Customers who want to avoid the crowds in Hawaii? Book these attractions instead: Travel Weekly

The Covid-19 pandemic has made travel advisors more important to Hawaii visitors than ever since the birth of the internet. As the troubled recovery from the pandemic continues, the hurdles to a smooth, stress-free vacation to the islands pervade the travel planning landscape like shrimp trucks along the north coast of Oahu.

First, there is the process of navigating the Safe Travels log for entering and obtaining an exception from a 10 day quarantine. Many tourists flocked to the state of Aloha during the spring break, a surge that continued throughout the summer and weighed on hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions that were still operated with limited staff and reduced capacity. Planning ahead for things like car rentals, dinner reservations, surf schools, and museum visits has never been more important. If Governor David Ige’s current recommendation against tourism to the islands is lifted on November 1st, visitors are expected to return in droves.

Fortunately, the islands are home to many lesser-known but equally impressive attractions, parks, and experiences that serve as worthy replacements for the sold-out items on a customer’s wish list.

Oahu

The Bishop Museum is one of the best places in Hawaii to get a comprehensive look at the history of the archipelago and its people, while the Iolani Palace, seat of the monarchy and place of captivity of Queen Liliuokalani during the US-backed overthrow of the Kingdom, is a stroll through a crucial time in the past. But in addition to these two well-known landmarks, Honolulu is home to several historically rich attractions.

The Hawaiian Mission Houses are a National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu that preserves Hawaii’s oldest Western-style house and other 19th-century buildings. The library houses both English and Hawaiian archival material that illuminates the complex and colorful history of the islands. Guided tours are offered and live theater and musical performances are held year round.

The Honolulu Highlands Manoa Heritage Center is a 3.5-acre educational facility dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage. Programs focus on Kukaoo Heiau, the only reconstructed ancient Hawaiian temple in the ahupua (Land Division) of Waikiki and its gardens of rare native Hawaiian plants.

When most people think of Pearl Harbor, they think of the USS Arizona Memorial, the ceremonial site erected over the battleship that was sunk in the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Reservations for the free memorial fill up very quickly, but the port is well worth a visit because it has several other US military-related attractions.

Following a $ 23 million update, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum reopened as the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in March. Exhibits show the history of naval undersea service from the early 20th century to the latest $ 6.5 billion Columbia-class submarines

In addition, the battleship Missouri, where Japanese officials signed letters of surrender on September 2, 1945 that ended World War II, has recently undergone a handful of restoration projects, while the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum documents the history of World War II and documents the rise of the military US air capabilities through the Gulf War.

Kauai

To gain access to the rugged and breathtaking Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, as well as the 22-mile Kalalau Trail (which requires its own separate permit), visitors must enter Haena State Park, which will be pre-reserved for everyone except Hawaii from 2019 must be residents and approved campers. These spots can only be booked 30 days in advance and often sell out within hours of being posted.

But if visitors by land are unsuccessful, they can always try to get close to the scenic cliffs, lush tropical valleys, and towering waterfalls by sea or air.

A kayak or boat tour offers more sightings of marine life and exploration of rock formations on the coast. Helicopters descend from the air into hidden valleys and offer incomparable views and photo opportunities of waterfalls by the sea. Holo Holo Charters, Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures, and Kayak Kauai all offer Napali Coast tours by sea, while Jack Harter Helicopters and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters are options for approaching from the air.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park makes headlines and the lion’s share of volcano visitors, but outside the park on the west side of the Big Island is another active volcano that offers an enriching dive into nature and Hawaiian culture, Hualalai.

The summit crater area is private and will be considered wahi pana (a sacred place), only accessible via a guided tour of Uluhao o Hualalai or Hawaii Forest and Trail. Excursions include climbing a lava tube, hiking in a cloud forest, and visiting previous eruption sites.

When it comes to Hawaiian coffee, the Kona area devours the awards. In recent years, however, coffee production has grown in other areas of the island, including Kau, Honokaa, and Hilo. Explore less trafficked areas and see what flavors produce coffee beans in different regions and soil compositions, with stops at the Kau Coffee Grinder and Hilo Coffee Grinder. both offer tours.

Maui’s Haleakala Volcano is very popular at dawn, but visits later in the day still provide breathtaking views. Photo credit: HTA / Tor Johnson

Maui

Watching the sun rise in Haleakala, the “house of the sun,” became so popular that the National Park Service introduced a reservation system in 2017 for dawn, which is cool and less hospitable in the early morning. Even on Maui’s highest peak, the sunsets aren’t too shabby as fewer spectators obscure the view.

The road to Hana has become a focal point in the return of tourism to Maui as residents of the remote city to the east clamor for officials to take action against visitors who clog the route. The flight from Kahului Airport to Hana buzzes low over the coast for 20 minutes, offering bird’s eye views of reefs in the turquoise waters and waves crashing against the sea cliffs. Bonus: Mokulele round-trip fares start at less than $ 100, far less than a car rental costs these days.