Paradise Unveiled Top 10 Tourist Traps in Hawaii, and Why They're Worth a Second Glance

1. Waikiki Beach (Honolulu, HI 96815)

Surrounded by swanky eateries la Kerouac's modern bopniks, this sunsoaked Honolulu paradise draws both surf connoisseurs and sandytoed novices alike. Yet amidst the sparkling sands, beware of overpriced shops where the authentic island spirit recedes like shoreline tides.

2. Banzai Pipeline (59478 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712)

Echoing Eggers' call to break free from routine confines, North Shore adrenaline junkies flock here for monstrous waves that boast Franzenworthy descriptions. Just remember don't become another cautionary tale among the throngs of daring surfers seeking their fifteen minutes of fame.

3. Arizona Memorial (1 Arizona Memorial Pl., Honolulu, HI 96818)

Pearl Harbor's haunting history still grips at visitors' hearts as they tread solemnly amongst remnants past a living poem in tribute to bravery and loss all rolled into one somber destination; yet tangled American pride can veer toward heavyhanded exploitation if not approached with respect.

4. Hna Highway (HI360 Road to Hna miles marker #0 )

A serpentine trail winding through lush forests worthy of Gauguin's paintbrushes captures the essence of Maui's picturesque charm; however be warned: tourist buses dominate its curves as eager gawkers obstruct locals driving along their sacred path.

5. Luau Feasts across Hawai'i ('the Gathering Place')

While Waikikis loudest luaus might give ol' Ginsberg an Allenlite grin amidst kitsch overtones beneath flickering torchlight true aloha awaits those who dig deeper, veering away from artificially staged renditions of local customs.

6. Waimea Canyon (Waimea Canyon Dr., Waimea, HI 96796)

Kauai's vibrant Grand Canyon of the Pacific is undeniably a natural spectacle but its colorsaturated landscape suffers under the growing weight of ceaseless camera clicks.

7. Haleakal National Park (Haleakal Hwy., Kula, HI 96790)

This volcanic behemoths sunrise offers a transcendent awakening into nature's magnificence; but don't get swept up in seeking an Instagramworthy capture like Matisse spotlighting his latest consider trekking offthebeatenpath to truly experience this sacred marvel.

8. Dole Plantation (641550 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawa, HI 96786)

Honoring pineapple mogul James Dole Whitman might sing sonorously among rows goldgreen sunsoaked treasures; yet beware packaged souvenir seduction taking root alongside kitschy takes on Hawaiian history and culture that threaten Oahu's authentic spirit.

9. Akaka Falls State Park (875 Akaka Falls Rd., Honomu, HI 96728)

The cascading veil heralds bohemian idyllic paradisebound dreams yet beneath lies unforeseen entrapment amidst busfilled parking lot terrors where Hemingway would surely despair: 'Thus dies freedom at impromptu gift shops' expense.'

10. Polynesian Cultural Center (55370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, HI 96762)

Witness longforgotten ancient rites paid homage through dance; chant your heart out as you sip maitais in unparalleled splendor; but always remembertrue Hawai'i beats proud within heritagerich corners untouched by circuslike mlanges intent on commerce alone.

Embrace Hawaii through curious eyes and a discerning heart. Submerse yourself in the rich culture that saturates this heavenly paradise by veering off wellworn paths, seeking authenticity beyond marketed extravaganzas reminiscent of glorified Hollywood sets.

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address


Honolulu, HI 96815
United States

59478 Kamehameha Hwy.
Haleiwa, HI 96712
United States

1 Arizona Memorial Pl.
Honolulu, HI 96818
United States

Hi360 Road To Hna Miles Marker #0 Hi
HI
United States

'The Gathering Place
' Hi
HI
United States

Waimea Canyon Dr.
Waimea, HI 96796
United States

Haleakal Hwy.
Kula, HI 96790
United States

641550 Kamehameha Hwy.
Wahiawa, HI 96786
United States

875 Akaka Falls Rd.
Honomu, HI 96728
United States

55370 Kamehameha Hwy.
Laie, HI 96762
United States

Geo
Images
Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Honolulu, HI, USA
waikiki view
waikiki
the three times
here on earth
waikiki beach diy
Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Honolulu, HI, USA
beach
On my way to the North shore there is this ranch with horses-and this horse had a friend on its back: a little birdy. By the time I was able to pull out my camera, the horse was trying to swoosh it away with its tail. Nature shots are fun.

500px provided description: The Surfer And The Sea [#sunset ,#beach ,#bw ,#rock ,#waves ,#silhouette ,#surfing ,#surfer ,#hawaii ,#surf ,#haze ,#pipeline ,#piles ,#oahu ,#surfboard ,#northshore ,#surferphotos]
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Chafee sailing past the USS Arizona Memorial as part of ceremonies commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
The USS Missouri moored near the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.  The control tower for the former Ford Island Naval Air Station is also shown in the center of the photo.
World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Arizona Anker
Author Allen Seiden signing books at Pearl Harbor on December 26, 2019
This model shows what the wreckage of the Arizona looks like today, with the memorial on top.
After being sunk by a massive Japanese attack in 1941, the ship has remained where it was sunk. Above-water structures were removed in 1961, to make way for
World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Hana Highway Millennium Trail monument at the junction of Route 36/360 and 365, with a view of  Route 360 (left) and Route 365 (Kaupakalua Road, Right). Route 36 is behind the photographer. Just under the "Adopt a Highway" sign in the background
Hana Highway Millennium Trail monument at the junction of Route 36/360 and 365. Kaupakalua Road (Route 365) is to the right; Hana Highway (Route 36/360) would be to the left of the photo.