10 Underrated Destinations In Hawaii To Avoid Summer Crowds

Visiting Hawaiʻi is a bucket list destination for many people. However, planning a trip to Hawaiʻi can be incredibly stressful; with a plethora of options for hotels, and resorts, not to mention the various islands of the state, it can be overwhelming! With seven islands to choose from, those being O'ahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau, how does one decide where to visit? Being a highly after vacation, it can be challenging to find the best accommodations to suit a variety of needs, particularly one that is not swarming with tourists. Rest assured, however, that Hawai'i has a host of underrated locations begging to be explored further! Whichever the following places folks choose to visit, each location listed below boasts incredible beaches and gorgeous places to stay, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 

Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaiʻi

For those looking for a luxurious vacation, or perhaps even planning a dream honeymoon, then the Grand Wailea Resort, located on the island of Maui, may be just the ticket. This environmentally responsible resort has the option of being an all-inclusive or just a luxury hotel, however either way, guests will have access to some fantastic amenities. Grand Wailea has a private adults-only pool as well as multiple activity pools where the entire family is welcome for some fun. Foodies will enjoy this resort has unparalleled dining options including a daily brunch at Ikena, grab-and-go options at Loulu, and fantastic Italian meals at Olivine. With a private beach, rentable water sports devices such as paddleboards and surfboards, not to mention being located near the beautiful Oneuli Beach and ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, vacationers will never run out of things to do at Grand Wailea Resort.

Note: Per recent, August 2023, wildfires please consult the resort booking status here.

Hanalei Town, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi 

Located west of Princeville along the north shore of the island of Kauaʻi and near Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, Hanalei Town is a fantastic place to spend a day visiting or to set up base camp for exploring the island of Kaua’i and Hawaiʻi at large. In town, spend some time visiting the fantastic art galleries, such as Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art and Infinite Arts, and enjoy some local eats at The Hanalei Gourmet. Spend the day lounging on Hanalei Beach, or take a boat tour of Kaua’i Island out of Hanalei Bay, which is located adjacent to Hanalei Town. More adventurous visitors may opt to venture into Hawaiʻi’s wild ocean and see its many species on a snorkeling tour. By dinner time, visitors will need some great eats; you cannot do better on any Hawaiʻian island than Kalypso Island Bar and Grill or Ama Restaurant.

Wailea Beach Villas Resort, Maui, Hawaiʻi

Not to be confused with the Grand Wailea Resort, the Wailea Beach Villas Resort, a destination resort by Hyatt Residence, is an ideal location to set up shop for a fantastic vacation. With its gorgeous oceanfront view of the glittering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, visitors will wake up each morning in awe of the local beauty. Located along Wailea Beach, renowned for its fine white sand, there are endless area attractions and activities, including snorkeling, surf lessons, and sailing trips, all of which can be booked through the resort's activities and experiences director. Wailea itself is home to a great golf course, scenic hiking trails, and fantastic shopping, both local and designer. A little farther afield, there is Haleakala National Park, a definite must-see for nature lovers.

Note: Per recent, August 2023, wildfires please consult the resort booking status here.

Waimea, Big Island, Hawaiʻi

For those who have been to Hawaiʻi before, and perhaps looking for a new experience, then getting away from the high tourist traffic areas of the Big Island, may be just the perfect getaway destination. Located in Hawai’i County, the town of Waimea has nearly 11,000 residents and exudes an appearance reminiscent of the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands. For those looking to stay the night, or perhaps longer, there are a range of accommodations. From lodge-style accommodations such as Kamuela Inn and fabulous Bed and Breakfasts like Waimea Gardens B & B, there are unique and lovely places to stay. 

During daylight hours check out Parker Ranch where visitors can spend some time wandering through the fields of grazing cattle. Get a taste of  Hawaiʻian cowboy culture, known locally as paniolo, or by visiting Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. If visiting on a Saturday or a Wednesday, make sure to make a pitstop at the Waimea Town Market, or Waimea mid-week Town Market, where perfectly fresh fruit and vegetables as well as art from locals are on offer.  Cap off the day with an evening drink at Red Water Cafe or Merriman's Big Island before tucking into a peaceful sleep.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi 

Located along Hanalei Bay near the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, the 1 Hotel at Hanalei Bay offers direct beach access. This luxury, 5 star, hotel has a full spa, a golf course, and a busy event calendar for guests including events such as beach bonfire nights, acoustic therapy afternoons (by appointment), daily access to the resort’s Albizia Jungle Gym, hot yoga, and many other health and lifestyle events and activities. Every day visitors will have access to the Bamford Wellness Spa, a fantastic concierge team who can help you book activities, and resort-organized excursions including shoreline fishing, helicopter tours, surf lessons, and a variety of boat tours.

