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The aloha state, a family of islands with distinct personalities offers their unique version of paradise. find your ideal island, find your hawaii..

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Discover the differences between these majestic islands and choose your paradise.

Hawaii Island is the largest of the islands and sits at the southernmost part of the chain. A temperamental youngest sibling of the family, this island is full of drama, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tour a local coffee plantation, stroll seaside villages, travel back in time at Puukoholo Heiau National Historic Site, and stand at the southernmost point of the United States where nothing but ocean separates you from Antarctica.

Kauai is the oldest of the islands and keeps watch over the others from the northernmost point of the chain. With age comes beauty and the dramatic landscape of Kauai reflects this sentiment. Hike Waimea Canyon and gaze at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, trek the Koloa Heritage Trail for a glimpse of the past, visit local botanical gardens for their tropical treasures, tour cascading waterfalls, and helicopter out to the Na Pali coastline for the ultimate vantage point.

Maui is the second-largest island and just to the north of Hawaii Island. Known for famous beaches and championship golf courses, Maui delivers an experience filled with magic and beauty to visitors. Witness an awe-inspiring sunrise at Haleakala, snorkel with sea turtles at Molokini, stroll the eclectic shops in Lahaina and witness a ceremonial cliff dive at Black Rock.

Sandwiched between Kauai and Maui is the bustling island of Oahu. The most populated in the chain, Oahu offers a unique blend of modern and ancient influences. Transforming the southern coastline is the city of Honolulu while monster waves rule the northern coast. Reflect on U.S. history at Pearl Harbor, stroll through the pineapple maze at the Dole Plantation, hike the Diamond Head crater for unobstructed views of Waikiki Beach, visit the new International Market Place, and watch big wave surfers tackle the Banzai Pipeline.

There is indeed an island for every personality. Find your Hawaii, find your paradise.

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The 59 Best Things to Do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List (2024)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

You’re ready for a trip to Hawaii and I can’t blame you! As you start piecing together your plan, you’re probably wondering exactly what there is to do in Hawaii. Lucky for you, there is so much to choose from! Hawaii is more than just amazing beaches (though it does have plenty of those).

Here we give you our top Hawaii bucket list items, broken down by island, so you can make sure you see it all.

Things to do in Hawaii: an overview

Hawaii is an archipelago of islands that stretch over 1,500 miles. There are eight main Hawaiian islands, but five that are most visited: Oahu, Maui, Hawai’i (the Big Island), Kauai, and Lana’i. We’ll cover the most popular things to do on each of these islands, but there are some themes for the most popular things to do in Hawaii:

The most popular attractions and things to do in Hawaii:

Visit the beaches.

Each island has spectacular beaches and you can find a range of beachgoing options. Shallow, protected beaches, black sand beaches, famous surfing beaches, Hawaii has it all. Check out the best beaches in Hawaii by island:

• Best Beaches Oahu
• Best Beaches Maui
• Best Beaches Big Island
• Best Beaches Kauai

Take in the waterfalls

In almost every advertisement for Hawaii, you’ll find picturesque waterfalls (and often, someone swimming in them). You can find accessible waterfalls on each island, though be sure to heed warning signs and only swim in them if you can determine they are safe. A number of waterfalls make this list below, our favorite being Twin Falls on Maui. 

See the sea life

The tropical fish, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, and manta rays offer a diverse range of sealife to discover and explore while on the island. Make sure to bring reef safe sunscreen to keep the coral reefs vibrant and safe. We have a number of amazing snorkeling tours listed below, including a tour to Molokini Crater , off the coast of Maui. 

Marvel at a volcano

The Hawaiian islands are volcanic islands, so one of the very unique things to do in Hawaii is to visit a volcano. Whether you are heading up for sunrise atop Haleakala Volcano, seeing the eruption at Kilauea on the Big Island, or star gazing from Mauna Kea, visiting a volcano will probably top your Hawaii bucket list. We have island-specific recommendations in the list below. 

Before you plan a trip to Hawaii, make sure you check out our Hawaii Trip Planning Tips . We keep this updated and it will give you the best, need to know information from people who have lived on both Oahu and Maui. We love Hawaii and we hope that we can help you love it as well. 

Things to do on Oahu

The Gathering Place. Oahu is not the largest island geographically, but it is home to the majority of the state’s population. While the skyscraper and traffic may not initially scream vacation mode, there is a reason most people choose to visit Oahu. From famous Waikiki Beach to the country living on the North Shore, Oahu has much to discover .  

1. Surf Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is well known for its surf break. The long, slow rolling waves are perfect to learn how to surf. You can take surf lessons ( check out our lesson video here! ) or grab a board for $20 for three hours from guys on the beach.

The surf breaks, starting on the Diamond Head side, are Publics, Queen’s, Canoes, Populars, Threes, Fours, Kaisers, and Rockpiles. You will easily see where everyone is surfing once you are on Waikiki Beach. 

If you have never surfed before then a surf lesson ( our favorite surf school is at Publics ) is highly recommended to get you started safely.

A good surfboard rental location is between the banyan tree and the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound and the Duke Kahanamoku statue. You will find local vendors renting out surfboards. Bring cash and look for the surf racks. 

Directions: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI

Grab our favorite reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens before you head into the water for surfing and swimming at the beaches below.

2. Hike Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head Crater Hike starts inside a 300,00-year-old volcano, about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. A reservation for the Diamond Head hike is now required. The moderate 0.8-mile hike rises up 560 feet to an observation deck overlooking Waikiki and the east coast of Oahu.

