Things to do in Hawaii

Since there are so many fun and interesting things to do in Hawaii, you won't have trouble staying busy during your visit. Building up your Hawaii vacation itinerary can be a blast, as there is no shortage when it comes to the possible activities and attractions. The only issue that is bound to arise when building up your itinerary is what to leave off of the list. Since the Hawaii attractions and options for things to do are so numerous, you will likely need more than one visit if you really want to do everything that this breathtakingly beautiful Pacific archipelago has to offer.

Big Island Things To Do

Of all the possible Big Island things to do, none is more popular than visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 333,000-acre national park is easily one of the top overall Hawaiian attractions, and many Aloha State visitors understandably make exploring it a priority. If you are interested in the Hawaii volcanoes, there is simply no better attraction. When you're not visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hanging out in the Kona area is recommended. Some of the best Big Island things to do can be enjoyed in and around Kona, and they include spending time on Alii Drive, booking fishing and whale watching excursions, and doing a little surfing.

While the Big Island isn't considered the best place to find beaches in Hawaii, it does boast its fair share. For those who want to enjoy some beach time on the Big Island, the Kona and Kohala Coasts are where you should arguably go. Don't forget to check out the renowned Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park when looking for Big Island things to do. This park offers some fascinating historical sites, as well as some tempting hiking trails.

Maui Things To Do

If you're looking to relax, then Maui is an ideal destination. It's also an ideal destination if you are looking to enjoy a lot of activity. Some of the top things to do in Hawaii include scuba diving and enjoying cruises, and Maui is one of the best islands for these pursuits. Many of the Maui cruises revolve around whale watching. Maui is arguably the best place to go whale watching in Hawaii, so you might keep that in mind.

The beautiful Maui beaches figure among the top overall Hawaiian attractions, and some of the best include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Big Beach. When you're not soaking up some sun or enjoying other water related activities on your Maui getaway, you might head over to Haleakala State Park or check out some of the Maui museums. Should you be up for some urban exposure and a little nightlife on your Maui escape, then the city of Lahaina is where you will want to go.

Oahu Things To Do

Seeing and being seen on Waikiki Beach is easily one of the top things to do on the island of Oahu, as is shopping and dining in Honolulu. Relaxing or enjoying some water sports at Waikiki Beach is definitely not the only option when it comes to staying busy. Understandably so, many Oahu visitors make it a point to visit Pearl Harbor, where they can learn more about the 1941 Japanese attacks that essentially propelled the U.S. into WWII. If you are interested in visiting Pearl Harbor on your Oahu trip, you are also bound to find interest in the Punchbowl Memorial, which is the final resting place for those who perished during the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Running out of things to do in Oahu is hard, especially when you consider attractions like Diamond Head Crater, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Sea Life Park. Visiting a plantation is one of the more popular things to do in Hawaii, and should you find yourself on the island of Oahu, the Dole Plantation is one that you will do well to add to your agenda. Adding a little surfing to the agenda is recommended as well, especially if you are up for taking on the renowned wintertime waves on the rugged North Shore.

Kauai Things To Do

The island of Kauai is generally considered to be one of the best Hawaiian islands for those who are seeking adventure and activity. Kauai lacks the level of development that some of the other islands in Hawaii feature, so there's plenty of open terrain to explore. Speaking of exploring terrain, there may be no finer place to do so than the Napali Coast, which can only be reached by helicopter or boat. Kokee State Park also deserves some attention if you're looking to do some hiking in Kauai, and you can bet that hiking is a top activity.

No trip to Kauai would be complete without a visit to another state park, which is home to what Mark Twain referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Waimea Canyon State Park is where you will find the Waimea Canyon, as the name would imply, and this canyon is one of the top Kauai attractions. When you're not exploring the Na Pali Coast, Kokee State Park, or Waimea Canyon State Park, don't forget to visit some Kauai beaches like Kalapaki Beach. The Kauai beaches are arguably the best beaches in Hawaii, so you won't want to neglect them.

Lanai Things To Do

While Lanai might not be an easy island to get to, there will be some very tempting options for things to do once you arrive. Since Lanai is very underdeveloped, it's one of the top places in Hawaii to bond with nature. Dramatic views abound here, so you won't want to leave your camera behind. Hulopoe Bay is one of the top Hawaiian attractions on the island of Lanai, and some of the activities that you can enjoy at this marine preserve include swimming and snorkeling.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, some of the other popular Lanai pursuits include horseback riding through a forest, scuba diving in sea caves, and touring the island in a 4x4 vehicle. Should touring the island in a 4x4 vehicle interest you, taking the dirt road from Lanai to the Garden of the Gods is recommended. The Garden of the Gods is a mesmerizing place, thanks to its barren and rugged terrain.