15 things to do in Hawaii
Discover 15 top things to do in Hawaii, from the Road to Hana and Pearl Harbor to volcanoes, manta rays, Waikiki and the Na Pali Coast.
Discover the things to do in Hawaii
Hawaii combines tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, rainforest, waterfalls and extraordinary marine life with a rich living culture and history. Each island offers a different experience, whether you want to explore Maui’s scenic roads and mountains, Oahu’s beaches and historic landmarks, Big Island’s volcanoes and stargazing, or Kauaʻi’s cliffs, canyons and lush valleys.
Our Hawaii vacation rentals span Maui, Oahu, Big Island and Kauaʻi, alongside popular areas including Honolulu, Kailua, Kailua-Kona, Koloa, Princeville and Waianae. Choose from condos for couples and smaller families to substantial private villas with pools, ocean views, tropical gardens and spacious outdoor living areas. Rather than trying to see several islands in a rushed itinerary, choose one or two bases and explore them properly. Inter-island travel requires flights, while many of Hawaii’s most memorable experiences deserve a full morning or day of their own.
Popular Hawaii vacation rentals
Things to Do in Hawaii: Maui Highlights
1. Drive the Road to Hana
Location / Neighborhood: East Maui. Best For: Couples, families, road trips, nature lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: Free to $$; individual parks and attractions may charge.
The legendary Road to Hana winds through rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic coastal scenery on its journey towards the peaceful town of Hana. The route from Kahului is around 52 miles but can take several hours because of its hundreds of bends, narrow bridges and tempting scenic stops. Guests staying in our Maui vacation rentals can dedicate a full day to exploring East Maui rather than rushing the journey. Insider tip: use designated parking only, respect private property and never enter streams when heavy rain creates a flash-flood risk.
2. Watch sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā
Location / Neighborhood: Haleakalā National Park, Maui. Best For: Couples, families, photographers, hikers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$; National Park admission, plus sunrise reservation if applicable.
Rising to 10,023 feet, Haleakalā offers one of Maui’s most remarkable landscapes, with sweeping views above the clouds and volcanic terrain surrounding the summit. Sunrise is famous, but sunset can be just as atmospheric and avoids the predawn start. Guests staying in our Maui vacation rentals and villas can also combine the summit with hiking elsewhere in the park. Insider tip: a separate advance reservation is required for vehicles entering the summit district between 3am and 7am for sunrise, and temperatures near the summit can fall below freezing.
3. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Location / Neighborhood: Offshore South Maui. Best For: Families, couples, snorkeling, scuba diving. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$; boat excursion required.
The crescent-shaped volcanic crater of Molokini sits offshore from Maui and is one of the island’s best-known snorkeling and diving destinations. Boat excursions take visitors into clear Pacific waters where coral and tropical marine life can be viewed beneath the surface. Morning trips are particularly popular because conditions are often calmer. Insider tip: choose a reputable operator that follows responsible wildlife and reef practices, and confirm conditions if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness.
4. Go whale watching in Maui
Location / Neighborhood: Waters around Maui. Best For: Families, couples, wildlife lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
During Hawaii’s winter whale season, humpback whales migrate into the warm waters around the islands, making Maui one of the state’s most popular places for whale-watching trips. Boat excursions provide opportunities to watch for breaches, tail flukes and other natural behavior while learning about the whales and their migration. Insider tip: plan this activity during the winter and early spring if whale watching is a priority, and choose an operator that follows federal approach-distance regulations.
Things to Do in Hawaii: Oahu Highlights
5. Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Location / Neighborhood: Honolulu, Oahu. Best For: Families, history lovers, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Visitor center is free; some programs and partner attractions vary.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial tells the story of the December 7, 1941 attack and the wider war in the Pacific. Explore the visitor center and museums before taking the boat program to the USS Arizona Memorial, which spans the sunken battleship and commemorates those who died aboard. Our Honolulu vacation rentals provide a convenient base for combining Pearl Harbor with Waikiki and the wider island. Insider tip: the USS Arizona Memorial program is free, but reservations are strongly recommended and availability is limited.
6. Hike Diamond Head
Location / Neighborhood: Honolulu, Oahu. Best For: Couples, families with older children, hikers. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $; admission and parking charges apply for non-residents.
