On Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii, Lake Waiau is a high-elevation lake that is 3,970 meters (13,020 feet) above sea level. Undoubtedly, it is one of the tallest lakes in the country.

Lake Waiau is the last lake on Hawaii Island and one of very few lakes at all in the state of Hawaii following the disappearance of Ka Wai o Pele in 2018 and the short-lived lake in Halema'uma'u crater in 2020. Its size changes as the water level rise and lowers and is just approximately 100 m across. At times of high water, a little outflow stream can be seen at the northwest end, although it quickly disappears into the ground. Despite being mostly calm, the name in Hawaiian means "swirling water." Even though the water normally freezes over in the winter, aquatic insects like midges and beetles can be seen there reproducing.

There is a trail off Saddle Road that leads to the lake. Although it is not a long hike, some people may find it challenging because the oxygen levels decrease as you ascend the volcano.

Location: Mauna Kea, Hawaii

On the island of Niihau's south-central area is a lake called Halulu Lake. It is the largest (non-intermittent) natural lake in the Hawaiian Islands and comes in third in terms of size behind intermittent bodies of water Kelia Pond on Maui and Halalii Lake on Niihau. One of the best lakes to visit in Hawai is Halulu lake.

During the rainy seasons, the lake is around 182 acres (74 hectares) in size. The tiny lake on the dry island decreases as a result of evaporation during dry spells. Other reports state that it is 371 acres in size (150 ha).

A stunning freshwater lake that is entirely encircled by sand and trees is called Halulu Lake. Many Hawaiian bird species, such as the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, and Hawaiian duck, call it home.

The lake bears the name of a significant high chief of Hawaii. Another urban legend claims that it was called after the man-eating halulu bird. Mullets naturally enter the lake from the sea through lava tubes when they are young and live there as well.

Location: Niʻihau, Hawai

Located in the western region of the island of Maui's Mauna Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountains), Violet Lake is a little high-elevation lake that is 5,020 feet (1,530 m) above sea level. It can be found in the marshy slopes close to Pu'u Kukui, the tallest peak in the West Maui Mountains, and the Eke Crater. It measures roughly 10 feet by 20 feet (3.0 meters by 6.1 meters).

The Maui violet, which blooms on its banks, and the lake's surface reflections both contributed to the lake's English name. The name Kiowaiokihawahine in Hawaiian means "pond of Kihawahine".

Because of the lake's environment, it supports a variety of uncommon and endemic fauna. The flora is also particularly distinctive because it contains endangered species including the Maui violet, Hawaiian lobelioids, and dwarfed 'hi'a lehua trees.

The religious and historical significance of Hawaii's Violet Lake is not insignificant. The lake and its surrounds are reputed to be sacred, serving as both the Hawaiian goddess Kihawahine's dwelling and the location where heaven and earth first met.

Location: West Maui Mountains, Maui, Hawai

One of just four remaining ancient Hawaiian fishponds on Oahu that were still in use long into the 20th century is Kahalu'u Fishpond, formerly known as Kahouna Fishpond, in Kneohe Bay in windward Oahu. Around the island, there were at least 100 similar fishponds in the previous century. Kahouna was inhabited until around 1960, and after residents of the area expressed concerns that it would be destroyed by development, it was placed to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. At that time, the Kahaluu Taro Lo'i Historic District was also included in the National Register.

Kahouna has a 370-meter-long semicircular seawall that is nearly 1,200 feet long. The ancient wall had stacked stone on its inner and outer walls, with earth, gravel, and coral debris filling the spaces in between. In the vicinity of Kahalu'u Fishpond, which is on private property, weddings are frequently held. Along the shoreline, there is a garden, a pavilion, and a wedding chapel that can all be rented.

A stunning mangrove forest lines the 370-meter-long, semi-circular seawall of the 70-hectare pond. Kahalu'u Fishpond is a fantastic option if you're looking for a location for a destination wedding. This lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Hawai.

Location: Oʻahu, Hawai