Explore an old military bunker inside the volcano and take amazing photos of Waikiki. Rainbow views are possible with a morning hike. The gates open at 6:00 AM so come on over for those jetlagged travelers. We strongly prefer a morning reservation slot as you get fewer crowds and you beat the heat of the day.

Directions: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead

Diamond Head Crater Hike made our list of the 7 best easy hikes on Oahu .

3. Visit ‘Iolani Palace

The ‘Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The palace had electricity and running water before the White House. Come to learn about the royal family, the forced overthrow of the kingdom, and Hawaiian history in this well-preserved, stately palace in the heart of Honolulu.

‘Iolani Palace is located in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Across from the palace, you will find Ali’iolani Hale, home to the state supreme court and the famous King Kamehameha The Great Statue. You can take a historical bike tour of this area or our favorite Pearl Harbor guided tour includes a tour of historic Honolulu.

Historic Downtown Honolulu gets bedazzled for Christmas. From parades to Christmas craft festivals, you will love Honolulu in December. See our Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas . 

If you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii for a Christmas vacation, then you gotta read our 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation .

Directions: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

4. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets

Tantalus Look is the place to come for the sunset and amazing views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Located 25 minutes (6 miles) from Waikiki, drive up a windy road to Pu’u Ualakaa State Park. Bring a picnic and a picnic blanket to sit on the lawn overlooking the grandeur of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. 

The sunset view is best during the winter but even during the summer, this is worth visiting.

Directions: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822

5. Learn more about Hawai’i at the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum showcases exhibits on Polynesian culture and natural history. This is our favorite museum in Hawaii. Our kids love the science center where they can go inside a volcano and get hands-on with science. I enjoy the Polynesian voyaging exhibits and then heading to Highway Inn Cafe for a Hawaii plate lunch.

The Hawaii Hall alone is worth checking out with three wood floors featuring Hawaiian history. It reminds me of the great museums in London.

Directions: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817

6. Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Welcome to one of the most popular sites on Oahu ( this is the other one ). Pearl Harbor National Memorial brings thousands of visitors a day to pay their respects, learn about the air raid, and visit the historical sites. 

Pearl Harbor is 25-minutes away from Waikiki so it isn’t in Honolulu but I’ll keep it simple for this list. 

Hop in an Uber, Taxi, Lyft, or drive yourself to the visitor center. But, before you arrive make sure you make a reservation for t he USS Arizona Memorial. Reservations can be tough to get, especially during the busy holiday season and summer.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is also handicap accessible. See our Handicap Accessible Hawaii Guide for more Oahu things to do!

You can skip the hassle of driving and getting a reservation by booking a guided Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour with our favorite local tour group. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

You can see a list of all of the best Pearl Harbor tours .

Bags are not allowed in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Also, make sure to hop on the free shuttle to take you to Ford Island. Home of the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum .

Directions: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

7. Snorkel on the Waianae Coast

Head into the water and snorkel off the Waianae Coast. Leaving from Ko Olina, the Ko Olina Ocean Adventures team offers snorkeling tours two times per day and one sunset sail. We did the morning snorkeling adventure and it was great! We left from Ko Olina harbor first thing in the morning (it was an early wakeup for us since we were staying in Waikiki) and enjoyed the ride as we cruised up the coast. The water was calm and it was a great experience — even our four year old jumped in and snorkeled with us!

Check out their morning or mid-day snorkeling tours or their sunset sail .

If you happen to come during whale season , check out this s mall group whale watching tour up the Waianae Coast.

8. Visit charming Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa Town is the unofficial home base for the North Shore. We love this town for the food trucks, shave ice, and coffee shops. The art galleries and kayak and SUP in the river are also worth checking out.

Leave Waikiki in the morning so you can stop in Haleiwa for coffee at Haleiwa Cafe, Coffee Gallery, or Island Vintage Coffee (a chain but they have Kona coffee and good food). Then continue up the coast to do the things below. Come back to Haleiwa for lunch or dinner at a shrimp truck or food truck.

Stop at Kaimana Shave Ice and say, “ The Hawaii Vacation Guide brought you here .” You will save 10% on the freshest shave ice in Haleiwa. See our full list of coupon codes here .

Directions: Haleiwa, Oahu

9. Spend the day at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is hard to miss as you drive up the North Shore on Kamehameha Highway. The road turns to present the beautiful bay with the bell tower in the background. 

Waimea Bay is probably the best beach on the North Shore. The bay has two drawbacks. Parking is limited in the public parking lot and along the road. Waimea Valley and the church charge for parking which I’ve found very helpful. The other drawback is the bay is calm from May to September but should be avoided during the winter. Big waves and strong currents make it a dangerous place to swim.

Pack a lunch and enjoy a day of swimming and relaxing on the beach at Waimea Bay. You will find lifeguards on duty, showers, and restroom facilities.

If you’re looking for a waterfall swim while you’re on Oahu’s North Shore, go across the road from Waimea Bay to Waimea Valley for a waterfall swim in a botanical garden.

Directions: Waimea Bay Beach, North Shore, HI 96712

10. Go off-road at Kualoa Ranch

When we lived in Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center and Kualoa Ranch felt too touristy to be worth my time. I regret that decision because they offer such great tours. They are both good places to learn the history of the islands. 

Kualoa Ranch is known as the Jurassic Valley as Jurassic Park and Lost World movies were filmed in part here, plus dozens of other movies. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and farm full of wonderful employees who like to share their stories. 

Visitors to Hawaii make the drive to Kualoa Ranch for the popular tours below, but they have so many more to offer.

