A Hawaii vacation is included in the bucket list of many – and for good reason. Check out the amazing adventures you can have there.
When visiting this slice of paradise, it’s best to make the most out of your trip. After all, Hawaii offers more than sandy beaches, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the night sky.
Explore as much as you can during your time there and you might just make it the vacation of a lifetime. And to make that happen, why not use this article as your guide?
#1 – Take a Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Hawaii, know that the Big Island offers some fantastic experiences.
To get you started, look no further than the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It has out-of-this-world geology, ancient petroglyphs, an active volcano, and many lava tubes. That’s all despite the fact that the Big Island is a very young island.
The tour that goes around the edge of the caldera is one of the best you can take. You can see a breathtaking overview of the park with its sulfur banks, vegetation, steam vents, and aboveground lava flow.
#2 – Check Out the Canyon
If you want to engage in more Hawaii activities, Kauai offers a unique experience. On this island, you can explore the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Both the Waimea Canyon and River boast a gorgeous red hue that offer views like no other.
Several lookout spots are available if you want to take some panoramic shots. But that’s not all you can do here – you also have access to many trails with varying levels of difficulty.
#3 – Head Back to the Big Island for a Lush Tropical Experience
The Big Island has more than an active volcano and great beaches. While visiting Hawaii, don’t forget to check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
There are more than 2,000 plant species in the garden. This tropical paradise has palms, orchids, waterfalls, and a variety of tropical birds.
It’s a magical place that’s ideal for relaxation and escaping the sun, as well as offering a perfect view of Onomea Bay.
#4 – Go Stargazing at the Summit
When talking about cool things to do in Hawaii, you can’t forget about heading to the Mauna Kea Summit.
Go on a trip that takes you from sea level up to nearly 14,000 feet. It might surprise you to know that roughly 60% of the mountain is under the Pacific Ocean, which is why the Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world. Just being there makes for an awe-inspiring experience.
The route to the summit offers an idyllic view of the transition from lava flows to wild grasslands to a mountaintop often scattered with snow.
Heading to the summit is the best way to watch the sunset from above the clouds. However, most tourists and locals alike visit the Mauna Kea summit for stargazing. Watching the night sky in its full glory is something everyone should experience at least once.
#5 – Swim With the Sharks
Of all the thrilling things to do in Hawaii, interacting with sharks is one of the most popular. Fortunately, there are many types of activities that fit this category on most of the islands.
If you want, you can go on a shark drive cruise from Oahu. Are you feeling more adventurous? Then you can go snorkeling with the sharks or swim cage-free.
Of course, many tourists opt for cage diving for extra protection. The latter is also best-suited for those with no diving experience.
#6 – Show off Your Surfing Skills
You can’t talk about things to do in Hawaii and not mention surfing. Hawaii is the sport’s capital and it offers tons of great locations to do just that – with Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu topping the list.
With currents and winds coming in from all directions, surfing is a year-round activity in the archipelago.
Pro surfers will enjoy the most powerful swells from October to April on the northern shores. Beginners will find winter on the southern shores the best period to try their hand at it, as the season brings tamer waves. During the summer, the difficulty of the waves reverses, so you’ll have to switch shores depending on what you want.
#7 – Take in Some of the History
Do you want to escape the sun for a few hours? Then why not visit the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial? Learn about one of the most important events in modern history and get an in-depth look at the historic harbor.
Along with visiting the Pacific National Monument, you can tour the retired battleship USS Missouri.
#8 – Explore the Iconic Diamond Head Crater, Oahu
Reaching the summit is one of the best things to do in Hawaii. In fact, the hike to the Diamond Head Crater is easily the most popular on Oahu.
Know that it’s not only the state’s most recognizable landmark – it’s also the most famous crater in the world. What’s eye-catching is the fact that the formation resembles the dorsal fin of a tuna.
These days, you can go on a one-way climb that’s less than a mile long. Interestingly, when the trail was constructed in the early 1900s, it was intended as part of the infrastructure of a defense system.
#9 – Go Sightseeing on the Kalalau Trail
This hike stretches from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach and follows 11 miles of the Na Pali coastline. It’s among the most desirable things to do in Hawaii due to the fantastic views you get.
You don’t even have to finish the hike. The first two miles, which are also the easiest, offer enough jaw-dropping scenery. But if you choose to go all the way, you’ll walk through beaches and a jungle, see a waterfall, and so much more.
#10 – Have A Memorable Sea Turtle Adventure
If swimming with sharks is too thrilling for you, then you can choose a tamer underwater adventure. Know that when in Hawaii, snorkeling with wild turtles is an option.
These gentle sea creatures are majestic in their natural habitat, it’s why you should see for yourself. For this experience, you have to go to Tunnels Beach in Kauai.
You can even explore some underwater lava tubes to see a variety of other colorful tropical marine life.
It Hardly Gets Better than This
These 10 activities only scratch the surface of all the amazing things you can do, see, and experience in Hawaii.
If you’re up for it, see if you can leave no stone unturned and no island unexplored.
