When visiting Hawaii – whether you are from the mainland, or simply exploring a neighbor island – you might want to avoid what many would call “tourist traps.” You know, the attractions the guide books boast about, but are actually just overrun with so many tourists that you leave slightly disappointed and confused as to why everyone talks about how amazing it is? Well, these 11 Hawaii tourist traps are, quite frankly, overrated.
I understand that I may have previously touted these activities as mandatory for island residents, but this is meant to be a fun piece that offers memorable alternatives to those activities that are a little too “safe” for anyone planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. After all, you only have so much time in paradise and you want to experience the best of the best, don’t you?
- Hiking Diamond Head.
Edmund Garman/Flickr Diamond Head is overrated: crowded, noisy, and full of too many people to really enjoy the journey – or the view from the top. The trail is half-paved, and really not an accurate portrayal of hiking in Hawaii. Instead, head to Koko Head, the Lanikai Pillboxes, or even Makapu’u Lighthouse. This Hawaii 2. Visiting the Waipio Valley Lookout.
Andy Gippetti/Flickr Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on the Big Island – and it definitely is, but if you don’t plan on adventuring past the lookout point, Polulu Valley Lookout, on the other side of the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, offers some pretty stellar views as well, as well as access to a stunning black sand beach via steep hiking trail. One of the Waipio Valley Lookout, Kukuihaele, HI 96727, USA
- Hanging out at a luau.
vipnyc/Flickr Let’s get one thing straight: Luaus can be pretty cool, but they cater almost exclusively to tourists who don’t know any better, and often cost far more than the average person can afford for mediocre Hawaiian food. Sure, the entertainment is pretty neat, but not worth the cost, at least to me. Hawaii, USA
- Hanging out at Ka’anapali Beach.
Christopher/Flickr Ka’anapali is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches, but it is often far too crowded to truly relax and enjoy your beach day. For a more memorable beach experience, head down the road to Hanakao’o Beach Park, a beautiful 4.8-acre oasis with a canoe clubhouse, lifeguards on duty, and picnic area. While a Kaanapali Beach, Kaanapali, HI 96761, USA
- Staying in Waikiki.
Alan PARKER/Flickr Waikiki is literally the biggest tourist trap there is in Hawaii. If you venture out of this area saturated with expensive food and luxury hotels, you are sure to find breathtaking waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, and incredible, panoramic views - some just miles away. This super busy Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
- Taking a surf lesson.
Ben Hancock/Flickr If you’re an adult and have never been surfing before - or don’t plan to commit a substantial portion of your life to learning the sport - a surf lesson could ultimately be a waste of both time and money that might be better spent snorkeling, kayaking, or enjoying the ocean in a much easier manner. Hawaii, USA
- Getting Shave Ice from Matsumoto’s.
Erick Yamagata/Flickr Located on Oahu’s north shore in the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, Matsumoto’s is famous, and the shop makes more than 1,000 shave ices on any given day, and is, unfortunately, inconsistent at best. I’ll be honest: I much prefer the shave ice from Anahulu’s down the road. Matsumoto’s is one of the Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
- Touring the Mauna Loa Factory.
Jenn G/Flickr The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory tour might be an excellent stop for a rainy day on the Big Island, but that’s about it. You can buy their products anywhere, and I’m personally not terribly interested in the farming of macadamia nuts. Instead, consider checking out any of the Big Island’s beautiful botanical gardens or coffee farms. This Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
- Going to Pearl Harbor only for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr The USS Arizona is a breathtaking piece of American history, and it is entirely worth the trip, but I can guarantee you will enjoy exploring the USS Battleship Missouri more. And you won’t need to get to Pearl Harbor by 7 a.m. to reserve those free Arizona tickets. One of the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA
- Eating at Zippy’s.
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr Can I be honest with you for a second? I don’t like Zippy’s, nor do I think it is representative of the amazing Hawaiian food available throughout the islands. I can see how it would be an excellent hangover food, but I’d rather eat elsewhere. There’s plenty of other places to eat instead of this Zippy’s Kahului, 15 Ho’okele St #3513, Kahului, HI 96732, USA
- Visting Maui’s Ohea Gulch.
Gouldy/Flickr Maui’s “seven sacred pools” are heralded as being one of Maui’s greatest gems, and while the pools are beautiful, I think that the nearby Pipiwai Trail - which leads to two gorgeous waterfalls through a stunning bamboo forest is clearly the better attraction. A ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, ‘Ohe‘O Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA
Have you gotten stuck in any of these Hawaii tourist traps? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below! Now that you know what tourist attractions to avoid, please check out these 15 tourist activities locals love, as well as the 13 lies the guidebooks tell you about Hawaii. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii Tourist Traps July 29, 2022 Megan McDonald Are there a lot of tourist traps in Hawaii? With 4.7 million tourists coming to Oahu alone, you are guaranteed to find a few tourists traps on the islands. There are plenty of places that grab the eye of a traveler, and provide more of a surface experience of the islands instead of delving deep into what makes Hawaii truly special. Is Hawaii itself considered a tourist trap? Because Hawaii is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the world, much of the islands caters to tourists as its their number one economy. But it doesn’t take much to travel outside of the overdone areas and see the true beauty Hawaii has to offer. What is a tourist trap? A tourist trap is a place that attracts and then exploits tourists. It’s usually overpopulated and no longer reflective of the culture or area the way it once originally may have been.
