Top 10 things to do in Hawaii

The breathtakingly beautiful islands of Hawai’i are close to the top of most people's must-visit list, and with so many unique sights to see and experiences to enjoy, we can understand why. Let’s delve a little deeper.

 
#10

Hike Le‘ahi (Diamond Head) – O’ahu

Le‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument) is an iconic volcanic crater on the headland just outside Waikiki, and a walk here will give you stunning panoramic views. Formed over 300,000 years ago, this volcanic crater was once a military lookout and now draws visitors from around the world. It is steep in places, so do bring water, but it’s not a long hike at 1.6 miles for the round trip. So walk at a leisurely pace and it will take you 1.5 to 2 hours.

The best time of day is early morning to avoid the heat and beat the crowds, and you might want to consider a sunrise hike to see the sun coming up over the ocean – gates open at 6am. From the summit, you'll be treated to sweeping, postcard-worthy vistas of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, and the endless Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you might even spot whales offshore, with peak season December to March.

Le‘ahi (Diamond Head) is a State Monument, so you have to pay a small entrance fee. There are restrooms and a small snack shop at the base. You should reserve tickets and pre-book parking, which can be done up to 30 days in advance, to ensure entry. As an alternative to parking, you can take the Waikiki Trolley Green Line to the trailhead. Please stay on the trail for safety and to prevent environmental degradation, practising the Hawaiian concept of malama, meaning ‘to care, preserve, and protect’.

 
#9

Experience surfing in the place where it all began

Surfing,  or he'e nalu in Hawaiian, was born in Hawai‘i and is deeply rooted within its history and culture. Here, it’s more than just a sport - it’s a meaningful part of life, connected to spirituality, social status, and even politics. In history, chiefs and royalty usually had the finest boards and rode the best waves!

Waikiki Beach is the iconic place to watch the surfers from dawn until dusk, and it’s the ideal place to start. Waikiki is famous for its long, mellow waves and sandy bay, which make it ideal for learning. The water is warm year-round, so you’ll be able to avoid the challenge of donning a wetsuit!

Of course there’s also surfing to be had on Hawai‘i’s other islands, with popular locations including the likes of Maui's Honolua Bay and Pe‘ahi (Jaws), known for big waves, as well as Kahalu'u Bay on the Island of Hawai‘i, which offers easier waves for beginners.

If you prefer to watch, O‘ahu’s North Shore is a well-known spot of surfing legends, offering viewer-friendly beaches at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and 'Ehukai (the Banzai Pipeline). You can also attend one of many events on the surfing calendar, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing and the Billabong Pipe Masters.

 
#8

Explore the North Shore, O’ahu

There are many beautiful areas to explore in the north of the island. Here are just a few highlights:
Waimea Bay and Ehukai Beach to watch the surfers.

Kukae'ohiki (Laniakea Beach) - Also known as Turtle Beach, to spot sea turtles lounging on the sand. When visiting, please ensure you do not disturb the marine life habitat.

Hale'iwa - An hour from Waikiki, this cute, historic surf town on O‘ahu’s North Shore offers a classic country experience with boutique stores, art galleries and food trucks with local delicacies to enjoy. It’s recommended that you visit on a weekday when it’s quieter and encourage visitors to also take in local farms with agritourism experiences whilst they are in the area.

Waimea Valley – Walk through the lush botanical gardens to the pretty waterfall at the end of the valley. Waimea Valley also has a lovely cafe so it makes for a great refreshment stop too.

Ka'ena Point State Park – Hike the trail to a remote nature reserve for bird spotting at one of the largest seabird colonies in Hawai‘i, taking care not to disturb nesting seabirds, monk seals and other native species.

Waialua – Visit this old sugar mill-turned-marketplace and enjoy some local coffee.

 
#7

Delight in whale-watching in Maui

Maui sits right next to the Au'au Channel, a warm, calm stretch of water, and every winter (November to May), thousands of North Pacific humpbacks come here to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. It’s considered to be one of the best whale watching spots in the world, all with the beautiful backdrop of lush mountains, golden sunsets, and neighbouring islands.

The best way to experience the whales is on a whale-watching cruise and some tours use underwater hydrophones so you can listen to the whales singing! But some of the best sightings happen just offshore, from a kayak or a catamaran. Sometimes you can even see them breaching from the beach.

 
#6

Visit Pearl Harbour & USS Arizona Memorial – O’ahu

It might seem incongruous to fly to this tropical paradise and spend time at a war memorial and museum, but we do urge you to visit this moving and fascinating place. Beautifully presented, this historical site will give you an insight into the events of 1941 and honours those who lost their lives.

The USS Arizona Memorial marks the final resting place of over 1,100 sailors and Marines who perished when the battleship was sunk during the attack. It is accessed by a short boat ride across the harbour and includes a 75-minute programme with an introduction by a National Park Ranger, a short documentary film, and the memorial visit itself. The memorial structure floats above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, visible below the water’s surface. You may see oil slowly rising from the ship - often referred to as the “Black Tears of the Arizona.”

Whilst Pearl Harbour itself is ticketed and should be pre-booked to ensure availability, entry to the USS Arizona Memorial is free (reservations highly recommended online). Combine it with visits to the Battleship Missouri and Pacific Aviation Museum if you have time.

