10 Best Things to Do in Hawaii

Beaches are often the main draw for visitors to Hawaii. Some have intense waves that are great for intense surfing and bodyboarding, while others have sheltered coves with shallow water for families with small children.

Hawaii Big Island has many kid-friendly beaches with a nice range of facilities, such as showers, playgrounds, and barbecue areas. Standouts include Kamakahonu Beach, Hapuna Beach and Kahaluu Beach Park. The beaches of Oahu, such as Halona Cove and Makapu’u Beach, are excellent for those looking for a secluded getaway in Hawaii.

Surfing in Hawaii is a great way to stay active during your holiday. You can find many breaks and surf spots that cover all skill levels, from professionals craving massive waves to beginners looking to test the water.

Oahu is widely known as Hawaii’s surfing hub, especially on the North Shore. Accessible within a 40-minute drive north of Honolulu, Pua'ena Point boasts excellent waves that suit a variety of levels, depending on the conditions. Haleiwa Beach Park is great for beginners since it’s isolated from the open ocean by a barrier of reefs. Professionals are often drawn to Shipwreck Beach and Pohakuloa Beach on Lanai’s north coast – both offer strong winds and large swells year-round.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of Hawaii’s must-visit attractions because it hosts 2 of the world’s still-active volcanoes. Kilauea is a shield volcano that has been spewing out liquid magma since 1983 – it’s even called the world’s only drive-in volcano.

Meanwhile, Mauna Loa spans 2,035 square miles, making it the largest subaerial volcano in the world. While it’s not always a guaranteed experience, you’re in with a pretty good chance to glimpse lava flowing its way down the volcano. You can stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to inquire about current conditions.

Diamond Head is a viewpoint that offers incredible panoramic views of Oahu. The trail can be moderately challenging, though there are easy stairs that can get you to the top. Most people spend between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on their fitness level.

Once you reached the top of this extinct volcano, majestic views over the crater, the Pacific Ocean, and the Honolulu city skyline greet you. You can learn about the area’s history and geography at the Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk, located near the trailhead.

The Waimea Canyon spans around 10 miles on the western side of Kauai. Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this red-cliff canyon was formed when the volcano that created Kauai collapsed some 4 million years ago.

You'll find miles of hiking trails and wilderness areas surrounding the canyon. The challenging Kukui Trail is a 5-mile-long path that leads to the Wiliwili campsite, located at the bottom of the Waimea Canyon. If you’re travelling by car, the Waimea Canyon Drive can take you to many lookout points, some showing off the coast while others overlooking lush mountains.

The Hana Highway is a legendary coastal drive that twists and turns past Maui’s rugged seascapes, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. This 64.4-mile-long road consists of several narrow, single-lane bridges and challenging hairpin turns, so it’s best to get an early start and take your time on the drive.

You can find plenty of natural wonders to visit along the Hana Highway. Standouts include the Waianapanapa State Park, Pailoa Bay, and Upper Waikani Falls. It’s a good idea to bring plenty of snacks and water for this coastal road trip.

Diving and snorkelling are among the best things to do in Hawaii. Each island is fringed with vibrant coral reefs, where exotic marine animals call home. Kauai’s Tunnels Beach offers excellent snorkelling for beginners, thanks to shallow areas protected by a coral quarry.

Molokai hosts Hawaii’s longest barrier reef, spanning 28 miles along its southern shore. The Lanai Cathedrals is a spectacular spot consisting of 2 rock formations ranging between 15 and 65 ft in depth. There’s also a 100-ft-long lava cavern that’s frequented by tropical fish, octopi, and turtles.

The Haleakala National Park offers numerous hiking trails that result in solitude and scenic vistas of Maui. Its landmark is the Haleakala Crater, a huge and inactive volcano rising 10,000 ft above sea level. A trek to the summit takes you through 6 distinct climate zones and rare geological features, including colourful cinder cones.

Visiting the Haleakala National Park requires a permit and fee, so be sure to do the necessary research before making your way to this natural wonder. The best time to see Haleakala is at sunrise – campgrounds and cabins are available if you want to spend the night in the park. 

Waterfalls in Hawaii are among the archipelago’s most picturesque natural wonders. Big Island’s north-eastern coast – Hilo and Hamakua – is predominantly made up of tropical rainforests, where you can hike to majestic falls. A must-see is the Akaka Falls, cascading 442 ft from a green-lined gorge.

If you’re based in Honolulu, the beautiful Waimea Waterfall lies in a lush valley on the northern side of the island. Getting to the falls from the main entrance takes about 3.5 miles on foot, but there’s an optional tram service for those who prefer an easier route.  

Luaus in Honolulu are part of traditional Polynesian life, usually for celebrating important milestones. This communal feast is one of the best things to do for anyone visiting Hawaii. You get to enjoy traditional dishes like kalua pig and haupia (coconut pudding), along with live music and hula performances.

Each luau may have similar ceremonial features, but is unique in terms of location and setting. Popular places to enjoy luaus in Honolulu include Alii Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and Paradise Cove Luau.