What comes to your mind when we mention Hawaii? A tropical paradise on Earth, right? That is exactly what Hawaii is. Comprising numerous islands, this state is a beauty you cannot resist. From the Hawaiian capital Honolulu to Maui and Molokai, every island deserves your embrace. With so many islands to explore, it’s not surprising to see that beach resorts enjoy a parade in its miles of pristine coast. A family-friendly destination, travelers will also encounter hotels with water parks when hunting for a place to stay. To further help with your vacation plans. We’ve listed down significant points of interest you need to visit and activities for the ultimate holiday experience. Read on to learn about the top things to do in Hawaii, USA.
1. Go for a night swim alongside manta rays (from USD 94.0)
Truly a bucket list experience, swimming with manta rays at night is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won’t forget. Witness the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a unique way as you swim alongside these gentle giants, which can reach up to 20 feet (6.10 meters) in width. Manta rays glide silently through the water, their wings flapping gracefully in the darkness.
Should you decide to embark on this unique thing to do in Big Island, Hawaii, you’ll be provided a snorkel and mask to observe the manta rays up close as they feed on plankton in the water.
Big Island Manta Ray Nighttime Snorkeling Cruise, Kailua-Kona
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Explore Volcanoes National Park Safari (from USD 299.0)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure while visiting Hawaii, a Volcanoes National Park Safari helicopter tour is an experience you won’t want to miss. This exhilarating journey lets you explore the world of volcanoes through a unique adventure.
As you begin your helicopter ride, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the island’s lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastline. Your knowledgeable pilot will provide informative commentary about the geology and history of the park, as well as point out other natural wonders along the way.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Helicopter Tour
Duration: 55 minutes
3. Admire the ocean from Diamond Head
Why is it a must to visit Diamond Head? First of all, Diamond Head is one of the most popular landmarks in Hawaii. This means that you cannot skip this iconic attraction that features hiking trails. Enjoy the surrounding panoramic views as you are making your way to the top. Once you reach your destination, your 1.5-2-hour hike will be all worth it. The stunning views of the ocean are yours to breathe in. Be prepared to be left speechless. In addition to the ocean, you can also enjoy the interior and outer slopes of the crater. Please note that although the place closes at 6pm, the last entrance to the hiking trail is at 4:30pm.
Diamond Head
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
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4. Trek through lovely bamboo forests to Manoa Falls
There is something so mystical about bamboo forests. However, everybody seems to love it. This time on your vacation in Hawaii, you need to trek through the lovely bamboo forests to get to an amazing attraction called Manoa Falls. Enjoy the greenery along with the shady path and the breeze that come along as you walk the trail. When you feel the humidity and hear the sound of water, you know that you are really close to marveling at the massive waterfalls.
During this great thing to do in Honolulu, make sure to enjoy the freshwater and relax in the tranquility before you finally leave the place.
Manoa Falls
Address: Manoa Falls Trail, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
5. Zipline through the treetops at Kualoa Ranch (from USD 217.0)
Are you fond of outdoor adventure? Lucky for you as Hawaii offers a myriad of outdoor attractions that ensure that you have a great time on the island. By participating in this tour, you can have fun while ziplining through the treetops of Hawaii’s Kualoa Ranch. You will fly down fourteen tandem cables before crossing two suspension bridges over the streams. As you zipline, you can admire the lush valley and its gorgeous views.
Kualoa Ranch - Jurassic Valley Zipline
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
6. Sunbathe with sea turtles on Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is all about turtles. It is the sole reason why the localites call it Turtle Beach instead of Laniakea Beach. Everywhere you look, you are going to witness the lovely creature. You can sunbathe with the sea turtles if you like. Swimming on this beach may not be a superb idea because of all the turtles. Instead of swimming, you can simply enjoy the turtles and the clear blue water. Of course, you need to look beyond the water up into the sky. Usually, it is so wide and bright that you feel as if you are in a paradise with turtles as your little friends.
Laniakea Beach
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Picnic in Moanalua Gardens
Tucked away inside the Kamehameha V Cottage, Moanalua Gardens is a huge public park that is privately owned. The park is so massive that it has plenty of grounds for everyone who takes an interest in enjoying private time with their family. You may also enjoy a quiet picnic. Choose your favorite picnic spot, preferably under the shades of monkeypod trees, for a memorable experience. You can also take a pleasant stroll around the park to please your eyes and treat your soul with beautiful stuff. The park is among the prettiest parks in Hawaii and it regularly hosts weddings and other outdoor events.
Moanalua Gardens
Address: 2850 Moanalua Road A, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
Website: Moanalua Gardens
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
8. Chill out on the white sands of Waimanalo Beach
The very first thing you are going to notice about Waimanalo Beach is its white sands that are just so pristine and so soft that you will want to lie down and doze off. Once you are satisfied enough, you may want to build sandcastles on the white sands. Be very proud of yourself for being able to build at least one solid sandcastle.
Waimanalo Beach
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Stroll along the scenic Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
As one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawaii, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is definitely not to be missed. You can hike the trail at any time you want, but we highly recommend you to take a sunset stroll so that you can have the opportunity to witness the glorious sunset over the ocean. It would also be nice to take this route between the months of December and April. Why? Because it is the whale season. If you are fortunate enough, you may be able to spot some of the humpbacks as you enjoy your stroll.
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Address: Near the Hawaii Kai Golf Course on Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Check out historic military bunkers along Pillbox Hike
By now you may have already guessed that Oahu features a myriad of hiking trails, and Pillbox Hike is among the most pleasant trails you should try. Situated just above the magnificent Lanikai Beach, Pillbox Hike promises unparalleled views of the beach itself and also some of the greatest views of the island’s natural landscape. Along the way, you will come across two military bunkers that you should absolutely check out. The first one can be reached after hiking for approximately 20 minutes and the other one is located around 10 minutes from the first bunker.
Pillbox Hike
Address: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Bask in the spiritual aura of Kukaniloko Birthing Stones
If England has its own Stonehenge, Hawaii does too. Head to Kukaniloko Birthing Stones to bask in the spiritual aura. What can you see in this place exactly? A group of rocks that marked the site of royal births. Some people, however, believe that the rocks were placed to serve a secret astronomical function. Whichever is true, all you need to do is feeling the spiritual aura.
Kukaniloko Birthing Stones
Address: Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Sail Hawaii's emerald waters on a Catamaran cruise (from USD 105.0)
Hawaii is endowed with magnificent islands that bring you the emerald waves. Board on a cruise and sail off into the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. As you speed through the emerald waves, you will be entertained with live Hawaiian music. You will also have the opportunity to indulge in delectable appetizers and tropical cocktails as you watch the sun go down over the horizon.
Kauai Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Cocktails
Duration: 2 hours
Revel in the beauty of Hawaii
These best things to do in Hawaii are so pleasing that you can visit as many times as you want and yet still be in awe of the state’s remarkable beauty. Enjoy the ultimate escape in nature as you are reveling in the landscapes of this tropical paradise.
Frequently asked questions about the things to do in Hawaii, USA
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