From incredible hiking trails best enjoyed before the weather fully heats up to stunning beaches perfect for celebrating the renewed warmth of the Pacific Ocean, there are some spots found throughout the Hawaiian Islands that are best enjoyed during spring. While it is true that the Hawaiian Islands may not experience traditional seasons like much of the mainland United States, these 17 places we have previously featured here at Only In Hawaii are an absolute must-visit this spring – or any time of year.
- Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park
Marvin Chandra/Flickr Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, formerly known as Kahana Valley State Park, is often overlooked for more accessible spots on the island but is an absolute natural oasis for anyone who wants to get away from it all and have a little adventure.
- Kilauea Iki Trail
Angi English/Flickr This four-mile loop trail, which is the remains of a massive 1959 eruption, is wildly popular among Volcanoes National Park visitors. The trail – which takes hikers through lush rainforests, near active steam and sulfur vents, and across a solidified lava lake – was voted as the Big Island’s favorite scenic hiking trail by Hawaii Magazine.
- Hanalei
Geordie Mott/Flickr With a small one-lane bridge leading into town, and an unusual mix of shopping and dining options, the very small town – approximately 0.8 square miles – is full of old world charm. The town has a population of 450 and is home to stellar views of Kauai’s taro fields, various art galleries, and historic sites, as well as fresh air and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
- Kauai’s Glass Beach
Pat McGrath/Flickr Tucked away in a Hanapepe industrial area, near Port Allen Harbor is Kauai’s Glass Beach, a slice of paradise covered with millions of sea glass pebbles in brilliant hues of aqua, blue and brown. The glass found at this beach was mainly created from broken bottles and auto glass that was dumped years ago, and subsequently smoothed by time and ocean tides.
- Ching’s Pond
tgidenver/Flickr Also known as the Blue Sapphire Pools, Ching’s Pond is certainly a sight to behold. Located approximately 0.9 miles after Mile Marker 16 on the Hana Highway, you won’t see Ching’s Pond while driving, but if you pull off just before the bridge, you’ll find a series of deep sapphire blue pools beneath.
- Hawaii Treehouse
Hawaii Treehouse/Facebook Found high in the canopy of a tropical Hawaiian forest and perched above a lava tube, the Hawaii Treehouse gives guests - who must book in advance - the opportunity to live out their childhood fantasy of staying in a treehouse. Built out of lumber from a recycled church, the cozy treehouse sleeps two people in a single bedroom, living room, and small food preparation area, as well as an indoor and outdoor eating area.
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Steve Alexander/Flickr The short and sweet Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is fully paved, gaining approximately 500 feet in elevation over the course of a mile, with stunning panoramic views the entire journey of not only Oahu’s southeastern and windward coasts, but the vast Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Makapu’u tide pools and nearby Makapu’u Beach.
- Makaluapuna Point
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr Located at the edge of the Ritz-Carlton Maui’s golf course on the peninsula between Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay is Makaluapuna Point, a place full of absolute wonder. Also known as Maui’s Dragon Teeth, the jagged, gray rocks were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky - and now resemble jagged teeth jutting out from the jaw of a dragon.
- Kealakekua Bay
Susan Smith/Flickr Hawaii Island’s beautiful reef-filled Kealakekua Bay is one of the state’s most historic bays, and a known dolphin hangout. The bay is also home to the famous Captain Cook monument, and crystalline waters.
- Koke’e State Park
Alex Schwab/Flickr Accessible via State Route 550 through Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke’e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres of mountainous terrain. The park contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along majestic canyon rims, through native Hawaiian forests, and across enchanting swamp lands.
- Judd Memorial Trail
Eric Tessmer/Flickr Found near Oahu’s Pali Highway in the Nu’uanu neighborhood is the Judd Memorial Trail, a magical slice of forest paradise that awaits your arrival. With surprises around every turn, the entire family is sure to fall in love with this 1-mile Oahu hike.
- Surfing Goat Dairy
Surfing Goat Dairy/Facebook Producing more than two dozen varieties of goat cheeses, many of which have won national cheese awards, Surfing Goat Dairy is one of only two goat dairies in Hawaii, as of 2014. Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the 42-acre farm was founded in 1998, and offers tours to visitors.
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Steve Boland/Flickr A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the magnificent Papakolea Green Sand Beach is located on Hawaii Island’s southern shore, near Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States. It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, and is created from tiny crystals called olivine, a mineral found in the rocks of the surrounding 49,000-year-old cinder cone, Pu’u Mahana.
- Kuilau Trail
With sweeping vistas of Mount Wai’ale’ale, the Kuilau Trail may be long, but is welcoming to those who want a non-treacherous hike on Kauai. The easy to moderate trail winds its way through the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve, and ends at the trailhead for the Moalepe Trail - and easily proves why Kauai received the nickname, “The Garden Isle.”
Kualoa Ranch
anthony_goto/Flickr From horseback riding and ATV tours to boat excursions and ziplining, Kualoa Ranch has an activity perfect for everyone. Oh, and did we mention the stunning natural beauty and countless movies filmed there? Those films include 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Soul Surfer, Along Came Polly, The Hunger Games, Godzilla, and George of the Jungle, as well as several television shows.
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Matt Northam/Flickr Located on the Big Island is this national historical park, full of archaeological sites and reconstructions of an ancient Hawaiian “place of refuge.” The site, once home to Hawaiian royalty and those who broke a law or defeated military, features a self-guided tour.
