With brilliant sunshine, warm weather, idyllic beaches, and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, Hawaii is a dreamy summer getaway destination. From swimming and sunbathing to exciting water sports, there are abundant things to do in Hawaii. Additionally, look forward to enjoying fascinating sightseeing venues, as well as hiking and cycling in exotic locales. Stay at one of many Hawaii vacation rentals for your upcoming summer getaway. Without further ado, here are the top places to take a summer vacation in Hawaii.
1. Hanalei, Kauai
Lovely Hanalei is a town on Kauai’s spectacular north coast. Accessible only by a single-lane road, charming Hanalei is renowned for its eclectic shops blended into a verdant green landscape. Browse through the Emperor’s Emporium and Ching Young Village Shopping Center for clothing and souvenirs, and through the art galleries for local handicrafts. Head for Hanalei Pier for some fun swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Rent a kayak from Kayak Hanalei, and explore the coastal waters, and take a horseback ride over the verdant hills with Princeton Ranch Stables. Don’t miss a tour of the spectacular Napali Coast with Kauai Sea Tours.
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2. Lihue, Kauai
Near vacation rentals in the city of Lihue, which lies on the southeastern coast of Kauai, are two of the island’s most beautiful beaches: Kalapaki Beach and Ninini Beach, both of which provide great swimming, sunbathing, body surfing, and surfing. You can also swim in the pool at the base of spectacular Wailua Falls, which is only a short drive from Lihue. Visit the Grove Farm Homestead Museum for a look at the home, worker cottages, and gardens of a historic sugar plantation. The Kilohana Estate Kauai, another restored plantation, offers a railway tour of the farm and an unforgettable feast at the classic Luau Kalamaku.
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3. Laie, Oahu
Located on the northeastern shore of Oahu, the town of Laie has a long stretch of soft sand at Hukilau Beach Park that offers excellent summer swimming. Head out to Laie Point State Wayside Park for a spectacular view of offshore islands while you enjoy some pleasant fishing. Laie is home to one of the most popular attractions on Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center. This unique theme park features numerous Polynesian villages highlighting various cultures. Each of the villages offers special performances and cultural learning activities. You can tour the various park locations on the footpaths or by canoe. The cultural center also has elaborate luaus with buffets.
4. Waimanalo Beach, Oahu
The town of Waimanalo Beach lies on the southeastern shore of Oahu facing three-miles of soft powdery white sand that comprises the longest stretch of beach on the island. Along the beach, the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area and Waimanalo Beach Park both offer lifeguard towers, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. After a day of swimming, body surfing, and body boarding, head for Dave’s Ice Cream for a tropical-flavored Hawaiian shave ice. Nearby Waimanalo Beach is Sea Life Park Hawaii, a large facility with marine mammal habitats, an aquarium, and a bird sanctuary. Interactive programs allow you to enter the habitats and swim up close to dolphins, sea lions, Hawaiian rays, and sharks.
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5. Honolulu, Oahu
The capital and largest city in Hawaii, Honolulu, is on the southern end of Oahu. World-famous Waikiki Beach offers soft sand, a clear blue sea, and a wealth of water sports. Rent a surfboard or paddleboard at Hawaii Surf Rentals, and have fun playing the waves. Hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater for a panoramic view of the city and the southern Oahu coastline. Downtown Honolulu has numerous fascinating sightseeing locales such as Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. Don’t miss visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor on the northwest side of the city.
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6. Lanai City, Lanai
Vacation rentals in Lanai City provide ideal bases from which to explore this small island, which lies off the western coast of Maui. Most of the shops and restaurants in this welcoming town cluster around Dole Park, a pleasant grassy area in the center. The Lanai Art Center offers local artwork and handicrafts, and the Blue Ginger Cafe offers delicious Hawaiian and international cuisine. Visit Hulopoe Bay for a white sand beach with crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. Walk to the cliffs overlooking the southern coastline for a look at iconic Sweetheart Rock.
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7. Lahaina, Maui
Located on the northwestern coast of Maui, the historic town of Lahaina, formerly a whaling village, features numerous art galleries and fine ethnic restaurants. Escape the summer heat in the shade of the famous Lahaina banyan tree, one of the largest in the United States, which covers an entire city block. Just north of town is Kaanapali Beach with three miles of golden sand and excellent swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Take a breathtakingly beautiful tour of the coast by canoe or kayak with Hawaiian Paddle Sports. For an unforgettable thrill, take the Skyline Kaanapali zip line tour.
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8. Hana, Maui
The peaceful town of Hana on the eastern coast of Maui makes an ideal summer destination. Shop for unique souvenirs at the rustic Hana Ranch Store and Hasegawa General Store. Hana is the gateway to Haleakala National Park, which features spectacular views from the summit of a dormant volcano. Try to get there in time to see an unforgettable sunrise. On the coastline at the base of the mountains are the amazing Pools of Oheo, a tiered series of waterfalls and swimmable pools. Just north of Hana is Waianapanapa State Park and its extraordinary beach of black volcanic sand.
9. Kailua-Kona, Big Island
The town of Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is surrounded by opportunities for thrilling summer activities. To the north are magnificent beaches and world-renowned golf courses such as the Kona Country Club Ocean Course, the Makalei Golf Course, and the Hokulia Golf Club. To the east, the volcanic slopes are covered with coffee farms that offer tours with tastings such as the Greenwell Farm and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Head south for Kealakekua Bay, Kahaluu Beach Park, and other magnificent snorkeling spots.
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10. Hilo, Big Island
The beautiful city of Hilo lies on the eastern side of the Big Island. With its gorgeous Japanese teahouse, pagodas, rock gardens, and fishponds, the Liliuokalani Gardens offers an ideal location for a pleasant summer stroll. The downtown open-air Hilo Farmer’s Market is a great place to shop for exotic produce, locally grown coffee, baked goods, jewelry, and handicrafts. Be sure to visit Wailuku River State Park, which features a short walk through lush foliage to a magnificent 80-foot waterfall.
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