Any traveller who has had the good fortune to visit Hawaii would tell that even that praising moniker doesn’t do this archipelago credit. Hawaii has long been known as the Pacific paradise. You’ll never run out of fantastic things to do in Hawaii, from spectacular adventure options like ATV riding and zip line progressions to folk insights like Luau shows and street art tours, not to mention the virtually endless list of unrivalled hiking trails. Hawaii is frequently referred to as the paradise on Earth. Hawaii is a remarkable place with remarkable things to do and see thanks to its year-round warm climate, gorgeous beaches, and incredible cultural heritage. There is more to Hawaii than just visiting the beach or practising your hula moves.
Here is a list of top things to do in Hawaii:
1. Visit the Waimea Canyon- Things to do in Hawaii
Waimea Canyon, sometimes known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a geological marvel and one of the top things to do in Hawaii. A hiker’s paradise, the routes range in difficulty from easy to difficult and feature stunning buttes, rocky cliff faces, deep gorges, and apparently endless inland panoramas. To observe the entirety of this 22 km long, 1.6 km broad, and more than 1000 m deep canyon, go to Waimea Canyon Lookout. Hiking here is one of the top things to do in Hawaii.
2. Hanauma Bay Snorkelling- Things to do in Hawaii
Snorkelling is one of the most adventurous and top things to do in Hawaii. Hanauma Bay, which is protected and undeveloped, offers the ideal snorkelling location. Turtles, parrot fish, eels, octopuses, crabs, and many other colourful sea critters may be found in this natural reserve, and because snorkelers have long frequented the area, the fish are incredibly amiable and approachable! Have a wonderful time here at Hanauma and check off one great item from the list of things to do in Hawaii.
3. Tour the renowned Pearl Harbour
A guided tour of Pearl Harbor’s memorial, the USS Arizona, which is only reachable by boat, will teach you about the city’s past. Visit Ford Island to board the USS Missouri and stand on the deck where the Terms of Surrender that officially ended World War II were signed after paying your respects at the memorial, which is also the undersea grave of 1,000 soldiers and marines. Surely, one of the top things to do in Hawaii.
4. Car trip to Hana- Things to do in Hawaii
One of the best things to do in Hawaii is to have a car trip to Hana which has wonderful roads leading up to it. Ditch the large buses and go alone by renting a car and picking up a copy of Tourism
Hawaii’s Road to Hana CD guide. This 100-kilometer highway stretch offers breath-taking views as it follows the shoreline and cuts into cliffs. Visit waterfalls, bamboo woods, beaches, coves, jungles, and charming towns.
5. Buy fresh at the Farmer’s market
Visit Hawaii’s vibrant farmer’s markets to get a hands-on exposure to regional cuisine and fresh produce. Many of these markets contain vendors selling coffee, nuts, pre-cooked packaged meals, crafts, and artwork in addition to unusual fruits and vegetables you might have never seen before. Visit Kona or the islands of Lanai and Molokai for the greatest markets. One of the best things to do in Hawaii for organic enthusiasts.
6. Befriend some Manta Rays- Things to do in Hawaii
One of the most exciting things to do in Hawaii is to watch manta rays dive. The Kona Coast has two prime spots to watch manta rays. Visit Rays on the Bay where these magnificent creatures, drawn by hotel lights, come within just a few feet of the shoreline to be seen without getting wet. Keauhou Bay has authorised locations where tour companies offer snorkelling and scuba diving if you want to go up close. Night dives are another well-liked alternative!
7. Take a trip to the volcanoes- Things to do in Hawaii
The list of things to do in Hawaii contains something for everyone. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, and Maunaloa are located in the vast 135-hectare Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (which last erupted in 1984). Hike the trails in the World Heritage Site or drive along Crater Rim Drive to see the key sights of the park, including Kilauea Overlook, Devastation Trail, and Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook. Make a day out of it!
8. Embark on a boating spree
The fifth-largest island in Hawaii, Molokai, is a great place to charter a boat, go on a sunset cruise, or go sailing. You may see the tallest sea cliffs in the world by looking up, or you can see the world’s longest continuous fringing reef by looking down. The stunning Papohaku Beach, which stretches over three kilometres, is also located on the island. One of the best things to do in Hawaii for sure.
9. Try the local cuisine- Things to do in Hawaii
Trying local food is always a great experience and it is also one of the top things to do in Hawaii. Feast on delectable local food which is available widely and make your trip a memorable one. Try regional specialties including taro ko chips, saimin, luau stew, mochi, poke, manapua, and loco moco as you travel the islands of Hawaii in search of food. Always save room for desserts like croissadas and coco puffs!
