what to do in hawaii
What to Do in Hawaii (2026 Guide)
Quick Scoop
If you’re wondering **what** to do in Hawaii, think of four pillars: beaches and ocean fun, volcano and nature adventures, Hawaiian culture and history, plus food you’ll dream about later. Hawaii’s islands each have their own vibe, but you can mix relaxing beach days with epic hikes, cultural sites, and once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences like snorkeling in a volcanic bay or visiting an active volcano.[1][3][9]Top Highlights at a Glance
- World‑class beaches (Waikiki, Lanikai, Kaanapali, Hapuna). [2][9]
- Snorkeling in volcanic bays and marine sanctuaries (Hanauma Bay, Molokini, Turtle Canyon). [3][5][7]
- Volcano and crater adventures (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā sunrise). [2][3]
- Iconic hikes and viewpoints (Diamond Head, Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast). [3][2]
- Island‑hopping and boat tours (Na Pali Coast catamarans, day sails, whale watching in season). [4][3]
- Hawaiian culture, history, and food (luaus, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, food trucks). [9][3]
- Adventure activities (surfing, stand‑up paddleboarding, ziplining, downhill biking, helicopter tours). [6][1][3]
Best Things to Do by Island
Oʻahu (Honolulu, Waikiki & North Shore)
Short on time or it’s your first visit? Oʻahu is usually the easiest “home base” because it combines beaches, city life, and culture.[9]- Relax on famous beaches – Waikiki for iconic hotel‑lined shores; Kailua and Lanikai for softer, more local‑feeling sand and bright turquoise water. [4][2][9]
- Hike Diamond Head – A relatively short hike up a volcanic tuff cone with sweeping views over Waikiki and Honolulu, great for sunrise or morning. [2][9]
- Snorkel Hanauma Bay – A protected marine sanctuary formed in a volcanic cone, famous for colorful coral and fish; reservations and entry rules help protect the bay. [5][7][3]
- Explore the North Shore – Watch big‑wave surfing in winter, swim and snorkel in calmer summer conditions, and eat from shrimp trucks and roadside stands. [9][2]
- Visit Pearl Harbor – Learn about World War II history at the USS Arizona Memorial and related sites, one of the most significant historic stops in Hawaii. [3][9]
- Helicopter or air tours – See Oʻahu’s cliffs, bays, and valleys from above on doors‑off helicopter flights or plane tours. [6][4][3]
- Urban exploring: Waikiki & Kakaʻako – Stroll Kalākaua Avenue, shop, people‑watch, and check out murals, coffee shops, and nightlife in neighborhoods like Kakaʻako. [4]
If you like having options at every turn—beaches, museums, nightlife, hikes—Oʻahu is your island.
Maui
Maui blends resort relaxation with scenic drives, snorkeling, and dramatic sunrises.[1][3]- Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā – Watch the sky change from 10,000 feet above sea level at Haleakalā National Park; some visitors bike downhill afterward. [2][3]
- Road to Hāna – A legendary winding drive with waterfalls, viewpoints, and small towns; guided “Heavenly Hana” tours are popular if you don’t want to drive. [3]
- Snorkel Molokini Crater – A crescent‑shaped volcanic crater offshore with clear water and abundant marine life; reached by boat tours from Maui. [5][3]
- Beaches like Kāʻanapali and Wailea – Great for classic beach days, resort vibes, and sunset walks. [2]
- Ziplining and SUP – Zipline courses over valleys and forests plus stand‑up paddleboarding along calm coastlines are popular adventure options. [1][6]
Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is greener and more rugged, perfect if you love scenery and a slower pace.[3][2]- Na Pali Coast boat tours – Catamarans or rafts take you past towering cliffs, sea caves, and remote beaches—this coastline is one of Hawaii’s most famous views. [2][3]
- Waimea Canyon – Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with viewpoints and hiking trails for all levels. [3][2]
- Lush hikes & waterfalls – Trails through valleys, along ridges, or to waterfalls offer a more “wild” feel than the busier islands. [3]
- Chill beach towns – Smaller communities and slower evenings make it easy to unplug. [2]
Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
The Big Island is about epic geology—lava fields, star‑gazing, and very different climates.[9][2][3]- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Explore craters, lava fields, steam vents, and scenic drives in one of the world’s most famous volcanic parks. [2][3]
- Mauna Kea region – Known for observatories and high‑altitude star‑gazing, plus stark volcanic landscapes. [9]
- Beaches & snorkeling – The island has a mix of dark lava shores, white‑sand spots like Hapuna Beach, and good snorkeling bays. [2]
