Author: 
There are so many things to do in Hawaii that it’s hard to know where to start. From the world-famous Waikiki Beach and Road to Hana to the stunning waterfalls and lush valleys, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise. The moment you step off the plane and hear your first friendly aloha, you’ll know you’ve made it to tropical paradise.
In this travel guide, we will explore some of the best activities and attractions that Hawaii has to offer. Once you choose the island you plan to visit or decide you’ll embark on some island hopping, it’s just time to pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
The Top Things to Do on Oahu
Snorkel or dive at Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving destinations in the Hawaiian Islands. Located on Oahu, it’s a must for anyone who wants to see teeming underwater life. The Pacific Ocean bay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, coral, and tropical fish. There is also a visitor center where you can learn about the bay’s ecosystem and how to protect it. There’s an introductory 9- minute safety video that all new visitors must watch that will guide you towards proper safety procedures in the water.
After you’re done exploring the bay, take a hike to one of the many lookouts for stunning views of the coastline.
Entry into the park costs $25 per person and the state park is open from 6:45 AM to 4 PM. There’s an included tram ride that will take you to the beach from the parking lot.
Tour buses are no longer allowed to drop off passengers, so the best way to get there is by car. This helps to minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Hanauma Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Stop By Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. It’s also a place with a lot of history and significance and is known as the site where the United States was bombed by the Japanese during World War II.
The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most popular attractions at Pearl Harbor. The memorial is a floating platform that sits atop the sunken battleship. It’s a place of remembrance and reflection for those who lost their lives in the attack.
A visit to this historic site is a great way to teach children about the events of December 1941 and the importance of remembering our history.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is located on Ford Island in Honolulu. To get there, take Highway 99 towards Waipahu and follow the signs to the visitor center. You can either visit Pearl Harbor with a guided tour or you can walk through the area by yourself.
Check Out the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii. It’s a living museum that explores the cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand.
At the center, you can watch traditional dance performances, learn about traditional arts and crafts, and try your hand at canoe paddling. And these activities are surrounded by over 42 acres of space that have recreated six different villages to give visitors a taste of Polynesian life.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the north shore of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Honolulu.
Spot Whales Along the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a short, easy hike that takes you to one of the best whale-watching spots on the island. The trailhead is located just past the town of Haleiwa on the north shore of Oahu.
From December to April, you’re almost guaranteed to see humpback whales from the lookout point at the end of the trail.
The Makau’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a great way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty. And it’s also a great way to get some exercise while you’re on vacation. Since the trail is paved and 2 miles round trip, it’s a great option for children and leashed pups.
Head to the Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is the largest museum in Hawaii and is dedicated to preserving the state’s natural and cultural history. The museum has an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a planetarium and a science center.
There are several different galleries to explore, so plan on spending a few hours here. And if you have kids, they’ll love the hands-on exhibits in the science center.
The Bishop Museum is located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. To get there, take Highway 99 towards Waipahu and follow the signs to the museum.
See the Honolulu Skyline Hiking the Diamond Head
If you have time for a 1.5 mile trail and can handle an incline of about 550 feet, make sure to try the Diamond Head Summit Trail. This paved trail makes it to the top of one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks in no time. Once you reach the top after walking up the trail and several sets of stairs, there are plenty of benches for you to relax at.
On a clear day, you can see all the way from downtown Honolulu to Waikiki Beach. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two offshore. It’s a fantastic place for some sightseeing!
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is located just east of Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. To get there, take Highway 72 towards Diamond Head and follow the signs to the trailhead.
Try You Hand at Surfing
There’s no doubt that Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. And there’s no better place to learn how to surf than on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world. And it’s also home to several surf schools that offer lessons for all levels.
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find plenty of great waves to ride on Oahu. To find a surf school, just do a quick search online. Or, if you’re staying in Waikiki, just head down to the beach and you’ll find several surf schools there.
Take a Dip at Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. And it’s located on the island of Oahu.
The beach is known for its clear water and beautiful sand. And it’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, or just relax.
If you’re interested in taking a dip at Waikiki Beach, try to get there early. This is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii, so it can get crowded later in the day.
Watch the Sunset at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is one of the most popular sunset spots on the island of Oahu. Located on the north shore of the island, Waimea Bay is known for its beautiful sunsets.
