It’s no wonder Hawaii is often called paradise — with its powdery white beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and majestic volcanoes inviting adventure, it truly lives up to the name.
At the core of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park lies Kīlauea, a deceptively modest mound on Mauna Loa’s southeastern slope. What sets it apart is its dramatic, steaming crater — Halemaʻumaʻu — a crater within a crater that has spilled lava almost continuously over the past 25 years.
Initially believed to be just a vent of Mauna Loa, Kīlauea was later identified as having its own lava system — one that’s been active for about 600,000 years. Whether or not it’s erupting during your visit depends on the temperament of Pele, the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes who is believed to reside here. Best to keep your expectations modest — and be pleasantly surprised.
Is Kīlauea Currently Erupting?
Kīlauea is the most active of the Big Island’s five volcanoes. In 2018, it delivered a months-long eruption ending in a dramatic collapse of its caldera, launching ash 30,000 feet into the air. Lava activity resumed in December 2020, though with less intensity. For up-to-date information, check daily reports on the USGS website.
Is It Safe to Visit?
Despite its frequent activity, Kīlauea is generally safe for visitors. The 2018 eruption caused damage and injuries but no fatalities. When eruptions occur, Halemaʻumaʻu and Puʻu ʻŌʻō emit thousands of tons of volcanic gas daily. Lava meeting the ocean produces acidic steam plumes, and the resulting volcanic smog (“vog”) can affect air quality. Those with respiratory issues, pregnant women, infants, and young children should take precautions. Check hawaiiso2network.com for current air quality.
A Volcanic Legacy
Halemaʻumaʻu came dramatically back to life on March 19, 2008, with a powerful explosion that spread debris over 75 acres. A growing vent on the crater floor has since pulsed with a lava lake, rising and falling like the volcano’s heartbeat. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Pele in a fiery mood, launching spatter and rock into the now-closed Crater Rim Drive.
Kīlauea has captured imaginations for centuries. Missionary William Ellis described it in 1823, and Mark Twain, who visited in 1866, famously compared it to Vesuvius, calling the latter “a soup kettle” in comparison.
In 1924, Halemaʻumaʻu’s floor collapsed, triggering explosive eruptions and doubling the crater’s size. Since then, it has erupted 18 times, earning its title as the most active area at Kīlauea’s summit.
For Native Hawaiians, Halemaʻumaʻu is not just a natural wonder — it’s a sacred home of the goddess Pele.
How to Experience Kīlauea
The best views of any current activity can be found at:
Kīlauea Overlook
Steam Vents & Steaming Bluff
Crater Rim Trail viewpoints
Arrive early, as these spots can get crowded. All are located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which requires a $30 entrance fee per vehicle (valid for 7 days).
Nestled at the base of Diamond Head, the former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke is a dazzling retreat for lovers of art and history. Known as Shangri La, the mansion is a stunning showcase of Islamic art and design — featuring intricate tile mosaics, carved wood screens, silk textiles, and vibrant glazed paintings. Lush gardens with serene fountains and sweeping ocean views complete the picture of tranquil elegance.
Who Was Doris Duke?
Doris Duke (1912–1993) inherited a vast fortune at age 12, earning her the nickname “the richest little girl in the world.” With her wealth came freedom — she led a colorful life marked by high-profile divorces and a brief, headline-grabbing marriage to a globe-trotting aristocrat. While living in Hawaiʻi, she also made waves as the first white woman to surf competitively, learning from the legendary Duke Kahanamoku and his brothers.
Her deep passion for Islamic art was sparked during a 1935 honeymoon that included a visit to the Taj Mahal. That same trip brought her to Oʻahu, where she fell in love with the island. She soon began building Shangri La, her seasonal home, on Black Point overlooking the Pacific.
Over the next six decades, Duke traveled extensively — from North Africa to South Asia — collecting rare pieces that would eventually fill her private museum. Her goal wasn’t grandeur, but serenity: Shangri La was envisioned as a peaceful sanctuary, not a palace.