• Kualoa Ranch ATV tours
• Kualoa Ranch Zipline
• Malama Aina Tour
• Explore all Kuoloa Ranch Tours here

Directions: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

11. Hike Mokapu’u Beach and Lighthouse

Located on the far eastern tip of Oahu, Makapuu Beach and Lighthouse make for a nice morning out with the family. 

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved walking path that takes you up to the top of the point, with views of Makapuu Beach, Manana Island Seabird Sanctuary, and coastal views of Oahu. 

If you have time, head down to Makapuu Beach. It is a tucked-in beach that is nice for relaxing. It is known for bodysurfing so be careful of the surf break.

Directions: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Want more? Check out all of our Oahu Things to Do articles: 

• 40 Things to do on Oahu (we will surprise you!)
• 23 of the Best Things to do on Oahu with Kids (from the Hawaii Vacation Guide Mom and Dad)
• Free Things to do on the North Shore of Oahu

Our 21 Things to do on Oahu Video

While we love writing about our experiences, some things are just better in video. Watch the video to see the best things to do on Oahu.

Planning an Oahu Trip?

Don’t waste your time — get our itinerary. 

We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii! I’m thankful for the opportunity to give a little back to your family through the itineraries and tour suggestions. Kim S.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

Things to do on Maui

Maui is a special place, and is my favorite island to recommend visiting. With the most swimmable beaches, great snorkeling, and the epicenter of whale watching in the winter, Maui is truly a special place to discover . 

12. Stroll through historic Lahaina

Lahaina Town was destroyed on August 8th, 2023 by a wildfire. The town is closed as it rebuilds but we are keeping this on our Best Things to Do in Hawaii list as we love Lahaina. It was our home for three years. See our Maui Travel Updates for travel advice on visiting West Maui.

Well known for the largest banyan tree in America at about 2 acres in size with 16 trunks, Lahaina also has shopping, restaurants, and a historic walking tour. The banyan tree survived the fire but lost some trunks in the process! Hawaii has the best arborists on the islands working on it.

Our full Lahaina Guide will show you where to eat, what to do, Lahaina’s best beaches , and where to stay .

13. Take a day trip to Lana’i

One of the great things about visiting Maui is its proximity to Lanai. After a quick 45-minute ferry ride, you can find yourself landing on a different island. A private island owned by a billionaire.

Explore Hulopoe Beach (one of the best in Hawaii), head to Lanai City for galleries and lunch, or hop in a Jeep to get to Shipwreck Beach. Lanai is worth a day trip . Our favorite 21 things to do Lanai will show you how to explore the island.

The ferry to Lanai currently leaves from Maalaea Harbor ( click for directions ). Get a round-trip ticket and off you go!

Currently, the ferry to Lanai is the only operating ferry between Hawaiian islands. See our Hawaii Island-Hopping Guide for tips on exploring more islands during your trip.

14. Go whale watching

Each winter, upwards of 10,000 humpback whales migrate from the waters of Alaska to Hawaii to mate, birth, and nurture their young. And the best island to visit for whale watching? Maui! The whales love the warm, shallow waters of the ‘Au ‘au channel, which is between Maui and Lana’i. 

If you’re visiting Maui between December and April, you’re in luck! This is the perfect time to see whales . While you can see them from the shore, it’s a special experience to be out on the water and enjoy seeing them from a boat. 

There are so many whale watching tours to choose from: a power raft, a catamaran, a big boat, or a kayak. We prefer the smaller boats. When it’s just Jordan and I, we head out on a power raft ( this is our favorite raft whale watching tour ), and when we take the kids, we choose a catamaran ( this is our favorite catamaran whale watching tour! ). 

Check our our full list of our favorite whale watching tours on Maui to find the best one for you. 

And don’t forget to read our full Maui whale watching guide before you go. 

15. Snorkel Molokini

Molokini Crater is a 200,000-year-old, crescent-shaped, p artially submerged volcanic crater that is located just 3 miles off the coast of Maui. It is a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The visibility in this crater is outstanding and it is one of our favorite places to snorkel on Maui. 

While you’re visiting Maui, there are several excellent snorkeling trips you can take, here are the 5 Best Molokini Snorkeling Tours . But one that is always at the top of our list is a snorkeling trip to Molokini. We have two favorite trips, depending on your boat preference. 

Our favorite trip to do as a family is a catamaran boat trip to Molokini with Kai Kanani . Their boat leaves directly from Maluaka Beach just south of Wailea. And their early morning trip gets you out there before any other boats, so you beat the crowds!

When it’s just Jordan and I out snorkeling, we love going out with Redline Rafting. This tour leaves from the Kihei Small Boat Harbor and they offer a 2 hour or 5 hour tour. Their 5-hour tour also does the back wall of Molokini, which is pretty special. Check out our full write-up and video on our Molokini snorkeling trip with Redline Rafting . 

16. Watch the sunset at Makena Cove

Secret Cove is the place to go for sunset, engagements, and wedding vow renewal in South Maui. This picture-perfect cove can be found through a narrow opening in a lava rock wall. 

We like to visit for sunset, family pictures, and whale watching in the winter. Find a reason to go to Makena Cove during your Maui vacation.

Directions: Makena Cove off Makena Road

17. Visit one of the best beaches in America

Kapalua Beach at Kapalua Bay is our favorite beach on Maui. The small, crescent-shaped bay has excellent snorkeling, standup paddleboard rentals at the beach, and a coastal walking trail. And we’re not the only people who think it’s amazing. Dr Beach named Kapalua Bay Beach the best beach in America in 2018.

