12 Photos You D Never Guess Were Taken In Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are home to world-class beaches and resorts, stunning mountains and picturesque views in every direction. But the islands are also home to landscapes that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find in a tropical paradise. From sunflower fields to vast deserts, here are 12 photos you wouldn’t guess were taken in Hawaii.

Hawaii isn’t all tropical rainforests – the Ka’u desert is an incredible expanse of lava flows, volcanic ash and sparse vegetation.

Josh Schwartzman/Flickr

It’s hard to believe this sunflower field is located on Oahu’s north shore.

Ryan Smith/Flickr

Most people probably wouldn’t guess that this snowy landscape can be found at the summit of Hawaii Island’s Mauna Kea.

Dennis Crabtree/Flickr

I don’t think lavender fields are really something one expects to see while in Hawaii, but I have to admit that the landscape sure is gorgeous.

Kaiscapes LLC/Flickr

This Redwood forest in Upcountry Maui will transport you to another world.

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon doesn’t necessarily look as though it belongs in Hawaii upon first glance.

Geordie Mott/Flickr

I bet you didn’t know that cacti are common throughout Hawaii, like these planted at the Kapiolani Community College Cactus Garden.

Shara Miller/Flickr

On the slopes of Mount Haleakala, you will find this hiking trail that will make you feel as though you’ve left Hawaii and entered the desert.

Jon Wiley/Flickr

I wonder if these tiny sea creatures were sent to Hawaii from an alien world.

Chris Lewis/Flickr

The first thing that comes to mind when you imagine Hawaii surely aren’t the lava fields that populate Hawaii Island.

Keppet/Flickr

This beautiful Japanese Buddhist temple doesn’t look like it belongs in Hawaii, probably because it is a replica of a 900-year old temple in Japan.

Anthony Dolce/Flickr

This coniferous forest on the slopes of Haleakala that could easily exist anywhere on the American mainland.

Ed Suominen/Flickr

What other vistas would you not expect to find in Hawaii? What is your favorite unusual Hawaiian landscapes?