- Helicopter tours – Flights can cover waterfalls, lava terrain, and coastline in one trip. [6][3]
Ocean Adventures You Shouldn’t Miss
- Snorkeling
- Hanauma Bay (Oʻahu) – Iconic marine sanctuary with abundant fish and coral; controlled access to protect the reef. [7][5][3]
- Molokini (Maui) – Offshore crater famous for clear visibility and vibrant reef life. [5][3]
- Turtle Canyon (Oʻahu) – Boat tours take you to a “cleaning station” where green sea turtles gather. [5]
- Surfing & Stand‑Up Paddleboarding
- Try beginner surf lessons on Waikiki or other gentle‑break beaches. [1][9]
- Rent SUP boards for calmer bays; stand‑up paddleboarding is one of Hawaii’s fastest‑growing water sports. [1]
- Boat
trips
- Na Pali Coast catamarans or rafts on Kauaʻi. [3]
- Day sails and sunset cruises off Oʻahu or Maui. [10][4]
- Dolphin‑watching and, in season, whale‑watching tours. [10][4][3]
Culture, History, and Food
- Luaus & performances – Many resorts and venues host evenings with traditional hula, storytelling, and a buffet‑style Hawaiian‑inspired meal. [10][9]
- Pearl Harbor & Iolani Palace – These Oʻahu sites offer deep dives into modern Hawaiian and U.S. history. [9][3]
- Museums & cultural centers – Places like Bishop Museum highlight Hawaiian culture, navigation, and natural history. [9]
- Food scene – Try poke bowls, plate lunches, malasadas, shave ice, and food trucks on the North Shore or in Honolulu’s Chinatown; many guides highlight eating your way around Oʻahu as a top activity. [5][9]
Think of culture time as your balance to beach time—you’ll enjoy the islands more when you understand their stories.
Adventure & “Bucket List” Activities
- Ziplining – Courses on Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island send you over forests, valleys, and streams; it’s especially popular with teens and families. [6][1]
- Downhill biking – Haleakalā downhill bike rides on Maui combine summit views with a long coast down the mountain. [3]
- Helicopter tours – Available on multiple islands to see cliffs, canyons, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that are hard to access on foot. [6][2][3]
- Spa days & photo sessions – Some trip planners suggest building in a spa treatment or a professional photoshoot in places like Waikiki to remember your trip. [4]
Sample 5‑Day Oʻahu‑Focused Plan
Here’s a simple example if you’re mostly on Oʻahu.
- Day 1: Arrive, settle into Waikiki, stroll the beach and main strip, sunset on the sand. [4][9]
- Day 2: Morning Diamond Head hike, afternoon swim or surf lesson in Waikiki, dinner in Waikiki or Kakaʻako. [4][9][2]
- Day 3: Pearl Harbor in the morning, museum or palace visit, evening luau. [9][3]
- Day 4: North Shore day trip for beaches, food trucks, and (in winter) big‑wave watching. [9][2]
- Day 5: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and a relaxed final evening in town. [7][5][3]
Recent & Trending Context (2025–2026)
- Many travel guides updated for 2025–2026 emphasize sustainable tourism and respecting local communities and natural areas. [8][10][6]
- Updated lists of “best things to do” highlight curated top experiences on Oʻahu for shorter trips, reflecting that many visitors now have only a few days. [8][7]
- Online booking platforms show up‑to‑date tours and availability, from volcano trips to snorkeling cruises, making it easier to reserve popular activities in advance. [10][9]
Quick Island Style Comparison
| Island | Overall vibe | Biggest draws | Great for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oʻahu | Most varied, mix of city and beach. | [9]Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore. | [2][3][9]First‑timers, short trips, travelers who want lots of options. | [7][9]
| Maui | Resort‑y, scenic, romantic. | [1][3]Haleakalā, Road to Hāna, Molokini snorkeling, Kāʻanapali. | [5][3][2]Couples, honeymooners, relaxed families. | [1][5]
| Kauaʻi | Lush, quiet, nature‑heavy. | [3][2]Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfall hikes. | [2][3]Hikers, photographers, slow‑travel fans. | [3]
| Big Island | Spacious, very diverse landscapes. | [9][3]Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea region, Hapuna Beach. | [2][3]Adventure travelers, geology and star‑gazing fans. | [9][2]
TL;DR
If you’re planning what to do in Hawaii, aim for at least one beach day, one big nature or volcano day, one culture/food day, and one “wow” activity like a Na Pali boat tour, snorkel trip, or crater sunrise. Mix and match by island and season, book the most popular tours in advance, and leave a little space in your schedule to simply sit by the ocean and enjoy where you are.[1][3][2][9]Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
