Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 196 listings.
Kawaiahao Church
Often referred to as 'the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,' this historic stone church was the first of its kind to be built on the island of Oahu. Prior to its construction in 1843, Christian missionaries held weekly sermons in small, pili grass huts, but the Hawaiian royalty rapidly embraced Christianity and a long lineage of Hawaiian royalty has worshipped here at the church. Not only is King Kamehameha II buried on the grounds, but this is where Kamehameha III uttered the phrase that would eventually become the state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono"—"the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
When it was completed, Kawaiahao Church was unlike any structure that had previously been built on Oahu. Over 14,000 coral blocks were carved from offshore reefs, and it's estimated that over 1,000 workers took nearly six years to completely finish the church. Today, the structure is an architectural highlight of Honolulu’s historic quarter, where visitors can also find 'Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue, in addition to the current state capital.
Practical Info
Sunday mass is held at 9 a.m. and is partially conducted in Hawaiian. There are also prayer services on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can also stop by to visit the grounds and take photos of the church from outside.
Address: 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am-4:30pm
From $ 51
Onomea Bay
On a grand section of the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the best way to see Onomea Bay is with a scenic drive — granting views of the coastline, turquoise waters, and tropical forest. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located along the route, as is the Onomea Arch (which collapsed during an earthquake in 1956.) With many streams and waterfalls, it is a particularly lush area of the Big Island.
Historically the bay was a small fishing village for early Hawaiians, and became one of the Big Island’s biggest landing spots for large ships. There were once taro and sugarcane fields growing in the hills above, with both products being shipped out from the bay. The “Donkey Trail” is the path (now hike) from the remains of the old sugar mill that was used to take products down to the water for wider distribution. Now the bay is a much-loved scenic spot popular with snorkelers and those driving through.
Practical Info
Onomea Bay is located just outside of Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii (8.5 miles.) It can be accessed via Highway 19.
Address: Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 145
Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
A pleasant stop on the road to Hana, the Puaa Kaa Park offers the chance to take a scenic break from the long drive. Stretch your legs on its dirt path to nearby waterfalls and natural pools. The farther you're willing to walk, the taller the waterfalls become and many people bring a picnic to enjoy as a part of this diversion.
Totaling five acres the area here is lush with tropical plants which, with the sound of the waterfalls, create a distinct rain forest feel. Picnic tables are set against scenic backdrops, and fish and tadpoles are visible in the shallower pools. Watch for wild birds and mongoose. The walking paths here are not rigorous, but a refreshing dip in one of the pools is a highlight for many on a hot day.
Practical Info
Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is just past mile marker 22 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana). It is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and there are parking and restroom facilities.
Address: Haiku, Hawaii 96708, USA
Hours: Daily 6am-6pm
From $ 125
Pacific Aviation Museum
On Ford Island in the heart of infamous Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum’s two massive hangars totaling more than 120,000 square feet house military aircraft from the WWII Vietnam and the Korean War. Given its setting, the highlights here are Pearl Harbor related: Hangar 37 houses Japanese Zero planes, a civilian plane that was shot down during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a P-40 fighter plane similar to those that took flight on Dec. 7th, 1941. On the door of Hangar 79, it’s still possible to see bullet holes left from that day. But there are plenty of other planes to pique the aviation-enthusiasts interest including an authentic F4F Wildcat, the actual Stearman N2S-3 piloted solo by former President George H.W. Bush and several MiG planes from the Korean conflict. You can even learn about ill-fated aviator Amelia Earhart, who visited the airstrip here on several occasions, including during her Round-the-World Flight—each year, the museum hosts a birthday party in her honor. Additionally, incredibly popular combat flight simulator experiences are available for an additional fee; the experience lasts 30-minutes including a flight briefing.
Practical Info
Because the Pacific Aviation Museum is located on an active military base, you’ll have to park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (1 Arizona Memorial Place) and take a shuttle bus—with departures every 15 minutes—to the museum; no bags are allowed but storage is available for a fee. The museum is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Tickets for self-guided tours can be purchased on the museum’s website in advance (sometimes for a considerable discount) or at the onsite box office for $25 adults, $12 children. Guided tours led by experienced pilots lend additional insight but cost a little more at $35 adults or $22 kids (4-12).
