72 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Hawaii

Punalu`u Black Sand Beach

This black shoreline is made up of exploded lava particles.

Mauna Kea

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

Hana Lava Tube

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

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 City, Hawaii

Lanai Cat Sanctuary

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

Kaumana Lava Tubes

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

Big Island Lava Flow

Watch the newest land on the planet form before your eyes.

Naalehu, Hawaii

Papakōlea Beach

A beach made of semi-precious green sand on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

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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.

Pineapple Dump Pier

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

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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.

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Stories About Hawaii

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.

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.

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.”

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 <em>Stickleback</em>'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

<em>Cyanea kuhihewa</em>, 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

Snailer and malacologist Norine Yeung in a field of trampled uluhe.

In the Field With the Intrepid, Dedicated Snailers of Hawai‘i

Tiny gastropods, huge undertaking.

by Sabrina Imbler

November 22, 2019

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