The Atlas Obscura Guide To Kilauea

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kilauea, Hawaii

Updated December 4, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Kilauea

Kilauea, Hawaii

Mokolea Lava Pools

Submerged lava formations create incredible waterworks.

Kilauea, Hawaii

The Blue Room

A once-glowing grotto at the bottom of Waikapalae Wet Cave.

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Kapa'a, Hawaii

Pineapple Dump Pier

A local pineapple cannery once dumped pineapple trimmings off of this pier, with sometimes smelly results.

10 miles from Kilauea

Kapaʻa, Hawaii

Moikeha Canal Bridge

Now a pedestrian bridge, this was once part of a narrow-gauge railroad that ran along the east coast of Kauai.

11 miles from Kilauea

Kapaʻa, Hawaii

Kapa’a Japanese Stone Lantern

This monument built by Japanese American immigrants spent decades underground.

11 miles from Kilauea

Kapa'a, Hawaii

Coco Palms Resort

This former luxury resort in Kaua'i is now an abandoned relic.

12 miles from Kilauea

Kapa'a, Hawaii

Kalalau Trail

This narrow coastline trail through the dense Kauai wilderness is among the most beautiful and dangerous in the world.

13 miles from Kilauea

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Watery Wonders in Hawaiʻi, Without Setting Foot in the Ocean

Yes, we know, Hawaiʻi is surrounded by water—the state is a watery wonder in and of itself. But the ocean is only the beginning. The volcanic islands' dramatic topography, unpredictable coastlines, and high rainfall mean that water in and around the Paradise of the Pacific cavorts in all sorts of stunning ways: waterfalls, blowholes, pools, and more. (Plus rainbows. Lots and lots of rainbows.) And you can enjoy all of these natural showstoppers without having to get your feet wet.

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