Kapalua Bay is a good spot to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles from shore or when snorkeling around the edges of the bay. The bay has gotten more popular in recent years so the public parking lot fills up fast. There is some street parking and paid parking at the tennis club.

Want more Maui snorkel spots with turtles? See our 11 Best Snorkel Spots on Maui .

Get everything you need to know about Kapalua Bay, including directions and parking . 

18. Eat at the food trucks

All of the islands have a good food truck scene, but the food truck options on Maui are by far the best. The variety is outstanding: local cuisine, seafood, thai food, gourmet food, it’s all here. While there are excellent restaurants on the island that are worth the work to get into (looking at you Mama’s), make sure you eat at least a couple of meals at a food truck. 

A few favorites you should prioritize going to: 

• Kitoko in Kihei (South Maui Gardens)
• South Maui Gardens in Kihei

Check out our favorite food trucks on Maui.  

19. Visit ‘Iao Valley State Monument

‘Iao Valley State Monument is home to the ‘Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot erosion feature in a magnificent valley. Come to walk the 0.6 miles to the observation deck, see waterfalls, explore the botanical garden, and learn the history of the decisive Hawaiian battle that made the river turn red. Confirm their opening hours and entrance fees here .

‘Iao Valley made our list of the best easy hikes on Maui .

20. Hike the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Waihe’e Ridge Trail is one of our favorite moderate hikes on Maui. The 4 mile out and back hike takes you up a steep ridgeline to 1,600 feet. The trail can get muddy and slippery as you are now on the wet side of the island.

Enjoy the impressive views of the West Maui Mountains and the ocean as you make the climb. 

After your hike, take a break at ‘Ula ‘ula cafe. 

21. See the sea turtles and windsurfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park

Famous for sea turtles and windsurfing, Ho’okipa Beach Park makes for a nice day at the beach or come at sunset to see the sea turtles. After a long day on the Road to Hana, this is the place to unwind at sunset.

There is also Ho’okipa Lookout at the park. The lookout has sweeping views of the North Shore coastline, surfers down below, and windsurfers out on the deeper break.

22. Enjoy at waterfall swim

Twin Falls at Wailele Farms is a private waterfall hike along a stream. The stream has three major waterfalls that are all great swimming holes. The famous Twin Falls is the last one on the short hike. 

Wailele Farms manages and maintains the property. They also host a fruit stand with the best banana bread on Maui. To care for the ‘aina (land), they charge $10 for parking. The parking gets full quickly, so plan to either visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is a special spot, so make sure to treat it and it’s carers with respect. 

23. Tour a local farm

Possibly our favorite activity on Maui (or in Hawaii in general) is going on a farm tour. The agricultural diversity that you find here is amazing and there are so many small farms that are doing wonderful things with regenerative farming and taking care of the ‘aina (land). This might not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Hawaii, but make sure to put a farm tour somewhere on your list. 

Whether you want to see how coffee is grown and produced or you want to see a pineapple farm (one of two left in the US!), we have a list of our favorite farm tours on Maui . 

24. Visit Haleakala National Park

Maui erupted out of the sea from two volcanoes over a million years ago. Today, no trip to Maui is complete without seeing the summit of the dormant volcano Haleakala (House of the Sun). 

Haleakala National Park is best known for its sunrise tour (which lives up to the hype) but the National Park is also worth a day trip to see the endangered state bird the Nene, stand on the 10,023-foot summit, or hike into the crater for the adventurous travelers. 

We’ve enjoyed Haleakala at sunrise, sunset, and during the day and no matter when we go, we always have a wonderful time. You can see our sunrise experience in the video below and decide if a 2:30 am wakeup time is worth it for you! (and yes, we have a 10% discount code you can use on this same exact sunrise tour .)

Haleakala Sunrise or Sunset: When Should I Go?

25. Sip Maui Wine

MauiWine started making wine on the Ulupalakua Ranch in 1974. As the vines were ripening, they started making sparkling pineapple wine. It was a hit and today you can taste a selection of wines from The King’s Cottage tasting room.

Located at the end of Upcountry, we like to pair MauiWine with the farm-to-table cafe at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. After a long day of exploring Upcountry Maui , grab a burger or sandwich from the ranch store and then head across the street for wine tasting.

26. Drive the Road to Hana

I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do on Maui. We share our perfect day for exploring the Road to Hana in our Maui itineraries . But, we can’t help but share some of our favorite stops below. 

You can do the Road to Hana in one day with our tips , stay the night in Hana , drive straight to Hana and then do the stops on the way back, or drive the backway to Hana (video) . 

The only wrong way to do the Road to Hana is to park illegally, swim on private property, and not let locals pass. Yes, there is a Road to Hana etiquette as the road gets busy. We want this beautiful drive to stay open for years to come so stay safe out there.

Here is another one of our Road to Hana videos, this one showcases eight stops.

We have driven the Road to Hana numerous times but my favorite time was when someone else did the driving for me. 

A guided tour will secure the reservations at the black sand beach, take you for a waterfall swim, and stop at the best stops based on the time of year. Save 10% on our recommended, local Road to Hana tour guide .

27. Hike the Pipiwai Trail (with a bamboo forest)

The Pipiwai Trail is famous on social media for the pictures of the boardwalk through the bamboo forest. The trail is part of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. 

Located 10 miles (35 minutes) past Hana, the park is home to the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and camping. Plan about 2 hours to hike the easy to moderate Pipiwai Trail. The waterfall views and the walks through the bamboo forest are out of this world.

If you visited Haleakala National Park then keep your receipt as you can visit the Kipahulu District within three days without purchasing another ticket. 

