Things to do

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High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows.

It only takes a short drive or bus ride to get to Lēʻahi Head Crater from Waikīkī. This moderately challenging trail includes two sets of stairs, totaling 175 steps, as well as dark, underground tunnels and old military bunkers that require a flashlight. 

Downtown Honolulu is home to some of Oʻahu’s most historic places. Next to the skyscrapers of the island’s main business district you’ll find important landmarks like the ʻIolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I statue, the Kawaiahaʻo Church and the Aloha Tower

Looking for local flavor near Waikīkī? Take a short trip down to Kapahulu Avenue and discover some of Honolulu's most unique shops and restaurants. Bailey’s Antiques & Aloha Shirts boasts racks upon racks of vintage aloha shirts

On Kūhiō Beach, a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you to Waikīkī with open arms. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world's greatest watermen, a master of swimming, surfing and outrigger canoe paddling.

Located on the Honolulu Harbor in Downtown Honolulu, about 15 minutes west of Waikīkī, Aloha Tower is an iconic symbol of Hawaiʻi. Built in September of 1926, this was the tallest building in the islands for four decades and its clock was one of the largest in the United States.

Known as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," Kawaiahaʻo Church was the first Christian Church built on Oʻahu. Dedicated on July 21, 1842, “The Great Stone Church” is made of 14,000 coral slabs from ocean reefs that were hauled from the sea by native laborers and missionaries.

The highlights of a visit to longtime Wahiawā-area pineapple grower James Drummond Dole’s history-of-pineapple-in-Hawai‘i experience are many. Explore the visitor center’s Pineapple Garden Maze (declared the world’s largest by the Guinness World Records in 2008) and its nearly 2.5 miles of paths and more than 14,000 colorful plants.

Cradled between the Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau mountain ranges in central O‘ahu lies Wahiawā Botanical Garden – the “tropical jewel” of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens.

Kaʻena Point is a scenic and sacred spot where, legend says, the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.

The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax. 

 Spend a few days exploring the Leeward Coast with a stay at Ko Olina Resort. Choose from outstanding properties including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club; and the Beach Villas Ko Olina.

Rich with island history, Haleʻiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, ʻEhukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach

Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

On the eastern most point of Oʻahu sits the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, a shining beacon built in 1909 on a 600-foot sea cliff overlooking Makapuʻu Beach—a stretch of sand known as one of Oʻahu’s best bodysurfing beaches—and family-friendly Sea Life Park.

Perched over a thousand feet above the Oʻahu coastline amid mountain peaks shrouded by clouds, the stone terrace overlooks the areas of Kāneʻohe and Kailua, Mokoliʻi, and the University of Hawaiʻi’s marine biology research center, Coconut Island. Other notable landmarks that can be seen are Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Windward campus, Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base 

Deep in a lush valley along the 2,000-foot Koʻolau Range lies the Valley of the Temples. The resting place for many of Hawaiʻi’s departed, Valley of the Temples’ hilly landscape is scattered with hundreds of freshly placed tropical flowers, like torch ginger and bird of paradise, to remember loved ones.

Carved out of an extinct volcano, this scenic bay and coral reef is a fragile marine ecosystem. Learn about conservation efforts at the Marine Education Center and then snorkel among colorful tropical fish.

Stretching across 4,000 acres of mountains and valleys to the sea, Kualoa preserves its sacred lands and celebrates its history while educating visitors about traditional Hawaiian values, reverence for the natural environment, and respect for the host Hawaiian culture

A geological formation in West Maui that erupts every few minutes with over 50-foot geyser-like water spouts. The Nakalele blowhole is located 30-minutes north of Ka’anapali. One can view the blowhole from above or hike a quarter-mile down a steep hillside for a closer look.

Home to the ‘Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot erosional feature in a magnificent valley. Come to walk the 0.6 miles to the observation deck, see waterfalls, explore the botanical garden, and learn the history of the decisive Hawaiian battle that made the river turn red. 

Heading to Maui in the winter, you’re in luck.

You can see them from shore or head out on a whale-watching tour.

Paia is an old surfing and plantation town On Maui’s North Shore. 

