The Best Things To Do In Hawaii

Hawaii is an incredible and unique destination, full of majestic beauty and adventure. With its diverse landscape, culture, and outdoor activities, Hawaii is a great place to explore and take in all that it has to offer. From snorkeling and surfing in its crystal clear waters, to hiking and biking through its lush forests, there are countless things to do in Hawaii. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler, this guide will help you discover the best of what Hawaii has to offer.

History and Culture of Hawaii

Hawaii is a chain of eight main islands located in the Central Pacific Ocean and is the 50th state of the United States of America. It was originally inhabited by the native Hawaiians, who have a rich and deep culture that still exists today. The islands were later colonized by the British, Spanish, French, and other Europeans. Each of these groups left their own influence on the islands, creating a unique blend of cultures that still exist today.

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and its vibrant culture. The music and dance of the native Hawaiians have become a global phenomenon, with traditional hula dancing and the playing of the ukulele being popular all over the world. Hawaiian cuisine is also quite unique, with its fusion of Asian, Pacific Islander, and European influences.

Explore the Islands of Hawaii

Hawaii is composed of eight main islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Each one of these islands has its own unique landscapes and attractions. From Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast to Oahu’s iconic Waikiki Beach, Hawaii offers something for everyone.

Kauai is known for its lush scenery and outdoor activities. It’s the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Hanalei Bay. On Kauai you can go hiking, kayaking, zip lining, sailing, or take a sunset cruise.

Oahu is home to the state capital Honolulu as well as some of the most famous beaches in Hawaii such as Waikiki Beach. There are also plenty of activities to do such as surfing lessons or taking a helicopter tour to see all the beautiful sights the island has to offer.

Molokai is the least populated island in Hawaii and it’s known for its stunning cliffs and remote beaches. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a more secluded experience as there are fewer crowds and less development than on some of the other islands.

Lanai is known for its luxurious resorts and spas. It’s also home to some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots and is a great place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is nicknamed “The Valley Isle” due to its numerous valleys formed by volcanoes. It’s home to some of Hawaii’s best beaches such as Kaanapali Beach and is a popular spot for beachgoers looking for some sun and sand.

The Big Island (also known as Hawaii) is the largest island in Hawaii. It’s home to an active volcano which can be seen from some spots on the island. It’s also home to some of Hawaii’s best beaches such as Kaunaoa Bay.

Niihau is known as “The Forbidden Island” due to its strict regulations on visitors. It’s home to some of the most pristine beaches in Hawaii but access is strictly restricted due to its small population.

Kahoolawe is the smallest island in Hawaii and it was used as a U.S military bombing range until it was declared a wildlife reserve in 1994. It’s now used as a nature preserve and has some great spots for snorkeling and diving.

Popular Outdoor Activities in Hawaii

When it comes to outdoor activities in Hawaii, there’s no shortage of options for visitors to explore. From snorkeling and scuba diving in its crystal clear waters, to hiking and biking through its lush forests, Hawaii has something for everyone.

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii as it allows visitors to explore the underwater world without having to dive deep into the ocean. There are plenty of spots around the islands where you can go snorkeling such as Hanauma Bay on Oahu or Anini Beach on Kauai.

Surfing is another popular activity in Hawaii as it’s considered one of the best places in the world for surfing. Waikiki Beach on Oahu is popular among beginners as it has gentle waves, while more experienced surfers should check out Pipeline on Oahu or Honolua Bay on Maui for bigger waves.

Hiking is another great way to explore Hawaii as there are plenty of trails that lead through its lush forests and up its hillsides for beautiful views. Haleakala National Park on Maui has some great trails such as the Pipiwai Trail which leads up to an incredible 400-foot waterfall.

Mountain biking is another popular activity in Hawaii. The Big Island offers some incredible mountain biking trails such as the Waipio Valley Trail which leads through some stunning valleys with views of cascading waterfalls.

Kayaking is also popular in Hawaii as it allows visitors to explore its many bays, coves, and lagoons with ease. Kayaking tours are available all around the islands with knowledgeable guides showing visitors the best spots along the way.

Experience Local Culture in Hawaii

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Hawaii also offers visitors a chance to experience its local culture firsthand. From traditional Luaus with hula performances to learning about local history at museums, there are plenty of ways to experience Hawaiian culture while visiting the islands.

A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast usually accompanied by hula performances, music, and other cultural activities such as lei-making demonstrations or coconut husking contests. Luaus can be found on all of the major islands with many of them offering visitors a chance to learn about Hawaiian culture through food, dance, and music.

Visitors can also learn about Hawaiian history by visiting one of the many museums around the islands such as Hulihee Palace on Big Island or Iolani Palace on Oahu which both offer tours that provide insight into Hawaiian culture and history.

Tours To Book While Visiting Hawaii

When visiting Hawaii there are two popular tours that should not be missed: a helicopter tour of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast and a snorkeling tour around Maui’s Molokini Crater. Both tours offer visitors a unique chance to explore stunning parts of Hawaii from different perspectives while learning more about its culture and wildlife along the way.

Helicopter Tour over Kauai’s Na Pali Coast

A helicopter tour over Kauai’s Na Pali Coast offers visitors stunning views from above of one of the most beautiful parts of Hawaii. This tour takes off from Lihue Airport and flies over some of Kauai’s most stunning sights including waterfalls, cliffs, valleys and more during a 45-minute flight time. On this tour you will be able to spot tropical fish in their natural habitats, spot dolphins playing in the waves below and even spot whales if you’re lucky! Experienced pilots will provide interesting commentary along the way while you enjoy breathtaking views from above. You can book this tour here.

Snorkeling Tour around Maui’s Molokini Crater

A snorkeling tour around Maui’s iconic Molokini Crater offers visitors an unforgettable experience in one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. This tour takes off from Maalaea Harbor on Maui where you will board a catamaran for a 2-hour tour along Molokini Crater’s underwater lava walls teeming with colorful tropical fish and other marine life. On this tour you will be provided with all necessary equipment including snorkel gear, fins and life jackets so that you can safely explore this incredible underwater paradise. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Hawaii is an incredible destination full of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, outdoor activities and endless possibilities for exploration. From exploring its lush forests on foot or by bike to snorkeling around its crystal clear waters there are countless things to do while visiting these incredible islands. No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii so don’t miss out!