10. Visit Mauna Kea for a meeting with the stars
One of the great things to do in Hawaii is a stargazing session at Mauna Kea. The 10km hiking trek is the most popular things to do in Hawaii to get to Hawaii’s collection of astronomy research facilities because the road to Mauna Kea summit, the island’s highest point, may be quite dangerous.
However, it’s worth it! After seeing the sunset from the designated viewing location, proceed to the visitor centre where telescopes are set up every night by volunteers. who will explain the star formations overhead, which are visible because of the mountain’s high height, quiet weather, and black skies. If the hike is unquestionably not for you, a few tour companies are allowed to drive on the road. This is among the top things to do in Hawaii.
11. A horse ride in the Wapio Valley
One of the most touristy things to do in Hawaii is a horse ride through beautiful valleys. The finest way to explore the historical and spiritual sites of the Hamakua Coast’s holy Waipio Valley is on horseback as you travel through the jungle trails, freshwater streams, taro fields, and breath-taking panoramas that connect them. Tour guides are happy to tell visitors the myths and legends surrounding this unique location. Surely one of the most picturesque things to do in Hawaii.
12. The Napali coast aerial ride
Helicopter tours are always one of the best things to do in Hawaii. The Napali Coast, which is approximately 30 km of rocky cliffs surrounded by unspoiled secluded beaches and lush vegetation, is enormous and incredibly beautiful. Helicopter rides are a terrific way to appreciate it. Areas like Manawaiopuna Falls, which are largely inaccessible by land or sea, can be seen from the air.
13. Indulge in Polynesian culture
Indulging in the local culture is always warming and pleasant. It is also one of the top things to do in Hawaii. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre, a non-profit organisation devoted to educating and entertaining tourists, to learn more about Hawaii’s indigenous culture. View genuine villages, go shopping at a local market, or attend a luau where you may eat and dance all night.
14. Have a meet with the turtles- Things to do in Hawaii
Turtles are soothing and friendly creatures and being in their presence is one of the best things to do in Hawaii. Green sea turtles use the beaches of Kauai as a place to lay their eggs. Between May and September, observe these gorgeous animals as they approach the coast to lay their eggs. If you’re fortunate, you might even see an endangered hawksbill or leatherback turtle. Surely, one of the most calming things to do in Hawaii.
15. Zip line towards joy- Things to do in Hawaii
The greatest way to experience Hawaii’s hottest new fad, zip lining, is on a “zip and dip” trip. One of the most popular ones is on the Big Island, where following a number of zip line courses, the reward is a dip in several freshwater pools close to Akaka Falls. This activity is great fun with a partner or the kids. One of the most exhilarating things to do in Hawaii.
16. Explore Honolulu
In Hawaiian (Olelo Hawaii), the name Honolulu for the capital of Hawaii means “sheltered harbour.” Lolani, the only royal palace in the United States, is also located there. Before the US abolished the monarchy in 1893, two reigning sovereigns resided in the house. Now it serves as a public museum.It has many things which are fun and would serve as a great experience and are among the top things to do in Hawaii.
17. Finally, beach hopping!
One of the most sought-after things to do in Hawaii is the beach hopping. Hawaii is home to many beautiful beaches where you can swim. Maui is home to some of the best, such as Kapalua, Baldwin, and Napili. Go to Po’ipu Beach or Hanalei Bay in Kauai, and you can’t miss Waikiki on Oahu. With its white sands and resorts, Hapuna on the Big Island is one of Hawaii’s most well-known beaches.
18. Go whaling!
The list of things to do in Hawaii just keeps getting magnificent. Thousands of “kohola” (humpback whales) migrate to Hawaii from colder seas each winter (December to May) to breed and give birth to their young. Observe these majestic creatures as they playfully surface, blow their spouts, and slap their tails on a whale-watching trip.
19. Time for a farm visit
Numerous farms that grow macadamia nuts, coffee, orchids, papaya, mango, cacao, jackfruit, lavender, vanilla, ginger root, and much more may be found on the Hawaiian Islands. There are numerous opportunities for working farm visits, including those at historic aquaculture facilities. A great choice among things to do in Hawaii.
20. Surfing at Waikiki
Go to the well-known Waikiki Beach and choose from one of the many surf schools offering personalised or small-group instruction. then grab a board, and go surfing, one of the best things to do in Hawaii, by far.