Looking to escape the crowds and discover a more authentic side of Hawai‘i? Lāna'i, Moloka'i, and Ni'ihau are three of the most secluded and least-visited Hawaiian islands, each offering a unique travel experience far from the typical tourist path. If you’re looking for solitude, authenticity, and cultural immersion, these islands might just be the hidden Hawai‘i you’ve been dreaming of. We're sharing the aloha and giving you the rundown on how to visit these off-the-beaten-path Hawaiian islands.
Lāna'i: The Pineapple Island
Once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, Lāna'i has transformed into a secluded luxury destination—mostly owned by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison. With just one town (Lāna'i City) and no traffic lights, the island still holds on to its small-town charm while offering upscale resort experiences. Lāna'i has limited flights and ferry access from Maui, so plan ahead! Since the most exciting sites are off-road, look into renting a 4WD drive vehicle for the day. As with all Hawaiian Islands, many sites are sacred, so please respect the area and community.
What to Do on Lāna'i:
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Four Seasons Resorts: Choose between the ultra-lux beachfront resort at Mānele Bay or the rustic-luxe Lodge at Ko'ele.
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Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods): This surreal red-rock landscape will have you wondering if you're on a Hawaiian island or out West. If you rent a Jeep or 4WD vehicle, you'll have fun testing out this rocky road. Views of the red rocks against a distant ocean backdrop are exquisite!
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Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach): Enjoy a solitary walk along this remote, windswept shoreline with a grounded WWII-era ship rusting offshore. You can also look for petroglyphs on the lava rocks nearby at Po'aiwa.
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Snorkeling at Hulopo'e Bay: Let your cares fade away in these calm waters. Great for tide pooling and snorkeling. Keep an eye out for colorful coral and spinner dolphins!
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Pū'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock): Take a short hike with panoramic ocean views to see this iconic lava rock sea stack that is steeped in Hawaiian legend.
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Lāna'i Culture & Heritage Center: Visit this small museum with exhibits on plantation life, archaeology, and Hawaiian culture. It's a great place to stop and learn about the history of Lāna'i. Take a stroll around Dole Park, visit local shops and galleries, and grab a bite to eat.
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Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary: If you're a cat lover, this is THE PLACE for you! Over 600 rescued cats live in an open-air shelter. You can pet, play, and relax with the cats. It's free, but donations are encouraged.
Moloka'i: The Friendly Isle
Moloka'i is the antithesis of commercial tourism. There are no big resorts, no chain restaurants, and very few tourists. What you’ll find is something far richer: a deeply rooted Hawaiian community that still lives the values of aloha 'āina (love of the land) and kuleana (responsibility). You can get to this island by taking a short flight from O'ahu and we'd recommend renting a car to get around. Unlike the larger islands, Moloka'i isn’t a resort island - it’s a living Hawaiian community. Ask permission before taking photos, and consider booking local guides to support the economy.
Top Experiences on Moloka'i:
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park: The Kalaupapa Trail (or Pali Trail) is a dramatically steep hike with 26 switchbacks. It descends nearly 2,000 feet over approximately 3.5 miles. If the hike doesn't sound like your idea of heaven, you can also take a small plane to the former leprosy colony that tells a sobering yet powerful story. We'd recommend booking a tour to learn more about the history of the area, and to take in a sweeping view of the towering cliffs and sapphire water.
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Halawa Valley: Take a guided hike with local families who have lived here for generations. Learn about taro farming, ancient temples, and Hawaiian spirituality. You can learn about local vegetation as you make your way to the gorgeous waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing water. Overall, this is a beautiful cultural experience and should not be missed!
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Papohaku Beach: Also known as Three Mile Beach, you can walk along or simply relax on one of Hawai‘i’s largest white sand beaches, often with no one else in sight. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and waves, but watching the sunset with the silhouette of O'ahu in the distance will have you appreciating the quiet calm of Moloka‘i.
- Kaunakakai Town: This is Moloka‘i’s largest town with local shops, eateries, and historic churches. Visit Kanemitsu's Bakery for their famous hot bread served late at night!
Ni‘ihau: The Forbidden Island
Just 17 miles from Kaua‘i lies Ni‘ihau—Hawai‘i’s most mysterious and private island. Privately owned since 1864 by the Robinson family, Ni‘ihau is home to about 100 Native Hawaiians who still speak ʻōlelo Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian language) and live largely off the land. The island is off-limits to outsiders, earning it the nickname “The Forbidden Island." Despite its nickname, you CAN actually visit this island - but only under very limited conditions. Ni‘ihau isn’t a sightseeing destination—it’s a cultural preservation zone. Learn about it through books, exhibits, and by supporting Ni‘ihau artists.
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Ni‘ihau Helicopter Tours: These tours allow brief, supervised visits to Ni‘ihau’s beaches (not the villages). Tour tickets are pricey and you'll only have a handful of hours to enjoy your time on the island, but while you're there you can swim, look for shells, and enjoy a light meal.
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Hunting Safaris: If you're a hunter, you can book a high-priced excursions to hunt wild sheep and boar on Ni‘ihau. All hunting safaris are facilitated through helicopter charters originating in Kaua'i. If you're not a hunter, you are still welcome to join the safari. You can enjoy the scenic helicopter ride, witness the hunting experience, and explore the island's unique landscapes. Hunting is available year-round.
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Cultural and Artisan Access: If you can't visit the island, you can still see a treasured symbol of Hawaiian craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for Ni‘ihau shell lei for sale in Kaua‘i or O‘ahu. These intricate pieces can take weeks or months to create and require an immense amount of patience and skill. Because they are handcrafted, not mass-produced, sale prices can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars!
- Snorkeling Tours from Kauai: While you won't actually set foot on the island, you can book a snorkeling tour from Kaua'i in the crystal-clear waters near Lehua Crater, a volcanic caldera off Ni'ihau's northern tip.
Kaho'olawe: The Sacred Island
Have you ever noticed and wondered about Maui's small and quiet neighbor?
Visiting Kahoʻolawe, the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, is a rare and meaningful experience, but also one of the most restricted. Known as the "Sacred Island," Kahoʻolawe is uninhabited and was used as a military bombing range for decades. Large portions of Kahoʻolawe remain dangerous due to leftover bombs and military debris, and only about 75% of the island surface has been cleared.
Today, access is limited and highly regulated due to safety, cultural, and environmental concerns. The island is managed by the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), which oversees its restoration and stewardship.
Traditional tourism is not allowed. There are no hotels or tours. Recreational activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or hiking are not available to the public.
Visiting Kahoʻolawe isn't about sightseeing—it's about service. If you’re deeply interested in Hawaiian culture, environmental restoration, and spiritual connection to the land (‘āina), participating in a volunteer trip can be life-changing. For more details, visit kahoolawe.hawaii.gov or protectkahoolaweohana.org.
If you visit one of these more secluded Hawaiian Islands, your trip will likely be short and blissfully simple. Our 30L bag will be the perfect companion, easily fitting on the small commuter plane and happily holding your towel and snacks as you drive from place to place. If all you're bringing is the most pared-down essentials, consider taking one of our backpacks, a day-tripper's best friend. As always, share your pictures with us on Instagram. We love to see where you #takeTOBIQ!