33 Best Things To Do In Hawaii
Last updated August 26, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you’re attracted to its beautiful beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, or lovely local customs, Hawaii guarantees a fun experience for everyone.
This article will assist you in discovering the islands’ best attractions, including hiking volcanoes, sampling regional dishes, and plunging into transparent water bodies.
Start organizing your Hawaiian getaway today and prepare to explore the most memorable things that this state has got to offer.
Here are the 33 best things to do in Hawaii!
1. Maui Arts and Cultural Center
This center located in Kahului stands as Hawaii's leading venue for music, visual arts, theater, and dance.
With allures spanning from classic Hawaiian tunes to modern art displays, the center serves as a center for cultural encounters.
Guests can relish open-air concerts, movie shows, and seminars that showcase both regional and global talent.
Indeed, for those passionate about arts, a trip to the iconic Maui Arts and Cultural Center ensures a variety of events and performances that honor the imaginative essence of Hawaii.
2. Wild Side Tours
These tours provide small, environmentally conscious marine escapades along the shores of Oahu.
Capped at small groups, the excursions enable you to observe dolphins, marine turtles, and whales in proximity.
Guided by knowledgeable experts, you will discover Hawaii's oceanic environment ecosystems while appreciating the pristine waters.
WildSide Tours also highlights conservation and offers insights about marine life for educational purposes.
Their limited group size creates an unforgettable and personal experience, deeply linking you to the marine realm of Hawaii.
3. Maui Sailing and Snorkeling
Sailing and snorkeling in Maui provide a blend of excitement and unwinding.
Cruise on a yacht or catamaran through Maui’s warm, clear seas to the top snorkeling locations where you will discover colorful coral formations and vibrant tropical fish.
Certain trips also feature whale and dolphin watching.
A standard tour spans a few hours and features drinks, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
This will enable you to relish both the environmental beauty and the water.
Maui sailing and snorkeling is without a doubt an ideal Hawaiian adventure great for those who love the sea.
4. Poke
Poke stands as a Hawaiian meal that has gained global popularity.
It contains cubed uncooked fish, usually octopus or ahi tuna, together with flavorings and garnishes such as soy sauce, macadamia nuts, sesame oil, and seaweed.
It's a nutritious and tasty way to enjoy Hawaii's gastronomic traditions.
Numerous locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands offer poke with countless variations that include regional ingredients.
Regardless of whether you like it spicy, savory, or sweet, savoring a Poke bowl is an essential culinary experience you should try while in Hawaii.
5. Movie Locations Spotting
Hawaii’s breathtaking scenery has served as the setting for numerous movies and television programs.
From “Lost” to “Jurassic Park”, film enthusiasts can explore iconic shooting locations throughout the islands.
Tours are offered to visit iconic locations like the NaPali Coast, which acted as a setting for “Jurassic” movie, or Oahu beaches where "Forgetting SarahMarshall" was filmed.
Exploring these sites provides a distinct opportunity to enjoy Hawaii’s natural charm while engaging with popular culture.
6. Kanaha Windsurfing
Maui's Kanaha Beach is a popular destination for windsurfing, providing a perfect location suitable for novices as well as seasoned surfers.
With steady warm waters and trade winds, Kanaha offers a thrilling atmosphere for experimenting with this daring activity.
This beach is popular among both residents and tourists, and the windsurfing here merges Maui’s shoreline beauty with physical challenge.
Even if you're still a beginner in windsurfing, there are classes offered here to assist visitors in starting easily and relish the excitement of surfing the waves.
7. Hookena Beach Camping
To fully immerse yourself in nature, Hookena Beach provides beachside camping.
Situated on the stunning Big Island, it is a tranquil escape where you will hear the waves, set camp, and admire the starlit Hawaiian skies during the night.
The beach is likewise a habitat for dolphins, which may occasionally be seen swimming close to the coast.
The camping amenities provided here include bathrooms and grills, rendering it a cozy and earthy choice for adventurers yearning for enjoyment.
You will experience firsthand the stunning beauty of Hawaii here.
8. Pearl Harbor Excursion
A tour of Pearl Harbor is a solemn and informative experience that provides insight into the occurrences of 7 December, 1941.
The excursion includes important locations such as the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the PacificAviation Museum, along with a tour of historic ships like the historic USS Missouri.
The guided tours here offer historical insights into the December 1941 assault and its influence during the Second World War.
