Top Places To Visit In Hawaii In The Fall

The Hawaiian Islands bring to mind endless holidays on soft sand beaches, with palm trees swaying in the background. Hawaii is a true sunshine paradise that beckons visitors in the warm summer months. The gorgeous sparkling sea and volcanic backdrop make for one of the most jaw-dropping sights on Earth. But Hawaii in the fall is even more enchanting. The islands transform into a magical autumn adventure when some of the lush green landscapes become a mesmerizing display of oranges, yellows, and reds. There are several places you can visit for a Hawaiian autumn, with the best of the bunch being the following:

Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Haleakalā National Park is magnificent any time of the year but truly shines during autumn. The park is built around a real volcano, albeit dormant, that rose from the ocean. Haleakalā means 'house of the sun', and the place draws those who want to experience the break of dawn from its slopes. The landscape's deep fall oranges and browns make the perfect base to watch the sunrise or stargaze at night. You can also get up close with the fall foliage by taking some of the fantastic hiking trails here that lead to the summit of the volcano. Some of the best trails include Pipiwai, Seven Sacred Pools, and White Hill.

The weather is truly fantastic during this time, so you'll stroll comfortably along the endemic plant species, shedding their traditional colors for warmer ones. You'll find everything from deserts and rock gardens to waterfalls in the park, and you're allowed to camp in the campgrounds or cabins if you want to extend your stay.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is another fantastic place to spot fall foliage. This gorgeous park also incorporates some of the volcanoes that Hawaii is famous for. Hawaii Volcanoes is where you'll find intimidating volcanic landscapes, lava tubes, black sand beaches, and tropical forests.

You can even go on a helicopter tour to see the beautiful yellows and oranges from high up in the air. Helicopter tours include flying over the park and its two active volcanoes, including the Kilauea volcano. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can go on a volcano hike or bike tour. If you're traveling by car, be sure to drive Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. The Chain of Craters stretches for 18 miles along the East Rift Zone and is dotted with craters, petroglyphs, and lava flows. Remember, the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanos are both active, so you may be restricted from traveling in the area during times of heightened unrest. 

Waimea Canyon, Kauai

The charming island of Kauai is well known for its natural wonders, including the Waimea Canyon, which drapes itself in fall colors between August and November. Other than the autumn-colored hills, you'll immediately know you're in Waimea when you see the red Earth that characterizes the area. And, if you've never been to the 3,000-foot deep canyon, but the waterfall seems familiar – that's because it's the waterfall from the first Jurassic Park movie. You can see the canyon and the waterfall from the air during a helicopter tour.

Or you can take in the views from the ground by hiking the canyon. Along the way, you'll see the incredibly stunning Napali coastline and the Waimea Valley Gorge. The Phihea trail is one of the most popular and starts at the Pu'u O Kila Lookout. If you're looking for a highly challenging hike, try the Kalalau Lookout Hike. Fortunately, even though some of the trails are steep, the mild autumn temperatures will help you not to get over-exhausted.

Koke'e State Park, Kauai

Also in Kauai, the Koke'e State Park is home to truly stunning foliage and includes sugi pine, California redwoods, and Australian eucalyptus trees, which all change color in the fall. This adds a natural vibrancy to this beloved Hawaiian landscape.

Inside the park, you'll find the Koke'e Natural History Museum, where you can enjoy local arts and crafts and learn about the park's history. If you're planning on staying a few days (and you should!), consider booking accommodation at the Lodge at Koke'e, with its unmatched views of the Kalalau Valley and Napali Coast.

During autumn, the panoramic views become even clearer in the crisp air. With this enhanced visibility, you'll enjoy the striking contrast between the coastline and the park's fall colors. Not to mention that the park is a haven for migratory birds, so if you're an avid birdwatcher, you'll be delighted to see the Hawaiian Goose, Northern Shoveler, Sanderling, and various albatross species.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui

After wildfires devastated Maui earlier in 2023, the island's west side has reopened to tourists. So has the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. You can help the island rebuild after the tragedy by making Maui your vacation location this fall. Even after the flames tore through Lahaina and its surroundings, the natural beauty of this gorgeous Hawaiian island remains.

The Polipoli Spring State area forms part of the Kula Forest Reserve, where you'll find magnificent trees, including massive coastal redwoods. It is one of the best places to get your hiking on and explore the loop trails that run through the trees. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, turning the forest into a fairytale landscape. You can also camp underneath the tree canopy and experience the starry night sky of beautiful Maui.

Molokai's East End

While you won't find traditional fall colors in Molokai's East End, the breathtaking beauty and great climate more than makeup for it. If you visit Molokai in the fall, you can take a relaxed guided hike in the Halawa Valley. It is the only one of Molokai's five valleys that is easily accessible via hiking trails. Exploring the east end, you'll find a steep plateau rising to an elevation of 4,900 feet on Kamakou Peak. Take the Kamehameha V Highway, and you'll have the mountain to your left and the longest continuous fringing reef in Hawaii on your right.

Moreover, the temperature here is never unpleasant, especially in the fall, so you can take in a beach day or five while you're here. Kumimi Beach is excellent for snorkeling, or you can drive to Halawa Beach Park to have a picnic. If you're not afraid of heights, and after visiting the primeval Kamakou Preserve, be sure to stop at the Waikolu Overlook to get an eyeful of the North Shore Pali sea cliffs. Reaching heights of 3,900 feet, these cliffs are the tallest of their kind in the world.

Iao Valley State Park, Maui

Back in Maui, the Iao Valley awaits. Located in central Maui, you can get a tour guide to direct you or rent a car. Once you get there, you can explore the valley on foot by trying out one of the many hiking trails. Like many other sites in Hawaii, the Iao Valley is a sacred place, so ensure that you stay on the trails and don't interact with the wildlife or disturb the vegetation.

Since the temperatures vary wildly during the day, it is best to visit in the fall, when there is less chance of rain (the valley is one of the wettest places on the island). The valley is part of the Iao Valley State Park, where the iconic Iao Needle stands. It towers a massive 1,200 feet above the valley and was once used as a lookout by Hawaiian warriors. While there is some fall foliage here, it stays predominantly green during the fall. But that doesn't make the place any less magnificent. 

You won't find conventional fall colors everywhere in Hawaii, but even in the absence of reds, oranges, yellows, and gold, the islands are a magical place to visit in autumn. And, when you do spot these colors against the backdrop of volcano and ocean, the picture will take your breath away. A unique autumn adventure awaits you in one of the most visited places on Earth, so start planning your Hawaiian fall vacation today!