Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
Hiilawe Falls
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Hawaii State Capitol
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Honokohau Harbor
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Hanalei Bay
One of Kauai’s most beautiful stretches of water, Hanalei Bay is a hub for watersports on the island’s north shore.
Flanked by idyllic stretches of beach and backed by mountains, the bayside town of Hanalei is filled with shops renting kayaks, sailing boats, surfboards.
Come here to soak up the rays on the beach, dip your toe in the water, take a stroll on the pier or bring a picnic to enjoy on the sand.
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Hanalei Bay is on the northern coast of Kauai, reached via State Highway 56 from Lihue.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Basics
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is made up of two different Hawaii volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While 13,000-foot Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, Kilauea has been constantly erupting since 1983 and is known as one of the world's most active volcanoes. The park is often visited on circle island tours of the Hawaii that also include stops at sights such as Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Volcanoes can also be experienced on a coach bus tour or a Kilauea volcano bike tour, or even seen from above on a helicopter ride.
- Volcanic activity changes on a daily basis, so no two trips are the same.
- Volcano tours get you close to the action, visiting popular sites such as Halemaumau Crater, the Kilauea Iki crater, and Devastation Trail.
- Bring a jacket for the brisk air at the 4,000-foot Kilauea summit, and pack a rain jacket for the lush environment around the Thurston Lava Tube.
- Some guided hiking tours go through rugged terrain, which isn't recommended for wheelchairs or travelers with limited mobility.
- It's important to hike the area around Kilauea safely; consider traveling with a professional tour guide.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 45-minute drive south of Hilo and a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. The most popular ways to experience the park are as part of a Hawaii volcano tour, or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.
When To Get There
Because volcanic activity is tough to predict, it's almost impossible to plan your trip around lava flow. Weather at the park can range from 45°F (7°C) with rain and wind at the summit of Kilauea to 85°F (29°C) by the shoreline; visitors should travel with multiple layers that are suitable for all conditions.
Has Kilauea Volcano Caused Any Destruction?
Hamakua Coast
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Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu
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Chinaman's Hat
Its unusual shape makes it a popular landmark to spot from panoramic viewpoints such as Kualoa Point. The fish-filled coral reefs surrounding the island are home to sharks, adding to the island’s mystery and James Bond quality.
When the tide is out you could even walk here, but it’s best to visit by kayak or boat. When you get here, you can explore sea caves or have two golden beaches all to yourself.
A 20-minute climb winds to the top of the island for great views looking back to Oahu’s Windward coast.
The conical island lies less than half a mile off the east coast of Oahu, within swimming distance of Kualoa Park on Kaneohe Bay.
To get here by car, follow the Kamehameha Highwy, 45 minutes from Honolulu.
Hanauma Bay
Circular Hanauma Bay is a particularly attractive, sheltered inlet of turquoise water, carved from a submerged volcanic crater east of Diamond Head.
The sandy beach park is popular with families, with its calm waters, lifeguards, and gentle diving and snorkeling. Picnic tables overlook the bay, and you can rent diving equipment.
The area is a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, and when you visit there’s a short film to watch about the marine life before you head down to the beach.
While diving you should spot green turtles, parrotfish and coral.
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Buses run here from Waikiki, around 10 miles (16 km) east of Waikiki, just off the Kalanianaole Highway. A shuttle runs from the car park entrance down to the beach.
Honolulu Harbor
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Honolua Bay
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Honolulu
- Every Friday night, hotels in Waikiki set off a not-to-miss fireworks spectacular.
- Both Diamond Head and Koko Head Crater offer challenging but easy-to-reach hikes with stunning city, island, and sea views.
- The Waikiki trolley is a convenient way to get around the area.
Hilo
- Hilo is on the wet side of the Big Island and rain is common; don’t forget to pack a light raincoat.
- Bring sun protection, bug spray, and plenty of water if you plan to visit the jungle.
- Hilo’s coast is boulder-strewn and tree-lined; head to Kona on the other side of the island for sandy beaches and snorkeling.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
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Honolulu Hale
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Halona Blowhole
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Fern Grotto
Perfect acoustics and gorgeous scenery come together at Fern Grotto, the highlight of a cruise on the Wailua River.
A natural amphitheater, the fern-filled grotto provides a unique venue for visitors to hear traditional Hawaiian music in one of the islands’ most beautiful outdoor settings.
The beautiful grotto was created by volcanic activity, and is draped in tropical ferns.
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Fern Grotto is on the eastern side of Kauai, reached by 40-minute boat tour along the Wailua River.