A trip to Pearl Harbor also enables you to ponder the serious sacrifices that were made and acquire a more profound comprehension of that period in the history of the United States.
9. Makena
Makena, situated on Maui's southern shoreline, is famous for its untouched charm and calm shores.
Makena Beach, often referred to as “Big Beach”, features breathtaking ocean vistas and fine golden sands, making it an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, and having a picnic.
The region continues to be untouched, providing a cool, natural environment.
So, if you desire a calm and isolated Maui beach encounter, Makena offers an ideal getaway from the busier tourist attractions.
10. Polynesian Cultural Center
This center located on Oahu offers an in-depth exploration into the vibrant Polynesian cultures, providing full knowledge of the customs of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, and beyond.
Guests can experience cultural demonstrations, discover reconstructed villages, and observe the popular evening program, “Hā: Breathof Life".
The engaging displays, hula classes, and canoe excursions here create an enjoyable experience for every age group.
This center serves as both an informative and enjoyable means to comprehend the various Polynesian cultures shaping Hawaiian life now.
11. Highway 560
The Highway 560 in Kauai is among the most picturesque routes in Hawaii, extending for ten miles right along the northern shore of the island.
The route leads you through breathtaking scenery, vibrant hollows, shorelines, and cascades.
With one-lane bridges and tight streets, it demands caution while driving, but still offers breathtaking scenery.
Highway 560 additionally grants access to certain areas of Kauai’s well-known landmarks, such as the lovely Napali Coast and Hanalei Bay.
It's a really scenic trip that highlights Kauai's stunning landscapes.
12. Ahu’ena Heiau
This is a historical temple located on the beautiful Big Island, formerly utilized by the Great King Kamehameha.
This place carries immense cultural importance because it was the location where this king asserted his control over a united Hawaii.
Repaired following hurricane destruction, Ahu’ena Heiau remains a reflection of Hawaiian heritage and spirituality.
Guests can easily navigate the area and discover information about old Hawaiian traditions and ceremonies.
Exploring Ahu’ena Heiau provides an intimate link to Hawaii’s history and abundant cultural legacy.
13. Kona Brewing
Situated in KailuaKona, Kona Brewing ranks as one of Hawaii's finest microbreweries, celebrated for its craft beers influenced by local flavors such as Big Wave GoldenAle and Long board Island Lager.
Here, guests can savor beer tours and tastings that highlight the brewing method.
Kona Brewing also has an eatery where visitors can enjoy their beers with dishes inspired by the islands.
So, if you're a beer enthusiast or simply seeking an enjoyable spot to unwind, Kona Brewing provides a chill vibe with excellent drinks and meals.
14. Whale Watching
Observing whales in Hawaii stands as a breathtaking experience, particularly from Maui during the months of November through April at the time humpback whales travel for breeding purposes.
Watching whales leap, glide alongside their calves, and slap their tails is really memorable.
Certain tours also provide hydrophones to listen to whale songs.
Whether you adore nature or simply seek an unforgettable experience, Hawaii whale watching remains an essential activity.
15. Oahu Helicopter Tour
Oahu helicopter excursions offer breathtaking aerial perspectives of the varied terrains of the island, featuring the famous Diamond Head, Koolau Mountains, and Waikiki Beach.
These one-hour flights provide an aerial perspective of Oahu’s landscape beauty, enabling you to view areas of the isle that are typically unreachable.
Also, opting for a choice that is door-off can provide a more thrilling experience for you to view this island from an elevated position.
This experience is ideal for photography lovers and those seeking a similar adventure.
16. Paia
Paia stands as a delightful village located on the North Shore of Maui.
It provides a relaxed atmosphere with surf stores, shops, local boutiques, and eateries.
It's an excellent place for a relaxed walk or a meal at restaurants such as the renowned Mamas Fish House or Café Mambo.
Paia also serves as the entrance to the picturesque Road toHana, making it a perfect place for anyone discovering the island.
Paia embodies the essence of Maui within a compact, pedestrian-friendly space with its bohemian vibe and creative community.
17. Hula
Hula stands as a renowned Hawaiian dance which blends elegant movements with traditional music and storytelling.
Experiencing a hula show is essential for tourists because it provides an understanding of Hawaii’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Certain locations in Hawaii also provide hula classes, giving you an opportunity to learn this choreography yourself.