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Megan Shute
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Edmund Garman/Flickr
Diamond Head is overrated: crowded, noisy, and full of too many people to really enjoy the journey – or the view from the top. The trail is half-paved, and really not an accurate portrayal of hiking in Hawaii. Instead, head to Koko Head, the Lanikai Pillboxes, or even Makapu’u Lighthouse. This Hawaii 2. Visiting the Waipio Valley Lookout.
Andy Gippetti/Flickr Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on the Big Island – and it definitely is, but if you don’t plan on adventuring past the lookout point, Polulu Valley Lookout, on the other side of the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, offers some pretty stellar views as well, as well as access to a stunning black sand beach via steep hiking trail. One of the Waipio Valley Lookout, Kukuihaele, HI 96727, USA
- Hanging out at a luau.
vipnyc/Flickr Let’s get one thing straight: Luaus can be pretty cool, but they cater almost exclusively to tourists who don’t know any better, and often cost far more than the average person can afford for mediocre Hawaiian food. Sure, the entertainment is pretty neat, but not worth the cost, at least to me. Hawaii, USA
- Hanging out at Ka’anapali Beach.
Christopher/Flickr Ka’anapali is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches, but it is often far too crowded to truly relax and enjoy your beach day. For a more memorable beach experience, head down the road to Hanakao’o Beach Park, a beautiful 4.8-acre oasis with a canoe clubhouse, lifeguards on duty, and picnic area. While a Kaanapali Beach, Kaanapali, HI 96761, USA
- Staying in Waikiki.
Alan PARKER/Flickr Waikiki is literally the biggest tourist trap there is in Hawaii. If you venture out of this area saturated with expensive food and luxury hotels, you are sure to find breathtaking waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, and incredible, panoramic views - some just miles away. This super busy Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
- Taking a surf lesson.
Ben Hancock/Flickr If you’re an adult and have never been surfing before - or don’t plan to commit a substantial portion of your life to learning the sport - a surf lesson could ultimately be a waste of both time and money that might be better spent snorkeling, kayaking, or enjoying the ocean in a much easier manner. Hawaii, USA
- Getting Shave Ice from Matsumoto’s.
Erick Yamagata/Flickr Located on Oahu’s north shore in the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, Matsumoto’s is famous, and the shop makes more than 1,000 shave ices on any given day, and is, unfortunately, inconsistent at best. I’ll be honest: I much prefer the shave ice from Anahulu’s down the road. Matsumoto’s is one of the Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
- Touring the Mauna Loa Factory.
Jenn G/Flickr The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory tour might be an excellent stop for a rainy day on the Big Island, but that’s about it. You can buy their products anywhere, and I’m personally not terribly interested in the farming of macadamia nuts. Instead, consider checking out any of the Big Island’s beautiful botanical gardens or coffee farms. This Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
- Going to Pearl Harbor only for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr The USS Arizona is a breathtaking piece of American history, and it is entirely worth the trip, but I can guarantee you will enjoy exploring the USS Battleship Missouri more. And you won’t need to get to Pearl Harbor by 7 a.m. to reserve those free Arizona tickets. One of the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA
- Eating at Zippy’s.
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr Can I be honest with you for a second? I don’t like Zippy’s, nor do I think it is representative of the amazing Hawaiian food available throughout the islands. I can see how it would be an excellent hangover food, but I’d rather eat elsewhere. There’s plenty of other places to eat instead of this Zippy’s Kahului, 15 Ho’okele St #3513, Kahului, HI 96732, USA
- Visting Maui’s Ohea Gulch.
Gouldy/Flickr Maui’s “seven sacred pools” are heralded as being one of Maui’s greatest gems, and while the pools are beautiful, I think that the nearby Pipiwai Trail - which leads to two gorgeous waterfalls through a stunning bamboo forest is clearly the better attraction. A ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, ‘Ohe‘O Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA
Have you gotten stuck in any of these Hawaii tourist traps? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below!
Andy Gippetti/Flickr
Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on the Big Island – and it definitely is, but if you don’t plan on adventuring past the lookout point, Polulu Valley Lookout, on the other side of the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, offers some pretty stellar views as well, as well as access to a stunning black sand beach via steep hiking trail. One of the Waipio Valley Lookout, Kukuihaele, HI 96727, USA
vipnyc/Flickr
Let’s get one thing straight: Luaus can be pretty cool, but they cater almost exclusively to tourists who don’t know any better, and often cost far more than the average person can afford for mediocre Hawaiian food. Sure, the entertainment is pretty neat, but not worth the cost, at least to me.
