Revel in the unspoiled beauty at these lesser-known beaches, bluffs, and trails, and discover the rich, storied history of the Hawaiian Islands at these museums and cultural hubs.
The name Hawaii evokes a Pacific paradise steeped in splendor and tradition. On Evrima, you can explore the cultural landmarks and pristine landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands’ many treasures, revealing impossibly beautiful sights along with a storied history, centuries in the making.
Honolulu: The Spirit of Hawaii
Hawaii’s capital is the gateway to the island chain, an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands and more than 100 smaller islands, islets, and atolls. A dazzling, cosmopolitan city, Honolulu is awash in world-renowned beaches, open-air markets, sunset mai-tais sipped beside gentle surfs, and even a royal palace.
One of Honolulu’s best-known haunts is Waikiki, the iconic neighborhood known for its waterside cocktail bars, fine dining, and legendary surfing culture at Waikiki Beach. But nearby Ala Moana, a long, crescent-shaped beach, is a less-crowded alternative, while there is more to discover in Honolulu beyond its white sands and breathtaking views of the Diamond Head crater.
In the retail district Kaka‘ako, take in the bold street art and shop the vibrant farmers market, while in downtown, you can’t help but marvel at the Iolani Palace, the only royal residence on U.S. soil. Completed in 1882, it was the official home of the Hawaiian monarchs, where they received — and lavishly entertained — luminaries from around the world. A short drive away, the Bishop Museum, which was founded in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family, houses the princess’s extensive collection of family heirlooms. The nearby Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, preserves the 1821 Mission House, offering a glimpse into how myriad Hawaiian communities have intersected for more than two centuries.
Kona: A Study in Contrasts
Dazzling colors converge in Kona on the sun-drenched, western end of “The Big Island.” Home to black-lava cliffs, the verdant slopes of the Hualālai volcano, and crystal blue waters, it’s an ideal site for snorkeling, diving, sailing, and spotting honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles.
But first, the fragrance. Kona is steeped in the rich aroma of coffee groves, where family-run farms handpick coffee beans from trees rooted in volcanic soil. Visit a roastery for a tasting, or sample local cacao and vanilla. Kona’s black-lava coffee fields stretch toward white-sand beaches, where you can paddle a traditional Hawaiian canoe or snorkel in Kealakekua Bay, where famed British explorer Captain Hook met his demise at the hands of Native Hawaiians.
In Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a white obelisk memorializes his death while a sacred temple is dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture, fertility, rain, music, and peace. The 180-acre Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park on Hōnaunau Bay was once a sacred place of refuge. Today, it’s best-known for fishing, snorkeling, hiking, or wandering among reconstructed temples honoring ancient Hawaiian laws and tradition.
Kahului: Untouched Landscapes Meet A Wild Coast
Kahului on Maui’s northern coast is hallowed ground. In 1790, King Kamehameha’s forces defeated Maui’s warriors and paved the way to unifying the islands. Today, Kahului is a working port that leads to unspoiled landscapes beyond the beach.
In Haleakalā National Park, start your day with a sunrise hike to Haleakalā’s summit, which cascades down to the Kīpahulu District’s black volcanic sands. The park is home to more than 24,000 acres of wilderness, including high-altitude cinder lands, or steep hills formed by volcanic eruptions, as well as lush coastal rainforests and more natural wonders. At the remote Waiʻānapanapa State Park, jet-black sands and sea arches showcase a pure, raw beauty and a wild, volcanic coast.
Inland, you can wander ʻĪao Valley State Monument, where the 1,200-foot ʻĪao Needle is one of the most sacred places on Maui. Ancient Hawaiians honored it as the symbolic stone of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean, while the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, just a short drive away, shares the history of Hawaii’s plantation heritage and role in the sugarcane industry. On Evrima, you can chart your own course and explore Hawaii’s awe-inspiring landscapes while immersing yourself in its time-honored stories and traditions.