can always return if you find it too taxing on your feet, so don’t be afraid to start. The journey will take you on top of the world through luscious vegetation and gorgeous landscapes. From the top, you can see the entire area and the ocean, and the feeling of being up top is as close as you will ever get to experiencing heaven!
A word of caution, though; the stairs are not open for tourists since there are lots of safety concerns. So, if you really want to experience this amazing climb, you’ll have to find a way around the legal restrictions and make sure you will be safe going up and down.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
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If you’d like to see active volcanoes and real-life eruptions, this is the place to go! Located on the Big Island, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique biological and geological landscapes in the world, and the area is protected.
The two highly-active volcanoes (Kilauea and Mauna Loa) form a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site where people can visit and admire some of the most violent and fascinating natural phenomena.
Plus, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take pictures that not many people have. And, if you really want to impress your friends and family, why not turn these pictures into customized cards? With customized cards, you can choose the format, the image, and other settings, like when you make holiday cards with Mixbook.
Akaka Falls State Park
For those who enjoy active rest, the Akaka Falls State Park is the best place to be. The area is a tropical rainforest near Hilo, on the Big Island, and it’s filled with amazing waterfalls, lots of
hiking trails, and luscious fauna and flora.
You’ll be completely immersed in nature and can enjoy a day (or more) of hiking, having picnics, swimming, or simply lazing around gazing at the sky. There’s also a paved path you can follow to make sure you won’t miss any of the attractions.
The Na Pali Coast
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Hawaii is an impressive place to visit and live, but if you want to feel inspired and completely humbled by Mother Nature, you have to visit the Na Pali Coast! You’ll get to experience in real-life a view that’s unique on the planet and often featured in movies.
The multicolored cliffs framed by the blue ocean are so gorgeous that you’ll be speechless when you see them for the first time. As the initial shock of admiration wears off, you’ll want to get closer and enjoy the scenery from other angles, which is possible by either taking a hike, a boat ride, or a helicopter ride (depending on your budget).
Queens Bath
If you want to make sure you visit everything worth seeing while in Hawaii, you can’t miss Queens Bath! This location is on the northern shore of Kauai, close to Princeville, and it’s quite difficult to find (you’ll have to ask the locals).
Once you identify the right trail, you have to take a quick hike, and you’ll get to a rock shelf next to the Pacific Ocean. It’s best to visit when the tide is low, and the most breathtaking images are at sunrise or sunset.
Meanwhile, you can have a swim and enjoy the pools that form naturally when the tide retreats. Pay attention, though, if the tide starts to rise, it’s best to find a safe spot if you’re not an experienced swimmer!
In Summary
Hawaii is a place of wonder and discovery, so almost all its hidden gems can be considered unusual. The best way is to explore on your own rhythm and try to find as many amazing spots as possible.