Curious about her life? Watch Bernard and Doris (2006), an HBO film starring Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes. In a twist worthy of a movie, Doris appointed her butler, Bernard Lafferty, executor of her estate, entrusting him to fund causes she cared about — including the arts and animal welfare.
Inside the Shangri La Estate
Shangri La’s beauty lies in its seamless blend of art, architecture, and landscape. Indoor spaces open effortlessly to gardens, fountains, and ocean views. A glass wall in the living room frames Diamond Head like a painting.
Highlights include:
Vivid gemstone-encrusted art objects
Hand-painted ceramics and textiles
The Damascus Room, a carefully restored 18th-century Syrian interior
Each room reflects Duke’s devotion to Islamic design — not just as decoration, but as immersive cultural storytelling.
Planning Your Visit
Although tours were paused in 2021, they are expected to resume. Visits are only possible via guided tour, departing from the Honolulu Museum of Art. Guests travel by minibus and watch a short documentary on the way. Tours last about 90 minutes and must be reserved online in advance — they often sell out weeks ahead.
Note: Children under eight are not permitted.
Hanalei Bay is the quintessential Kauaʻi beach — a sweeping crescent of golden sand stretching two miles along the island’s stunning North Shore. Beloved by surfers, swimmers, paddlers, and beachgoers, it offers a postcard-worthy blend of beauty and adventure. While the bay may look like one continuous shoreline, it’s actually divided into four distinct sections, each with its own character and ocean conditions. Always check local safety warnings before entering the water.
Located at the easternmost end near the mouth of the Hanalei River, Black Pot Beach typically has the gentlest surf, making it a favorite spot for beginner surfers. The iconic Hanalei Pier adds a scenic touch — ideal for sunset walks and photo ops. Summer conditions are generally calm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddling (SUP), but avoid swimming in the river, which can carry bacteria. Kayakers often launch from the nearby boat ramp.
A short, barefoot stroll west from the pier brings you to Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. This central section of the bay offers scenic views and soft sand perfect for lounging. On big wave days, surfers can be seen riding point breaks far offshore. On calmer days, it’s a great place for a refreshing dip before continuing your beach walk or heading inland along Weke Road.
Tucked into the western curve of the bay and shielded by an offshore reef, Waikoko Beach features calmer, shallower waters — especially during summer — making it the safest spot for families with kids. While it lacks facilities, it’s an excellent place for a relaxed beach day. Locals refer to the surf break here as Waikokos — if you watch closely, you’ll spot surfers carving through the waves offshore.
On the bay’s far western end lies Pine Trees, named for the row of ironwood trees that line the beach. This is where local surfers take on powerful winter swells, creating one of Hanalei Bay’s most challenging surf zones. Swimming here is only advised in the calm summer months. The park includes beach volleyball courts, picnic tables, and shady spots for relaxing between surf sessions.
Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park has a small parking lot and limited street parking nearby. Facilities include restrooms and outdoor showers.
Waiʻoli Beach Park (Pine Trees) offers additional amenities like picnic tables, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers — making it a good base for families or longer visits.
Tucked near the Waikīkī Beach Center’s police substation, four seemingly ordinary volcanic basalt boulders hold deep cultural and spiritual importance. Known as the Nā Pōhaku Ola Kapaemāhū ā Kapuni — or simply, the Healing Stones — these rocks are believed to contain the mana (spiritual power) of four māhū healers, individuals who embodied both male and female spirit, mind, and body.
According to legend, the healers arrived in Oʻahu from Tahiti around AD 400, bringing with them profound knowledge of medicine and spiritual healing. Their care and compassion earned them great reverence among the islanders. When they eventually departed, the people placed four sacred stones at the spot where the healers had lived, to honor their legacy and preserve their mana.
Mystery and Movement
The origins of the stones are as fascinating as their story. The two heaviest weigh eight and ten tons, and it remains a mystery how early Hawaiians transported them over two miles from a quarry near Diamond Head. Their immense size only adds to their spiritual weight.