- Twin Falls
Thomas/Flickr As you are driving along Maui’s Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is this picturesque string of waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. Reminiscent of a fantasy world, this gorgeous spot features two absolutely dreamy waterfalls and a pool below, perfect for a quick swim.
Which of these is first up on your Hawaii bucket list? Be sure to check out our ultimate Hawaii bucket list for outdoor lovers.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, formerly known as Kahana Valley State Park, is often overlooked for more accessible spots on the island but is an absolute natural oasis for anyone who wants to get away from it all and have a little adventure.
Angi English/Flickr
This four-mile loop trail, which is the remains of a massive 1959 eruption, is wildly popular among Volcanoes National Park visitors. The trail – which takes hikers through lush rainforests, near active steam and sulfur vents, and across a solidified lava lake – was voted as the Big Island’s favorite scenic hiking trail by Hawaii Magazine.
Geordie Mott/Flickr
With a small one-lane bridge leading into town, and an unusual mix of shopping and dining options, the very small town – approximately 0.8 square miles – is full of old world charm. The town has a population of 450 and is home to stellar views of Kauai’s taro fields, various art galleries, and historic sites, as well as fresh air and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
Pat McGrath/Flickr
Tucked away in a Hanapepe industrial area, near Port Allen Harbor is Kauai’s Glass Beach, a slice of paradise covered with millions of sea glass pebbles in brilliant hues of aqua, blue and brown. The glass found at this beach was mainly created from broken bottles and auto glass that was dumped years ago, and subsequently smoothed by time and ocean tides.
tgidenver/Flickr
Also known as the Blue Sapphire Pools, Ching’s Pond is certainly a sight to behold. Located approximately 0.9 miles after Mile Marker 16 on the Hana Highway, you won’t see Ching’s Pond while driving, but if you pull off just before the bridge, you’ll find a series of deep sapphire blue pools beneath.
Hawaii Treehouse/Facebook
Found high in the canopy of a tropical Hawaiian forest and perched above a lava tube, the Hawaii Treehouse gives guests - who must book in advance - the opportunity to live out their childhood fantasy of staying in a treehouse. Built out of lumber from a recycled church, the cozy treehouse sleeps two people in a single bedroom, living room, and small food preparation area, as well as an indoor and outdoor eating area.
Steve Alexander/Flickr
The short and sweet Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is fully paved, gaining approximately 500 feet in elevation over the course of a mile, with stunning panoramic views the entire journey of not only Oahu’s southeastern and windward coasts, but the vast Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Makapu’u tide pools and nearby Makapu’u Beach.
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Located at the edge of the Ritz-Carlton Maui’s golf course on the peninsula between Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay is Makaluapuna Point, a place full of absolute wonder. Also known as Maui’s Dragon Teeth, the jagged, gray rocks were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky - and now resemble jagged teeth jutting out from the jaw of a dragon.
Susan Smith/Flickr
Hawaii Island’s beautiful reef-filled Kealakekua Bay is one of the state’s most historic bays, and a known dolphin hangout. The bay is also home to the famous Captain Cook monument, and crystalline waters.
Alex Schwab/Flickr
Accessible via State Route 550 through Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke’e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres of mountainous terrain. The park contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along majestic canyon rims, through native Hawaiian forests, and across enchanting swamp lands.
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
Found near Oahu’s Pali Highway in the Nu’uanu neighborhood is the Judd Memorial Trail, a magical slice of forest paradise that awaits your arrival. With surprises around every turn, the entire family is sure to fall in love with this 1-mile Oahu hike.
Surfing Goat Dairy/Facebook
Producing more than two dozen varieties of goat cheeses, many of which have won national cheese awards, Surfing Goat Dairy is one of only two goat dairies in Hawaii, as of 2014. Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the 42-acre farm was founded in 1998, and offers tours to visitors.
Steve Boland/Flickr
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the magnificent Papakolea Green Sand Beach is located on Hawaii Island’s southern shore, near Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States. It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, and is created from tiny crystals called olivine, a mineral found in the rocks of the surrounding 49,000-year-old cinder cone, Pu’u Mahana.
With sweeping vistas of Mount Wai’ale’ale, the Kuilau Trail may be long, but is welcoming to those who want a non-treacherous hike on Kauai. The easy to moderate trail winds its way through the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve, and ends at the trailhead for the Moalepe Trail - and easily proves why Kauai received the nickname, “The Garden Isle.”
anthony_goto/Flickr
From horseback riding and ATV tours to boat excursions and ziplining, Kualoa Ranch has an activity perfect for everyone. Oh, and did we mention the stunning natural beauty and countless movies filmed there? Those films include 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Soul Surfer, Along Came Polly, The Hunger Games, Godzilla, and George of the Jungle, as well as several television shows.
Matt Northam/Flickr
Located on the Big Island is this national historical park, full of archaeological sites and reconstructions of an ancient Hawaiian “place of refuge.” The site, once home to Hawaiian royalty and those who broke a law or defeated military, features a self-guided tour.
Thomas/Flickr
As you are driving along Maui’s Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is this picturesque string of waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. Reminiscent of a fantasy world, this gorgeous spot features two absolutely dreamy waterfalls and a pool below, perfect for a quick swim.
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