Whether observing experts or taking part in a session, hula dance embodies the aloha essence and offers an engaging means to relate with the regional culture.
It’s an enjoyable and important activity for everyone in Hawaii.
18. Halea Kala National Park
This national park, found on Maui, features the world’s biggest dormant volcano.
Guests can trek into their crater to enjoy a distinctive, surreal experience, encircled by volcanic terrains and unique vegetation.
Haleakala sunrise is especially popular, attracting early risers to enjoy breathtaking sights while the sun ascends beyond the clouds.
This park also provides camping, stargazing, and numerous hiking opportunities.
Whether you're exploring by night or day, Haleakala offers a breathtaking look into the volcanic past and the untouched beauty of Hawaii.
19. Sunrise Lava Excursion
This tour, available at HawaiiVolcanoes National Park, allows guests to experience nature's unfiltered force as they walk to observe current lava movements.
Beginning at dawn, you’ll hike through volcanic terrains accompanied by a guide, reaching the lava fields when the sun begins to rise.
The view of glowing molten lava contrasting with the dark stone is so breathtaking and eerie.
Though this tour requires physical effort, it provides a unique experience for individuals intrigued by earth sciences and volcanoes.
20. Shave Ice
This is an iconic Hawaiian delight that provides a cool and refreshing way to chill in the lovely tropical warmth.
In contrast to conventional snow cones, the shave ice of Hawaii is delicately shaved, enabling it to take in the flavor syrups more uniformly.
Common flavors include mango and coconut, frequently garnished with azuki beans or condensed sweetened milk.
Derived from Japan’s kakigori, this icy treat is now a beloved choice in Hawaii so you definitely have to sample it during your trip.
Shave ice kiosks are scattered throughout the island, providing limitless flavor pairings.
21. Sea Turtles Watching
Hookipa Beach Park in Maui is an excellent location to watch Hawaiian sea turtles arrive on land during the late noon.
These magnificent animals are referred to as “honu” and are frequently spotted lounging on the beach, particularly during sunset.
Although observing the turtles remains a favored pastime, try to watch from afar and respect their space since they are shielded by legislation.
Ho’okipa isn't just an excellent spot for observing sea turtles but it also provides stunning scenery of the shore and is popular among windsurfers.
22. Kapalua Resort Golf
Maui's Kapalua Resort provides a stunning environment for golf enthusiasts.
Renowned for its difficult courses, the resort remains a leading option for enthusiasts seeking to play among breathtaking ocean vistas and vibrant scenery.
Its Plantation Course is internationally renowned, serving as the venue for the PGA Tour's annual Tournament Champions.
Even if you lack expertise, the charm of this place makes it worthy of a trip.
In fact, playing golf here is more than simply engaging in a game, it is about the journey of playing inside paradise.
23. Night Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding at night provides an enchanting experience on the waters of Oahu.
Guided by Nocturnal Adventure Hawaii, the tours start at twilight.
Your paddleboard will come with radiant LED lights that brighten the water below you.
And as the day ends and night descends, the light from the board enables you to watch the fish and other aquatic creatures beneath the water.
Even, the adventure is more breathtaking on Fireworks Friday, as fireworks will illuminate the sky as you row.
It’s without a doubt a serene and memorable method to experience Hawaii’s waters.
24. Nani Moon Meadery
This meadery in Kauai provides a distinctive Hawaii experience with artisanal, regionally sourced mead.
It is the sole meadery in Hawaii that combines conventional methods of mead production with island flavors.
You can taste a range of meads here, all featuring tropical elements such as honey, passion fruit, and pineapple.
Nani Moon also hosts tasting events that allow visitors to discover their brewing method while enjoying the tastes.
For those who enjoy beer or wine, tasting Nani Moon’s mead is essential for a revitalizing option.
25. Lahaina Town
Situated on the west coast of Maui, Lahaina Town is a town rich in history and famous for its lively arts culture, scenic waterfronts, and deep historical significance.
Previously the Hawaiian Kingdom's capital, Lahaina is currently a center for museums, eateries, and artistic venues.
Here, tourists can discover locations such as the Banyan TreePark and the Lahaina Courthouse.
Lahaina Town also provides various dining choices and stores, making it an excellent spot to spend your evening or afternoon while relishing the history and culture of Hawaii.
26. Kapaa Farmer’s Market
This Kauai market is a lively weekly market where residents display fresh produce, flowers, tropical fruits, and artisan products.
