If you visit Hawaii, there’s a good chance you will hit all the major tourist spots – Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Halema’uma’u; but what about the secret spots? Sure, you could spend all your time in the tourist trap around the island, but what if you want to experience a slice of life away from all the crowds? Luckily for you, Hawaii is teeming with hidden gems. And this article will let you behind the curtain to get a real view of what this place is about. So read on to learn about some of the secret spots on the island of Hawaii!
The Major Tourist Traps On The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is teeming with natural beauty and unique experiences, but it’s also home to some notable tourist traps. Of all the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island has arguably the most kitschy and overpriced attractions.
One of the biggest tourist traps on the island are those claiming to offer an “authentic” luau experience. While a visit to this type of activity can be fun and entertaining, they pressure you into buying souvenirs at extremely marked-up prices and routinely contain scripted performances that lack any real, meaningful connection to Hawaiian culture.
Similarly, shops in tourist-heavy areas will often contain trinkets and tacky apparel advertised as genuine Hawaiian memorabilia; however, these goods are mass-produced and made cheaply with low-quality materials in countries such as China or Thailand. If you’re looking for goods that truly reflect the unique culture of Hawaii, always shop locally in more rural parts of the island or, even better, directly from artisans creating handcrafted wares worth supporting.
Secret Spots on The Island Of Hawaii
If you genuinely want to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the local culture, plenty of hidden gems are waiting to be discovered on the Big Island. Here are some must-see places that are probably not on your itinerary:
Pololū Valley
Pololū Valley is a secret spot in Hawaii known for its beauty and naturalness. It’s hidden away on the northern coast of the Big Island, shrouded away from the tourist trails that litter many of the other Hawaiian locations. The valley offers peace and tranquility and contains native plants like palm trees and ferns that add to its enchantment. From atop Pololū Lookout, you can appreciate views of Hawaiians past with ancient terraces reaching into the valley below where turtles still swim in sea caves.
This unspoiled paradise also includes a black beach on the valley floor, one of Hawaii’s few black sand beaches. This beach looks surreal – and it’s even more breathtaking when you realize that no one else is around to take in its beauty. The valley can be accessed by hiking a trail from Pololū Valley Lookout, which, although a bit rugged, offers stunning coastal views along the way.
Golden Pools of Keawaiki
The Golden Pools of Keawaiki are a captivating sight to behold. Situated just to the south of Waikoloa Village and hidden away in a secluded pool by immense lava fields, Golden Pools is a must-see spot on the Big Island. While it will take a bit of hiking through the lava fields to get to the pools, it’s more than worth it for the unique experience that awaits you. The Golden Pools are freshwater ponds located in a small oasis amongst the black lava rocks. Unique, gold-colored algae grow on the rocks in the ponds, which gives the water it’s coloring.
That’s right; the pools are actually golden! It’s a one-of-a-kind sight that you won’t find anywhere else on the island. So instead of heading to the usually crowded beaches, why take a trip to Keawaiki and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
Three Ring Ranch Exotic Sanctuary
The Three Ring Ranch is a private, non-profit exotics animal sanctuary founded in 1998. It is home to many animals, such as zebras, nene, hawks, owls, and flamingos. The ranch also has reptiles and other endangered or rare creatures. This truly unique spot on the Big Island is a hidden gem you won’t find in many other places, and it’s definitely worth exploring.
Whether you’re an animal lover or want to learn more about Hawaii’s unique wildlife, Three Ring Ranch will leave you with a memorable experience. And if you have children, it’s a great place to take them – one of the main goals of this sanctuary is to teach kids about animals and conservation. So if you’re looking for a fun, educational experience that will give you a glimpse of Hawaii’s wild side, take advantage of this underappreciated spot on the Big Island.
Big Island Bees
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to several bee species not found anywhere else in the world. And at Big Island Bees, you can take part in this unique aspect of Hawaiian culture and see the bees, hives, and even honey for yourself. You can learn about the process of honey making at this working bee farm and honey shop. In addition, they offer tours of their facility, which are a great way to get up close and personal with the bees. You can even taste some of the wonderful honey they produce- Hawaii’s true taste!
Whether you’re an avid beekeeper or just love honey, Big Island Bees is an exciting spot on the island full of surprises and delightful flavors. So if you’re looking for something a little different during your visit to Hawaii, stop by this working bee farm and see what all the buzz is about.
Papakolea Beach
You can find quite a few different colors of beaches on the big island, and Papakolea Beach is one of the most vibrant. This striking green beach is located near South Point, unlike any other beach in Hawaii. The color is because it’s made up of olivine – a type of gemstone that gives off a bright, emerald-like hue as it weathers along the shoreline. And while the beach can be challenging to get to, once you’re there, you’ll have the whole place all to yourself.
Following a 2.5-mile hike from the parking lot, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sight. The beach itself is around 100 feet wide and spans for about 1/4 mile before hitting the waterline. So whether you’re looking for an adventurous day out on the island or want to see something truly unique, a trip to Papakolea Beach is a must. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good pair of hiking shoes!
Kaumana Cave
Kaumana Cave is another interesting and unique spot perfect for adventurers. Formed by the spectacular Kilauea Volcano lava flow in 1881, this cave stretches over three miles deep and has been home to ancient Hawaiians, who once used its chambers to practice shark fishing.
Nowadays, Kaumana Cave remains a destination for intrepid explorers looking to appreciate its natural wonders. The cave’s full of hidden corridors and small openings leading to impressive caverns whose walls are covered in breathtaking formations of native plants and minerals.
Divers also make their way here year-round due to its large water pools where all sorts of fish can be seen, waiting to be explored. So whether it is exploring the underground passages or simply appreciating the area’s beauty from above, Kaumana Cave offers something for everyone looking for an original experience in Hawaii.
Take A Trip To The Secret Spots On The Island Of Hawaii!
If you’re looking for an exciting, adventurous experience, then be sure to explore some of the hidden spots on the island of Hawaii! These locations are full of natural beauty and unique sights that will leave a lasting impression. So whether you’re an avid hiker or just love seeing the wonders of nature up close, these spots are worth checking out during your visit to the Big Island. So instead of wasting time seeing the places full of other people, head to one of these lesser-known spots for a truly memorable experience!