[Hawaii Must Do] 21 Best Things To Do in Hawaii 2023

Hawaii is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in the United States, if not the entire world. Its white-sand beaches, breathtaking national parks, and other tourist attractions make it an ideal tropical getaway.

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There’s fun to be had whether you’re visiting Oahu, Maui, Honolulu, or other less-visited parts of Hawaii. Here are 21 incredible things to do in Hawaii.

1. Spend an entire day at Waikiki Beach

[Hawaii Must Do] 21 Best Things To Do in Hawaii 2023 — Aines/Shutterstock

Waikiki Beach is located on Oahu’s south shore. This well-known location features a two-mile-long natural beach. This is a popular tourist destination, so don’t be surprised to see hundreds of people lying in the sand, swimming, and surfing in the water.

On one side, you’ll have a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, while on the other, you’ll see high-rise condos and resorts popular with tourists. While the beach is often crowded, it is still worth visiting, even if only for a few hours while in Hawaii.

If you’re going to Waikiki Beach, don’t forget your ocean-safe sunscreen, beach towel, beach chair, and plenty of water and snacks.

2. Go to the Paradise Cove Luau.

Attending a luau in Hawaii is a magical experience. For people of all ages, the Paradise Cove Luau is one of the most popular in Hawaii. The luau is held outside, near the ocean, so you can enjoy the scenery while the dancers share their culture with you.

Adults can begin their luau experience with a delicious Mai Tai and traditional Hawaiian music. You’ll stroll through the Hawaiian Village, where you’ll learn about arts and play games.

You’ll end the night by feasting on traditional Hawaiian fare while watching performers. This experience can only be had in Kapolei, Hawaii. It’s about a half-hour drive west of Honolulu.

3. Pay a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Whether you’re staying on the Big Island or not, you might want to pay a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While walking through the park on the various hiking trails, you can see active volcanoes.

The park contains two active volcanoes, Klauea and Mauna Loa. When visiting this park, you should take Crater Rim Drive. This provides spectacular views of the park’s volcanoes and craters.

When you need a break from hiking, you can go to the Jagger Museum, which has a variety of exhibits about volcanoes. Don’t forget to visit the Halema’uma’u Crater viewing area!

4. Go Manta Ray Diving

Hawaii is well-known for its diverse marine life. Swimming, diving, and snorkeling are all popular activities here, but if you want to experience something truly unique, book a tour to dive with manta rays.

Manta Ray Dive of Hawaii is an excellent tour operator to consider. They have tours that take both snorkelers and divers out to swim with these giants, or you can go on a snorkeler-only boat. When you book, the final price includes all of the equipment you’ll need.

The experienced crew will take you offshore on the Hawaiian Kona Coast, where you’ll swim with the 240+ resident manta rays that they’ve all named. The adventure takes place at night, with lights provided, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

5. Go on a tour of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is another popular attraction on the Big Island. This garden is located in Papaikou, just north of Hilo, the county seat. Within the gardens, there are over a mile of trails to walk through and photograph.

You’ll walk through the woods to find streams and waterfalls. You’ll have spectacular views of Onomea Bay near the end of the trail.

As you walk through the gardens, you will be able to experience the biodiversity that Hawaii has to offer. There is a picnic area at the far end of the botanical gardens where you can sit and take in the scenery while eating a snack if you bring one.

6. Visit Nani Moon Meadery to sample wine and beer.

Nani Moon Meadery, the state’s only meadery, is open to those over the age of 21. The only mead producer in Hawaii is on the island of Kauai.

It is located in a populated area of the island, in the town of Kapaa, which also has many other places to explore. In their taproom, Nani Moon Meadery offers adult mead tastings. Mead is one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages, dating back 6,000 years.

With pineapple mead, pineapple and lime, ginger spice, and more, the flavors here are reminiscent of the islands. You are welcome to purchase a bottle or two of your favorite mead to take with you on the rest of your Hawaiian vacation after your tasting.

7. Pay a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

The Pearl Harbor National Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting Honolulu. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is another name for it.

Whether or not you had a family member who died in this historic event, this can be an emotional experience for everyone. The film Pearl Harbor depicts the history of the military presence in Hawaii during the war and leading up to the December 7th, 1941 attack.