Address: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96818, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $25; Children: $12
From $ 25
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is a stretch of coastline bordering the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui’s south shore. It was named for the French explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse, the first European to set foot on Maui in the 18th century. The bay is the site of Maui’s most recent volcanic activity, and the landscape is covered in jagged, black lava rock intermixed with pieces of white coral. Though there isn’t much of a beach visitors can hike this area using the King’s Trail, which winds past several small coves.
As its waters are protected from fishing by state law, aquatic life is abundant and excellent snorkeling spots can be found off its rocky coast. Spinner dolphins sightings are frequent in the bay. When waters are calm, it can be a great spot for swimming and kayaking.
Practical Info
La Perouse Bay is located at the end of Makena Alanui Road, at mile marker 7 just south of Wailea. There is a parking lot at the end of the road, but other facilities are limited. Arrive early for optimal hiking and snorkeling conditions before winds pick up in the afternoon.
Address: Wailea, Hawaii, USA
From $ 145
Kekaha Kai State Park (Kona Coast State Park)
With much of its coastline covered in jagged black lava rock, Kona is not well known for its beaches. However, a few locales offer the unspoiled white sand oases that typify Hawaii, including the palm-lined stretches at Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park. The best beachy parts are located more than a mile down a bumpy road through the remnants of a jumbled lava flow. Signs calling stretches “unimproved” are an understatement. Hualalai Volcano, looming behind the park, oozed these paths to the sea between the late 1700s and 1801. To truly appreciate the ocean dip awaiting you (and to satisfy many rental car agreements), hike the 1.6 miles in instead. When you arrive seaside, the small facilities—including limited parking, toilets, showers and an on-the-beach picnic area will be straight in front of you. But, to get to the larger stretches of white sand, you’ll need to continue on, turning right at the signs before the toilet blocks to reach Mahai’ula Bay. Here, it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, and the bay’s offshore rolling waves make this a fun spot for bodyboarding, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. For an even more secluded spot, follow the trail behind the old buildings at the north end of Mahaiula to the double-arched Makalawena Beach.
Kekaha Kai State Park’s 12-acre grounds also feature access to a 4.5-mile coastal jaunt to Kua Bay along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, including the Puu Kuili cindercone with sweeping shoreline views.
Practical Info
Kekaha Kai State Park (Kona Coast State Park) is located off Highway 19 north of the Kona Airport between mile markers 90 and 91. Visitors with smaller vehicles should park where the pavement ends shortly after the turn off and hike in— be sure you have adequate water and sun protection. 4WD vehicles can attempt the road and park closer to the beach. The park is free and open to the public between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Note that the nearest equipment rentals (snorkel, surf gear) are shops in Kailua-Kona.
Address: Hwy 19, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am-7pm
From $ 65
Molokini Crater
When was the last time you had a snorkel adventure inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano, or enjoyed a freshly cooked BBQ lunch on the deck of a sailing catamaran? Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling tour as you explore the protected marine preserve and come face to face with some of Hawaii's most colorful marine life.
The Basics
How To Get There
Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.
When To Get There
Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.
Why Molokini Crater Offers the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii
The Basics
Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All trips include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Some Molokini snorkeling tours also offer scuba diving for certified divers.
- Beat the crowds with an early Molokini tour.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and a swimsuit.
- Snuba diving is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.
- Private charters are available for personalized experiences.
Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.
When To Get There
Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.
Why Molokini Crater Offers the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii
Because Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters like parrotfish and octopus. In winter if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, the haunting song of humpback whales reverberates in the distance. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are rarely spotted at Molokini Crater, which is why many boats include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.
Address: Molokini Island Preserve, Makena Bay 96753, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 71
Paia
Once a little sugarcane town, tiny Paia was brought to world notice by the windsurfers who discovered its first-class waves. It’s now known as the windsurfing capital of the world.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
Practical Info
The town of Paia is on the mid-north coast of Maui, just a little inland from the beach between the towns of Kahului and Haiku. It’s a delightful stop on the scenic Road to Hana.