Want more? Check out all of our Maui Things to Do articles: 

• 33 Things to do on Maui — leave the crowds behind
• 15 Amazing things to do in Upcountry Maui
• 68 Things to do on Maui with Kids
• Things to do on Maui on a budget

Our 21 Things to do on Maui Video

While we love writing about our experiences, some things are just better in video. Watch the video to see the best things to do on Maui. It’s our most popular video to date!

Planning a Maui Trip?

Our itinerary is all you need for a great trip. 

Our family thanks you and Erica for your itineraries and videos that we used on our recent trip to Maui and Kauai. They were most helpful for deciding what to see and how to schedule our time. Keep up the good work! Jeff and Debby M.

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

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Things to do on the Island of Hawai’i (the Big Island)

The largest, and youngest, of the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island offers some truly unique experiences. Whether you want to see an erupting volcano or sip coffee in Kona, there is something for everyone here. 

28. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

If you are looking for a unique experience that you’re only able to enjoy on the Big Island, a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is it. Encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes — Kilauea and Mauna Loa — the park is a UNESCO world heritage site with hiking trails, crater views, lava tubes, and sometimes, lava viewing. You could spend days exploring the park with scenic drives, wilderness adventures, and learning from the robust education at the visitors center. 

If you’re staying on the Kona side, it is possible to visit the park on a day trip, but for an even more immersive experience, consider staying overnight at Volcano House . Waking up to a view of Halema’uma’u Crater is an experience you won’t soon forget. 

Visiting an active volcano and the next item made our 12 Things You Can Only Do in Hawaii (intrigued?).

29. Night snorkel or dive with Manta Rays

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure that you can’t get on any other island, head out for a night snorkel or dive with Manta Rays. Imagine jumping into the ocean when it’s pitch black and then having a “gentle giant” with a wingspan of up to 16 feet roll past you, inches from your face. It’s one of our favorite activities and something we do each time we head to the Big Island. 

Read our full Manta Ray Night Snorkeling guide and also check out our favorite Big Island tour operators , like Sea Paradise . 

30. Sample Kona Coffee

Coffee enthusiasts will love exploring the famous Kona coffee country. There are hundreds of coffee farms located around the island, and many of them offer public tours. Head into the hills above Kailua-Kona to take a farm tour, watch beans get roasted, and sample a fresh cup of coffee straight from the farm. Tours are usually free (and come with free samples) and you can take back a bag of your favorite roast to enjoy. 

Check out a full list of our favorite coffee farm tours on the Big Island . We’ve done so many, and these really stand out above the rest!

Not sure how to fit a coffee farm tour into your day? Our Big Island itinerary has an excursion day that combines a day of snorkeling with a trip to Kona Coffee Country. It leads you step-by-step through six carefully planned excursion days around the island — all you have to do is download and go! 

31. Go to Punalu’u black sand beach

The best black sand beach in Hawaii (in our opinion) is Punaluu Black Sand Beach . Located in the Puna District, it’s a great place to stop on the way to or from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

While this isn’t a great beach for swimming, the black sand is absolutely stunning, and you can often find Hawaiian green sea turtles hanging out on the sand. Enjoy the beach with food that you’ve picked up from Punalu’u Bake Shop . 

32. Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument

The Big Island has some spectacular snorkeling, but the best spot, in our opinion, is snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. There’s no sandy beach to relax on here, which adds to the great visibility (no sand means higher visibility). But this spectacular snorkeling spot isn’t easy to reach. To get there you need to take a boat tour, kayak, or hike. It’s well worth the journey, in our opinion.

Yes, Kealakekua Bay made our #1 spot in our top 5 snorkel spots on the Big Island . See the full list if you plan to snorkel during your visit.

Here are some of our favorite tours to help you reach this special snorkeling spot: 

• Catamaran snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
• Power Raft snorkel tour to Kealakekua Bay
• Guided kayaking and snorkeling to Kealakekua Bay

When you visit the bay, consider reading up on the historical significance of the bay and the resulting Captain Cook Monument. We share our favorite Hawaii history books in our 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaii Experience .

33. See ‘Akaka Falls

Just 11 miles north of Hilo is the famous ‘Akaka Falls . The waterfall plunges 442 feet and is viewable from an easy to navigate 0.4 mile walking trail. The trail itself is beautiful as well, winding you through lush scenery and you make your way to the main event.  ‘Akaka Falls draws the crowds — it’s one of the most visited sites on the windward side of the island. But there’s a good reason for it: it’s a stunning sight that is easy to get to and view. 

34. Learn About the History at Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Located on the south Kona coast, Pu’uhonua O Honauanau is a spiritual sanctuary and was a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers. Until the 19th century, Hawaiians who broke the law (kapu) would be punished by death. The only way to avoid this fate was to make their way to Pu’uhonua, where their actions would be absolved by a priest. 

Learn about Hawaiian history at this 180 acre park that has been beautifully restored. Walk the self-guided trail (0.5 miles) or watch a cultural demonstration. You can also snorkel at the popular snorkeling spot “Two Steps” located just outside of the park. Plan your visit with the park’s website. 

35. Visit Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

While you’re enjoying the beauty of the Hamakua Coast, soak in a little more nature and visit the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden. With over 1800 species of tropical plants, this is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. Take a walk through the gardens and enjoy waterfalls, ocean views, and the lovely sound of birds chirping. It’s pretty much a tropical paradise. 

Learn more about Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden . 

36. Go Ziplining at Umauma Falls

If you’re looking for a fun day out, get a view from above of waterfalls, suspension bridges, and a river while you zipline at Umauma Falls. While the zipline is incredibly fun (9 lines!), the scenery makes this spot so enjoyable. Stroll the gardens, kayak the river, or grab a coffee and just take in your surroundings. 

