Iao Valley, Maui

Famous for a tall, narrow rock structure known as the "Needle," the beauty of Iao Valley draws people in by the busload. A trip there during the late afternoon golden hour will tell you all you need to know about why people come-the lesser known part of the story is that the valley was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, so bloody that its scenic river was said to run red and become clogged by bodies.

Kamehameha led a force of more than 1,200 warriors from the Big Island into Iao Valley, where they fought a three-day battle in 1790 against the formidable Maui army, led by Kalanikupule. Kamehameha was able to get the upper hand thanks to the aide of two cannons, for which Kalanikupule had no answer. It's hard to imagine something so horrific in such a beautiful place. But it adds a level of power to the experience that is a reason to go all its own.

Pali Lookout, O'ahu

In Hawaiian, "pali" is informally used to describe a cliff, either along the ocean or in the mountains. Locals on O'ahu know "The Pali" as one of the major roads between Honolulu and the Windwardside. For tourists, it's the place of the Pali Lookout, an expansive overview of the Windward side, including Kailua and all of Kane'ohe. The beautiful view is why people go, but history remembers it as the site of another dreadful day.

It was once again Kamehameha versus Kalanikupule's army, this time five years later in 1795 on O'ahu (After the battle at Iao Valley, Kalanikupule fled to O'ahu). Kamehameha's men cornered Kalanikupule's army with their backs against the Pali, forcing men over the side and to a 1,000-foot death drop.

When the "The Pali" was being converted into a highway in 1898, workers dug up approximately 800 human skulls, thought to be the remains of the men who had fallen in the battle more than 100 years prior.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Big Island

Talk about a place you feel safe. This beautiful oceanside complex was once a literal place of refuge for law-breakers in old-world Hawaii.

"In ancient Hawai'i, a system of laws known as kanawaien forced the social order," the National Park explains. "Certain people, places, things, and times were sacred-they were kapu, or forbidden. Kapu regulated fishing, planting, and the harvesting of other resources. Any breaking of kapu disturbed the stability of society, and the punishment was often death. Any fugitive who had broken kapu could seek refuge and forgiveness within the walls of the Pu'uhonua."

This National Historic Park of Hawai'i sits on the shores of Honaunau Bay, a popular snorkeling spot, making it a place where history very much comes alive.

Kaneiolouma, Kaua'i

If you've visited Po'ipu in the last ten years, chances are you've driven right by Kaneiolouma and not even realized it. Set a block back from Po'ipu Beach, the complex has been under restoration for more than a decade. Once hidden by overgrown vegetation, researchers have uncovered a 13-acre complex that contains habitation, cultivation, sporting, assembly, and religious structures. Remnants of house sites, fishponds, taro fields, irrigation channels, shrines, and altars have been found. Near its center, there is what may be the only intact Makahiki (ancient Hawaiian new year festival) sporting arena in the state. The complex is believed to date back to the mid-1400s and is referred to as a wahi pana, or a storied place.

Tours of the complex have yet to begin, but you can visit a viewing platform and read interpretive signs when you need a quick break from the beach.

Kalaupapa, Moloka'i

Perhaps the most stunning, isolated place in all of Hawai'i, the Kalaupapa Peninsula was once a prison for those infected with leprosy. Forced there by law in the mid-1800s, more than 8,000 people died at Kalaupapa, and though laws granting their freedom have long been passed, a handful of patients still live there today.

One of the most memorable combinations of scenic beauty and historical significance on the planet, Kalaupapa is a must-experience for any visitor to Moloka'i. Keeping it protected is the fact that access remains limited today-you can enter only on foot, by mule, or via a small airplane (Makani Kai Air).

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