Climb the historic Diamond Head Summit Trail for elevated views across Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The route ascends through the volcanic crater before finishing with steps and tunnels on the way towards the summit viewpoint. Pair the hike with a stay in one of our Honolulu vacation rentals, putting both Diamond Head and Waikiki within easy reach. Insider tip: non-Hawaii residents currently require advance entry reservations, and early morning is generally more comfortable than hiking in the midday heat.
7. Learn to surf at Waikiki Beach
Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki, Honolulu. Best For: Families, couples, beginners, watersports. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free beach access; lessons and equipment $$.
Few activities feel more closely connected with a Hawaii vacation than learning to surf, and Waikiki Beach is one of the most recognizable places to try it. Beginners can book lessons before spending the rest of the day swimming, paddleboarding or exploring Honolulu’s shops and restaurants. Our Oahu vacation rentals range from island retreats to homes around Honolulu, Kailua and the North Shore. Insider tip: first-time surfers should book a lesson rather than heading straight out alone, as instructors can help you understand local conditions, etiquette and suitable beginner areas.
8. Snorkel and explore Oahu’s coastline
Location / Neighborhood: Oahu. Best For: Families, couples, snorkeling, beach days. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to $$ depending on location and equipment.
Oahu’s coastline offers everything from sheltered swimming areas to famous surf beaches. Hanauma Bay is particularly well known for snorkeling and marine conservation, while Kailua and the North Shore provide very different beach environments elsewhere on the island. Choose one of our Kailua vacation rentals for a relaxed east-coast base with beaches close by, or stay nearer Honolulu for Waikiki and city attractions. Insider tip: access systems and ocean conditions vary by beach, so always check current reservation requirements, lifeguard information and surf forecasts before setting out.
Things to Do in Hawaii: Big Island Highlights
9. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Location / Neighborhood: Southeast Big Island. Best For: Families, hikers, photographers, geology lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: National Park entrance fee.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reveals the immense geological forces that continue to shape Big Island. Explore volcanic craters, lava fields, rainforest and scenic roads around Kīlauea, with trails and overlooks offering very different perspectives on the landscape. Our Big Island vacation rentals make it possible to combine volcanic adventures with beaches, snorkeling and slower pool days. Insider tip: volcanic conditions, weather and closures can change quickly, so check National Park Service alerts before leaving and never enter closed areas.
10. Snorkel with manta rays after dark
Location / Neighborhood: Kona Coast, Big Island. Best For: Couples, families with older children, wildlife lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
One of Big Island’s most distinctive ocean experiences takes place after sunset, when manta rays can be seen feeding in the waters off the Kona Coast. Guided night snorkeling and diving trips use lights to illuminate plankton in the water as the rays glide below. Our Kailua-Kona vacation rentals put guests close to many of the island’s west-coast marine adventures. Insider tip: book with an experienced operator that follows responsible wildlife-viewing practices and avoid touching or chasing the rays.
11. Go stargazing around Maunakea
Location / Neighborhood: Central Big Island. Best For: Couples, families with older children, astronomy lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to evening. Cost / Entry: Free to $$$ depending on tour.
Big Island’s high elevations, dark skies and clear atmosphere create remarkable opportunities for stargazing around Maunakea. The mountain is also deeply significant within Native Hawaiian culture, so visitors should approach it respectfully rather than simply viewing it as an astronomical attraction. Stay in one of our Big Island vacation rentals and combine an evening beneath the stars with west-coast beaches and Kona sightseeing. Insider tip: altitude, rapidly changing weather and vehicle restrictions make organized stargazing experiences a sensible choice for many visitors.
Best Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids
12. Experience Polynesian culture on Oahu
Location / Neighborhood: Laʻie, North Shore Oahu. Best For: Families, multigenerational groups, cultural experiences. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
Oahu offers several ways for families to learn more about Hawaiian and wider Polynesian cultures through storytelling, food, music, hula and hands-on activities. The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laʻie is one of the island’s best-known visitor attractions, with island villages, performances and evening experiences. Guests staying in our Oahu vacation rentals can combine a visit with a wider North Shore day. Insider tip: allow plenty of time rather than treating it as a quick stop, particularly if you are including the evening show or dining experience.
