Things to do in Hawaii
Charter a boat
Chartering a boat is one of the best ways to experience Hawaii. Sail or cruise between dramatic landscapes with water so clear you can see the coral reefs below. For dramatic views consider sailing Kauai's Na Pali coast, Molokai's sea cliffs, Hawaii's eastern rift zone where lava reaches the sea, or one of Maui's inter-island channels.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Surf's Up
Hawaii is a surfing mecca. A long, gentle rolling surf makes Waikiki a great place to learn, but you can really hone your surfing skills on any Hawaii island, with passionate surf instructors waiting to show you the ropes.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Drive to Hana
Hair-pin turns, single-path stone bridges, and jaw-hanging cliffs add to the sheer excitement of driving, or the terrifying act of riding passenger along this well-trodden journey to remote yet blissful Hana.
Luau
A signature Hawaiian feast featuring poi, lomi lomi salmon, kalua pork, taro rolls, laulau, and plenty of local seafood to name a few tasty Hawaiian culinary creations to expect when dining luau style. Expect entertainment ranging from hula girls to fire dancers.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Visitors & Conventions Bureau/Linda Ching
Kauai by bike
Kauai has a beautifully paved bike path that wraps along the Coconut Coast of Kauai. The path is right along the beach and mostly flat, making an easy ride with beautiful views and, of course, beach access. Hawaii bike rentals.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Snorkel with sea creatures
Coral reefs hug the outter edges of the islands, creating a playground for sea turtles, reef fish, and an array of invertebrates. So grab your snorkel, mask, and fins and plunge in. Popular snorkel spots include Molokini, Shark's Cove, Hanauma Bay, or Kealakekua Bay. See all water activities.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Explore a lava tube
Rising and expanding magma has created several channels of lava tubes throughout Hawaii. Most prevelant in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these underground caverns are now hikable and constant reminders of Hawaii's volcanic past.
Go back in time
Bring history alive at Hawaii's unique historical and cultural sites dotted throughout the islands. Imagine stepping on once royal grounds, or walking amongst an ancient Heiau temple, but be wary of Kapu signs (forbidden) marking sacred areas of Hawaiian historic sites.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Hawaii Tourism Japan
Take a spa day
Relax and rejuvinate at a day spa in Hawaii. Melt away stress with a hot stone or lomi lomi massage. Indulge in a full body wrap or hydrating facial. Then top off your spa day with hair or nail service for a full head-to-toe experience.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Hawaii by horse
It is easy to miss Hawaii by car, but by horseback you get a full panoramic view of mountain backgrounds, inside crater valleys, or a beachside sunset. Most horseback tours include lunch & ride through scenic areas of Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Kirk Lee Aeder
