Top 50 Things To Do In Hawaii

Hawaii is a beautiful paradise, offering a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the islands’ stunning natural beauty or experience its vibrant culture, Hawaii has something to offer everyone.

Introduction to Hawaii

Hawaii is an archipelago of eight main islands and hundreds of small islets located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the most remote island chain in the world and is the only state in the United States located outside of North America. Hawaii was first settled by the Polynesians in approximately 300 A.D. and has since become a popular destination for vacationers from around the world.

Hawaii is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery. It is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Mauna Loa and Kilauea, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. Its diverse landscape of lush rainforests, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls and secluded beaches make it a destination for outdoor adventure lovers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Hawaii also boasts a vibrant culture. From its traditional hula dances and ukulele music to its Polynesian-inspired cuisine, Hawaii offers visitors a unique cultural experience. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Hawaii is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots.

50 Things To Do In Hawaii

1.

Explore Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is world-famous for its white sand beaches and legendary surfing waves. Situated on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world and has been a favorite spot for tourists since the 1800s. Take a stroll along the beach, grab a surfboard and catch some waves or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Be sure to take a break and watch the spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

2.

Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of the most somber places in Hawaii, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Located on the island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese on December 7th, 1941, resulting in the United States’ entrance into World War II. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, where 1,177 American sailors were killed in the attack, as well as other historic sites such as the Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

3.

Explore Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is located on Maui and is home to one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks—Haleakala volcano. The park offers visitors breathtaking views of Maui’s lush landscape and an abundance of hiking trails. Take a leisurely stroll along one of the park’s many trails or hike up to the summit of Haleakala for some stunning views of Maui’s vast landscape.

4.

Take a Hike on Kauai

Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” and is home to some of Hawaii’s most stunning natural scenery. Take a hike along one of Kauai’s many trails, such as the Na Pali Coast Trail or Waimea Canyon Trail, and explore lush green valleys, rugged coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls.

5.

Go Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaii’s premier snorkeling spots due to its crystal clear waters and abundance of colorful marine life. Located on Oahu’s east coast, Hanauma Bay is home to more than 400 species of fish and is a great spot for beginner snorkelers.

6.

Experience Hawaiian Culture at Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is located in Honolulu and was once the royal residence of Hawaii’s last two monarchs—King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Take a tour of the palace and learn about Hawaiian history, culture and royalty as you explore this impressive building.

7.

Go Whale Watching

Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching due to its location on the migration route of several species of whales. During certain times of year, visitors can spot humpback whales, pilot whales and other species as they make their journey across the Pacific Ocean.

8.

Take a Helicopter Tour of Kauai

Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” due to its lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, so what better way to explore it than from above? Take a helicopter tour of Kauai and get a bird’s eye view of its stunning scenery—from towering sea cliffs to deep valleys and secluded beaches.

9.

Visit Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano located on the Big Island and is home to some of the world’s largest observatories. On a clear night, visitors can see spectacular views of the stars from atop Mauna Kea or take a guided tour of one of its observatories for an up-close look at some of astronomy’s most incredible sights.

10.

Visit Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island and is home to two active volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kilauea—as well as several other dormant volcanoes. Visitors can take guided hikes through Volcanoes National Park or explore it on their own to get an up-close look at these active volcanoes and experience their raw power first-hand.

11.

Take a Road Trip Along Maui’s Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is one of Hawaii’s most scenic drives, winding along Maui’s rugged coastline for more than 60 miles through lush rainforests, rushing waterfalls and stunning seascapes. Take a road trip along this winding highway for some truly breathtaking views.

12.

Visit Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is located off Maui’s southwestern coast and is home to some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling and scuba diving spots due to its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life. Take a boat tour out to Molokini Crater and explore its majestic underwater world filled with colorful coral reefs, sea turtles and tropical fish.

13.

Go Surfing at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is located on Oahu’s north shore and is home to some of Hawaii’s most legendary surfing spots due to its large wave breaks created by winter storms in the North Pacific Ocean. Grab your surfboard and catch some waves at one of Waimea Bay’s renowned surfing spots or take a lesson from one of its experienced instructors if you’re just starting out.

14.

Visit Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on Oahu’s north shore and offers visitors an immersive experience into Polynesian culture through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and performances by local cultural experts from six different Polynesian islands—Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga and Aotearoa (New Zealand).

15.