Neglect and Restoration
Despite their sacred status, the stones endured decades of disrespect. In the late 19th century, they were located on the Waikīkī estate of Archibald Scott Cleghorn, husband of Princess Likelike and father of Princess Kaʻiulani. Recognizing their importance, the princesses regularly made offerings of seaweed, and Cleghorn’s will requested the stones be preserved. Yet, his wishes were ignored.
In 1941, the stones were buried beneath a bowling alley, sparking outcry from Native Hawaiians. After the building was torn down in 1958, the stones were placed in Kuhio Beach Park — but not for long. In 1980, they were uprooted once again to install a sewer line and public restroom. Tourists began unknowingly using them as towel racks, further offending the local community.
Today’s Sacred Site
Following years of protests and community efforts, the stones were respectfully relocated to their current location in 1997. A protective fence now surrounds them, and a traditional ahu (altar) has been erected to acknowledge their sacredness. Today, the site stands as a tribute to Hawaiian culture, the māhū healers, and the resilience of Native traditions — a powerful reminder that what may seem like simple stones can carry centuries of spirit and story.
Tucked away at the end of Lumahai Street in Portlock — makai (seaward) from the Koko Marina Center traffic lights — this lesser-known viewpoint rewards those who seek it out with breathtaking coastal scenery. Though it can be tricky to locate, the effort pays off: powerful waves crash against layered volcanic rock, and a fascinating sea cave dramatically spits water back out toward the ocean.
Winter is a prime time to visit, as the area becomes a favorite spot for whale-watchers and survey teams counting humpbacks offshore. Just be cautious — reaching the best vantage points involves navigating uneven, slippery rocks, so sturdy footwear and sure footing are essential.
A Word of Caution on Cliff Jumping
While some daring locals occasionally leap from these cliffs — a heart-stopping 70 feet into the ocean below — cliff jumping here is strongly discouraged. The risks are real, and tragic accidents have occurred. Admire the view, listen to the roar of the surf, and soak in the wild beauty of this spot — from a safe distance.
Often called Hawai‘i’s answer to the Smithsonian, the Bishop Museum is the premier destination for exploring the cultural and natural history of the Hawaiian Islands and the greater Pacific. Established in 1889 to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop — the last direct descendant of the Kamehameha royal line — the museum began as a home for royal heirlooms and native Hawaiian artifacts. Today, it has grown into one of the world’s most respected museums of Polynesian anthropology, celebrating the diversity of Oceania and serving as a vital part of Honolulu’s cultural landscape.
Highlights of the Museum
Hawaiian Hall: Housed in a majestic three-story Victorian building, this gallery offers an immersive journey through Hawaiian beliefs and history.
First Floor – Kai Akea: Delve into the spiritual world of gods, myths, and the ancient Hawaiian cosmos.
Second Floor – Wao Kanaka: Explore the relationship between humans and the land, showcasing how nature shaped daily Hawaiian life.
Third Floor – Wao Lani: Discover the realm of the gods, emphasizing the sacred and divine.
Pacific Hall: This beautifully restored two-level exhibit features cultures from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, highlighting both their unique traits and shared roots. Artifacts like traditional canoes, woven textiles, and contemporary island art reveal the deep interconnectedness of Oceania.
Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center: A hands-on, interactive space that unpacks Hawaii’s unique environment, including its volcanoes, marine life, and ecosystems.
Hawai‘i Sports Hall of Fame: A tribute to the state’s sports icons, showcasing achievements through photos, memorabilia, and inspiring stories.
Na Ulu Kaiwi‘ula Native Hawaiian Garden: Wander through this botanical collection featuring both native species and plants introduced by early Polynesian voyagers, such as breadfruit and taro, which remain vital to Hawaiian culture.
Planetarium: The only one on Oʻahu, the planetarium features rotating shows, including those dedicated to ancient Polynesian navigation and stargazing techniques.
Additional Information
Gift Shop & Café: Browse rare Pacific-focused books, authentic Hawaiian crafts, and quality souvenirs. The on-site café is open daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Getting There: From Waikīkī or downtown Honolulu, take Bus #2 (School St/Middle St route) and exit at School and Kapālama Streets. Free parking is also available.
