Be it an adventurous solo trip, a fun-filled family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or a thrilling friends trip, Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the best destinations to explore. With its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Aloha spirit, it is almost impossible to experience a dull moment while holidaying in Hawaii.
And when it comes to making the most of this pristine escape, here are the top ten things to do in Hawaii that one must include in their itinerary for an impeccable journey on this serene island.
Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii
For when you’re planning your next trip to this gorgeous island, make sure you include these ten best things to do in Hawaii that’ll complete your holiday experience.
1. Visit The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the best things to do in Hawaii is to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this park offers everything from lush rainforest to lava tubes and rolling black lava fields, where hot steam still rises from fissures and rifts that dot the rugged landscape. Stop in at the park’s Jaggar Museum to learn about earthquakes, geology, and seismology and discover how lava still flows to the sea and occasionally covers roads. The most popular ways to experience the park are as a part of a Hawaii volcano tour, or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive, and Chain of Craters Road.
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, USA
Timings: All Days – 7:45 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: 15 Resorts In Hawaii To Add A Dash Of Luxury To Your Hawaiian Vacay
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2. Experience The Best Of Snorkeling
If you are traveling to the incredibly gorgeous Hawaiian Islands for your next vacation, and wondering on what to do in Hawaii, then be sure to book a snorkel tour without fail. Aboard a modern snorkeling vessel and enjoy the beauty of an array of Hawaiian marine life. With the help of a professional tour guide, you can safely snorkel post receiving Hawaii marine life education, expert instruction, and snorkel guidance. Not only this, you will also be able to see the Green Hawaiian Sea Turtle in its natural habitat, an abundance of tropical fish in the waters of Pacific Ocean, and vibrantly colored reef formations.
3. Explore The Waiʻanapanapa State Park
One of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii is to visit the famous Waiʻanapanapa State Park. This park is a 122-acre state park in Hana and is located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road. Enjoying nature at its best, camping the night away, and embarking on walking tours at this state park are some of the best and free things to do in Hawaii.
Suggested Read: Here’s What To Expect From A Honeymoon In Hawaii
4. Do Not Miss Out On The USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor
You cannot afford to miss visiting the Pearl Harbor which is considered to be one of the top things to do in Hawaii Honolulu. A historical site, this is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, located towards the west of Honolulu. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and marines killed on USS Arizona during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
5. Enjoy Surfing At Its Best
Among the many activities to do on this pristine island, surfing is definitely considered to be the best and also one of the fun things to do in Hawaii in October. Surfing is one of the most popular ocean sports, and one that is constantly transitioning with unique skills, trends, style, technique, and craftsmanship. Hawaii still remains on the forefront as the best place in the world for surfing which is prevalent on all the Hawaiian Islands, with some of the most renowned Hawaiian surfing locales on Oahu and Maui.
Suggested Read: 10 Essential Tips For Island Getaways That You Can’t Ignore!
6. Admire The Beauty Of Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is Hawaii Island’s most famous waterfall and visiting this natural marvel is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii Big Island. This waterfalls is situated within the Akaka Falls State Park and one can also see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls on a looped walk. At Akaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, travelers can also witness two gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike. The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns.
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7. Embark On Honolulu Twilight Zoo Tours
One of the best things to do in Hawaii with kids is to spend time at the famous Zoo tours in Honolulu. It is also considered one of the popular things to do in Hawaii at night as on every Friday and Saturday evening, the Zoo begins its twilight tours where you will be guided on a two-hour walking tour to visit some of the Zoo’s most intriguing animals. Discover how animals prepare to sleep, while others are just waking up, and learn about the animals’ biology and behavior, and the role that the Zoo plays in conservation of these endangered species.
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8. Explore The Paradise Cove Luau
If you are accompanied by kids or toddlers on your trip to Hawaii, you can’t miss going to a Luau. These fun celebrations combine the best of tradition, eating, and entertainment for toddlers and family. Visiting Paradise Cove Luau is one of the best things to do in Hawaii with toddlers. They include various arts and crafts wherein kids are sure to be entertained throughout. There are traditional activities like dancing and open-oven cooking along with “Hawaiian games” like dart sliding and ulu maika, a form of disk throwing.
9. If You’re The Lucky One, Celebrate Christmas In Hawaii
One of the most popular and famous things to do in Hawaii in December is to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s eve on the islands of Hawaii. The hotels, shops, and towns typically provide special holiday decorations to enjoy the festive season. Almost every island offers great fireworks show for New Year’s Eve. Christmas at Hawaii islands promises ample opportunities for selfies with Santa Claus, brightly lit trees, enjoy live Christmas entertainment, go on train rides, nightly live nativity performances the much-anticipated Winter Wonderland Snow Days.
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10. Go For Humpback Whale-Watching On Maui Island
One of the best things to do in Hawaii in May is to spot the Humpback Whales. May marks the end of whale-watching season in Hawaii when the humpback whales return to colder waters to feed after giving birth in Hawaii. One of the best places on the islands to see humpback whales is on Maui which is also a home to the Pacific Whale Foundation, a nonprofit organization which studies humpback whales and offers whale watching tours. The last whale tours at the foundation ends around mid-May.
Further Read: 12 Best Beaches In Hawaii Where You Can Soak In The Sun & Enjoy A Blissful Vacay
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Hawaii
What kind of things can you do in Hawaii?
A tropic gem located near the Pacific Ocean, just about 2,000 miles away from the United States, Hawaii is a paradise for leisure travel where you can experience the best of summer. Some of the things that you can do to enjoy a memorable vacation are whale watching tours, snorkelling, learning about native seafood cuisines, and a road trip to explore the island of Oahu.
What should I do on my first trip to Hawaii?
If you are visiting Hawaii for the first time, some of the most recommended activities that you can participate in are our walking tours, a quick visit to the island of Maui further connected by a trip to Kaua’i which will help you immerse yourself in the culture.
Are there any Covid-19 restrictions in Hawaii?
Beginning March 26, there will be no COVID-related requirements for arriving domestic passengers. Indoor mask mandate will remain in place statewide. Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority
What are the best places to visit in Hawaii in August?
Some of the best places to visit in Hawaii in August are Maui, Honolulu, Oahu and more.
What are the most popular souvenirs to buy in Hawaii?
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Marketplace near Waikiki is a popular haunt to buy Hawaiian products like handmade Polynesian attire, arts and crafts, vintage finds, and Kona Coffee. Make sure to get yourself some beach bangles, designer shades, and a sundress while shopping in Hawaii.
What is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Mid-November to March is the best time to visit Hawaii. But it is also the high season when tourists pour in large numbers and the costs of flights & hotels are high. Instead, April-May & September-November should be considered if you are travelling for leisure or honeymoon.
How much time should I spend in Hawaii?
Spend at least a week in Hawaii to discover the tropical charm of all the islands. Divide your time between beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, museums, and cultural villages in Hawaii for a complete experience.
Where should I go in Hawaii for the first time?
If you are a first-time visitor, one of the most popular destinations where you can start your journey is Oahu.
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