Explore Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon is known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its stunning red rock walls that stretch more than 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep in some places. Take a drive along Waimea Canyon Lookout Road for some truly breathtaking views or hike one of its many trails for an up-close look at this stunning natural wonder.

16.

Take a Tour Through Historic Lahaina Town

Lahaina Town is located on Maui’s west side and was once an important port for whaling ships in the 19th century. Today it offers visitors a glimpse into Hawaii’s past with its historic architecture, quaint shops and colorful art galleries along its main street, Front Street. Take a tour through this charming town and explore its history while browsing through its many unique shops and restaurants.

17.

Go Ziplining on Kauai

Kauai offers some of Hawaii’s best ziplining experiences due to its rugged terrain and lush rainforests. Take a zipline tour through Kauai’s tropical landscape while soaring over rivers, waterfalls and dense vegetation for an adventure unlike any other!

18.

Visit Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head State Monument is located on Oahu’s south shore and offers visitors breathtaking views from atop this iconic volcanic crater peak that stands more than 760 feet above sea level. Take a hike up this historic peak or visit its observation deck for some stunning vistas of Waikiki Beach below.

19.

Visit Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is located on the Big Island and is one of the world’s most active volcanoes with an eruption that began in 1983 that has been continuously active since then! Visit Kilauea Volcano to explore its majestic lava flows while learning about volcanic activity from one of its experienced guides or take an aerial tour over this awe-inspiring volcano from above!

20.

Explore Nā Pali Coast State Park

Nā Pali Coast State Park is located on Kauai’s north shore and offers visitors stunning views from atop its rugged cliffs that stretch more than 15 miles along Kauai’s coastline with towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and secluded beaches all around! Take a boat tour along Nā Pali Coast State Park for some truly breathtaking views or take a helicopter tour for an aerial view from above!

21.

Take a Boat Tour Around Lanai Island

Lanai Island is located off Maui’s coast and offers visitors stunning views from atop its rugged cliffs that stretch more than 20 miles along Lanai’s coastline with towering sea cliffs, lush valleys cascading waterfalls! Take a boat tour around Lanai Island for some truly breathtaking views or take an adventure tour for an up-close look at this unique island!

22.

Visit Hilo Town

Hilo Town is located on the Big Island’s east coast and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture with its colorful buildings, quaint shops and vibrant local culture! Take a stroll down Hilo Town’s main street, Kamehameha Avenue, for some unique souvenirs or take a guided tour through this charming town for a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture!

23.

Go Stargazing at Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is home to some of the world’s largest observatories due to its high elevation which provides clear skies with little light pollution! Take a guided tour around Mauna Kea’s observatories or go stargazing at night for some truly incredible views of our galaxy!

24.

Explore Kokee State Park

Kokee State Park is located on Kauai’s west side with over 4,000 acres of lush rainforest filled with rare plants, birds and other wildlife! Take a hike through Kokee State Park or go camping overnight for an up-close look at this stunning wilderness!

25.

Take a Luau at Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove offers visitors an immersive experience into traditional Hawaiian culture with its luaus that feature traditional music, hula dancing and other cultural activities! Take part in Paradise Cove’s luau for an unforgettable experience into traditional Hawaiian culture!

26.

Go Kayaking Around Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach offers visitors some great opportunities for kayaking around its calm waters with stunning views from atop its iconic beachfront! Take a kayaking tour around Waikiki Beach or rent your own kayak for an adventure unlike any other!

27.

Visit Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park offers visitors breathtaking views from atop its lush jungle valley filled with cascading waterfalls! Take a hike through Iao Valley State Park or take part in one of its many guided tours for an up-close look at this unique jungle paradise!

28.

Explore Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Manini’owali Beach (also known as Kua Bay) offers visitors stunning views from atop its crystal clear waters with white sand beaches that stretch more than 2 miles long! Take a stroll along Manini’owali Beach or go snorkeling in its warm waters for an unforgettable experience!

29.

Experience some truly breathtaking sights with an adventure tour around The Big Island! From rugged sea cliffs to secluded beaches, explore The Big Island’s diverse landscape from atop an off-road vehicle or ATV while learning about Hawaiil’s history from your experienced guide! Book an Adventure Tour around The Big Island here.

30.

Get an aerial view of Oahu’s stunning landscape with a helicopter tour around Oahu! From Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head State Monument get breathtaking views from above while learning about Oahu’s rich history from your experienced guide! Book a Helicopter Tour