Hawaii, USA
Christopher/Flickr
Ka’anapali is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches, but it is often far too crowded to truly relax and enjoy your beach day. For a more memorable beach experience, head down the road to Hanakao’o Beach Park, a beautiful 4.8-acre oasis with a canoe clubhouse, lifeguards on duty, and picnic area. While a Kaanapali Beach, Kaanapali, HI 96761, USA
Alan PARKER/Flickr
Waikiki is literally the biggest tourist trap there is in Hawaii. If you venture out of this area saturated with expensive food and luxury hotels, you are sure to find breathtaking waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, and incredible, panoramic views - some just miles away. This super busy Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ben Hancock/Flickr
If you’re an adult and have never been surfing before - or don’t plan to commit a substantial portion of your life to learning the sport - a surf lesson could ultimately be a waste of both time and money that might be better spent snorkeling, kayaking, or enjoying the ocean in a much easier manner.
Erick Yamagata/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s north shore in the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, Matsumoto’s is famous, and the shop makes more than 1,000 shave ices on any given day, and is, unfortunately, inconsistent at best. I’ll be honest: I much prefer the shave ice from Anahulu’s down the road. Matsumoto’s is one of the Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Jenn G/Flickr
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory tour might be an excellent stop for a rainy day on the Big Island, but that’s about it. You can buy their products anywhere, and I’m personally not terribly interested in the farming of macadamia nuts. Instead, consider checking out any of the Big Island’s beautiful botanical gardens or coffee farms. This Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
The USS Arizona is a breathtaking piece of American history, and it is entirely worth the trip, but I can guarantee you will enjoy exploring the USS Battleship Missouri more. And you won’t need to get to Pearl Harbor by 7 a.m. to reserve those free Arizona tickets. One of the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr
Can I be honest with you for a second? I don’t like Zippy’s, nor do I think it is representative of the amazing Hawaiian food available throughout the islands. I can see how it would be an excellent hangover food, but I’d rather eat elsewhere. There’s plenty of other places to eat instead of this Zippy’s Kahului, 15 Ho’okele St #3513, Kahului, HI 96732, USA
Gouldy/Flickr
Maui’s “seven sacred pools” are heralded as being one of Maui’s greatest gems, and while the pools are beautiful, I think that the nearby Pipiwai Trail - which leads to two gorgeous waterfalls through a stunning bamboo forest is clearly the better attraction. A ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, ‘Ohe‘O Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA
Now that you know what tourist attractions to avoid, please check out these 15 tourist activities locals love, as well as the 13 lies the guidebooks tell you about Hawaii.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii Tourist Traps July 29, 2022 Megan McDonald Are there a lot of tourist traps in Hawaii? With 4.7 million tourists coming to Oahu alone, you are guaranteed to find a few tourists traps on the islands. There are plenty of places that grab the eye of a traveler, and provide more of a surface experience of the islands instead of delving deep into what makes Hawaii truly special. Is Hawaii itself considered a tourist trap? Because Hawaii is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the world, much of the islands caters to tourists as its their number one economy. But it doesn’t take much to travel outside of the overdone areas and see the true beauty Hawaii has to offer. What is a tourist trap? A tourist trap is a place that attracts and then exploits tourists. It’s usually overpopulated and no longer reflective of the culture or area the way it once originally may have been.
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Megan Shute
Follow me on:
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii Tourist Traps
July 29, 2022
Megan McDonald
Are there a lot of tourist traps in Hawaii? With 4.7 million tourists coming to Oahu alone, you are guaranteed to find a few tourists traps on the islands. There are plenty of places that grab the eye of a traveler, and provide more of a surface experience of the islands instead of delving deep into what makes Hawaii truly special. Is Hawaii itself considered a tourist trap? Because Hawaii is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the world, much of the islands caters to tourists as its their number one economy. But it doesn’t take much to travel outside of the overdone areas and see the true beauty Hawaii has to offer. What is a tourist trap? A tourist trap is a place that attracts and then exploits tourists. It’s usually overpopulated and no longer reflective of the culture or area the way it once originally may have been.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With 4.7 million tourists coming to Oahu alone, you are guaranteed to find a few tourists traps on the islands. There are plenty of places that grab the eye of a traveler, and provide more of a surface experience of the islands instead of delving deep into what makes Hawaii truly special.
Is Hawaii itself considered a tourist trap?
Because Hawaii is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the world, much of the islands caters to tourists as its their number one economy. But it doesn’t take much to travel outside of the overdone areas and see the true beauty Hawaii has to offer.
What is a tourist trap?
A tourist trap is a place that attracts and then exploits tourists. It’s usually overpopulated and no longer reflective of the culture or area the way it once originally may have been.
Hawaii In Your Inbox
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Megan Shute
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Megan Shute
Follow me on:
Twitter Website
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Follow me on:
Twitter Website
Follow me on:
Twitter Website
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