Because Pearl Harbor is a place of learning and remembering, you should be as respectful as possible while walking around. You’ll see the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

8. Visit Haleakala National Park and hike into a dormant volcano.

If you’ve ever wanted to hike a dormant volcano, Maui is the place to do it. The place to do so is Haleakala National Park. It’s a typical vantage point for watching the sunrise or sunset. If you want to catch the sunrise at the summit, you’ll need to leave very early, around four a.m.

Of course, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to watch the sunrise or sunset from the summit. You can spend the day hiking up and down the dormant volcano.

It’s a little strenuous, especially in the Hawaii heat, but the views and sense of accomplishment are priceless. If the hike up the volcano is too much for you, there are several other fantastic hiking trails in Haleakala National Park to explore.

9. Go Whale Seeing

If you want to see a large migration of humpback whales in Hawaii, the months of November through April are ideal. You can see these gentle giants from the shores of Hawaii at times, but if you want a closer look, you can book a whale-watching tour.

There are several tour companies that take both locals and visitors whale watching. Most tours last about three hours, and you will almost certainly see whales from November to April. Of course, there will be times when you are unlucky.

However, nine times out of ten, you will see at least one of these creatures. Whale-watching tours are available on all of the major Hawaiian Islands. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can inquire about them or conduct a quick Google search.

10. Visit the Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is located in Wahiawa, Hawaii. This is a historic pineapple plantation that is now a popular Honolulu County tourist attraction. The plantation includes a fun train ride as well as the world’s largest maze.

Every year, over one million people visit the plantation, making it one of Oahu’s most popular attractions. The plantation’s staff will show you around and tell you about the island’s pineapple history.

Before you leave, stop by the plantation store for some unique pineapple gifts. They also have a variety of pineapple snacks and beverages that you should try. If you only try one thing, make it the famous DoleWhip!

11. Enroll in Surfing Lessons

Hawaii has some of the best surfing in the world, so why not take some lessons while you’re there? Waikiki is one of the best places to do so. This is because the waters there are calmer than in other parts of the island, making it ideal for those who have never surfed before.

Kahu Surf School is a fantastic company that provides surfing lessons near Waikiki Beach. Many of the instructors have grown up surfing and are all certified in water safety.

12. Go to Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is another stunning beach that you should visit. It is the largest bay on Kauai, located on the island’s north shore. With the mountains of Hawaii towering behind you, you can enjoy nearly two miles of sandy beach.

You can spend all day relaxing on the beach, swimming, or exploring the town of Hanalei, which is located at the bay’s midpoint. The water is a bright blue color and usually calm.

In the summer, there are many sailboats and paddleboarders on the water. The waters are usually warm and provide an excellent way to cool off when the sun is shining.

13. Take a walk on the Kalalau Trail

If you want to walk a long but beautiful trail, you should go to the island of Kauai. The Kalalau Trail connects Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach and is 11 miles long. You will walk along the Napali Coast, taking in some of the most spectacular views.

The trail is the only land access on this stretch of Hawaiian coast, and it takes you through five valleys on your way to the other end.

Because the trail isn’t entirely paved, you’ll gain and lose elevation along the way. If you plan to walk the trail, wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water, and legal sunscreen to protect your skin.

14. Play golf

Beautiful golf courses are another thing that Hawaii is well-known for. Championship golf courses can be found scattered throughout the islands. Most of them require tee times to be reserved in advance, but most of them can be done online.

Many of the best golf courses are located near well-known resorts. You’ll find putting greens, driving ranges, and restaurants on the properties that you can visit before or after your tee time as you browse the courses.

Here are some of the best courses to play if you’re looking for some inspiration:

Nanea Golf Course in Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona Beach Club and Kuki’o G.
The C. in Kealakekua’s Hokuli’a
Princeville Makai Golf Club is located in Princeville, Kauai.
15. Visit the waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park is located on the island of Hawai’i. It is located north of Hilo and offers some of the best waterfall views in the area. The park is named after Akaka Falls, which stands 442 feet tall.

When you arrive at the park, you must pay a small admission fee. From there, you’ll take the stairway that leads to your two options.

One path leads directly to Akaka Falls, while the other leads to another waterfall called Kahuna Falls, which is worth seeing while you’re there. The trail isn’t very long, but remember to stay on the path at all times.

16. Snorkel in the vicinity of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

If you have the opportunity, see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Booking a snorkeling tour at Turtle Canyon is one of the best ways to accomplish this. These excursions, like other tours in Hawaii, are offered by a variety of companies.