If you want to see more of the beautiful spot, check out a full review and video of the Umauma Zipline experience . 

37. Enjoy a hike and waterfall swim

When Jordan and I had a day to ourselves (thank, grandparents!), we headed straight for this tour. A guided tour to North Kohala, we were able to head onto private land for a hike and waterfall swim. It was stunning. Not only was it so nice to be legally off the beaten path, but we also learned so much from our guide. 

And the day ended with a beautiful, private, scenic lunch spot overlooking Pololu Valley. It was an experience for the memory book. 

See our full review of this waterfall swim and hike on the Big Island . 

Want more? Check out all of our Big Island Things to Do articles: 

• 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
• Thing to do in Kona with kids

Our 21 Things to do on the Big Island Video

While we love writing about our experiences, some things are just better in video. Watch the video to see the best things to do on the Big Island

Planning a trip to the Big Island?

I can’t tell you how much we have appreciated your effort with the guidebook.  We saw things this past week we would never have known to look for.  These hidden gems were amazing Chris P

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

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Things to do on Kauai

As the Garden Isle, Kauai gets the most rain. But with that rain comes rainbows, and some of the most lush rainforest landscapes you could ever dream of. When you step off the plane, and look up at those mountains, it’s hard to not feel as though you’ve been truly transported. Kauai is truly a tropical paradise . 

38. See the Napali Coast Wilderness Area

When you see pictures of Hawaii, they’re usually showing the Napali Coast. Napali Coast State Wilderness Park covers the northwest coast of Kauai. The cathedral cliffs along the ocean are remote, rugged, and romantic for honeymooners to hikers.

The coast is full of sea caves, waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian villages. While most people explore this area via boat (see our favorite tours here ), you can hike into the wilderness area with a permit .

Directions: Napali Coast State Wilderness Park

I was fortunate to hike the Kalalau Trail (11 miles), swim to the Honopu Arch, and sleep on Kalalau Beach with friends years ago. It was one of my most memorable Kauai vacations. But exhausting. 

39. Visit Ha’ena State Park

Ke’e Beach is our favorite beach on Kauai. Located at the end of the Kuhio Highway, Ha’ena State Park is home to working lo’i kalo (taro patches), heiau (temple), trailheads for the Kalalau Trail and Hanakapi’ai Beach and waterfall, and the popular Ke’e Beach.

Ke’e Beach is a small bay tucked under towering cliffs. With a lifeguard on duty, showers, and restrooms, the beach is great for kids. The reef makes for a natural lagoon for snorkeling and swimming. But, during the winter the high surf makes this beach a no-go. 

Due to the popularity of Ke’e Beach, entry and parking reservations are required for access to the state park. Shuttle reservations are available.

You can hike a portion of the Kalalau Trail with your Ha’ena State Park entry fee. Hiking from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach is 2-miles. You will be rewarded with amazing views of the coast and a sandy beach during the summer (not a good swimming beach due to strong currents). The waterfall hike is 8-miles roundtrip. 

40. Enjoy Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay has nearly two miles of beach and in the summer the water is as calm as can be. 

To swim at Hanalei Beach, we prefer to park on the east side of Hanalei Bay, near the Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach. From here you can get a great view of the bay and play on the pier. Directions below are to the public parking lot.

Beware in the winter, waves here get rough. There may be some days that the beach is closed and swimming here (especially with kids) is really only ideal in the summer. 

Hanalei Bay made our 7 Best Kid-Friendly Beaches on Kauai and 9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming .

41. Take in the view from Hanalei Lookout

A quick stop when passing through Princeville on the way to Hanalei is Hanalei Valley Lookout. Pullover across the street from the Foodland grocery store to take in the grandeur of Kauai. 

The lookout is a panoramic view of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge and Kawaikini mountain range. The taro field patchwork with the mountains in the background is my favorite view on Kauai.

42. Visit the Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Located past the village of Kilauea is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Many come for the short walk to the historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse built in 1913. As you are perched on 180-foot high cliffs, the views of the coast are wonderful but this place is really about the wildlife. 

Watch blue-footed boobies. The birds soar along the cliffs for a stunning experience. Hopefully get to see Hawaii’s state bird, the nene. Reservations are required to enter the refuge.

Directions: 3580 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754

43. Bike the Kapa’a Beach Bike Trail

Don’t miss the multi-use path that follows the coast along Kapa’a Town. Explore the beaches, enjoy views of the coast, and just take in the sun. You can rent beach cruisers and e-bikes in Kapa’a for a few hours to enjoy a relaxing ride.

We rented our bikes from Hele on Kauai in central Kapa’a. They are located 30-seconds off the beach path.

44. Kayak to Secret Falls

Perhaps no longer a secret waterfall, Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) is only accessible via a kayak tour down the Wailua River. First, enjoy a leisurely kayak down the class 0 Wailua River. Then land the kayaks to go on a 3 mile round trip hike to the large waterfall.

The hike was slippery and slightly challenging at times, but it was well worth it when we made it to the falls. We took our four year old with us on the long day trip (6 hour tour!) and he loved it. Our proud parents’ moment was he did almost the entire hike on his own. 

Learn more about the Wailua kayak and waterfall hike .

This easy kayak and hike tour is a great way to explore the Wailua River. Perhaps stay the evening to see the Fern Grotto and one of the best luaus on Kauai – Smith’s Family Luau .