Address: Baldwin Avenue, Paia 96779, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 125
Opaekaa Falls
Kauai, is green, and Kauai is wet—and that's why it's so beautiful. Parts of the island receive over 400 inches of rainfall every year, and all that rain means the Garden Isle is dripping in dozens of waterfalls. While some of these waterfalls require trekking through mud just to gain a glimpse of their splendor, others ones such as Opaekaa Falls only require stepping out of the car. Tumbling just over 150 feet, Opaekaa Falls is a year-round waterfall that is guaranteed to be flowing. The falls usually feature two separate streams that splash their way down the cliff face, but after periods of especially heavy rain, the two falls can merge into a single, explosive cascade. Whatever the size, the best time to visit is usually in the late morning when the falls are bathed in sunlight—and if it happens to be cloudy day, the falls are so close and easily accessible it’s easy to pay another visit.
Practical Info
Opaekaa Falls is located six miles south of the town of Kapaa and the famous Coconut Coast. To reach the falls drive south on Highway 560 until you reach the town of Wailua, and then turn inland on Kuamoo Road and drive for approximately two miles. There, you’ll find a sign-posted lookout point and large parking lot where you can get a glimpse of the falls.
Address: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
From $ 65
Original King Kamehameha Statue
A nine-foot-tall golden-helmeted and spear-wielding bronze depiction of King Kamehameha the Great stands on the North Kohala Civic Center lawn in the tiny town of Kapaau. Though there are similar statues honoring the King throughout the state—including notably in Hilo and fronting the State Supreme Court in Honolulu—this site is perhaps the most significant to the king’s own story: He was born not far from here in 1758, and lived his first few years in hiding deep within a nearby valley where he was safe from battling tribal factions. Kamehameha would later prove his strength, acquiring each of the Islands for the Kingdom of Hawaii by 1810.
The statue, originally intended for a site in Honolulu and constructed in Europe, took several years to make. However, the ship transporting it to Hawaii wrecked in a storm near the Falkland Islands and the heavy sculpture sank to the bottom of the sea. Insurance money was used to quickly replace the missing statue with an even taller one, and that arrived in Honolulu in 1883 where it still stands today. Meanwhile, entrepreneurial fishermen lifted the original and sold it back to the Kingdom of Hawaii for a bargain price. Seeking a spot for the ill-fated statue, the state decided to place the original commissioned bronze here. Each June 11th—the state holiday honoring Kamehameha—all statues of the King, including this one, are draped in community-strung floral lei to celebrate his legacy.
Practical Info
It’s hard to miss the King Kamehameha statue when driving through Kapaau along Akoni Pule Highway. After the town of Hawi, it’s on your right when driving east along the main drag through the northern tip of the Island. A small lot behind the Civic Center has metered parking. The cleverly named King’s View Café across the street (stop in for sandwiches, pizza or ice cream) will point you in the right direction if you happen to be looking the wrong way.
Address: Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, Hawaii, USA 96755, USA
From $ 239
Honolulu Zoo
The shriek of the Honolulu Zoo’s population of endangered white-handed gibbons is a familiar morning sound to Waikiki’s regular surfing contingent; the zoo is just across the street from some of the most popular beginner surf breaks toward the far end of Waikiki near Diamond Head crater. In addition to the monkeys, the sprawling 42-acre open-air zoo is home to more than 900 tropical animals including elephants, black rhino, giraffe, Sumatran tiger, aardvark, meerkat, orangutan, birds, reptiles and more. The zoo also houses animals only found in Hawaii, including the state bird, the nēnē, as well as a number of endemic plants in and around the enclosures.
Practical Info
The zoo’s entrance is just off a large parking lot on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Waikiki’s main oceanfront drag, Kalakaua Avenue. There is a $1/hour cash-only charge for on-site parking. Several TheBus routes as well as the popular Waikiki hop on/hop off trolley also pass near the zoo.
The Honolulu Zoo is open daily (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. til 4:30. p.m. General admission tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for children with discounts for Hawaii residents and military with ID. Allot at least an hour and a half to explore the zoo.
Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $14; Children: $6
From $ 25
Laie Point State Wayside Park
Laie Point State Wayside Park, a rocky promontory on Oahu's North Shore hidden behind a residential neighborhood, got its 15 minutes of fame in the 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It’s here where Peter (Jason Segal) and Rachel (Mila Kunis) cement their relationship by braving the cliff jump off its side. Many daredevils still attempt the jump, but, as the abundance of floral memorials and crosses attest, it might not be the smartest choice—particularly when the waves pound during winter, making the already-challenging climb back up the cliff’s lava rock face all but impossible. Besides, there’s plenty to see from land.
Between November and March, humpback whales are often sighted in the waters off Laie Point and year-round local fishermen cast for dinner from the park's rugged edges. To the south, the greenery of the Windward Coast looms large with its backdrop of Koolau Range "foothills." Five small offshore Islands, one with a prominent puka (hole) through its center, and the wave-beaten texturized lava rock here make unusual and noteworthy subjects for photography enthusiasts. Read the plaque atop the boulder near the parking area to learn the Hawaiian creation story of the offshore Islands.
Practical Info
The park is free and open daily during daylight hours, but there are no lifeguards and facilities to speak of. To access the park, head to Laie turning off Kamehameha Highway about a mile north of the Polynesian Cultural Center onto Anemoku Street, which jogs and turns into Naupaka Street. Naupaka dead-ends at the park. Several bus tours include a stop at Laie Point Wayside Park with visits to the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center or the Laie Mormon Temple. Note that due to the North Shore town’s rich history with the Mormon faith, Laie is a dry town and many restaurants and stores are also closed on Sunday.
Address: Laie, Oahu 96762, USA
From $ 99
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park
Because of the constant volcanic activity, sand comes in a variety of colors in Hawaii—along with white, you can also find green and black, the latter of which is found on the well-known Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the town of Naalehu, this beach should be on your list of places to visit when on the Big Island of Hawaii. The coastline is framed by coconut palms, but what is often found at the edge of the sand tends to steal all of the attention. Large honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking in the sun are a common sight here. Take as many pictures as you’d like, but be sure to stay a safe distance away.
Swimming isn’t ideal here due to waves and currents. There is an area for picnics, so plan ahead and come prepared to enjoy lunch with a view. Don’t take any black sand from the beach—legend says that a curse will also go home with you.
Practical Info
The sand may be coarser than you are used to, so be sure to have a pair of flip flops or beach shoes that can get messy and wet. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is located between Naalehu and Pahala, off Highway 11. Camping is allowed with a county permit.
Address: 96-876 Government Rd, Pahala, Hawaii 96777, USA
From $ 120
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Built in 1847, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of Oahu’s last remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture. The summer retreat of Queen Emma and the Hawaiian royal family from 1857 to 1885 is now a historic landmark and museum showcasing many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings, royal antiques, furnishings, and other objects.
The Basics
Queen Emma inherited the palace, located in the Ko’olau foothills, from her uncle in 1857. The secluded location and elevation made the home a royal retreat from the heat of Honolulu. After Emma’s death the palace slipped into disrepair, and the Daughters of Hawai’i took it over in 1915. After extensive renovations, the palace opened to the public as a museum. It also serves as a cultural institution, offering guided and self-led tours, educational programs, and community events.
Admission to the palace is included with a Go Oahu card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Queen Emma Summer Palace is ideal for those wanting to explore Hawaiian history.
- The original palace architecture is not completely wheelchair accessible, but people needing assistance can contact the palace ahead of time for options.
- Docent-led tours for groups of more than 10 people should be arranged in advance; check the website for details.
How to Get There
Queen Emma Summer Palace is located in Nu’uanu, right off the Pali Highway and about a 10-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. City buses run from Honolulu and Waikiki regularly and stop near the palace. There is also on-site parking.
When to Get There
Queen Emma Summer Palace is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in the summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.
The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Queen Emma Summer Palace is a 5-minute drive from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, one of Oahu’s most visited viewpoints and a historic site. In 1795 during the bloody Battle of Nu’uanu, hundreds of Hawaiian warriors were pushed off the cliffs to their deaths. Today visitors to the lookout are treated to panoramic views of Oahu’s windward side and the Ko’olau Mountains.
