Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in Hawaii


  1. 4.5 Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (17.1k reviews)
    - Beautiful beach and waters
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve image
    This protected marine life conservation area, named after its unique curved bay, is a popular snorkeling spot in Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone on the eastern side of Oahu, this marine sanctuary is home to vibrant marine life and well-preserved corals. There is a limited number of visitors allowed in the bay daily, so make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. It's also closed on certain days so remember to check before you go. You can rent snorkeling equipment here—all you have to do is remember to pack some reef-safe sunscreen. Some tours of the North Shore also stop by the bay for a quick photo opportunity. – Tripadvisor See more..
  2. 5.0 Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden (2.251 reviews)
    - An amazing tropical experience
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
    Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden image
    The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 501(c)(3) Scientific and Educational non-profit, whose mission is to serve as a nature preserve and sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world. The Garden is dedicated to the collection and display of the world's tropical plants, and to the education of both children and adults about the plight of the world's rainforests. At a time when rainforest plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Garden is working to preserve as many species as possible for the benefit of future generations. See more..
  3. 5.0 Nā Pali Coast State Park (1.978 reviews)
    - Good Workout
    State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Nā Pali Coast State Park image
    This 15-mile coastal stretch of towering cliffs and narrow valleys in northwest Kauai is a hotspot for campers. But note: It's only accessible by hiking. See more..
  4. 5.0 Kalalau Trail (1.711 reviews)
    - Breathtaking - don’t hesitate
    Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Kalalau Trail image
    End the day with some of the best camping in Hanakoa and Kalalau—this 11-mile trail along the Northern Na Pali coast is challenging but incredibly scenic. See more..
  5. 4.5 Kapalua Coastal Trail (1.189 reviews)
    - Fabulous coastal trail
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Kapalua Coastal Trail image
    A two-mile walk along Maui's northwest coast, the trail begins and ends on a beach. In between, you'll see spactacular oceanfront and bountiful greenery on the dramatic coastline. See more..
  6. 4.5 Honolua Bay (940 reviews)
    - Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Honolua Bay image
    At Honolua Bay, you can snorkel among coral reefs, sea turtles, and puffer fish in the summer and surf in the winter. You can also tour the rocky coast on a boat year-round. Park off the highway and head to the shore through a short trail along the forest. From the beach, you’ll spot the islands of Molokai and Lanai. If you choose to take a dip in the water, watch out for the slippery rocks below the surface. A few wild chickens roaming around complement the natural scenery. Try to get to the bay early to find a parking spot. – Tripadvisor See more..
  7. 4.5 Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (936 reviews)
    - Coastal views are incredible!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge image
    ***Plan ahead and get your reservation online*** If you have a National Park Pass, be sure to bring it with you and use for your reservation (it only costs $1 for up to 4-people). You currently cannot go in the Lighthouse, but they have done a great job to make the grounds accessible and safe. There were so many sea birds and a few seals in the cove. If it's a sunny day, bring a hat or wear sunblock, as everything is pretty much unshaded. Binoculars would be great for those who want to check out the shoreline for animals and the nearby cliffs for birds. I didn't go during whale season, but I heard you can see a lot of them in the winter/spring. See more..
  8. 4.5 Kealakekua Bay (827 reviews)
    - Kealakekua Bay kayak rental
    Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kealakekua Bay image
    We rented a double kayak from Rocky at Bay Side Adventures. We paid $50.00 for use with unlimited time. They set you up with a dry bag for your cell phone and other valuable items that you don't want wet! We packed a lunch and paddled about 30 minutes over to Capt Cook's monument. You are not allowed to tie the kayak up to anything so they give you a long lead line that you tie around your wrist and drag the boat along as you snorkel. We brought our own snorkeling gear and easily got in and out of the boat. The color of the water is so pretty. It's a fun day to paddle, swim, snorkel, and eat on the water! Give Rocky a call 808-896-0610, you won't be disappointed! See more..
  9. 5.0 Lanai Cat Sanctuary (547 reviews)
    - Our Crazy Cat Kid Loved It
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Lanai Cat Sanctuary image
    Longing for the cat you left at home? Don't miss Lanai`s open-air sanctuary, a happy haven for spayed and neutered cats. Imagine a large playground in paradise, where over 600 cats romp and play in Hawaii's sunshine, and snooze under shady trees. Purring cats of all shapes and sizes eagerly await your visit. Our caregivers, who joyfully care for the cats, would love to meet you too. If you're interested in adopting a cat, we love matchmaking! See more..
  10. 5.0 Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary (264 reviews)
    - A highlight of our trip to the Big Island
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary image
    Aloha! The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary offers guided cloud forest tours daily! RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE :) Additional experiences we offer include sound baths, guided meditations, and other workshops and events. Please visit our website for more information! We invite you on a guided eco-tour of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary to discover what a tropical cloud forest is, the importance and uniqueness of this ecosystem, native and exotic plants, a successful forest restoration, and the history of the Sanctuary’s creation. If you love plants and forests and want to explore a hidden gem of Hawaiʻi, you will love the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for tropical ecosystems by strengthening our connection with nature! We look forward to your visit! Mahalo! See more..
  11. 5.0 Kamakou Preserve (26 reviews)
    - Pepe’Opae Trail at end of Kamakou Forest Preserve Road
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kamakou Preserve image
    Molokai's rain forest preserve. See more..
  12. 5.0 Kanepuu Preserve (1 review)
    - Restoring an island....
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kanepuu Preserve image
    Our guide, Bruce, drove us past the Preserve on our day-long tour of the island. He explained about the total destruction/burning of the island in the past, the years of pineapple production in the more recent past, and the current endeavors to restore/preserve the island's habitat. Having a resident of the island, who has a detailed historic knowledge of the area, explain what is being seen; really makes all these places come alive. See more..