The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii

A Trip to Hawaii, the Aloha state, can be one that is not only memorable, but magical. Hawaii is a tropical paradise abounding with unique sights and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From experiencing food and culture to diving with turtles and manta rays to being one of the best cruise destinations or touring the breathtaking sights, there is an exciting adventure waiting for you.

We have compiled a list of the top ten things to do in Hawaii you won’t want to miss, from landmarks to adventurous activities. Also included is what to avoid to maximize your stay every minute of the day.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT MISS WHEN VISITING HAWAII

How many people can see that they have seen a volcano? We don’t mean a dormant volcano, but an active volcano with fiery red flowing lava. This is why you don’t want to miss out on exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This one of a kind destination is one you will not soon forget. Volcano National Park is a vast stretch of over 500 miles of land filled with

Hiking trails
Volcanic craters
Desert
Rainforest
Petroglyphs
Two Active Volcanoes
A Visitor Center

The two active volcanoes are Maunaloa and Kilauea. Kilauea last erupted in 2018 and Maunaloa in 1984. Kilauea has a constant flow of lava that expands the island each year. This land is sacred to the natives and will surely leave you in awe and wonder. The natives say it to be the home of Pele, the Goddess of volcanoes and fire. They look at her as the creator of the Hawaiian islands.

Explore the fascinating geological wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to majestic volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes. Discover more about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in our comprehensive guide.

(Check out this article for tips on how to find the cheapest way to fly to Hawaii!)

THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII

With so many islands and attractions to choose from, it is hard to determine which is the best to add to the To Do list for your trip to the islands. Check out this top ten list of things to do in Hawaii, from sandy beaches to diving deep with sea life. See why Hawaii is the ultimate dream destination.

1. Experience Hawaiian Culture with A Family Friendly Luau

Family-friendly activities that are suitable for all ages can be hard to find. Whether you are attending as a group or flying solo, a Luau is not only delicious but a fun and educational part of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

A Luau is more than just dinner. It is a celebration. This is a tradition that stretches back to as far as the 1800s and is still popular today. Discover a variety of local foods such as the Kalua pig, which is cooked in an underground oven, or Lomi Lomi Salmon which is raw marinated fish and much more.

Live music and native dancing follows a buffet style feast. This is where you will get to witness some of the iconic fire and hula dances and possibly even learn a few new dance moves.

Attending a luau is not particular to one island. Attend at any of these following locations and more.

Luau	Where	Island
Paradise Cove	Ko Olina Resort	Oahu
Chief’s Luau	Wet ‘n’ Wild	Waikiki
Germaine’s Luau	Private Beach Kapolei, HI	Oahu
Island Breeze Kona Luau	King Kamehameha Hotel	Big Island
Waimea Valley Tua Luau & free ticket to Waimea falls	Toa / Waimea Valley	Oahu
Legends of Hawaii Luau	Hilton Waikoloa Village	Big Island
Old Lahaina Luau	Seaside LeLe Lahaina	Maui

2. Discover Pearl Harbor and the USSR Arizona Memorial

The battle at Pearl Harbor was not only a declaration of war, but a monumental piece of American history. Pearl Harbor was once called “Pu’uloa by the natives for its rich amount of pearls in the harbor. Pay tribute to the veterans who went down with their ship, and all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In Honolulu, Oahu, Pearl Harbor and USSR, Arizona is available to tour. Peer into a piece of history and see where the beginning of WWII started. Take part in a guided tour or browse at your own pace. Additional memorials for viewing at Pearl Harbor Memorial are:
USSR Arizona
USSS Utah
Battleship USS Missouri
USS Oklahoma

Each of these destinations will leave you in awe of Pearl Harbor and all the history it holds. It is truly an amazing experience.

3. Slather Up The Sunscreen and Explore the Na Pali Coast

Hawaii is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal like water full of sea life. The Na Pali coast in Kauai is home to Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. This place is one you will want to be sure to take in on your trip. It is said to be one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. You will have to see the array of breathtaking greenery and cascading waterfalls for yourself.

The Kalalau Trail is the only way to access the coastline by land and makes for one memorable hiking experience. Hiking enthusiasts can only hike the 11-mile trail (22 miles round trip) with a permit, for all other hikers without a permit, there is a shorter 2-mile hike. See some of the most beautiful natural landmarks around this beautiful stretch of island.

The coast is only reachable by boat, which is why you will come across a variety of boating and snorkeling expeditions for Na Pali. Kauai.com has a variety of boating and diving expeditions to experience. Choose to snorkel or scuba dive or just watch from the boat. A chance to come face to face with sea turtles, dolphins and a variety of sea creatures is an adventure you will not forget.

4. Deep Sea Dive or Snorkel at Night Dive With the Manta Rays

If you love snorkeling, you will really enjoy a nighttime snorkeling adventure with Manta Rays. Manta Rays are gentle creatures. They reach lengths between 5 and 23 feet. They often travel in groups and are attracted to the diving lights, so you are likely to see more than one on your diving expedition.

The nighttime dive near Big Island is ideal to catch the Manta Rays feeding on plankton Diving with Manta Rays is a magical, otherworldly experience. Over 90 percent of tourists on TripAdvisor highly recommend this magical underwater experience.