45. Visit kid-friendly Lydgate Beach and Pond

This is one of our favorite beaches on Kauai for swimming . Lydgate Beach Park is a long beach that can have rough surf for swimming, especially during the winter, but there is the Lydgate Pond, which is a great option for everyone, including kids. 

The pond on the north end of the beach are protected from the waves by a large stone wall. The water is calm, there are large fish inside the pools for easy snorkeling, and the beach is sandy. There are lifeguards on duty, picnic tables, and lots of parking.

There is also a large, community playground called Kamalani Playground across from the pools. 

46. View Wailua Falls

Another Kauai waterfall that is easily accessible by car, Wailua Falls is located off the road on the south end of the Wailua River. The falls cascade into two streams that drop over 80 feet into a pool.

The best viewing is along the road, just before the parking lot for the falls. The size of the stream is dictated by the rainfall uphill. During our last visit, Kauai was hit by a tropical storm so the waterfall was roaring. 

Wailua Falls is known in pop culture as the opening scene in the television show Fantasy Island. Kauai is famous for most of the filming of Jurassic Park and other movies. You can go on a guided tour of Kauai’s famous movie and TV scenes, pickup is available at your hotel.

Directions: Wailua Falls Hawaii 96746

47. Go on a mountain tubing adventure

After a 4WD ride through a jungle, hop on a tube to float down a 100-year-old, hand-dug plantation canal system that will take you through caves and small waterfalls. This was an easy, leisurely tour that takes you into backcountry. You get to enjoy the nature in Kauai off the beaten path, legally. We really enjoyed this laid back tour. Get wet and have a blast!

This tour is Kauai’s only tubing adventure through irrigation canals. Read more about the Mountain Tubing Adventure here .

48. Stroll through historic Koloa Town

Established in 1835, the old plantation town is a walk down memory lane. Visit the Old Koloa Town Shops in plantation-era style, see the Old Sugar Mill Memorial, and have a local plate lunch.

We visit Koloa Town to grab food before hitting Poipu Beach to the south. Grab a plate lunch at Koloa Fish Market or one of the many food trucks. There are two food truck parks with award-winning food trucks in Koloa, see our Kauai Food Truck Guide for details.

Shave ice! South Shore Kauai is full of the best shave ice on Kauai. Visit The Fresh Shave or explore our other favorite shave ice on Kauai .

49. Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trailhead starts at Shipwreck Beach. The easy-to-moderate hiking trail follows the coast along dunes, under kiawe trees (wear closed-toed shoes), and cliffs.

The trail is significant for being one of the last undeveloped spots along the South Shore. Also, this is a sacred place so leave only footprints behind.

50. Spend the day at Poipu Beach

If you’re looking for a thing to do on Kauai, this is more than a beach. 

Not only does the beach have calm waters (heavier surf during the summer) and is beautiful with two crescent-shaped bays, it has a playground that kept our son entertained when he was done playing in the sand. 

There are lifeguards on duty, picnic tables, limited shade, showers, and restrooms at the beach.

Plus, there’s a deli right across the street so whatever food or drink you need is easily accessible.

Poipu Beach does get busy so don’t expect a secluded beach day. Walk over to Brenneck’s Beach as that is less busy and known for bodyboarding. 

Quick Tip: Never turn your back on the Pacific. While the waters may look calm, don’t let your guard down. Keep your body facing the waves so one doesn’t sneak up on you.

If you stay for sunset, expect serious crowds. Not only is this a great place to take in the sunset, you’ll also find monk seals and sea turtles coming ashore during this time. Remember that these are both federally protected animals, so giving them space on the beach or in the water is important. 

51. Take a Napali Coast Boat Tour

Finally, let’s talk about Napali Coast tours. The most popular thing to do on Kauai and for good reason. We included this in our 3-can’t-miss Kauai activities video . 

Best viewed from a boat, the Napali Coast is a stretch of sea cliffs full of waterfalls, ancient Hawaiian fishing villages, sea arches, sea caves, and stories told by captains and crews. 

Go on a snorkel tour , power raft and snorkel tour , helicopter tour , or a sunset dinner cruise . Just make sure you get out there to see the coast. 

Most tours leave from Port Allen in Eleele on the West Side. Only a select few, like this power raft and snorkel tour , leave from Hanalei Bay during the summer (when the waves aren’t quite as big and strong).

52. Waimea Canyon State Park

Another popular thing to do on Kauai is Waimea Canyon State Park . Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, incorrectly attributed to Mark Twain, the stunning canyon is full of waterfalls, lookouts, hiking trails, views of Ni’ihau island, a scenic drive. 

Parking and entrance fees are now required, and paid on site. Enjoy half a day to a full day here to explore the area.

We like to drive up the canyon to stop at Red Dirt Waterfall, lookouts, and finally to the top which turns into Koke’e State Park with Kalalau Valley Lookout. 

Want more? Check out all of our things to do on Kauai articles: 

• 35 of the best things to do on Kauai
• 24 things to do on Kauai with kids

Our 21 Things to do on the Kauai Video

While we love writing about our experiences, some things are just better in video. Watch the video to see the best things to do on the Kauai

Planning a trip to the Kauai?

We returned home from our family vacation to Kauai on Monday, and wanted you to know how helpful your Wayfinder Itinerary was.  We used it throughout the trip and it never failed us – thank you for providing such a thorough and thoughtful guide.   We are certain to return – hopefully to other islands – and will once again rely upon your insights and advice. Mary B.

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

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Things to do on Lana’i

Famous for its billionaire owner , Lana’i is quiet, yet far from boring. 

