Who isn’t dreaming about a potential vacation right now? While the future of travel is currently clouded by the pandemic affecting most of the world, it’s easy to pass the time indoors by fantasizing about your next trip to somewhere new.
Where better to plan a trip to now than the beautiful shores of Hawaii? Who hasn’t fantasized about spending time on those white, sandy shores?
Of course, it’s not all about the beach. There are so many amazing things to do in Hawaii that you might have trouble finding time to get through everything. If you’re looking to make your dream Hawaii to-do list, read on. We’ll walk you through what you need to know.
1. Visit One of the National Parks
It goes without saying that the scenery in Hawaii is out of this world. From jaw-dropping beaches to exotic jungles, the islands that make up one of the U.S.’s most beloved states are home to some of the best natural sights around.
If you really want to take advantage of all the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer, you might want to plan to take a visit to one of the many National Parks. There are a number of amazing state-run parks across Hawaii, and each provides a rare peek into a tropical Eden.
The most popular park (and hike) in all of Hawaii is probably the trek many do within the mountains of Diamond Head. If you hike to the top, you can stop at the State Monument, one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Hawaii.
Even if you’re a novice hiker, you can make this trip. It’s only about a mile-and-a-half round trip, making it quick and easy to fit into your day. Once you’re up at the top, you’ll be treated to stunning sights in all directions.
2. Go Snorkeling
When you think of Hawaii, you probably envision the beautiful blue water lapping up against the natural shores. It’s true: the water off the coast of Hawaii is gorgeous.
As such, no trip is complete down to the islands without a little bit of snorkeling. This is a great way to access a different side of the natural beauty of Hawaii: the kind that is submerged mostly underwater.
Snorkeling is a great group activity. You can sign up your entire family and friends, no matter how big your group is. Of course, you can always go solo too and have an amazing time. Who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way.
You and your group will climb aboard a snorkeling boat and get traveled out over the beautiful water off the coast. You’ll be given all the necessary equipment and invited over into the waters. Once there, you’ll be able to swim with all the fish and lovely sea life located there.
You’ll have experienced and professional guides with you who will be able to ensure you make the most of your experience. They’ll also ensure that you stay safe and sound during your whole snorkeling adventure.
It’s an experience you surely won’t forget anytime soon!
3. The Pearl Harbor Memorial
If you’re tired of having all the fun in the sun you can stand, it might be time to look at different kinds of experiences you can have in Hawaii. If you’re interested in national history, it might be very well worth taking the time to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum.
It’s been quite a few decades since Pearl Harbor, but the state of Hawaii has created a memorial and museum to commemorate the lives lost back on that terrible day.
Visitors can learn more about that awful event that launched the United States into WWII, and they can pay their respects to those who lost their lives on that infamous day.
While a somewhat solemn experience, it can still be an essential stop on anyone’s tour of Hawaii. It’s a rare piece of history that is as awe-inspiring as it is awful. If you’re going to plan a trip anytime soon, aiming to stop at the memorial should be a priority.
4. Visit Some of the Volcanoes
Big Island in Hawaii is home to the Volcanoes National Park, one of the most stunning sights anywhere in the whole world. Inside the park’s borders, you’ll find the famous Mount Kilauea, the planet’s most continuously active volcano.
Mount Kilauea erupted as recently as 2018, meaning the ground surrounding the famous spot is only a few years old. Pretty wild!
Also within the park is another landmark sight: Mauna Loa, the largest volcano anywhere in the world. This is one of the most popular tourist spots anywhere in Hawaii, and as such, you’ll want to plan ahead before visiting.
In order to guarantee your entry, you’ll want to reserve your spot ahead of time, at least a day or two prior. As you work your way around the volcano, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several educational stops.
There is the kid-friendly Volcano Art Center, the historic Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, and a famous area to walk through known as the Archeological District. Different hiking trails provide different perspectives on the area, with two of the most famous being the Thruston Lava Tube and the Devastation Trail.
You’ll never see the fire and fury of nature more up close and personal than at the Volcano National Park. You can’t make a trip to Hawaii without stopping by.
5. Eat Delicious Foods
Hawaii has some amazing places to eat scattered around many islands. There are hundreds of restaurants worth stopping into, so you won’t have too much trouble eating well during your trip to the tropics.
Maui specifically has an amazing reputation as far as its eateries are concerned. Between the juicy produce and the hyper-fresh seafood, you won’t have much to complain about. It’s well worth stopping in a variety of different places and tasting all the different kinds of seafood that you might not normally get to enjoy at home.
If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and try some of the options raw!
You’ll also notice that flavored shaved ice treats are incredibly popular in Maui and around the islands. These come with different tropic fruit syrups and are sure to keep your refreshed and relaxed during your stay.
6. Tropical Botanical Garden
If you think you’ve seen all the natural wonder that Hawaii has to offer, just wait. You haven’t yet heard about Big Island’s lush Tropical Botanical Garden.
This enormous nature preserve is home to thousands and thousands of different species of plants and fauna. You can spend the whole afternoon in garden, hiking various trails and taking in the sights.
A number of streams and waterfalls zig-zag through the preserve and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful sight of the Onomea Bay along the way as well.
The Botanical Garden isn’t just home to amazing plant life, either. It’s also a great spot to interact with and observe some amazing local wildlife. Numerous species of rare birds call the Botanical Garden home. A visit to the garden is an amazing way to experience their presence up close and personal.
7. Drink on Front Street
After a long day adventuring, you might be ready to retire to your hotel room and wipe out. However, for the more young and zealous among us, you may be curious about the best spots to go out and party the night away.
There are many great nightlife locations spread out around Hawaii, but none are more exciting and lively than Front Street in Maui.
Different bars, clubs, and eateries extend down Front Street and provide a variety of options for those looking for a good time.
A stone’s throw from the beach, many of these open-air bars allow you to get your drink on while still enjoying the sights. There’s no more enjoyable way to drink than with that fresh ocean air still moving around you.
Kaui and Big Island have some envy-worthy drinking options as well, but it’s hard to beat what Front Street has to offer.
The Best Things to Do in Hawaii
If you’re looking for an amazing trip to the tropics, you don’t have to look any farther than the above list of the best things to do in Hawaii. You’ll keep yourself very busy doing even a few of the aforementioned items.
Need more travel advice, tips, or tricks? Keep scrolling our blog for more information.