After spending a busy day out and about on the island you can return to 1 Hotel at Hanalei Bay knowing that the 1 Kitchen has you covered for local cuisine to classic favorites. Or, if you are looking for a quick bite, there is Neighbors, an all-day cafe. There is also The Sandbox restaurant, which is a poolside, ocean-facing restaurant with a fantastic view of Hanalei Bay. Additionally, there is also a juice bar, the Mai Maika’i poolside restaurant, and Wai’oli where guests can get classical Hawai’ian shaved ice all day. With so much to do at 1 Hotel at Hanalei Bay, it will certainly be hard to leave!

Waikiki, O’ahu, Hawaiʻi

For those who are looking for magnificent beaches and fantastic shopping a stay in Waikiki, O’ahu will not disappoint. Waikiki offers many resorts right along the beach including Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Prince Waikiki, and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. In town, there is lots to do such as taking a tour to snorkel or scuba-dive in Turtle Canyon, visit the Waikiki Aquarium, or take a submarine tour from the Hilton Pier. For those looking to get out and about in Waikiki’s gorgeous surroundings a hike up Lēʻahi, also known as Diamond Head, which is an extinct volcanic cone located in Diamond Head State Monument Park, is a great hike with one of the best views on the island. 

Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi

Once known as the Pineapple Isle, for its pineapple plantation, Lānaʻi City is found on the second smallest inhabited Hawaiʻian Islands. Lānaʻi City is a great place to get off the grid for a while, as it has little infrastructure on the entire island. Although some accommodations have wifi, you will need to be happy without any form of data or Wi-Fi access before visiting the island of Lānaʻi, as both are known to go out. Polihua Beach offers gorgeous white sands while the Coves of Manele, or Manele Bay, which serves as the small boat harbor, is a great day excursion from Lānaʻi City. There are few accommodations on the island, with the Four Seasons Resort being the largest. Hotel Lānaʻi is smaller but has a fantastic reputation, while Dreams Come True Bed and Breakfast is one of the best-rated Bed and Breakfasts on the island. 

Volcano Village, Big Island, Hawaiʻi

Volcano Village is a fantastic place for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers to stay while they explore the Big Island as well as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Accommodations such as the Volcano Forest Inn and Aldi Kane Cottages are great for the budget-conscious, while Volcano Village Lodge is on the more high end of the spectrum. Volcano Village itself is a hidden gem of the Big Island, frequented by many artists looking for a place to get off the grid. Volcano Village is also a must-see in Hawai’i for anyone who is fascinated by the Hawai’ian rainforest, and, of course, volcanoes. Located 45 minutes from Hilo, and 2.5 hours from Kailua-Kona, Volcano Village is located near the entrance of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For those looking to only visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village is the perfect place to stock on snacks before entering the park. 

Gingerhill Farm Retreat at Kealakekua, Big Island, Hawaiʻi

With a variety of accommodation types on its property, staying at the Gingerhill Farm Retreat on Kealakekua is a great way to get back to nature without giving up all the amenities of hotel vacationing. The Gingerhill Farm Retreat offers a variety of forms of accommodations including cabins and cottages, ranging from housing one or two people to six or seven people. With the opportunity to participate in daily classes, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a range of activities at your fingertips, visitors will never be bored while staying at Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Located near the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, this park is the location of the first significant contact between Hawai’ians and Captain Cook and his men in 1779. This park is a great place to take a kayaking tour, but make sure to check what companies have licenses to operate in the park.

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, O’ahu, Hawaiʻi

Located on O’ahu’s western coast, the beachfront Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina is a perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or visit for your honeymoon. Onsite, you will find multiple restaurants including Hokulea Cafe, Mina’s Fish House, La Tiki outdoor restaurant, Noe Italian Eatery, Waterman Bar, Dr. Mai Tai’s Swim Up Bar, and a variety of other great meal options. There is also an infinity pool, an Ohana or family pool, a private golf course, tennis courts, a full-service spa with fantastic visiting practitioners, a fitness and wellness center that includes daily sunrise yoga, and a fantastic concierge service which will help you choose the perfect excursions for your stay in Hawaiʻi. 

The Take Home

At the end of the day, determining where to stay and where to visit in Hawaiʻi is really about what individuals are looking for. If traveling with young children Grand Wailea or other resorts that follow the family-friendly trend may be the best option. For those who are looking to explore and be immersed in the outdoors of Hawaiʻi, then Gingerhill Farm Retreat is a great option. For honeymooners or if you are looking for a luxurious experience, the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina or 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay are incredible stays. What is the same about all of these locations, however, is that they are fantastic hidden gems of the islands that offer incredible experiences to last a lifetime.