#5

Have a fun time at Kualoa Ranch, O’ahu

Kualoa Ranch on O'ahu is set in 4,000-acres of lush valleys and dramatic cliffs by the ocean, with a host of activities to enjoy. The most popular are the Movie Site & Ranch Tour, to explore iconic filming locations from Jurassic Park, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Lost. Or you can experience the thrill of soaring over treetops on the Jurassic Valley Zipline Tour, featuring multiple tandem lines. You can also take guided ATV or multi-passenger UTV tours to navigate rugged trails through the valleys and hills, for a thrilling ride and panoramic views.

Horseback or e-bike tours take you along scenic trails through the ranch's diverse landscapes. Or enjoy some time on the Secret Island Beach kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing in a hammock with views of Kane'ohe Bay.

For a highly rewarding experience that embraces the Hawaiian concept of malama (to ‘give back’), join the hands-on Malama Experience to learn more about Hawaiian culture and sustainability.

 
#4

Take a helicopter trip over the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon, Kaua‘i

A helicopter tour over Kaua‘i is stunning, and could be likened to flying through a real-life nature documentary. One of the highlights is the Napali Coast - towering emerald cliffs, razor-sharp ridges, and waterfalls spilling into the sea. It is only accessible by air, boat, or a serious hike, so seeing it from above is pure magic.

The Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and you'll see dramatic red and green ridges, with winding rivers and hidden waterfalls.

Perhaps the most stunning of the waterfalls is Manawaiopuna Falls, the 400-foot waterfall made famous by Jurassic Park. It's tucked deep in Hanapepe Valley, so it can only be seen from a helicopter. You'll also enjoy sweeping views of Hanalei Bay, with stunning contrasts between the ocean blues and the green mountains.Throughout your trip you'll spot secluded beaches, lava rock coastlines, and wave-carved sea caves you’d never see from the road. A trip of a lifetime!

 
#3

Snorkel with the Manta Rays in Kona - Hawai’i Island

Snorkelling with manta rays in Kona is an otherworldly experience. It's a nighttime adventure, and you'll head out on a boat just after sunset to spots like Manta Village** (near Keauhou Bay), known feeding zones where manta rays regularly show up. Your guides will set up bright underwater lights that attract tiny plankton, which in turn attract the manta rays, gliding in from the dark like massive, graceful ghosts.

The mantas are completely wild, but they’ve learned the lights mean dinner, so sightings are really reliable (some tours have 90–100% success rates). You don’t need to be a pro swimmer — you wear a wetsuit & flotation device and just float, and there are also scuba versions if you’re certified. Of course, in line with Hawai’i’s stance to protect and nurture the environment, it's no touching. Simply float and watch the manta rays in awe. Prior booking is essential before departure.

 
#2

Discover Volcanoes National Park – Hawai’i Island

You can either enjoy a guided tour or drive yourself around this unique national park, from lava tubes to moon-like landscapes and lush rainforests, with the highlight being Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active in the world. Depending on how active it is, you should be able to get close to the caldera to see lava glowing in the crater, especially after sunset.

Another highlight is Crater Rim Drive - a scenic road with jaw-dropping stops and lookout points circling the summit area. Don't miss Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), where you can walk through a cave formed by flowing lava! A drive from the summit down to the coast passes craters, lava fields, and ends at a dramatic sea cliff where lava has flowed into the ocean.

 
#1

Sample the Food Scene

You can probably guess that the Hawaiian pizza was not born in this beautiful destination, but the poke bowl was! If you’re not familiar with it, this is pronounced “poh-kay bowl” and is a Hawaiian dish that has its roots deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine. “Poke” means “cut into pieces”, and the name refers to the slices or cubes of raw fish that are served in a bowl along with rice, dressing, vegetables and seasonings.

Many hotels have weekly “lu'au” – an evening event which includes traditional music and hula dancing, plus a feast of local flavours celebrating Hawaiian culture and island ingredients. The centrepiece is often kalua pig, a whole pig slow-roasted in an underground oven. Alongside this, you may be offered the following Hawaiian dishes:

Poi – a staple made from taro root, pounded and fermented into a sticky paste.

Lomi lomi salmon – a refreshing side dish of salted salmon mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and chilli peppers.

Haupia – a coconut milk-based dessert that’s firm like jelly but creamy and cool.

Chicken long rice – a comforting noodle soup made with chicken, ginger, and clear mung bean noodles.

Laulau – parcels of pork (or fish or chicken) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed.

Sweet potato – often purple, and either roasted or mashed.

Food trucks are found on all of the islands and are a great way for you to try local produce. You’ll also be supporting small Hawaiian businesses and enterprises, meeting local people and eating at an affordable price. A great example are the famous food trucks at Kahuku on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

Don’t forget dessert, with shaved ice (for adults and children) and malasadas (the Hawaiian take on a donut) top of the bill.

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the signature cocktail of Hawai’i – the Mai Tai. A delicious blend of white rum and dark rum, with varying mixes of pineapple juice, lime, curacao, orgeat, triple sec, almond liquor... we could go on! We promise that you’ll enjoy it wherever sampled throughout the Hawaiian islands.