But it’s also a great place to swim, bodyboard, and surf. So whether you’re looking to relax or get active, Waimea Bay is the perfect spot.
To get to Waimea Bay, take Highway 83 north from Honolulu. The bay is located just past the town of Haleiwa.
The Top Things to Do on Kauai
Take a Hike on the Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail is 11 miles long and runs along the Napali Coast. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult, with some sections being more challenging than others.
The Napali Coast is famous thanks to Jurassic Park. Trust me, once you’re knee deep in the jungle, you might start thinking a dinosaur or two could pop out at any moment! It’s truly one of the natural wonders of Hawaii.
Hikers should be prepared for changeable weather conditions, as it can be very hot and sunny one day and then cool and rainy the next. There is also no water available along the trail, so hikers need to bring plenty of water with them.
The hike starts with two miles of gorgeous shorelines and vast ocean views. This leads to the beautiful Hanakapiai beach, which you cannot swim at, but is a great location for taking a break and having a snack.
You’ll then continue into a lush jungle and eventually reach Hanakapiai falls, which is a waterfall towering over 300 feet tall. Time will fly as you pass these impressive natural landmarks!
The Kalalau Trail can be accessed from Pali Coast State Park, which is located on the north shore of Kauai. A permit is required if you plan to camp overnight when hiking the trail and can be obtained from the Division of State Parks.
Drive Through the Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The canyon is over ten miles long and 3000 feet high. It’s a great place to hike, picnic, or just take in the stunning views.
The Waimea Canyon Drive takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Kauai. Along the way, you’ll pass by waterfalls, rainforests, and dramatic cliffs. There are also several lookout points where you can stop and take in the views.
The drive is about an hour long and can be done in a rental car or with a tour group. If you’re driving yourself, be sure to stay on the marked roadways and don’t attempt to drive off-road.
The Waimea Canyon is located on Kauai’s west side. To get there, take Highway 50 from Lihue towards the town of Waimea.
The Top Things to Do on the Big Island
Check Out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Your family will love exploring the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The garden is home to over 2000 species of plants and animals, including many rare and endangered species.
The grounds are absolutely beautiful and there are several different trails that you can hike. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to learn about the history of the garden and pick up a map.
This facility is run by a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Hawaii. So know that the admission fee is going towards a good cause.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located on the east side of the island of Hawaii. To get there, take Highway 19 towards Hilo and turn onto highway 240.
Visit the Green Sand Beach
Throughout Hawaii, you can find black sand beaches, white sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and lush coastal jungles. But, did you know what one of the strangest if not beautiful beaches in Hawaii is actually green?
The Green Sand Beach, also known as Papakolea Beach, is one of Hawaii’s most unique beaches. Located on the Big Island in the Kau district, the Green Sand Beach gets its color from the olivine crystals that are found in the sand.
This is because of a rare type of volcano that is found in the area. And over time, the olivine crystals have been slowly eroded and deposited on the beach.
The water at this inlet is warm, clear, and is a beautiful turquoise color. So whether you’re looking to swim, relax on the beach, or just take in the scenery, Green Sand Beach is a great spot to visit.
You can hike about three miles out to the beach or rent a 4-wheeler to get there.
Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. And it’s easy to see why.
The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. And it’s also home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
There are several different trails that you can hike, ranging from easy to difficult. And there are also several different lava tubes that you can explore.
If you’re interested in learning about the history and culture of Hawaii, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great place to visit.
Enjoy Stargazing at Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii. And it’s also one of the best spots for stargazing.
The summit of Mauna Kea is about 8,000 feet above sea level. And because of that, it has some of the darkest skies in Hawaii. It’s also very sparsely populated because it is a young and active volcano site, meaning that there isn’t much light pollution in the region.
There are many parking lots at the summit where you can park and set up your telescope. And there are also several different visitor centers that offer stargazing programs.
So if you’re interested in seeing the stars, Mauna Kea is the perfect place to go.
Get a Cup of Kona Coffee
Kona coffee is some of the best coffee in the world. And it’s grown on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The coffee beans are hand-picked and then sun-dried. And they’re roasted in small batches to ensure quality.
