Counties Of Hawaii Map Travel Guide

Introduction

Hawaii, also known as the Aloha State, is a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. Hawaii is divided into five counties, each with its own unique attractions and activities. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or culture buff, Hawaii has something to offer for everyone. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the counties of Hawaii map and discover the top attractions, hidden gems, and local secrets.

Top Attractions

Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii and the most populous city in the state. It is located on the island of Oahu and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. The top attractions in Honolulu include Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and the Iolani Palace.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island

Kailua-Kona is a historic town located on the west coast of Hawaii Island. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class snorkeling and diving spots. The top attractions in Kailua-Kona include the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kealakekua Bay, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Wailuku, Maui

Wailuku is a charming town located on the island of Maui. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. The top attractions in Wailuku include the Iao Valley State Park, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum.

Lihue, Kauai

Lihue is the county seat of Kauai and is located on the eastern coast of the island. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and rich cultural heritage. The top attractions in Lihue include the Kauai Museum, the Wailua Falls, and the Kalapaki Beach.

Hilo, Hawaii Island

Hilo is the largest city on the island of Hawaii and is known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. The top attractions in Hilo include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Rainbow Falls, and the Lyman Museum and Mission House.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions in Hawaii are well-known and popular, there are also many hidden gems that are worth exploring. These include:

The Papakolea Beach, also known as the Green Sand Beach, located on the southern coast of Hawaii Island
The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, located on the north shore of Kauai
The Pololu Valley Lookout, located on the northern coast of Hawaii Island
The Makawao Forest Reserve, located on the island of Maui
The Koloa Heritage Trail, a walking tour that takes you through the historic town of Koloa on Kauai

Food Scene

Hawaii is known for its unique and diverse food scene, influenced by the local culture and the many different ethnicities that call Hawaii home. Some of the must-try dishes in Hawaii include:

Poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, rice, and vegetables
Shave ice, a popular dessert made with shaved ice and flavored syrups
Malasadas, a Portuguese donut-like pastry that is popular in Hawaii
Plate lunch, a filling meal that usually includes a meat or fish dish, rice, and macaroni salad
Loco moco, a dish that consists of rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy

Budget-Friendly Tips

Hawaii can be an expensive destination, but there are also many ways to save money and make your trip more budget-friendly. Some tips include:

Travel during the off-season to save on airfare and accommodation
Stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel
Cook some of your own meals instead of eating out all the time
Take advantage of free activities and attractions, such as hiking and visiting public beaches
Rent a bike or walk instead of renting a car

Outdoor Adventures

Hawaii is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and more. Some of the best outdoor adventures in Hawaii include:

Hiking to the top of Diamond Head on Oahu
Surfing at Waikiki Beach on Oahu
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii Island
Ziplining through the lush rainforest on Maui
Kayaking along the Napali Coast on Kauai

Historical Landmarks

Hawaii has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks and sites. Some of the most significant historical landmarks in Hawaii include:

The Iolani Palace, the former residence of the Hawaiian monarchs, located in Honolulu
The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred site that was once a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers, located on Hawaii Island
The Lahaina Historic Trail, a walking tour that takes you through the historic town of Lahaina on Maui
The Kilauea Sugar Plantation, a historic site that showcases Hawaii’s sugar industry, located on Kauai

Family-Friendly Activities

There are plenty of fun and family-friendly activities to enjoy in Hawaii. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Hawaii include:

Visiting the Honolulu Zoo on Oahu
Exploring the Maui Ocean Center on Maui
Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Quest on Hawaii Island
Taking a horseback ride through the majestic Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island
Playing at the Kauai Mini Golf and Botanical Gardens on Kauai

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you are looking for something different and off-the-beaten-path, Hawaii has plenty of unique experiences to offer. Some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences in Hawaii include:

Taking a helicopter tour of the active Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island
Exploring the underwater world on a night dive in Maui
Visiting the remote and rugged Kaena Point on Oahu
Watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakala crater on Maui
Taking a guided tour of the stunning Waimea Canyon on Kauai

Natural Wonders

Hawaii is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Some of the must-see natural wonders in Hawaii include:

The Na Pali Coast, a rugged and scenic coastline located on the island of Kauai
The Haleakala National Park, a stunning park that features a dormant volcano and other natural wonders on Maui
The Waikiki Aquarium, a fascinating aquarium that showcases the marine life of Hawaii on Oahu
The Akaka Falls State Park, a beautiful park that features a stunning waterfall on Hawaii Island

Vibrant Nightlife

Hawaii has a vibrant nightlife scene that includes everything from live music and dancing to bars and clubs. Some of the best nightlife spots in Hawaii include: