Discover the Best Things to Do in Hawaii for Your Next Adventure

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Choosing which island and planning a trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming, so I’m sharing the best things to do in Hawaii to help you with your travels!

What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

While its temperate weather makes Hawaii a great place to visit year-round, March through September is the best time to visit Hawaii in terms of weather. This timeframe sees the lowest rainfall and the highest temperatures in the islands.

As you might expect, crowds in Hawaii are high during school breaks. Summer, Christmas, and Spring Break all see high hotel occupancy (which translates to higher costs).

September and October are Hawaii’s shoulder season—the weather is great and the kids are in school—making it my favorite time to visit the Hawaiian islands.

What is the Difference Between the Hawaiian Islands?

If you’ve never been to the Hawaiian island chain, you may not realize just how diverse they are!

First a quick geography lesson. The Hawaiian island chain as they run from West to East are Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. The islands to the West are the oldest, while the islands to the East are the newest. Only the Big Island, which is the farthest East, currently sees active lava flow, and because of that the landmass is still growing.

The varying ages of the islands are one of the differentiating factors. The older the island, the more lush and green it is. The newer the island, the more black lava rock you’ll find in the landscape.

Kauai is very lush and green and is home to Waimea Canyon, which has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Hiking and snorkeling are popular activities on the island.

Maui is less built-up than Oahu, but more built-up than Kauai. It’s the island I suggest to most first-time visitors as it gives you a sense of Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty and has a good mix of restaurants and shopping without the big city feel of Oahu.

With active lava flow happening intermittently, the Big Island is home to the most alien-feeling landscapes and is a must-visit for that alone! The island also features a mix of beautiful beaches with high-end resorts as well as cozy towns with old Hawaii vibes. The island also boasts eight of the 13 types of climate zones, which means you can experience anything from desert to tropical and even snow atop Mauna Kea in a relatively small landmass.

Maui is less built-up than Oahu, but more built-up than Kauai. It’s the island I suggest to most first-time visitors as it gives you a sense of Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty and has a good mix of restaurants and shopping without the big city feel of Oahu.

With active lava flow happening intermittently, the Big Island is home to the most alien-feeling landscapes and is a must-visit for that alone! The island also features a mix of beautiful beaches with high-end resorts as well as cozy towns with old Hawaii vibes. The island also boasts eight of the 13 types of climate zones, which means you can experience anything from desert to tropical and even snow atop Mauna Kea in a relatively small landmass.

Fast Facts: How the Hawaiian Islands Compare

How to Get to Hawaii

Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island all have international airports that airlines such as United, Delta, and American fly into. Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest airline and offers flights from the mainland to the islands as well as interisland flights.

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Cultural Experiences

Immerse Yourself in Hawaiian Heritage

Hawaii’s cultural tapestry is a vibrant blend of Native Hawaiian, Asian, and American influences, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in its rich heritage. One of the best ways to experience Hawaiian culture is by attending a traditional luau, where you can enjoy local food, music, and dance under the stars. For a deeper dive into the island’s history, a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is a must. This living museum showcases the diverse cultures of Hawaii and other Pacific Island nations through interactive exhibits and performances.

If you’re keen to learn the graceful art of hula, many workshops and classes are available across the islands, teaching the traditional dances that tell the stories of Hawaiian royalty and legends. The Bishop Museum on Oahu, the largest museum in Hawaii, offers extensive exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, providing a fascinating look into the islands’ past.

Don’t miss the chance to participate in cultural festivals like the Honolulu Festival or the Merrie Monarch Festival, which celebrate Hawaiian music, dance, and art. These events are a fantastic way to experience the vibrant community spirit and deep-rooted traditions of the Hawaiian islands.

The Best Things to do on Maui

Maui is the island I suggest for Hawaii first-timers. It has a great mix of natural beauty along with fantastic resorts and wonderful dining options. Sunrise from the top of Haleakala, the island’s active (though it hasn’t erupted since between A.D. 1480 and 1600) volcano is a breathtaking introduction to the islands. With more than 80 beaches, snorkeling, swimming, and sunning could easily take up your whole trip, but you’d be remiss not to explore Upcountry.

Maui’s North Shore is a popular spot for windsurfing activities, appealing to both experienced windsurfers and those looking to learn.

Located on the slopes of Haleakala, Upcountry features ranches, vineyards, and quaint towns with old Hawaii vibes. Spend a day driving the infamous Road to Hana and exploring rushing waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lava tubes along the way.