Address: 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Lahaina
The city of Lahaina on the western coast of Maui is, today, sometimes seen as simply a way to get to the beaches of Kaanapali. If you're just passing through, however, you're missing the town's charms completely.
Lahaina was once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, from 1820-1845, and many of the attractions in the historic district date from that era – including the old cemetery, where you'll find royal graves, and a defensive fortress with reconstructed walls. Later, the city's economy was built on the whaling industry. Visitors today, however, come by the thousands to go whale watching rather than hunting.
The Lahaina Historic District is the center of tourism in the town, with several 19th century attractions to check out, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. In addition to the historic attractions and whale watching, you can also enjoy snorkeling, surfing, sightseeing cruises, and luaus.
Practical Info
Lahaina is well-known for its year-round sunny weather, but the popular whale watching cruises are only available in the winter when the humpback whales are migrating. If you're flying directly to Maui, chances are you'll land at Kahului Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from Lahaina on Route 30.
Address: State Highway 30, Lahaina 96761, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 45
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls create a rare instance where a Hawaiian name and an English name actually mean the same thing. Known to Hawaiians as waianuenue, the name is a reference to the arcing rainbows that can be seen in the waterfall’s mist. The image, it seems, is a natural occurrence of such beauty and wonder that it transcends linguistic lines, and today the waterfall is one of the most popular attractions when visiting the town of Hilo.
Only 50 yards from a paved parking lot in Wailuku River State Park, a large viewing area provides the best platform for gazing out at the falls. To see the waterfall’s namesake rainbow, visit the falls around 10 a.m. when the angle of light is just right. Behind the falls, a large cave forms the home of Hina—the mythological Hawaiian god who gave birth to the demigod Maui—and the turquoise pool and surrounding rain forest are the trademark photo of paradise.
Practical Info
Rainbow Falls is located two miles from downtown Hilo and is open from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee to Wailuku State Park, and while the crystalline pool looks inviting for swimming, this is a waterfall best enjoyed from afar.
Address: Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
From $ 99
Keauhou Bay
Before the golf courses, condos and luxurious resorts, sleepy little Keauhou Bay was the birthplace of a king. In 1814, when Queen Keopuolani gave birth here, it was first believed that her infant son had died a stillborn death. When a priest managed to revive the infant by placing him upon a stone, the child would live to be Kamehameha III—the longest ruling monarch of Hawaii.
Today the Kauikeaouli Stone is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the bay is also the launching point for snorkeling tours to Kealakekua Bay. At night, dozens of manta rays visit Keauhou to feed on schools of plankton, and twilight snorkeling tours and evening scuba dives have become some of the most popular activities on the Big Island. In addition to snorkeling and diving, standup paddle and kayak rentals are available at the oceanfront park.
Practical Info
Keauhou Bay is located seven miles and 15 minutes south of downtown Kona. There is parking available on Kamehameha III road, and Keauhou Beach Park has showers, restrooms and a small black sand beach. Swimming, however, is not advised due to the high level of boat traffic.
Address: Keauhou, Hawaii, USA
From $ 115
Molokai Island
Molokai, Hawaii’s fifth largest island, is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) across at its widest point. The small island packs a big punch in terms of natural beauty—it’s home to the world’s highest sea cliffs and longest continuous fringing reef. It’s often considered the most Hawaiian of islands, thanks to its largely Native Hawaiian population.
The Basics
What Molokai lacks in development it makes up for in pristine beauty. Visitors find two volcanoes, sprawling white-sand beaches, and the sacred Halawa Valley, all in a compact package. While the island is worthy of a stay in its own right, visitors pressed for time can catch the highlights on a helicopter tour from the neighboring island of Maui.
While Molokai is beautiful from the air, it also offers numerous worthy attractions on the ground. Hike or ride a mule down the towering sea cliffs of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, visit a former leper colony within Kalaupapa National Historical Park, learn about sugar cane production at the Molokai Museum, do some shopping in the small town of Kaunakakai, or watch the sunset from Papohaku Beach, considered one of Hawaii’s best.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Molokai is a must-see for travelers wanting to get off the beaten path.
- Helicopter tours to Molokai range in length from 45 minutes to an hour.
