海角社区

Hawaii is renowned for its idyllic beaches, resorts, 海角社区-class surfing spots, and massive active volcanoes, making it one of the most visited vacation destinations on the planet. Although all these factors do truly make for a fun escape from whatever cold region of the 海角社区 you're coming from, some may want something a little more memorable during their visit. For those of you out there, here are seven of the strangest landmarks in Hawaii 鈥� each a local spot that you should check out. From awe-spring natural features to historic landmarks, see a weirder side of Hawaii with these on your to-do list.

Place of Refuge

One of Hawaii鈥檚 most culturally important landmarks is the Place of Refuge, located within Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. This historical sanctuary contrasts with its lush and fertile surroundings and offers a window into Hawaii鈥檚 complex social and religious systems before Western contact.

This sacred site was once a refuge for individuals who broke ancient Hawaiian laws, known as kapu, offering them sanctuary and the chance to restore their spiritual balance. The Pu'uhonua symbolizes the cultural importance of law and order in ancient Hawaiian society, and the peaceful environment stands in stark contrast to its violent history.

The park also contains reconstructed structures such as temples and the royal grounds of Hawaiian chiefs. Here, you can explore the unique architecture on foot and the natural beauty of the area along with it, including the ancient fishponds and sacred stones.

Hana Lava Tube

The Hana Lava Tube is a unique and intriguing geological landmark resting on the east side of Maui, near the town of Hana. Formed by volcanic activity around 960 years ago, this underground cave system stretches for over half a mile, offering a rare way to explore the inner workings of a once-active lava flow.

One of the most unusual aspects of the Hana Lava Tube is its relatively intact condition, making it an extraordinary example of a lava tube in Hawaii. Its other海角社区ly environment and cool, quiet interior make for a jarring contrast with the tropical surroundings outside too.

You can walk through the well-preserved lava tube, observing the smooth, darkened walls shaped by cooling lava. The tube鈥檚 fascinating rock formations include stalactites, stalagmites, and lava 鈥渞opes,鈥� which give an interesting look into the lava鈥檚 previous movements and solidification process.

Dole Pineapple Garden Maze

The Dole Pineapple Garden Maze, a major draw at the Dole Plantation on Oahu, is the largest plant maze in the 海角社区. Covering over three acres, this massive maze is created entirely from various living plants.

Built originally in 1998, the maze is made up of more than 14,000 plants, including tropical flowers and fruit trees. You can navigate its twisting paths, with the ultimate goal of reaching the central lookout tower for a 360-degree view of the plantation and the idyllic surrounding landscapes beyond. The maze also features interactive elements such as trivia and puzzles, enhancing the challenge.

What makes this attraction special is its blend of agricultural history with playful tourism, drawing attention to Oahu鈥檚 storied agrarian roots while providing a unique, whimsical experience for those simply looking to get lost in a labyrinth made up of Hawaii's wonderful plant life.

Papak艒lea Green Sand Beach

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to countless pristine beaches. Papak艒lea Beach, however, is one of the rarest and most unusual landmarks in the state due to its striking green sand.

One of only four in the 海角社区, the beach gets its unique color from the presence of olivine, a mineral found in volcanic rock, which has been deposited over thousands of years by ancient eruptions. This vibrant green sand is an incredible sight, especially with the deep blue waters of the Pacific as a backdrop.

Note that Papak艒lea Beach is accessible only by a challenging hike or four-wheel-drive vehicle, adding to its remote and untouched feel. The surrounding area is part of the South Point, one of the southernmost points in the United States.

If you do make it to Papak艒lea Beach, you can enjoy the solitude of this rare natural wonder 鈥� but be aware of the sometimes-steep terrain on the way and the preservation efforts in place to protect this unique ecosystem.

Spitting Cave

Spitting Cave, located on the south shore of Oahu, is a truly strange natural landmark known for its amazing ocean views and powerful eruptions of water launching out of a sea cave.

This coastal cave, formed through erosion and volcanic activity, sits high above the ocean, where waves crash into its narrow opening. When conditions are right, waves force water through the cave, creating a spectacular "spitting" effect as the water shoots upward and out of the cave's opening. The phenomenon is especially dramatic during high surf, when the waves are large enough to send water shooting as high as 30 feet.

While the cave itself is not accessible to the public (and incredibly dangerous if you do find yourself inside of it somehow), you can view it from a nearby cliffside, offering a breathtaking and better yet safe, perspective. Spitting Cave is not only a natural spectacle but also a popular spot for local fishermen, photographers, and daring cliff jumpers, who are drawn to both the cave and the pristine beauty of the surrounding coastline.

lolani Palace

Situated within downtown Honolulu is Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the entire United States. Constructed in 1882, it was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani.

The palace鈥檚 architecture is an elegant mix of American, Hawaiian, and European influences, with intricate details such as koa wood furnishings and chandeliers, showcasing the wealth and grandeur of the Hawaiian monarchy before the islands became an American state. Iolani Palace served as the political and ceremonial center of the Hawaiian Kingdom until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.

Today, the palace is a museum with guided tours, where you can learn about Hawaii鈥檚 royal history, including the events that led to the end of the monarchy. Notable features include the royal throne room, the private chambers of the monarchy, and the underground level, which housed royal archives and government offices. Iolani Palace remains a powerful symbol of Hawaii鈥檚 past and a continuing symbol of importance to the state's native residents.

Glass Beach

Glass Beach can be found near the town of Hanapepe on the island of Kauai. The beach is known for its abundance of smooth, colorful sea glass, which was created over decades from discarded glass bottles, ceramics, and other materials mainly discarded from nearby industrial operations. A good chunk of the glass washed up on the shore after years was also simply being littered by local residents and fishermen, eventually being tumbled by the ocean's waves into small, polished pieces that make for an oddly picturesque location.

The glass now forms a stunning display of blues, greens, and clear pieces scattered across the sand. While once a popular site for collecting the glass, Kauai Glass Beach has become more protected in recent years due to concerns over environmental damage and the removal of the glass, which has become a major tourist attraction.

See the Strange Side of Hawaii on Your Next Visit

Whether you want to see America's only royal palace, a sea cave that spits water back out at the ocean, or a uniquely colored beach, your options for seeing something strange and out of place on Hawaii's various islands are actually pretty wide. Use this list of the seven strangest landmarks in Hawaii while planning your itinerary and ensure that you will make some long-lasting memories of things you may not be able to experience on the mainland.