Hawaii's Volcanic Grandeur and Crater Lake Sanctuaries
Popular lakes
Popular cities
Waianae
Discover Waianae, a hidden gem on Oahu's west coast, offering pristine beaches, scenic mountains, and rich cultural heritage for your perfect Hawaiian getaway.
‘Ewa Beach
Kīhei
Discover Kihei, Maui's sunny coastal gem, with 6 miles of stunning beaches, rich history, and a laid-back vibe, perfect for your next Hawaiian getaway.
Honolulu
Discover Honolulu's tropical charm with stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Find your perfect vacation rental in this Hawaiian paradise on Lake.com.
Travel Tips
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Embrace the Local Culture
Embrace pono by respecting sacred sites and adhering to local customs for a harmonious visit
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Respect Nature
Respect native flora and fauna by observing from a distance and avoiding feeding wildlife.
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Be Flexible
From Honolulu, a 30-minute drive (25 miles) by car or RV to Hanauma Bay offers snorkeling in clear waters. From Hilo, a 45-minute drive (30 miles) by car or van to Wailuku River State Park provides access to Rainbow Falls.
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Support Local Businesses
Experience exquisite dining at Seaside Restaurant in Hilo, renowned for its fresh fish dishes. For outdoor adventures, visit Kona Marine Supply in Kailua-Kona, offering a wide range of boating equipment. Explore the unique offerings at The Right Slice in Lihue, known for its delicious pies.
Volcanic Crater Lakes Where Fire Meets Paradise
Hawaii’s freshwater sanctuaries shimmer within ancient volcanic calderas, where Lake Waiau crowns Mauna Kea at 13,020 feet as one of Earth’s highest alpine lakes, sacred to Native Hawaiians who consider its waters the realm of snow goddess Poliahu. Vacation rentals near Green Lake on Big Island, tragically lost to 2018’s lava flows, have given way to nearby Kapoho tide pools where oceanfront estates offer natural aquarium snorkeling in crystalline pools heated by underground springs. The Kauai Mokihana Festival each September celebrates island culture near the Alakai Swamp’s mysterious pools, as mountaintop cabins above Waimea Canyon provide launching points for families hiking to secret swimming holes where native honeycreepers serenade afternoon swims.
Mountain Waters Where Rainbows Touch Earth
Haleakala’s summit crater shelters ephemeral pools that appear after rare rains, while vacation properties along Maui’s Upcountry roads position couples perfectly for sunrise expeditions to the 10,023-foot summit before retreating to hot tubs overlooking bi-coastal views. The Big Island’s Waipio Valley cradles hidden freshwater pools beneath 2,000-foot waterfalls, accessible from restored taro farmer cottages where groups gather for traditional imu feasts while wild horses graze nearby meadows. Pet-friendly plantation houses near Kauai’s Wailua River accommodate adventurous dogs paddling alongside outrigger canoes navigating to Secret Falls, where mist creates perpetual rainbows in afternoon light.
Curated Island Escapes Beyond the Beaches
Molokai’s Halawa Valley shelters streamside bungalows where ancient Hawaiian fishponds meet cascading waters, perfect for multi-generational families learning traditional throw-net fishing from local practitioners. Lanai’s highlands surprise visitors with pine-shrouded cottages near seasonal Kanepuu pools, while groups reserve entire valleys on private estates featuring heli-pads for accessing remote North Shore waterfalls where monk seals occasionally venture into brackish pools connecting ocean to stream.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Hawaii has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Oahu’s Ko Olina offers protected lagoons perfect for young swimmers with nearby condos featuring full kitchens and pools from $300 nightly. Maui’s Kihei provides affordable beach condos with grassy areas and playgrounds starting at $250. Big Island’s Waikoloa Beach Resort includes family-friendly amenities like water slides and shallow snorkeling areas. Kauai’s Poipu Beach features monk seal viewing and natural wading pools ideal for toddlers.
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Maui’s Upcountry offers romantic cottages with ocean views from $150 nightly, perfect for couples seeking privacy without beachfront prices. Big Island’s Kona coffee farms provide unique stays under $200 with sunset views. Molokai delivers ultimate seclusion with beachfront condos from $125. Oahu’s North Shore winter rates drop to $175 for oceanview studios. Consider May or September for 30% savings and fewer crowds.
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Big Island provides the most affordable options with Hilo oceanfront condos from $100 nightly and Puna district rentals near black sand beaches under $125. Molokai offers authentic Hawaii with beachfront units from $110. Oahu’s West Coast beyond Ko Olina features local-style homes near beaches from $150. Avoid Maui’s west coast and Kauai’s North Shore where prices start at $400 even for basic rentals.
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Maui’s Wailea showcases 6-bedroom beachfront estates with infinity pools and staff from $3,000 nightly. Kauai’s North Shore offers Hanalei Bay mansions sleeping 20 with private beach access. Big Island’s Mauna Kea Resort features luxury villas with golf privileges from $2,000 daily. Oahu’s Kailua beachfront compounds accommodate wedding parties with multiple houses on single properties starting at $5,000 for the compound.
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Kauai’s North Shore from Princeville to Hanalei provides dramatic mountain-meets-ocean views with rentals perched on cliffs. Maui’s Road to Hana offers jungle-meets-sea vistas from intimate cottages. Big Island’s Hamakua Coast features plantation homes overlooking waterfalls and ocean. Oahu’s windward coast from Lanikai to Waimanalo delivers sunrise views over turquoise waters and offshore islands from hillside homes.
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Hawaii’s strict quarantine laws make pet travel challenging, but Big Island offers the most pet-friendly options with vacation rentals in Kona accepting dogs under 25 pounds for $100-150 fees. Some Oahu military-area rentals near beaches welcome pets. Maui and Kauai rarely allow pets in vacation rentals. Consider pet-sitting services instead, as Hawaii requires 120-day quarantine or expensive direct release requirements.
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Book Hawaii peak season rentals (December-April, June-August) at least 6-8 months ahead for best selection and prices. Booking early saves 20-30% compared to last-minute rates. Christmas and spring break require 10-12 months advance booking. Shoulder seasons (May, September-November) offer more flexibility with 3-4 months sufficient. Sign up for property alerts and book immediately when ideal rentals appear, as best deals disappear within days.