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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park vs Lanikai Beach

Both Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Lanikai Beach are recommended by professional travelers. On balance, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ranks marginally higher than Lanikai Beach. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a TripExpert Score of 86 with approval from 4 reviews including Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Lonely Planet.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
9 / 10
Hawaii National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI
From $0 /night
Frommer's Frommer's
"Hawaii’s premier natural attraction, home to an active volcano and one of only two World Heritage Sites in the islands." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"Few visitors are familiar with this 116,000-acre portion of the national park...hike through forest and fields that include a cinder cone, tree molds from an 1866 lava flow, and ranchera relics." Full review
i
Note: There are restrooms but no drinking water.
Fodor's Fodor's
"Since the latest eruption began in 1983, Kilauea Volcano has been adding new land to the Big Island rather steadily." Full review
i
If you do nothing else on the Big Island, do the volcano.
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Even among Hawaii's many wonders, this national park stands out: its two active volcanoes testify to the ongoing birth of the islands." Full review
i
For hikers, it's heaven.
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"The awe-inspiring and ruggedly beautiful Kilauea is called the drive-in volcano because paved roads allow you to traverse it by car." Full review
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Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach
8 / 10
Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Peaceful jade green waters, powder-soft white sand, families and dogs frolicking mindlessly, offshore islands in the distance. It's an ideal spot." Full review
i
Be sure not to park in the marked bike/jogging lane.
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf." Full review
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
3.0
"Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"This is one of the best places on Oahu to greet the sunrise. Watch the sky slowly move from pitch black to wisps of gray to burnt orange as the sun rises over the two tiny offshore islands of Mokulua." Full review
Independent Independent
"The crystal waters of Lanikai Beach sparkle under water sports enthusiasts on kayaks and paddleboards. If they’re lucky, a Hawaiian green sea turtle may pop its head out to say hello"