If you’re interested in trying some Kailua-Kona coffee, there are many different farms and cafes that offer it. And you can even buy it online if you miss it once you’re back home.
Top Things to Do in Maui
Swim With Sea Turtles at Turtle Canyons
Turtle Canyons is one of the best places in Hawaii to swim with sea turtles. Located just off the coast of Maui, Turtle Canyons is a protected marine area that is home to several different species of turtles.
Turtles come here to hang out above the reef and feed on the abundant marine life. And lucky for us, they’re not shy and are often seen swimming with snorkelers and divers.
If you want to swim with turtles, make sure to book a tour with a reputable company. There are several companies that offer tours of Turtle Canyons, so do your research and choose one that is reputable and has good reviews.
Swimming with turtles is an unforgettable experience. And it’s something that you can only do in Hawaii. So make sure to add it to your list of things to do when you visit the islands.
Try Some Wine in Maui
Maui Wine is a small winery located in Upcountry Maui. And it’s the perfect place to go if you’re interested in trying some local libations.
The distinct volcanic soil mixed with tropical fruits such as pineapple make for a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. This location is also well-known for its rose wines. Think refreshing and bright, not sweet.
The Maui Winery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 530pm. And they offer tours of the vineyard as well as tastings of their wines.
Visit the Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is located on the island of Maui. And it’s home to the Haleakala volcano.
The park offers many different activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing. And there are also many different scenic drives that you can take.
If you’re interested in visiting the park, make sure to check out the visitor center. And if you’re planning on camping, make sure to get a permit in advance.
Haleakala National Park is a great place to experience the beauty of Hawaii. This park is ideal for those who love nature and being outdoors.
Top Things to Do on Any Hawaiian Island
Eat Poke
Poke has gotten very popular on the mainland of the U.S., but there’s nothing like eating poke in Hawaii.
Poke is a Hawaiian dish that is made with raw fish, usually tuna or salmon, and other ingredients like onions, seaweed, and sesame oil.
Poke is typically served as an appetizer or side dish. But you can also find it served as a main dish.
If you want to try poke, you can find it at most Hawaiian restaurants. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making it yourself or finding a cooking class that will teach you how while you’re in town.
Go on a Helicopter Tour
One of the best ways to see Hawaii is from above. And there’s no better way to do that than on a helicopter tour.
There are several different companies that offer helicopter tours of Hawaii. And they all have different routes and prices.
So do some research and find the tour that’s right for you. The best time to go on a helicopter tour is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
That way you’ll avoid the crowds and you’ll be able to see Hawaii in all its glory.
A good tour company will provide you with everything you need, including a headset so you can listen to the tour guide and take pictures.
Go Scuba Diving
Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving. And there are many different dive sites to choose from.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there’s a dive site for you. And if you don’t have your own gear, no problem.
There are many different companies that offer scuba diving tours and rentals. So you can easily find everything you need. If you’re not certified, there is a snorkeling tour that will work great for you as well.
Some of the best locations for scuba diving in Hawaii include Hanauma Bay, Molokini Crater, and the Lanai Cathedrals.
Go to a Luau
A luau is a Hawaiian feast that includes food, music, and dance. And it’s a great way to experience Hawaiian culture and watch the mesmerizing Hula up close and personal.
There are many different luau shows to choose from. And they all have different themes and activities.
So do some research and find the luau that’s right for you. Some of the best luaus in Hawaii include the Old Lahaina Luau, the Germaine’s Luau, and the Paradise Cove Luau.
Check Out a Black Sand Beach
Black sand beaches are some of the most unique beaches in Hawaii. And there are many different ones to choose from.
Some of the most popular black sand beaches include Punaluu Beach on the Big Island, Wai’anapanapa State Park on Maui, and Kehena Beach on the Big Island.
These beaches are known for their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and of course, black sand. So if you’re looking for a unique beach experience, make sure to check out one of Hawaii’s black sand beaches.
Final Thoughts
Sightseeing in Hawaii is a great way to experience the beauty of the islands. And there are many different activities to choose from.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the parks or checking out the beaches, there’s something for everyone. So start planning your trip today and don’t forget to add these sights to your list.
Remember that it may take several visits to truly see everything that Hawaii has to offer. But that’s part of the fun, right? So get out there and start exploring!