One of the most popular ways to visit Turtle Canyon is by catamaran. You’ll have a great time sailing through the waters until you arrive at your destination. Most tour companies provide all of the snorkeling equipment you’ll need.

From Waikiki, you can go snorkeling for two or three hours. You’ll have access to water, snacks, and two complimentary alcoholic beverages if you’re an adult.

17. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

Learning about Polynesian culture is one of the best things you can do in Hawaii. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the ideal location for this. It’s a family-friendly attraction in Laie, on Oahu’s north shore.

The center is situated on 42 acres of land and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Pacific Islands. As you walk through the center, you’ll come across villages that represent six different Pacific cultures in one location.

You’ll learn about their traditions and artwork, and you can even attend a luau if you want. They also provide fire spinning shows to showcase their culture.

18. Go on a Helicopter Ride

In Hawaii, helicopter tours are popular. They’re an excellent way to see the islands from a different perspective. If you choose to do this, you will be mesmerized by how beautiful the islands appear from the air and will never forget the experience.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours is an excellent Hawaii helicopter tour company. For over 35 years, they’ve been showing people the islands from above.

The best part is that you can choose from Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai to take a tour. Each tour is unique, and your tour guide will show you the best spots on each island while also telling you about its history.

19. Molokini Crater Snorkel

Molokini Crater is a breathtaking crater located off the coast of Maui. It is well-known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkeling anywhere in Hawaii is an unforgettable experience, but the Molokini Crater is a must-see for water enthusiasts.

To get out to the crater, you’ll need a boat, and several companies take tourists out for hours at a time. If you’re wondering who can get you there, Snorkel Molokini Maui is an excellent option.

Molokini Crater has varying depths and excellent visibility. The depths range from 20 to 50 feet, with some spots reaching more than 300 feet. You’ll have plenty of ocean to explore because the crater is about half a mile wide.

20. Take in the Big Wave Riders’ Competition

When visiting the north shore of Oahu, you might be lucky enough to see the big wave riders compete or simply surf for fun. Because the north shore is known for its larger surf, you’ll see a lot of talented surfers here.

In the winter, you’ll usually see the big wave riders on the north shore. The best months to visit to see these athletes in action are November through March.

21. Swim with Dolphins

Snorkeling with turtles, fish, and even manta rays is possible. While you can do this in the ocean, if you want to swim with dolphins, go to Dolphin Quest in Oahu. The attraction is located at the Kahala Hotel and requires advanced reservations.

They provide a number of options for swimming with dolphins. The 30-minute package, in which you swim with the animals and pose for photos, is their most popular.

If you want to swim with them for longer than 30 minutes, longer times are available. You can book as an individual, or there are packages available if you’re traveling with friends and family.

Things to Think About

Before you travel to the beautiful state of Hawaii, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

If you intend to visit multiple islands, plan ahead of time.

Renting a car is advantageous if you intend to travel around an island rather than staying in one location.

Because of the harmful ingredients that seep into the ocean, most major brand sunscreen is illegal.

Respect the locals and Hawaiian culture.

FAQs about Best Things To Do in Hawaii

If you still have questions about visiting Hawaii, here are some of the most frequently asked about The Aloha State.

What should you do on your first visit to Hawaii?

Most people recommend visiting Oahu as your first stop in Hawaii. It is the most well-known island and home to Honolulu, the capital city.

How many days should I spend in Hawaii?

Traveling to the islands can take some time, so it’s recommended that you stay for ten days to get the full experience and do everything on your wishlist. Longer allows for more time to explore and island-hop, but anything shorter may not provide the desired experience in Hawaii.

Is Oahu or Maui cheaper?

It’s no secret that Hawaii isn’t cheap, but some islands are more affordable than others. Oahu is the least expensive Hawaiian island, while Maui is the most expensive.

What’s the number one attraction in Hawaii?

Waikiki Beach is Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination. Diamond Head State Monument is either second or tied for first, depending on who you ask.

What’s the most popular food in Hawaii?

For obvious reasons, seafood is the most popular in Hawaii. You can’t visit Hawaii without trying some fresh poke or a poke bowl.

So, what are the best activities in Hawaii?

There are so many wonderful things to do in Hawaii. Whether you prefer to spend your days relaxing on some of the world’s best beaches, swimming in the ocean, hiking in national parks, or learning about Hawaiian culture, your visit to the Aloha State will be one you remember for the rest of your life.

Topic: [Hawaii Must Do] 21 Best Things To Do in Hawaii 2023

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