53. Snorkel Hulopoe Beach

Located on the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation Area, you will find one of the best beaches in America, as ranked by Dr. Beach . We love this beach for the lack of crowds, amazing and large marine life, and things to do around the beach itself.

Hulopoe Beach is well known for snorkeling. The pristine reef and protected bay make for great visibility. Always check ocean conditions before you venture out as there can be strong currents and high surf. 

We find Lanai to be better than Molokai for secluded snorkeling.

The gold sand beach is excellent for walking or just relaxing under the sun. 

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins rest in the bay so encounters are common. Per NOAA law, you can’t swim or approach the dolphins within 50 yards. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy watching their acrobatic spins. 

• Restroom facilities
• Picnic tables and BBQ grills
• No lifeguard on duty

54. Walk to Sweetheart Rock

​​A short 10-minute walk past the Keiki Tide Pool is Sweet Heart Rock. The landmark is a beautiful addition to the coast. It is named Sweet Heart Rock as it is in the shape of a heart and legend says a heartbroken warrior jumped from this 80-foot summit, rising from the sea, overcome with grief after his princess wife’s passing. 

55. Visit Lana’i City

No trip to Lanai is complete without exploring the historic plantation town of Lanai City. Located 17-minutes from Manele Small Boat Harbor, the planned community is home to Lanai’s 3,000 residents. 

While a shuttle is required to get to Lanai City, once you arrive you will find a walkable town village. The quaint town has the large Dole Park with a playground at its center.

While the bowling alley has been converted into a community center, you will find restaurants, cafes, and art galleries surrounding the park.

Lanai City is a small town so check operating hours if you’re set on having lunch or dinner. Many places close in the afternoon.

We like to go to Lanai City for the local restaurants, coffee, and a little shopping. Below are our favorite places.

Lanai City Restaurants

• Blue Ginger Cafe: a great no-frills breakfast and lunch spot for local eats and fresh baked goods.
• Pele’s Other Garden Deli: Italian fare set in a retro diner, this mom and pop deli is open for lunch and gets more lively at night.
• Coffee Works: located a block from Dole Park, enjoy excellent coffee and pastries in this bohemian cafe.
• Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim: Opened in 2022, they offer plate lunches, burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches. This is the new, popular place to eat in town.
• Richard’s Market: one of two grocery stores in town, you can find picnic supplies here, fresh poke, and drinks for wherever you plan to explore.

Lanai City Shops

• The Local Gentry: full of cute Lanai souvenirs, clothing, and artwork.
• Mike Carroll Gallery: the local art gallery and artist is known for its art and hospitality
• Lanai Hula Hut: a little blue shop featuring Lanai clothing and souvenirs

Lanai City Attractions

• Lanai Culture & Heritage Center (temporarily closed): at the top of Dole Park, explore Lanai displays and find events that showcase the local community.
• Lanai Theater: derelict since the 70s, Larry Ellison transformed this movie theater into a state-of-the-art venue with luxury seating. He planned to start a film festival but local residents now get to enjoy it!

Explore the Town! Sit in Dole Park, walk amongst the historical churches, check out the old courthouse and jail, and walk the neighborhoods to appreciate the plantation architecture. Lanai City is a little city lost in time.

56. Drive to Shipwreck Beach

Located over 30-minutes (9 miles) northeast of Lanai City is one of Lanai’s most interesting things to do. Travel time varies based on road conditions. 

The scenic and windy drive down the side of Lanai’s extinct volcano will land you on the edge of Shipwreck Beach. Park the car and walk the 8-mile beach and rocky coastline to explore more shipwrecks. 

At least a dozen vessels have been intentionally stranded or accidentally sunk on along the hazardous north shore coast of Lanai. 

The prominent rusting hulk of a YOGN-42 navy fuel barge can be seen beached on the reef. It isn’t a Liberty Ship, but a fuel tanker made of concrete and steel. The concrete hull is why it is still there today.

I wouldn’t recommend swimming here as strong currents and high surf make this a dangerous place to enter the water. You will feel the remoteness of Lanai when you visit this beach.

57. Visit the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary

Some would say this is the most popular attraction on Lanai. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a well-designed and well-run cat sanctuary built to shelter the large homeless cat population that was on Lanai. 

Since opening in 2006, they have saved over 3,000 cats. By sheltering feral cats, they have saved countless native and endangered ground-nesting sea birds on the island. 

Open daily, come over to frolic and play with some of the 600+ cats. Admission is free but donations are welcomed!

They are located 5 minutes from Lanai Airport. 

58. See a Volcanic Rock Garden

Take a rough ride 45-minutes from Lanai City to see a volcanic rock garden. 

As the Hawaiian Tourism Authority explains the legend of this area:

“According to Hawaiian lore, this windswept landscape is the result of a contest between two kahuna (priests) from Lanai and Molokai. Each was challenged to keep a fire burning on their respective island longer than the other, and the winner’s island would be rewarded with great abundance. The Lanai kahuna, Kawelo, used every piece of vegetation in Keahiakawelo to keep his fire burning. The landscape is the way it is due to the introduction of ungulates and subsequent erosion.” – Hawaii Tourism Authority

Located on the top of a hill, you can see Oahu and Molokai on a clear day.

59. Take a snorkeling trip to Lana’i

If you’re not up for a full Lana’i trip, head to the island on a snorkeling trip. We have loved our snorkeling tours out to the island. While these tours don’t let you explore the island, you still get to experience the marine life out there. We’ve seen a pod of spinner dolphins on our way out, and have enjoyed a few different snorkeling spots off the coast. 

Watch our experience on our Lana’i snorkeling trip: 

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Cruising Hawaii Guide

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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