Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
Niihau
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Kolekole Falls
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Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
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Kipu Falls
Kipu Falls is a gorgeous retreat on the Huleia River, just outside Lihue.
Reached by a short walk along a former sugarcane trail, a lovely waterfall tumbles over a sheer 20-foot (6 m) cliff at Kipu, into the pool below.
Cool off with a paddle in this natural swimming pool, or join adventurous locals who fling themselves into the water using handy ropeswings attached to the surrounding trees.
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Kipu Falls is west from Lihue, off Kipu Road. To get here, follow the State Highway 50 to Kipu Road.
Kilauea Iki Crater
While that particular event may have been over 50 years ago, Kilauea Iki crater today is still one of the most visited spots in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it’s reputed that even after five decades that parts of the Earth are still warm to the touch. Strangely enough, the most popular hike in the National Park actually cuts across the floor of the crater, and this strenuous two hour journey begins its descent from the edge of a tropical rainforest.
Even though the crater looks tame from above, hikers who tackle Kilauea Iki crater speak of the surreal feeling of hiking across virgin terrain that was so violent in the recent past. Gazing up at the rim of the crater, it’s humbling to think that this mile-wide opening was once consumed with magma as it gushed from the fiery Earth.
Although Kilauea remains an active volcano, the center of the activity is in a separate section of park, and Kilauea Iki seems to have calmed for the immediate time being. Nevertheless, steam vents will still rise from areas with moisture, and a hike across Kilauea Iki crater is a literal walk into the heart of one of the most active volcanoes on the planet.
For those with an interest in volcanoes and history this is a spot that will leave you in astonishment and wonder, and the otherworldly terrain of the crater floor is like none other you will experience in the Hawaiian chain.
Kilohana Plantation
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Maui Tropical Plantation
- The Maui Tropical Plantation is a must-see for families.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Much of the plantation is wheelchair accessible.
Kilauea Volcano
- Kilauea is an active volcano, so some parts of the park can close at short notice as conditions change.
- The volcano is a must-see for nature lovers, adventure travelers, and first-time visitors to the Big Island.
- Dress in layers—temperatures can change significantly as the park’s elevation changes.
- Wear sturdy shoes and lightweight pants, especially if you plan to hike on the lava fields.
- The Kilauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, and Volcano House are all wheelchair accessible, as are several pathways throughout the park.
- There are no gas stations within the park, so remember to fuel up before your visit.
Ko Olina
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Maui Cruise Port
Maui has great beaches, including white-sand Kaanapali Beach near Lahaina, so don’t be afraid to spend your whole day in port on the sand.
How to get to Maui
Ships dock in Kahului Harbor on the north coast or anchor off Lahaina on the west coast. If you’re not taking an organized tour, you’ll want a rental car to get around the island. Most of the rental companies have shuttles from each port to take you to one of the airports to pick up your car.
One Day on Maui
The Road to Hana is a must, so plan your day around that. The 68-mile (109-km) journey (technically highways 36 and 360) starts in Kahului and travels east along the northern coast of the island to the town of Hana, on the eastern end of the island. The road takes you through the lush rainforest and over nearly 60 bridges. Stop whenever you like to check out waterfalls and amazing coastal views.
When you reach Hana, continue about 45 minutes past town if you’d like to swim in Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time. Each way, the journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours, longer when you make stops.
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King Kamehameha Statue
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Kokee Natural History Museum
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Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
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Koko Crater
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Kohala
Most visitors to South Kohala are familiar with the resort enclaves of Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, where golf courses sit in stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields. The white sands of Hapuna Beach are a favorite of beachgoers, and history buffs will love stopping in to the Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was commissioned by the great King Kamehameha. While this national historic site sees thousands of annual visitors, only a mere handful will make the journey to the smaller Mo’okini Heiau on windswept Upolu Point; constructed in the 5th century AD by some of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, this is also where King Kamehameha was born.
Further up the road in the North Kohala plantation towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, travelers will find artisan outposts of craft stores and coffee shops. A massive statue of King Kamehameha presides over Kapa'au and is still draped in flower lei during the annual King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June.
On the eastern coast, rugged valleys with sing-song names such as Pololu, Waipio, and Waimanu form deep clefts into the lush mountainside, and are a favorite of island hikers and thrill-seekers. Waterfall trekking to jungle ziplining are popular in these outdoor playgrounds, and Waipio Valley is regarded as one of the most scenic corners of the island.
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Kewalo Basin
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Maunalua Bay
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Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Visiting the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatories gives you the feeling of being on top of the world for good reason: You’re actually pretty close. Standing at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the mountain is Hawaii’s tallest and the highlight of many visitors’ trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) feature some of the world's largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii, due to its designation as an unparalleled destination for stargazing.
The Basics
Mauna Kea tours depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa Village, and usually last upwards of eight hours. Whether you choose to visit for sunrise, sunset, a midday summit tour, or after-dark stargazing, the mountain makes for a popular day trip on the Big Island.
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station sits at 9,300 feet (2,790 m) and features interactive displays and videos, with telescopes, talks, and tours. It’s important to stop here even if you’re headed to the summit to acclimate to the altitude. In addition to checking out the magnificent night sky, you can learn about Mauna Kea’s formation and why the mountain is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.
Insider Tip
Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) and hot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.
Best Ways to Summit Mauna Kea
You can make an ambitious go of the summit on your own (on foot or in a vehicle), or join an organized summit adventure tour during visiting hours (from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). From the Visitor Information Station, a roughly 10-hour, roundtrip hike on a rugged trail takes you to the top and back. Be prepared for a workout, and be sure to wear layers and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; you’ll encounter all kinds of weather as you ascend above the Big Island’s layer of cloud cover. You must bring your own water and pack out your waste; there are no amenities on the trail.
If you’d rather drive to the top, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a keen eye for hazards. Depending on conditions, summit attempts can be particularly dangerous in winter. Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in a few hours.
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How to Get There
What Makes Mauna Kea Ideal for Astronomical Sightseeing?
The Subaru Telescope, the W.M. Keck Observatory, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility take advantage of Mauna Kea’s ideal location near the equator and above most of the atmosphere’s water vapor, which means a clear view of stars in both of the earth’s hemispheres.Kilauea Lighthouse
Guarding the tip of Kilauea Point since 1913, this historic Kilauea Lighthouse is one of Kauai’s most visited attractions.
One of the most intact historic lighthouses in the USA, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1976 and now forms part of a wildlife refuge for migrating seabirds.
Gaze out to sea and imagine the ships that were guided by its light, pick up a souvenir in the gift shop, and learn about the restoration project that’s currently under way.
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Kilauea Lighthouse is on Kilauea Point on the northern coast of Kauai, reached by State Highway 56 from Lihue.