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.

If you think Hawaii has the best beaches in the world, you’re not wrong. The island state is famous for its scenery, sands, and waters. No water activity is off-limits here.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in the US. And as the only island state, it has no shortage of beaches and places to visit. What’s also true is that some of the beaches are unique and unlike anything else in the world.

And there are so many to choose from, too. The following beaches have some of the most breathtaking sands and backdrops you can hope to see in your lifetime.

1.   Makena Beach

Makena Beach, or Big Beach, is a very popular beach on Maui. It offers a 100 ft-wide stretch of white sand bordered by the Makena State Park. The place is breathtaking all year round and is quite secluded compared to other beaches on the islands of Hawaii.

The crystalline waters provide plenty of thrills, as Big Beach has some of the strongest shore breaks. This undeveloped piece of land attracts tourists and locals alike throughout the year.

2.   Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is on Oahu. It’s one of the top beaches in Hawaii and among the oldest attractions in the area. Since the early 1900s, tourists have been flocking to Waikiki Beach all year round to kick back and relax.

This is a highly-developed beach now and there are plenty of hotels and bars to choose from. The scenery offers a nice blend of island living and high-rises. Of course, most pick this spot for the golden sands and clear waters.

It’s also one of the best places to go if you want to mingle with the locals.

3.    Wailea Beach

On the southwestern coast of Maui, you have Wailea Beach. It’s not the biggest stretch of golden sands in Hawaii, but it’s among the most glamorous. Unsurprisingly, this is where many celebrities drop by to relax.

You can take part in the nightly hula shows, live performances, and enjoy some fine dining. The beach, although small by comparison, offers a fantastic view of the Molokini Crater. And it’s also a prime location for whale watching.

4. Kaihalulu Beach

If you want a unique experience, then head to Kaihalulu Beach. Here you can find the bluest waters and rust-red sands. It’s a beach like no other, with a lava cinder cone as a backdrop. Granted, this is not the best beach for sunbathing, but it is an excellent location for photoshoots.

You can also do some hiking in the area and enjoy quiet time since it’s one of the least crowded beaches in Hawaii.

5. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach, located on the North Shore of Oahu, is easily one of the top 5 beaches in Hawaii. The stretch of golden sand is quite broad and accommodates large crowds. It’s also one of the most active beaches in the region.

Did you know that Sunset Beach is famous for its amazing surf breaks? You may get to see swells of up to 25 feet high when the weather conditions align in your favor. This is a spot you can’t miss if you’re an experienced surfer. It’s also where you’d go to catch the Vans World Cup of Surfing.

6. Makalawena Beach

Hawaii’s Big Island has plenty of amazing beaches. Makalawena Beach is one of them and it’s surprisingly not crowded. While this stretch of white sands beach takes a bit of effort to reach, yet the promised view and solitude make everything worthwhile.

You’ll spot lots of black lava rocks on the beach. You can explore and relax in one of the many coves. Or if you prefer, relax under the shade of the many palm trees. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling, thanks to the gorgeous coral reef offshore.

7. Kapalua Beach

This is one of the top beaches in Hawaii for snorkeling enthusiasts. The Kapalua beach has protection from two reefs that also create a crescent cove. The water here is calm, clear, and teeming with aquatic life.

Even its rocky northern region offers excellent visibility because it doesn’t have as much sand. And although it’s a popular tourist destination, it remains a peaceful and clean beach.

8. Lanikai beach

One of the smallest beaches on Oahu is also one of the best. Lanikai beach is a hot destination for watersports enthusiasts. It doesn’t have shore-breaking waves but rather calm waters that are excellent for paddle boarding and swimming. You can even do windsurfing and sailing in the area, or go snorkeling.

The beach is a 40-minute drive out of Honolulu, and yet it’s not as crowded as you may think. The view is also impressive thanks to the powder-white sands and the leafy backdrop.

9. Punalu’u Beach

Punalu’u Beach makes for a fabulous Hawaii vacation spot. It’s a family-friendly location with calm waters that’s ideal for sunbathing. It’s also easily accessible, unlike other more secluded places on the islands.

Turtle watching is a popular activity in the area, and so are picnics or bathing in natural freshwater pools. One of the things that make this beach so eye-catching is its jet-black sand. You can also catch plenty of shade under coconut palm trees.

10. Ko Olina Beach

Located on the west side of Oahu, Ko Olina Beach is a great spot for younger crowds. It doesn’t have the biggest waves, and it’s one of the cleanest beaches in all of Hawaii.

But what’s most amazing is that it has four lagoons. This means that the water has perfect temperatures and is calm enough to venture in even with young children. You can also see some sea turtles in the lagoons and learn to do snorkeling in a calm environment.

11. Hanalei Bay Beach

The Hanalei Bay Beach is a garden island located in the Northern part of Kauai Island. While it doesn’t have the most expansive stretch of sand, the turquoise and emerald waters offer a mesmerizing view.

The backdrop is also one of the most beautiful in all of Hawaii. Hanalei Bay Beach has a background of green peaks and waterfalls. It’s a picturesque vacation spot and one that’s far from being a tourist magnet.

Don’t Miss Out on Hawaii’s Finest Beaches

The next time you visit Hawaii alone or with friends or family, make sure to hit some of these locations.

There’s nothing like sunbathing on jet-black sands, watching lush volcanic peaks, or venturing on some of the world’s most famous surf breaks.

Hawaii is a prime tourist destination for many reasons, with its gorgeous beaches being the number one reason.