13. Spend the day at Poʻipū Beach
Location / Neighborhood: South Shore, Kauaʻi. Best For: Families, beach lovers, snorkeling. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free.
Poʻipū Beach is one of Kauaʻi’s best-known family beach areas, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and relaxed days beside the Pacific when conditions permit. Hawaiian monk seals are also occasionally seen resting along Kauaʻi’s shores and must be given plenty of space. Our Koloa vacation rentals place guests close to Poʻipū and the attractions of Kauaʻi’s South Shore. Insider tip: always follow posted ocean-safety guidance, and never approach or disturb seals, turtles or other resting wildlife.
Unique Things to Do in Hawaii
14. See the Nā Pali Coast
Location / Neighborhood: Northwest Kauaʻi Best For: Couples, hikers, boat trips, photographers Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day Cost / Entry: Free to $$$ depending on how you explore
Towering emerald cliffs, deep valleys and hidden beaches make the Nā Pali Coast one of Hawaii’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Experience it from the water on a boat trip, from above on a scenic flight or, for experienced hikers, along sections of the demanding Kalalau Trail. Our Princeville vacation rentals are particularly well positioned for exploring Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Insider tip: hiking access around Hāʻena is controlled and advance reservations or permits may be required, so check current state-park rules before planning a trail day.
15. Explore Waimea Canyon
Location / Neighborhood: West Kauaʻi Best For: Families, couples, hikers, photographers Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day Cost / Entry: $; state park fees may apply
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon stretches for around 14 miles and reaches depths of more than 3,600 feet. Roadside viewpoints make the landscape accessible without a major hike, while trails descend into its red-rock ridges, waterfalls and lush valleys. A stay in one of our Kauaʻi vacation rentals gives you time to explore the canyon alongside the island’s beaches and North Shore scenery. Insider tip: continue towards Kōkeʻe State Park for additional overlooks, and bring layers because conditions at elevation can differ significantly from the coast.
Seasonal Events in Hawaii
Merrie Monarch Festival
Held each April in Hilo on Big Island, the Merrie Monarch Festival is one of Hawaii’s most important celebrations of hula and Native Hawaiian culture. The week-long event honors the legacy of King David Kalākaua and includes internationally acclaimed hula competitions, exhibitions, an Hawaiian arts fair and a grand parade through Hilo. Insider tip: competition tickets and accommodation are highly sought after, so plan well ahead if the festival is central to your trip.
Aloha Festivals
Taking place across September on Oahu, the Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian music, dance, history and culture through a series of major community events. Highlights traditionally include the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa, a huge street celebration along Kalākaua Avenue, and the colorful Floral Parade through Waikiki. Insider tip: guests staying in Honolulu vacation rentals are particularly well positioned for the main festivities, but should allow extra time for road closures and crowds.
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival usually takes place across October and November, bringing chefs, farmers, winemakers and culinary personalities together for dining events across Big Island, Maui and Oahu. Participating chefs showcase locally grown, raised or caught ingredients, making the festival a great way to explore Hawaii through its food. Insider tip: individual dinners and special events can sell out, so check the program and reserve your preferred experiences in advance.
Honolulu Marathon
Usually held in December, the Honolulu Marathon sends runners through the city and along the Oahu coastline, with a route that incorporates some of Honolulu’s most recognizable scenery. The wider race weekend also includes shorter-distance events, making it possible for more visitors to participate. Insider tip: even if you are not running, expect early-morning road closures around Honolulu and Waikiki on race day.
Plan your Hawaii Trip
Plan your Hawaii trip around the island experiences that matter most to you. Choose Maui for the Road to Hana, Haleakalā and snorkeling; Oahu for Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, surfing and city attractions; Big Island for volcanoes, manta rays and extraordinary night skies; or Kauaʻi for the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and a slower-paced tropical escape.
Our Hawaii vacation rentals give couples, families and larger groups a private place to unwind between adventures, with selected homes featuring private pools, ocean views, spacious lanais, outdoor dining areas and direct or nearby beach access. Our bespoke Concierge can also personalize your stay with services including airport transfers, car rental, private chefs, pre-arrival groceries, boat excursions and bespoke island itineraries.