5. Witness the Power with Whale Watching

There is nothing quite as humbling as whale watching and witnessing the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures. If you are visiting between November and April, this is the prime time to spot the majestic humpback whales. That is due to migration season as the whales pass the shores of Hawaii. Maui makes an ideal whale watching island as it borders the Auau channel south of Lahaina. Be prepared to see a multitude of whales rising from the waves like nothing you have ever witnessed.

6. Snorkel with the Sea Turtles

Enjoy sailing the seas on a catamaran cruise and learn about all things Hawaii. Snorkel with some amazing sea turtles too! You will start at Kewalo Basin in Honolulu and pass by the iconic Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument. Turtle sightings are guaranteed, or you will ride again for free with Hawaii Nautical.

Snorkel at prime locations to discover sea turtles and other exciting ocean life. Typically on these trips you will spot Green Sea turtles. The Green Sea turtle can reach up to 350 pounds or more and it loves the tropical Hawaiian waters. Their heart shaped shell is often decorated with green and brown peaches, similar to the patterns on their flippers. An encounter with these guardians of the sea will be magical indeed.

(When booking, make sure you are getting the best deal on a cruise!)

7. Tackle The Other Grand Canyon in Waimea

If you thought there was only one Grand Canyon, you were wrong. Visit this one of a kind Geological Chasm in Waimea, Kauai. This gorge stretches about ten miles long and depths of 35,000 feet. It was named “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” by the infamous Mark Twain. The name of Waimea translates to red water. This is due to the red tinted waters that run through the canyon.

Oversee the canyon from one of three lookout points, or hit up all three. Trek the trails for a hiking adventure or drive through on Highway 550, a memorable and gorgeous destination on your trip to Hawaii.

8. Take To The Skies And See Hawaii From Above

If jumping into ocean waters with whales and manta rays is not your forte, take a tour from the sky. Try Isle sights unseen or Molokai and Maui helicopter tour to see the island from a whole new point of view. Seeing the Islands from the sky will allow a much grander view. The tour will take you above popular locations and tourist attractions showcasing the beauty of the Aloha State. See as many sights as possible in the shortest amount of time without having to climb mountains and trek through the forest.

9. Visit The Popular Waikiki Beach

One of the most famous beaches in all of Hawaii is Waikiki Beach. This historical landmark has become the main attraction in Oahu. The turquoise water crashes against a long strip of sandy shores lined with many seaside attractions.

Oahu is called the “gathering place,” and Waikiki is a good reason why. Discover trendy restaurants, one of a kind shops and more. The list of entertainment options in Waikiki is almost endless. Dance and dine in an exciting atmosphere. Often there will be competitions and musical events going on indoor and outdoors. If you are searching for a place to lounge on a beautiful beach and then catch some city fun, Waikiki is your place.

(Looking to get away to Oahu? Here are some Airbnb Hawaii Oahu options!)

10. Taste Test The Best Hawaiian Dishes

When visiting a new location, the food is always different, and it can be hard to know what exactly to try. With Hawaii Tasting Tours in Lahaina, Maui, enjoy sampling various flavors you may not have thought to try on your own.

Discover culture and history as you sample 3 course meals from three or four of the area’s top rated restaurants. Each restaurant is within walking distance of the other, giving you time in between courses for digestion and relaxation. Feel like a VIP with the best seating in the house and a sampler of signature plates representing the culture and Aloha spirit of Hawaii.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE VISITING HAWAII

When visiting Hawaii it is important to know what to avoid so you don’t waste any precious time and, of course to stay safe at all times. As exciting as Hawaii is, there are still dangers to be aware of, for instance:

Stay away from the Lava no matter how cool it looks. It is still dangerous. Not only is it molten earth but it gives off dangerous fumes.
Avoid swimming alone or at night. The waters are exciting, but to you, they are unknown. Swim only in designated areas with a lifeguard on duty. Sharks and jellyfish love Hawaii as much as humans.
Always wear swim shoes to avoid cutting your foot on coral or from being impaled by a sea urchin.
Avoid the urge to go without sunscreen. Slather it on thick to protect your skin from the hot hawaiian sun. It may feel comfortable with the breeze cooling the air next to the sea, but the sun’s rays in Hawaii are brutal, so do yourself a favor and protect your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses.
Make safety a priority at all times, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance. The Aloha spirit is strong and the people are super friendly. Don’t forget to have fun!

Aloha, Hello and Goodbye in Hawaii

You may find yourself saying Aloha and hang loose for the rest of your life after visiting Hawaii. It is an experience you will never forget. The possibilities and sights to see are endless and can not all be done at once.

Plan ahead for your visit to maximize your experience and hopefully visit again. This list of the top ten things to do will help start your trip planning and advise you according to what suits you best. Many of the best sights are inaccessible by car, so take advantage of the boat and helicopter tours to see all you can during your visit. Hawaii has so much to offer. The Aloha state will surely leave you in awe and wonder. Until next time, Aloha and hang loose!

(Make sure you book your place to stay ahead of time. Check out these Airbnb experiences in Hawaii for plenty of options!)