Highlights

The Best Things to do on Oahu

Hawaii’s third largest island, Oahu is one of the most popular. Home to Waikiki Beach and the North Shore, two famous locations that have been popularized in TV and movies, the island also is home to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Home to most of the state’s population, the island is the most urban feeling of all the Hawaiian islands but still maintains a historical side with places like Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Scenes from movies like Fifty First Dates and Jurassic Park have been filmed on the island and you can visit some of these locations at places like Kualoa Ranch and Sea Life Park.

Oahu’s North Shore offers attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center, an immersive cultural experience located in this laidback area, though it may require a significant investment of time and money for travelers.

Plan your Oahu trip with this 3-day Oahu itinerary and be sure to explore some of the island’s awesome hikes like Koko Crater Trail where you ascend 800 feet in just 3/4 mile!

Highlights

The Best Things to do on Kauai

Lush and tropical, Kauai is a hiker and waterfall lover’s paradise! The rainiest of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is nicknamed the Garden Isle due to its verdant appearance. Hike Waimea Canyon, see the Na Pali coast by air (take a doors-off helicopter tour) and sea (opt for a smaller zodiac tour to go into sea caves instead of just buzzing by them) and explore small towns like Hanapepe, the inspiration for Lilo and Stitch, all on this one stunning island!

Snorkeling in Kauai offers the chance to see tropical fish and other marine life, making it a must-do activity for visitors.

The Best Things to do on Lānaʻi

If the luxe resort life is your thing, Lanai does not disappoint! Whether it’s the Four Seasons Lanai or Sensei Lanai, the island excels at high-end resort life. With much of Lanai being uninhabited and untouched, resort lounging is the ideal way to spend the day—or several—after exploring using our one-day Lānaʻi itinerary.

The Best Things to do on Hawaii (aka The Big Island of Hawaii)

It’s pretty hard to beat an active volcano as the coolest thing to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, but activities such as nighttime snorkeling with manta rays and stargazing from atop Mauna Kea sure give it a run for its money! Couple that with beautiful beaches, old Hawaii vibes, and hiking through old lava tubes and it’s easy to see why the Big Island is on many people’s bucket lists! Explore our Big Island itinerary for more ideas!

In Kailua Kona, you can enjoy local attractions and activities like horseback riding tours and farmer’s markets, which showcase the vibrant local culture and scenic beauty of the area.

Food and Drink

Local Cuisine and Refreshments

Hawaiian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Native Hawaiian, Asian, and American flavors, offering a culinary adventure that is as diverse as the islands themselves. One of the must-try dishes is poke, a raw fish salad typically made with fresh tuna, soy sauce, and sesame oil. For a taste of traditional Hawaiian cooking, try kalua pig, a succulent pork dish slow-cooked in an underground oven and wrapped in banana leaves.

Another local favorite is loco moco, a hearty comfort food consisting of a hamburger patty, fried egg, and rich gravy served over a bed of rice. For dessert, indulge in shave ice, a refreshing treat made by shaving ice into fine flakes and drizzling it with a variety of sweet syrups. Haupia, a creamy coconut milk dessert, is another traditional favorite that you won’t want to miss.

When it comes to drinks, the Big Island is renowned for its smooth and balanced Hawaiian coffee, grown in the rich volcanic soil. For something more tropical, try a mai tai, a classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, or a lava flow, a frozen concoction of strawberries, pineapple, and coconut cream. And of course, nothing beats the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water straight from the source on a hot Hawaiian day.

Events and Festivals

Experience Hawaiian Culture and Community

Hawaii’s calendar is packed with events and festivals that celebrate its rich culture and vibrant community. One of the most anticipated events is the Honolulu Festival, an annual celebration that showcases the diverse cultures of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands through parades, performances, and crafts.

The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in Hilo, is a week-long extravaganza dedicated to Hawaiian music, dance, and art, culminating in a prestigious hula competition that draws participants from all over the world. Foodies will love the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, which features culinary creations from top chefs and highlights the best of Hawaiian cuisine and wine.

For surf enthusiasts, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on Oahu’s North Shore is a must-see. This series of competitions attracts the world’s best surfers to tackle some of the most challenging waves. And if you’re a runner, the Honolulu Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the world, offers a scenic route through the island’s beautiful landscapes every December.

These events provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique culture and community spirit of the Hawaiian islands, making your visit even more memorable.

Which Hawaiian Island is right for you?

Now that you’re equipped with specifics about each island, that’s a question only you can answer. But if you want my opinion, the answer is all of them! Each of the Hawaiian islands is worth visiting (multiple times, even) to enjoy their unique characteristics.

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