Fun Places To Visit In Hawaii

Hawaii is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and exciting attractions. Located in the Central Pacific, it’s the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands, and with temperatures staying between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round, it’s a popular destination for travelers looking for a tropical paradise. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, exploring history and culture, or just want to relax on a beach, Hawaii has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in Hawaii.

Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s home to diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to black-sand beaches, and is a great destination for nature lovers.

One of the most popular attractions on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This World Heritage Site is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and is the perfect place for a day trip. You can explore lava tubes, hike through ancient rainforests, and get an up-close view of the Kilauea Crater from the park’s Jaggar Museum overlook.

For a taste of Hawaiian culture, be sure to visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. This sacred site was once used as a refuge for those who broke ancient laws, and today it is a great place to learn about Hawaiian customs and beliefs. You can explore an ancient Hawaiian village, see petroglyphs and heiau (temples), or take a traditional canoe tour.

The Big Island also offers plenty of adventure activities, from snorkeling and diving to zip-lining and ATV tours. At Kealakekua Bay you can explore the underwater world while snorkeling or you can take a guided tour to see dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. There are also several land-based activities like zip-lining through the jungle or taking an ATV tour through tropical forests.

Oahu

Oahu is known as “The Gathering Place” and it’s home to the state capital, Honolulu. It’s the most populous island in the Hawaiian chain, and it’s a great place to experience the culture of Hawaii.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular spots on Oahu, and it’s a great place for swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the sand. You can also explore nearby Diamond Head State Monument or take a tour of historic sites like Iolani Palace and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

For outdoor adventures, there’s no better place than Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000-acre nature reserve offers a variety of activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, and kayaking. You can also take a guided tour of Kualoa Mountain or explore the scenic Waimea Valley with its lush tropical foliage and waterfall.

Shoppers will love exploring Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, which is full of high-end stores and boutiques. There are also plenty of local markets where you can pick up souvenirs or sample delicious local food.

Maui

Maui is known as “The Valley Isle” because of its lush valleys and tropical landscape. It has some of the best beaches in Hawaii, making it a great destination for sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

One of Maui’s most popular attractions is Haleakala National Park. This 30,000-acre park offers stunning views of the volcano crater and surrounding landscape from its summit at 10,023 feet above sea level. You can also explore the park’s numerous hiking trails or take a scenic drive along the Hana Highway.

The Hana Highway is known for its winding roads that offer breathtaking views of Maui’s lush valleys, waterfalls, and rugged coastline. It’s a great way to explore Maui’s natural beauty in an afternoon.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, head over to Kaanapali Beach for some parasailing or windsurfing. Kaanapali Beach is also home to some of Maui’s best restaurants, so it’s a great place to relax after your adventure activities.

Kauai

Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” because of its lush tropical landscape and breathtaking views. It’s the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and it has some of the most unique attractions in all of Hawaii.

One of Kauai’s most popular attractions is Waimea Canyon. This 10-mile long canyon offers spectacular views of Kauai’s rugged terrain from its lookout points on the eastern rim. You can also explore nearby Kokee State Park with its extensive network of hiking trails that wind through lush valleys and open grasslands.

Kauai also has some of Hawaii’s best beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Poipu Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island, but there are also plenty of less crowded beaches like Hanalei Bay and Kekaha Beach where you can relax in peace.

For an unforgettable experience, take a helicopter tour over Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali Coastline. This rugged stretch of coastline features dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, waterfalls, and lush valleys that you have to see to believe.

Lanai

Lanai is known as “The Pineapple Isle” because it was once an expansive pineapple plantation owned by James Dole. Today it’s an idyllic paradise with some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes.

The best way to explore Lanai is by taking a 4×4 tour through its rugged terrain. You can visit secluded beaches and hidden waterfalls or explore ancient Hawaiian ruins like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods).

If you love golf, Lanai is home to two championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The Challenge at Manele Bay is located on the edge of Hulopoe Bay, with stunning views of Lanai’s rugged coastline from every hole on the course. The Experience at Koele is located at the base of the Palawai Basin mountain range and features rolling fairways and sweeping views of nearby Mauna Kea volcano.

For an unforgettable experience, take a boat tour around Lanai’s coastline to see dolphins playing in the surf or spot native birds like nene geese or pueo owls perched in nearby trees. You can also visit nearby Lanai City to explore its quaint streets lined with art galleries and local boutiques or try some delicious local cuisine at one of its restaurants or cafes.

Molokai

Molokai is known as “The Friendly Isle” because of its small-town charm and welcoming locals. It has some of Hawaii’s most untouched landscapes and stunning beaches where you can escape from everyday life.

One of Molokai’s most popular attractions is Halawa Valley. This lush valley was once home to an ancient Hawaiian village and today it offers stunning views of Molokai’s rugged coastline from its overlook points on the eastern rim. You can also explore the valley on foot by taking one of its many hiking trails or by taking a guided tour with an experienced local guide who can show you some hidden gems along the way.

For adventure seekers, there are plenty of activities like kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in Molokai’s tranquil bays or taking a guided horseback ride along secluded beaches. You can also take a boat tour around Molokai’s rugged coastline to spot whales in season or explore Molokai’s underwater world while snorkeling or scuba diving in its coral reefs.

Popular Tours In Hawaii

Hawaii offers many amazing activities and tours that will let you explore its unique culture and stunning landscapes in depth while having fun at the same time! Here are two popular tours that will help you make the most out of your trip in Hawaii:

Big Island Volcano Adventure Tour

This full-day tour takes you on an adventure through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can explore lava tubes, hike through ancient rainforests, and get an up-close view of two active volcanoes—Kilauea and Mauna Loa—from Jaggar Museum overlook! The tour also includes stops at several scenic lookouts where you can admire breathtaking views over the Big Island landscape before continuing your journey into Hawaii’s fascinating past while visiting Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park—a sacred site once used as a refuge for those who broke ancient laws! Book Big Island Volcano Adventure Tour here.

Oahu Cultural Explorer Tour

This full-day tour takes you on an exploration through Oahu’s cultural heritage with stops at some major landmarks like Iolani Palace—the former residence of Hawaii’s last ruling monarch—and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor before heading to Waikiki Beach for lunch! You’ll have time to swim in its turquoise waters before continuing your journey with a visit to Kualoa Ranch—a 4,000-acre nature reserve where you’ll have the chance to experience some thrilling adventure activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, kayaking tours—before ending your day with a visit to Honolulu’s bustling Kalakaua Avenue! Book Oahu Cultural Explorer Tour here.