Famous Tourist Destinations in America That Are Best Avoided

Honolulu and Waikiki are famous for good reason. The ocean views are gorgeous, Diamond Head is nearby, the beach is easy to access, and visitors get a mix of resorts, restaurants, shopping, and Hawaiian scenery in one place. For many first-time Hawaii travelers, Waikiki feels like the obvious starting point.

That convenience is also part of the problem. Waikiki can feel crowded, pricey, and very commercial, with packed beaches, expensive hotels, and a heavy resort-district atmosphere. Travelers hoping for a quieter Hawaii experience might prefer Kauai, the Big Island, or less crowded parts of Oahu outside Waikiki.