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All United States Hawaii

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Hawaii

73 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii

Updated February 24, 2023

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Cities

Top Cities
Koko Crater Trail.
Honolulu
Coco Palms Resort
Kapa'a
Mauna Kea Observatory
Hilo
The green sand on Papakōlea.
Naalehu
Captain Cook
Kaneohe
All Cities
  1. Captain Cook
  2. Eleele
  3. Hana
  4. Hilo
  5. Honolulu
  6. Kailua
  7. Kailua Kona
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  9. Kapa'a
  10. Kilauea
  11. Koloa
  12. Kula
  13. Lahaina
  14. Naalehu
  15. Pāhoa
  16. Wahiawa
  17. Waimea
Attractions
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Unusual Attractions in Hawaii

Black Sand Beach

Hawaii

Punalu`u Black Sand Beach

This black shoreline is made up of exploded lava particles.

Hana, Hawaii

Hana Lava Tube

A tunnel of hardened lava along Maui’s famous Road to Hana.
Mauna Kea Observatory

Hilo, Hawaii

Mauna Kea

Earth's tallest volcano is sacred to Native Hawaiians, and home to a dozen world-class observatories.
Akaka Falls

Pepeekeo, Hawaii

'Akaka Falls

These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Lanai City, Hawaii

Lanai Cat Sanctuary

The island of Lanai in Hawai'i is a paradise for cats and cat lovers.
Kaumana Lava Tubes

Hilo, Hawaii

Kaumana Lava Tubes

Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves.

Pāhoa, Hawaii

Big Island Lava Flow

Watch the newest land on the planet form before your eyes.
The green sand on Papakōlea.

Naalehu, Hawaii

Papakōlea Beach

A beach made of semi-precious green sand on the Big Island of Hawai'i.
See All 73 Things To Do in Hawaii

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Nisshodo Candy Store

This mom-and-pop Japanese sweets shop has been serving cloud-light mochi for almost a century.

Captain Cook, Hawaii

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Try your hand at old-fashioned coffee growing at this museum devoted to one of the world's most coveted beans.

Kapa'a, Hawaii

Pineapple Dump Pier

A local pineapple cannery once dumped pineapple trimmings off of this pier, with sometimes smelly results.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Watery Wonders in Hawaiʻi, Without Setting Foot in the Ocean

Yes, we know, Hawaiʻi is surrounded by water—the state is a watery wonder in and of itself. But the ocean is only the beginning. The volcanic islands' dramatic topography, unpredictable coastlines, and high rainfall mean that water in and around the Paradise of the Pacific cavorts in all sorts of stunning ways: waterfalls, blowholes, pools, and more. (Plus rainbows. Lots and lots of rainbows.) And you can enjoy all of these natural showstoppers without having to get your feet wet. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary

Explore Hawaii

Geology 11
Nature 11
Volcanoes 9
Water 7
Islands 7
Natural Wonders 7
World War Ii 7
Ecosystems 6
Animals 6
Geological Oddities 6
Military 6
Indigenous 6

Hawaii Leaderboard

Places Added

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Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Hawaii.

Places Edited

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Recent Hawaii Activity

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Stories About Hawaii

Hawai'i Tackles Invasive Little Fire Ants With Vigilance, Slingshots, and Gooey 'Sputter'

Across the archipelago, scientists and citizens are uniting against the tiny terrors, deploying an arsenal of creative weapons.
by Ashley Stimpson
December 14, 2022
The “shaka” hand is an iconic gesture in Hawai‘i, but its origins are uncertain, and likely involve a brutal past.

The Dark History of Hawai‘i’s Iconic Hand Gesture

The ‘shaka’ or ‘hang loose’ gesture likely originated from island plantations’ brutal working conditions.
by Sarah Durn
December 14, 2021
From inter-island diplomacy to broken treaties, this fort has witnessed the machinations of Hawaiians, Russians, and Americans.

Excavating the Hawaiian History of Kaua‘i’s ‘Russian’ Fort

A rich local history has long been overshadowed by a few months under a Russian flag.
by Sarah Durn
November 30, 2021
Hawaiʻi has excellent conditions for frequent, intense, long-lasting rainbows.

Why Hawaiʻi Is Perfect for Rainbows

According to one scientist, geography and weather make it the “Rainbow Capital of the World.”
by Luna Shyr
March 30, 2021
Lavafalls have filled the crater, replacing the water that had taken residence there.

Kīlauea’s Lava Lake Is Back, and Volcanologists Are Bubbling With Excitement

There's uncertainty, but the eruption is confined to the summit caldera.
by Robin George Andrews
December 23, 2020
The Stickleback's stern, resting two miles under the sea.

Found: The Cold War Wreck of a World War II Submarine

A training exercise in 1958 sent the USS Stickleback to the ocean floor.
by Isaac Schultz
March 26, 2020
Cyanea kuhihewa, rediscovered.

In Kaua‘i, Botanists Rediscover an Extinct Plant Once Mistaken for Another Extinct Plant

Just another day in Hawaiian conservation.
by Sabrina Imbler
February 28, 2020
A wiliwili flower in full bloom.

Can a War of the Wasps Save Hawai‘i’s Wiliwili Trees?

It's a classic good wasp/bad wasp situation.
by Sabrina Imbler
January 15, 2020

Lists Featuring Hawaii

Red Seabeach
Padar Island and its crystal-clear turquoise water.
Black Sand Beach

10 Unique Beaches From Around the World

From bright red grass to stranded shipwrecks, these beaches are anything but ordinary.

10

Including Driftwood Beach, Red Beach , and Padar Island

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