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Discover the Hawaii only locals know
While tourists flock to Waikiki Beach and Luau shows, Hawaii’s residents know where to find the authentic spirit of the islands.
These six places offer a glimpse into Hawaii most tourists don’t see, where ancient traditions persist and natural beauty remains unspoiled.
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Molokai
This untamed isle east of Oahu and northeast of Maui is the least visited major island in Hawaii. Molokai discourages large-scale tourism investment, which means you won’t find the usual vacation comforts here.
For instance, there’s only one hotel on the island and barely any attractions or organized tours. Molokai also has strict building codes, and nothing taller than a coconut tree is allowed.
While it’s not a “touristy” destination, Molokai remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii. In the lush Halawa Valley, fifth-generation farmers tend to ancient fish ponds and taro fields using 1,000-year-old techniques.
The dramatic north shore features the world’s tallest sea cliffs, rising 1,700 feet. Take a guided mule ride down to Kalaupapa Peninsula, where Father Damien served leprosy patients in the 1800s.
Things to do:
- Line up at Kanemitsu’s Bakery for the classic Molokai hot bread
- Paddle traditional outrigger canoes at sunrise near the 100-year-old Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
- Fish for moi and ulua at One Alii Beach Park’s rocky points
- Hike two miles to Mo’oula Falls’ 250-foot cascade with cultural guides
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Windward Coast, Oahu
Windward Coast does receive its fair share of tourists, but nowhere near the level of Waikiki. This 10-mile coastal stretch offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrops.
The three-mile strip of powder sand at Waimanalo Beach Park boasts perfect waves for bodysurfing, especially at its northern end.
Ancient Hawaiians built fish ponds along this coast, and you can still see their curved rock walls at Kualoa Regional Park, stretching into waters where hammerhead sharks breed.
Things to do:
- Harvest apple bananas and lilikoi at Waimanalo Country Farms’ 75-acre working plantation
- Snorkel with reef fish at the protected Makapuu Tide Pools during low tide
- Enjoy plate launches and shaved ice at family-run Keneke’s
- Trek through Kahana Valley State Park’s ancient hunting grounds to hidden waterfalls
- Watch sunrise from the lava tubes at Halona Beach Cove, the filming site of “From Here to Eternity”
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Lanai
Despite being home to two Four Seasons resorts, most of Lanai remains wonderfully undeveloped and authentic.
This former Dole pineapple plantation island maintains its wild character with just 3,000 residents and one main road. Red dirt trails wind through landscapes ranging from misty mountains to desert-like terrain with mysterious rock formations.
At Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), iron-rich rocks create a Martian landscape, particularly striking at sunset when ancient Hawaiian navigators used the formations as ocean-voyage markers.
Things to do:
- Swim with spinner dolphins at Hulopoe Beach’s protected marine sanctuary
- Hike the 5-mile Koloiki Ridge Trail through rare dryland forest
- Watch waves crash against shipwrecks at Kaiolohia Beach’s rusted vessels from the 1940s
- Forage for prized pine mushrooms in the 3,000-foot-high fog belt (permit required)
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Upcountry Maui
This place sits between 1,500 and 4,000 feet on Haleakala’s slopes.
This agricultural belt preserves paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture dating to the 1830s. Morning Mist nurtures over 40 family farms growing everything from coffee to lavender.
The historic cowboy town of Makawao, established in 1888, maintains its wooden boardwalks and hitching posts while housing art galleries and glassblowers.
Things to do:
- Try Grandma’s macadamia nut pancakes at her 1890s coffee plantation house
- Watch hundreds of goats during milking time at Surfing Goat Dairy’s 42-acre farm
- Buy cream puffs at T. Komoda Store, using the same recipe since 1916
- Pick your own Maui onions and strawberries at Kula’s 180-acre family farm
- Watch traditional glass blowing at Hot Island Glass’s historic plantation workshop
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Niihau Island
Also known as “Forbidden Island,” it’s technically possible to visit Niihau, Hawaii, but access is highly restricted and limited to specific types of tours or invitations. Less than 200 Native Hawaiian residents live on this 70-square-mile private island.
They speak Hawaiian as their first language and live without much modern infrastructure – no paved roads, no cars, no internet, no hotels. The main modes of transportation here are bikes and walking.
The community continues traditional practices like gathering pūpū (tiny shells) for legendary Niihau shell lei, found nowhere else in the world. They hunt with throwing sticks and fish using ancient methods in pristine reefs.
Things to do:
- Dive the untouched reefs of Lehua Crater with permission
- View the island via helicopter tours
- Check out King’s Lake, one of Hawaii’s largest lakes
- See endangered monk seals at secluded beaches (beach access is rarely open to tourists)
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Keawiki Bay, North Kona
Hidden between luxury resorts lies this secluded bay, accessible only via unmarked trails across lava fields. Ancient Hawaiians built a complex fishing village here, with remains of house platforms and fishing shrines still visible.
The protected cove harbors some of Hawaii’s healthiest coral reefs, with clear waters reaching depths of 80 feet just offshore. Local families still maintain traditional fishing rights in these waters.
Things to do:
- Snorkel in pools protected by natural lava barriers
- Examine petroglyphs carved into shoreline rocks
- Fish for menpachi at night (with proper permits)
- Explore ancient Hawaiian house sites
- Watch for rare hawksbill turtles nesting (seasonal)
The post 6 Most Unspoiled Places in Hawaii That You Can Visit in 2025 appeared first on When In Your State.