Stroll through the lively booths here to taste unique fruits such as lychee and rambutan or select some newly gathered vegetables.
This marketplace delivers a genuine taste of island living, providing an excellent chance to engage with merchants and support agriculture in Hawaii.
Whether you're looking to sample distinct flavors or relish the vibrant atmosphere, Kapaa Farmer’s Market remains a key destination in Hawaii.
27. Jack Harter Helicopter Tours
With the Jack Harter Helicopter, experience a helicopter tour to enjoy a genuinely distinct perspective of Kauai.
This exciting tour provides unmatched aerial perspectives of Kauai’s steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and green valleys.
Its doors-off adventure amplifies the immersion sensation as you soar above locations such as Waimea Canyon and the NaPali Coast.
The tour is a dream for photographers and offers views of Kauai that are unattainable from the grounds.
Tours come in various durations, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
28. North Shore Tour
The North Shore of Oahu is a haven for aquatic enthusiasts, famous for its breathtaking shorelines and wave riding locations.
It provides tranquil waters for stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, and ideal waves for surfers.
A tour here guides visitors through the area's most famous locations, starting from historical surfing sites to the renowned Dole Plantation.
You can discover clear sparkling waters and look for sea turtles and dolphins.
Indeed, North Shore provides a Hawaiian paradise piece, regardless of whether you’re here for water activities or just enjoying the sunshine.
29. Kona Coffee Tours
The island of Hawaii is renowned for its unique Kona coffee, making it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
Kona coffee plantation excursions, mainly occurring on the iconic Big Island, provide an exclusive look into the process of roasting and growing coffee.
You will sample newly brewed cups and discover the distinctive climate responsible for the uniqueness of Kona coffee.
Numerous farms also provide other locally sourced products like macadamia nuts combined with honey, creating a tasty experience.
30. Malasadas Eating
Malasadas, a tasty Portuguese treat, have become an adored choice in Hawaii.
This sugar-coated, deep-fried delicacy is crunchy on the exterior and tender and fluffy in the middle.
It is usually filled with flavored creams or rich custards.
Common alternatives also feature fillings such as chocolate, coconut, or tropical fruits.
A trip to a nearby bakery is essential for experiencing a genuine malasada hot from the fryer.
So, if you're a fan of desserts or just curious, tasting malasadas should be an essential element of your dining experience in Hawaii.
31. Waimea Canyon
Frequently referred to as “Grand Canyon ofthe Pacific”, Waimea Canyon provides stunning vistas of vibrant rock landforms, verdant valleys, and striking precipices.
While here, visitors can trek on picturesque paths, pause at viewpoints for sweeping sightseeing, or join organized tours.
The canyon's vivid greens, reds, and browns highlight its scenic allure, turning it into a haven for photographers.
Whether you are hiking or cruising along the edge of the canyon, Waimea Canyon remains an essential destination for nature enthusiasts traveling to Hawaii.
32. Surfing on Waikiki Beach
Oahu's Waikiki Beach is ideal for novice surfers.
This beach offers a secure setting and manageable waves, enabling beginners to master surfing skills without the fear of large surges.
So, regardless of whether you are taking surfing lessons or experimenting independently, Waikiki provides a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s surfing culture.
Practice paddling, balancing, and riding waves while having fun and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the coastline and nearby terrain.
At the day's end, you will have enhanced your abilities and perhaps even ridden your very first wave!
33. Napali Coast
Napali Coast offers the most stunning natural landscapes in Hawaii.
The Napali Coast features dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, and guided tours lead visitors via land or air to discover the stunning Napali Coast's cliffs.
The available helicopter and airplane tours offer an unforgettable airborne viewpoint of these legendary terrains.
Then, the terrestrial tours permit a more thorough exploration of vantage spots and hiking paths.
These excursions are ideal for nature lovers seeking to discover the picturesque allure of Hawaii.
Conclusion
From exploring volcanic craters on foot to snorkeling alongside manta rays and savoring the tastes of regional dishes, Hawaii stands as a paradise awaiting discovery.
The islands provide endless memorable adventures including breathtaking natural sceneries and an abundant cultural legacy.
So, if you’re looking for excitement, a fun experience, and a link to regional customs, Hawaii offers something for everybody.
Start organizing your Hawaiian trip today and make memories that'll endure forever!