Tips: Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions, special events, and planetarium schedules.
Nowhere in Hawaiʻi captures the deep emotional and political history of the islands quite like ʻIolani Palace. Commissioned by King David Kalākaua in 1882, the palace stood as a beacon of Hawaii’s modern monarchy — opulent, progressive, and rooted in tradition. At the time, the Hawaiian royal family actively engaged in global diplomacy, hosting foreign emissaries and traveling abroad to strengthen the kingdom’s global presence. Yet, the palace’s grandeur could not shield Hawaiʻi from foreign pressures. In 1893, US-backed business interests overthrew the monarchy, bringing an end to Hawaii’s sovereignty.
Just two years after the coup, Queen Liliʻuokalani — Kalākaua’s sister and successor — was convicted of treason and held under house arrest in her own former residence for nine months. The palace would then become the capitol for the Republic, Territory, and later, the State of Hawaiʻi. By 1969, the government relocated, leaving the palace in disrepair. A decade-long restoration effort began soon after, breathing new life into the palace despite the loss of many original artifacts.
Visiting ʻIolani Palace
To experience the palace’s ornate interiors — including the throne room and upstairs living quarters — visitors must join a docent-led or self-guided audio tour (note: children under five are not permitted inside). Remarkably advanced for its time, ʻIolani Palace featured indoor bathrooms with flush toilets, hot running water, and was among the first buildings in the world to be outfitted with electric lighting — installed even before the White House.
Short on time? You can still explore the basement exhibits independently, which include royal regalia, historic photos, and reconstructed spaces like the original kitchen and chamberlain’s office.
Palace Grounds & Surroundings
The palace grounds are open to the public during daylight hours and can be visited free of charge. The former barracks of the Royal Household Guards now house the ticket office, while the domed Keliiponi Hale pavilion — built for King Kalākaua’s 1883 coronation — is still used for state events, including governor inaugurations. Beneath a sprawling banyan tree, believed to have been planted by Queen Kapiʻolani herself, the Royal Hawaiian Band performs free concerts most Fridays from noon to 1pm (weather permitting).
Tip: During peak seasons, it’s wise to reserve your tickets online in advance.
Arguably the most culturally significant stop along the iconic Road to Hana, Kahanu Garden is a rare and enlightening window into ancient Hawaiian life. This 294-acre coastal garden not only showcases an extraordinary ethnobotanical collection but also houses Piʻilanihale Heiau — the largest temple structure in all of Polynesia. Despite its incredible historical and cultural value, it remains surprisingly uncrowded.
Piʻilanihale Heiau: The House of a Chief
Towering silently near the ocean, Piʻilanihale Heiau is a massive lava-rock platform stretching 450 feet long. Believed to have been started around AD 1200, its construction unfolded over centuries. The temple’s final and grandest phase is credited to Chief Piʻilani, a legendary 14th-century ruler of Maui known for uniting the island and building many of Hana’s coastal fishponds. Though the precise rituals performed here remain mysterious, the scale of the structure signals its great spiritual and political importance.
Kahanu Garden: A Living Legacy
Managed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kahanu Garden is home to the world’s largest collection of breadfruit varieties — over 120 — making it not only a cultural site but also a center for sustainable food research. The garden preserves and showcases “canoe plants,” essential crops and flora brought by early Polynesian voyagers, including taro, sweet potato, and banana. A traditional canoe house adds yet another layer to this immersive journey through Hawaii’s living heritage.
How to Experience the Site
The best way to understand the spiritual and ecological connections in this sacred space is by joining a guided tour, offered Monday to Friday at 11am and lasting about two hours. These tours offer deep insight into Hawaiian traditions, plant uses, and the legacy of Piʻilani. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, self-guided tours using a brochure are available too.
Location: The site is located 1.5 miles down ʻUlaʻino Road from the Hana Highway.
Reserve tours: ntbg.org/gardens/kahanu