 Just past Paia Town. Visit here for a large beach without the crowds, see the sea turtles climb onto the beach for some rest and sunshine. 

A private waterfall hike along a stream. The stream has three major waterfalls that are all great swimming holes. The famous Twin Falls is the last one on the short hike

The historic cowboy (paniolo in Hawaiian) town has art galleries, coffee shops, and the best donuts on a stick on Maui at Komoda Store and Bakery. 

Haleakala National Park is best known for its sunrise tour (which lives up to the hype) but the National Park is also worth a day trip to see the endangered state bird the Nene, stand on the 10,023-foot summit, or hike into the crater for the adventurous travelers

Located 10 miles (35 minutes) past Hana, the park is home to the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and camping. Plan about 2 hours to hike the easy to moderate Pipiwai Trail. The waterfall views and the walks through the bamboo forest are out of this world.

Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is the best black sand beach on Maui. Located just before Hana Town, the Wai’anapanapa State Park has a blowhole, black sand beach, lava cave, short hiking trails

Interesting history and awe-inspiring photo opportunities await.

The best views of these cathedral spire-like peaks is with a helicopter or boat tour.

This laid-back town is the perfect place to unwind.

Take a trip back in time to the arrival of missionaries on Kauaʻi.

This towering falls is an incredible sight (and photo opportunity) during your East Side adventure.

One of Hawaiʻi's only navigable rivers offers plenty of fun for kayakers and other paddlers.

Take a boat ride to this remote, fern-filled cave to see a different side of Kauaʻi.

This historic enclave is home to local boutiques and delicious dining options.

Located in Līhuʻe, the Kauaʻi Museum features amazing collections from the artisans of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Located in Līhuʻe, the Kauaʻi Museum features amazing collections from the artisans of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Wailua Falls is an easily accessible, 80-foot-high waterfall located north of Līhuʻe.

Founded in 1864, this 100-acre sugar plantation museum in Līhuʻe provides a fascinating look into Kauaʻi’s plantation past.

What: Massive park home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes
Where: 45 minutes (30 miles) southwest of Hilo, Hwy. 11
2 hours (90 miles) southeast of Waikoloa, Hwy. 200
2-2.5 hours (95 miles) southeast of Kailua-Kona, Hwy. 11

Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaiʻi, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. On the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens.

Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, ʻAkaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). 

If you’re looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Waiānuenue Avenue to Wailuku River State Park.

Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns. 

This friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipiʻo Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.

Located on the northern Hāmākua Coast, the sacred Waipiʻo Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaiʻi. 

Calling all cat lovers! Don’t miss the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, a top attraction on TripAdvisor, and a fun family outing. Our non-profit organization cares for homeless cats in a sun-dappled outdoor enclosure. It’s a happy haven and adoption center for over 600 cats.

The Mike Carroll Gallery also features the creations of 30 other artists, many of whom are Mike's fellow award-winners from juried painting festivals. This commitment to show the "best of the best" has brought the gallery acclaim from across Hawaii. 

High above the crashing surf of Hulopoe Bay, Manele Golf Course is an outstanding course that more than lives up to its name. Built on lava outcroppings, the course features three holes on cliffs which use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard.

Built from lava rock and coral, these 13th-century fishponds were etched into Molokaʻi’s shoreline to supply local aliʻi (royalty) with sustenance.

Take a memorable mule ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world to reach the incredibly remote—and formerly forbidden—settlement of Kalaupapa.

Browse unique local shops and eateries, visit historic landmarks and stroll down Hawaiʻi’s longest pier in Molokaʻi’s quaint main town.

Venture to Maunaloa, a small plantation village set in the hills above the coast, where you’ll find unique shopping and lodging options.

At three miles long, Pāpōhaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaiʻi, offering distant views of Diamond (Diamond Head) on Oʻahu.

Take a guided hike into this impossibly lush cathedral valley, blessed with beautiful vistas and towering waterfalls that look straight out of the Jurassic Period.

Hike beneath moss-covered branches in Kamakou Preserve, a nature conservancy site that contains rare native Hawaiian birds and plants.