Everyone who lives in Hawaii has undoubtedly amassed quite the collection of iconic images from across the state stored in their brain. And if you’ve lived here long enough, you should be able to recognize these 17 images within a split second. Are you up for the challenge? See how many images you recognize without looking at the captions below!
- This grand palace is a Honolulu landmark.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr Iolani Palace, the only palace on United States soil.
- There’s the iconic crater next to one of the state’s most infamous beaches.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr Diamond Head as viewed from Waikiki Beach.
- Everyone is sure to recognize this iconic valley.
Hector Parayuelos/Flickr The Big Island’s Waipio Valley was once home to Hawaiian royalty.
- And then there’s this other iconic valley.
NAParish/Flickr Kauai’s Kalalau Valley is one of the most famous views on the island.
- There are these two island landmarks.
cd_1940/Flickr The Mokulua Islands, often referred to as simply the mokes, lie off Lanikai Beach, and are a popular kayaking destination.
- There’s this world-famous and illegal staircase.
Shawn Clover/Flickr While most of us have never attempted to ascend the illegal and dangerous Haiku Stairs, this image is so widespread that everyone who’s ever set foot in Hawaii knows about the Stairway to Heaven.
- There’s this stunning architectural feat.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr H-3 highway, which runs through the Ko’olau Mountains, is quite the magnificent structure.
- There are few people who don’t immediately recognize this fiery image.
Howard Ignatius/Flickr Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
- There’s this stand-out hotel in an intense hue of pink.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr The Royal Hawaiian is one of Waikiki’s most brilliant landmarks.
- This magical pier is quite the landmark.
Tom Bridge/Flickr In addition to being one of the most picturesque spots on Kauai, the Hanalei Pier has also appeared in several movies.
- There’s this iconic Maui waterfall.
Bruce Irschick/Flickr Also known as the seven sacred pools, the Oheo Gulch is one of the most iconic images on the island.
- And then there is this impressive waterfall, too.
Alan Strakey/Flickr Akaka Falls measures in at 442 feet and is one of the Big Island’s most visited tourist attractions.
- This majestic canyon is what dreams are made of.
Sarah Richter/Flickr Anyone who doesn’t immediately recognize Waimea Canyon obviously has never been to Hawaii.
- There’s this unique building.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr The Honolulu State Capitol building, which was constructed in 1969, is quite striking.
- This Maui monument will take your breath away.
Harold Hollingsworth/Flickr The Iao Needle rises 1,200 feet from the valley’s floor, and is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
- This incredible piece of history floating in the harbor.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the lives of those aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
- This grand observatory sits above the clouds.
Alan L/Flickr Mauna Kea Observatories is home to some of the most advanced telescopes in the world.
How many of these famous images did you recognize? What other images are instantly recognizable by anyone who lives in Hawaii? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Iolani Palace, the only palace on United States soil.
Diamond Head as viewed from Waikiki Beach.
Hector Parayuelos/Flickr
The Big Island’s Waipio Valley was once home to Hawaiian royalty.
NAParish/Flickr
Kauai’s Kalalau Valley is one of the most famous views on the island.
cd_1940/Flickr
The Mokulua Islands, often referred to as simply the mokes, lie off Lanikai Beach, and are a popular kayaking destination.
Shawn Clover/Flickr
While most of us have never attempted to ascend the illegal and dangerous Haiku Stairs, this image is so widespread that everyone who’s ever set foot in Hawaii knows about the Stairway to Heaven.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
H-3 highway, which runs through the Ko’olau Mountains, is quite the magnificent structure.
Howard Ignatius/Flickr
Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
The Royal Hawaiian is one of Waikiki’s most brilliant landmarks.
Tom Bridge/Flickr
In addition to being one of the most picturesque spots on Kauai, the Hanalei Pier has also appeared in several movies.
Bruce Irschick/Flickr
Also known as the seven sacred pools, the Oheo Gulch is one of the most iconic images on the island.
Alan Strakey/Flickr
Akaka Falls measures in at 442 feet and is one of the Big Island’s most visited tourist attractions.
Sarah Richter/Flickr
Anyone who doesn’t immediately recognize Waimea Canyon obviously has never been to Hawaii.
The Honolulu State Capitol building, which was constructed in 1969, is quite striking.
Harold Hollingsworth/Flickr
The Iao Needle rises 1,200 feet from the valley’s floor, and is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the lives of those aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Alan L/Flickr
Mauna Kea Observatories is home to some of the most advanced telescopes in the world.
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