- If staying on Molokai, you’ll need a rental car or taxi; there is no public transportation on the island.
- Don’t forget hiking boots and everything you’d need for a day at the beach.
How to Get There
Visitors have only one option for getting to the island—by plane. Daily commuter flights aboard local regional airlines depart from both Honolulu (Oahu) and Maui airports.
When to Get There
The weather on Molokai remains in the mid-80s throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in winter and a combination of sunny skies and calm seas in summer. For a local cultural experience, plan to visit during the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival in January or the Molokai Ka Hula Piko in May.
Molokai’s Leper Colony
Kalaupapa National Park is home to the remains of a colony where patients with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) were once isolated from the rest of Hawaii’s population. Of the 8,000 people who lived and died at the colony—most of them Hawaiian—only a few remain, cured of their disease but living out their lives in this isolated environment.
Address: State Highway 450, Kaunakakai 96748, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 123
Kealakekua Bay
The marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay ranks among Hawaii’s most scenic spots for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. The beautiful bay, home to spinner dolphins and backed by green mountain slopes, was the site where Captain James Cook landed—and was later killed—on the Big Island in 1779, forever altering the history and culture of the archipelago.
The Basics
Kealakekua Bay is one of the most popular day trips from Kailua-Kona. Most visitors arrive by tour for snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin watching, or learning about the site’s historical significance over a Hawaiian-style meal. The protected waters are often ideal for swimming, often alongside dolphins, tropical fish, and a range of other marine life. Don’t overlook the Captain Cook Monument, a white obelisk commemorating Captain James Cook, who was killed in a skirmish with Native Hawaiians in February 1779.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kealakekua Bay is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
- A small park near the beach offers a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a water fountain.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- No lifeguards are on duty in the bay, so swim at your own risk.
- Most snorkeling tours include all necessary snorkel gear.
How to Get There
Kealakekua Bay sits on the Big Island’s western Kona Coast, within the protected Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. If you don’t have a rental car to drive there yourself, the easiest way to visit is through an organized tour from Kailua-Kona.
When to Get There
Since much of the appeal of Kealakekua Bay lies in its turquoise waters, plan to visit on a warm, sunny day. For the best chance to spot spinner dolphins near the shore, opt for an evening cruise along the Kona Coast.
Kayaking to Kealakekua Bay
Due to the growing popularity of Kealakekua Bay (and the risk that popularity poses to the underwater ecosystem), kayakers wishing to land boats along the shoreline have to get a permit ahead of time. Most guided kayak tours and kayak rentals already include the necessary permits, but it’s a good idea to check.
Address: Kaawaloa Road, Kealakekua Bay 96750, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 70
Old Koloa Town
Beneath the shade of monkeypod trees, the red clapboard downtown strip of Old Koloa Town welcomes visitors to a bygone era, the former site of Koloa Plantation. Founded in 1835 by New England missionaries, Koloa was the largest sugar plantation in a statewide industry credited with encouraging immigrants from around the world to make Hawaii home. Today the strip—accessed through a mile-long tree tunnel of towering eucalyptus—is a tiny community of gift shops, ice cream parlors, galleries and restaurants, each with a building plaque describing its original purpose on the plantation.
Besides shopping there’s the Old Koloa Jodo Mission, a still-functioning Buddhist temple originally founded to serve the Japanese immigrant community; a semi-circular bronze sculpture depicting plantation workers; an old stone chimney left over from one of the plantation buildings; and the Koloa History Center set back along the Waikomo Stream running through downtown. The center includes indoor and outdoor historical artifacts including a vintage sewing machine, an antique gas pump, farm equipment, historical photographs and displays. Every summer for nine days, the town celebrates its heritage with parades, food and craft booths, outdoor movies, a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeo and guided educational walks.
Practical Info
Old Koloa Town is a jaunt north of southerly Poipu Beach, or about a 10-mile drive west from Lihue. Downtown shops and the Old Koloa Town History Center open around 9 a.m. The Koloa Plantation Days event usually runs over the course of a week in mid-July.
Address: Koloa Rd, Koloa, Hawaii 96756, USA
From $ 270