As Election Day unfolds at long last, escape the tension and uncover the hidden serenity waiting just off Hawaii’s beaten path. Hawaii offers calm in unexpected and secluded places, where the only polls you’ll encounter are towering palm trees, ancient stones, and the tranquility of shrines.
Lawai International Center, Kauai.
Tucked away on Kauai, the Lawai International Center is a hidden sanctuary offering one of Hawaii’s most serene experiences. The center is home to 88 small shrines ascending a hillside, each inviting quiet contemplation. As one visitor noted, “You can feel the history, and there’s something timeless here that takes you back.” We’ve previously written about the Lawai 88 shrines twice, including as one of our earliest features on Beat of Hawaii almost two decades ago, and it remains a beloved escape for us and those seeking peace amid Kauai’s already spectacular natural beauty.
Three Sisters Rocks, Lanai.
Situated on Lanai’s remote back side, the Three Sisters Rocks (featured image) are not only geological wonders but a place of profound calm. Previously, it was possible to reach the site by boat tours from Maui, but today, the only access is via American Safari Cruise, a journey BOH editors experienced a decade ago but have never forgotten. Seeing these formations from our kayak and snorkeling alongside them, we felt a connection to something profound and ancient. The Three Sisters stand in quiet defiance of the ocean, a reminder of nature’s endurance and peace.
Byodo-In Temple, Oahu.
Nestled at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains, this replica of Japan’s 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple is surrounded by lush gardens, koi ponds, and peaceful spaces for meditation. The temple’s serene setting, complemented by the soft resonance of its giant bell, transports visitors far from everyday concerns. Even if you’re not religious, there’s something undeniably calming here—it’s the place that invites you to slow down and breathe. Byodo-In Temple brings a lasting taste of Japan’s Zen traditions to Oahu, offering a peaceful retreat for calm reflection.
Foster Botanical Garden, Honolulu.
Amid Honolulu’s urban pace, Foster Botanical Garden is a serene refuge filled with towering trees and tropical plants, including many rare species. It’s where nature reclaims a corner of this bustling city, offering a quiet green escape. This garden is so unexpected in the middle of Honolulu, adjacent to Chinatown. You can hear birds instead of traffic (well, almost). The garden’s winding paths and exotic plants make it a calming detour for those looking to relax and unwind right in the heart of the city.
Mookini Heiau, Big Island.
On the Big Island’s northern coast lies Mookini Heiau, an ancient oceanfront temple and sacred site for Native Hawaiians. This heiau carries the weight of centuries of Hawaiian history, offering visitors a rare chance to experience a unique aspect of Hawaii’s cultural past. Surrounded by expansive ocean views and even offering a humpback whale sighting when we visited, Mookini Heiau is a testament to the spirituality that runs deep in Hawaii’s history. Standing here, you can’t help but feel something powerful. It’s a place that humbles you. This historic site’s remoteness and natural beauty make it a place for quiet reflection.
Iao Valley, Maui.
Iao Valley is a lush, green landscape watched over by the iconic Iao Needle, a natural monument with deep cultural significance. We were again reminded of Iao Valley’s natural peace and quiet power on our recent visit. Waterfalls and flowing streams create a serene soundtrack that makes it easy to forget the outside world is nearby. This is where we go on Maui to clear our minds. The valley has a stillness that is hard to find elsewhere. With towering cliffs reaching into the clouds and the typically tranquil Iao Stream, Iao Valley remains one of Maui’s most treasured escapes, a place of beauty, contemplation, and retreat.
Special mention: Kalaupapa, Molokai.
If there is one place in Hawaii that embodies solitude and profound serenity, it is Kalaupapa on Molokai. This secluded peninsula, where the ocean meets sheer cliffs, has a history that resonates deeply across the islands and worldwide. Once home to residents affected by Hansen’s disease, Kalaupapa holds stories of profound hardship and resilience, giving the area an indescribable power and reverence.
A reader commented, “Even reading about Kalaupapa brings chicken skin.” It’s true. For now, Kalaupapa remains off-limits to visitors, but there’s hope it may one day reopen, offering the world a chance to experience its quiet beauty and complex past firsthand gently.
Aloha Calm for Election Day
These hidden sanctuaries across Hawaii offer a timeless reprieve in a world consumed by political updates and notifications. Whether today’s election events have you tense or you seek a mental escape, let Hawaii’s best-kept secret sanctuaries inspire you to pause, breathe, and find a little serenity wherever you are.
Lead image ecoseascootersnorkeling.org.
And the results are in. Everybody off the islands.
Thanks for the Aloha Calm on this very anxious day!
2 points.
1. I’ve shot touch and goes a couple times at the airport at Kalaupapa. It is quite a beautiful place.
2. For years the head of the Foster Botanic Gardens was a person by the name of Paul Weissich. Paul was my mother’s cousin and my brother was named after him. As you noted, it is a beautiful place in the middle of Honolulu.
Thanks, guys for a bit of serenity on this nervewracking election day. Much appreciated! Wish I was there.