45 Best Things to Do in Hawaii

Things to Do on Oahu

1. Spend the day at Waikiki Beach

Location: Waikīkī, Honolulu. Best For: Families, couples, swimming, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; activities and rentals extra.

Relax on one of Hawaii's best-known beaches, where calm stretches of water, views of Lēʻahi and easy access to Honolulu's restaurants and shops make Waikīkī a convenient introduction to Oʻahu. Swim, paddleboard or simply spend a few hours on the sand before exploring the surrounding neighborhood on foot. Insider tip: arrive early for a quieter beach experience, then stay into the evening for sunset and dinner in Waikīkī.

2. Hike Lēʻahi (Diamond Head)

Location: Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu. Best For: Hiking, views, couples, active families. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $; non-resident reservations and fees apply.

Climb to the summit of Oʻahu's famous volcanic crater for wide views across Waikīkī, Honolulu and the Pacific. The trail combines switchbacks, stairs and a historic tunnel before reaching former military observation areas close to the summit. Insider tip: non-Hawaii residents currently need advance entry reservations, with parking reservations also required if driving.

3. Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Location: Pearl Harbor, Honolulu. Best For: History, families with older children, museums. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Visitor center free; individual attractions and reservation fees vary.

Learn about the events of December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where exhibitions provide historical context before visitors travel to the USS Arizona Memorial. The wider Pearl Harbor area also includes additional museums and historic vessels that can turn the visit into a substantial day of sightseeing. Insider tip: reserve the USS Arizona Memorial program through the official system ahead of your visit, especially during busy vacation periods.

4. Tour ʻIolani Palace

Location: Downtown Honolulu. Best For: Hawaiian history, architecture, culture. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; tour admission applies.

Explore the former royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and learn more about King Kalākaua, Queen Liliʻuokalani and a pivotal period in Hawaiian history. Restored rooms, furnishings and exhibits provide important context that complements Oʻahu's beaches and outdoor attractions. Insider tip: make this part of a wider Downtown Honolulu day alongside nearby historic and cultural sites.

5. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Location: Southeast Oʻahu. Best For: Snorkeling, families, marine life, conservation. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; non-resident admission and parking charges apply.

Discover a protected volcanic bay where conservation measures help visitors experience Hawaii's marine environment responsibly. An education program introduces the preserve before you head down to the beach, where snorkeling can reveal reef fish and other marine life when conditions are suitable. Insider tip: Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Non-resident admission reservations are strongly recommended and standard online slots currently open two days ahead.

6. Explore Oahu's North Shore and Haleiwa

Location: North Shore, Oʻahu. For: Surf culture, road trips, food, beaches. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Drive north to experience a more relaxed side of Oʻahu around Haleʻiwa and the island's legendary surf coastline. Browse independent stores, stop for local food and visit famous stretches of shore that attract experienced surfers when large winter swells arrive. Insider tip: winter waves can be extremely powerful, so enjoy major surf breaks from a safe viewing point unless conditions match your experience.

7. Take a surfing lesson

Location: Waikīkī or selected Oʻahu beaches. Best For: Beginners, families, active travelers. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Learn one of Hawaii's defining sports with an instructor who can introduce paddling, positioning, ocean safety and the basics of standing on a board. Waikīkī is particularly well known for beginner instruction because selected areas offer manageable conditions when the ocean is calm. Insider tip: choose a reputable instructor who matches the lesson location to the day's surf conditions rather than simply booking the cheapest option.

8. Visit Bishop Museum

Location: Honolulu. Best For: Hawaiian culture, families, history, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.

Spend time learning about Hawaiian and wider Pacific history, culture and natural science at one of Honolulu's most important museums. Collections, cultural objects and exhibitions help visitors understand the islands beyond their resort and beach settings. Insider tip: visit early in your vacation so the cultural context you learn can enrich the rest of your time across the islands.

9. Experience the Polynesian Cultural Center

Location: Lāʻie, North Shore Oʻahu. Best For: Families, cultural activities, evening entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. / Entry: $$$; packages vary.

Explore interactive areas representing several Pacific Island cultures through demonstrations, performances, traditional skills and storytelling. Evening dining and entertainment can extend the experience well beyond the daytime attractions. Insider tip: allow plenty of time rather than arriving only for the evening show, particularly if this is your family's main Polynesian cultural experience.

10. Explore Kualoa's valleys and landscapes

Location: Windward Oʻahu. Best For: Families, scenery, adventure activities, film fans. Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$; guided experiences vary.

See the lush valleys and dramatic mountain scenery of Oʻahu's windward coast on a guided experience at Kualoa. Tour options can focus on landscapes, ranch history, movie locations or outdoor adventure, giving families and groups several ways to experience the area. Insider tip: reserve your preferred activity rather than simply arriving, as popular tours can sell out well ahead.

11. Relax at Kailua and Lanikai

Location: Kailua, Windward Oʻahu. Best For: Families, swimming, kayaking, beach days. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; rentals extra.

Spend a slower beach day on Oʻahu's windward coast around Kailua Bay and neighboring Lanikai. Pale sand and offshore island views create a very different setting from central Honolulu, while kayaking and paddleboarding provide alternatives to simply relaxing beside the water. Insider tip: Lanikai sits within a residential neighborhood with limited parking, so respect residents and never block driveways or access points.

12. Walk the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

Location: Southeast Oʻahu. Best For: Walking, ocean views, whale watching. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Follow the paved uphill trail towards Makapuʻu Point for expansive views of Oʻahu's southeastern coastline and offshore islands. During Hawaii's humpback whale season, the elevated viewpoint is also one of the island's best places to scan the ocean for distant whales. Insider tip: there is little shade, so start in the morning and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Things to Do on Maui

13. Drive the Road to Hana

Location: North and East Maui. Best For: Scenic drives, waterfalls, couples, adventure. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: Free to drive; individual stops may charge fees.

Follow the Hāna Highway through rainforest, coastal scenery and small communities on one of Maui's signature drives. Waterfalls, viewpoints and roadside stops make the journey as important as Hāna itself, so avoid treating the route as a race to reach the end. Insider tip: start early, check road conditions and parking requirements, and travel respectfully through local communities.

14. Watch sunrise or sunset at Haleakala

Location: Haleakalā National Park. Best For: Scenery, couples, photography, nature. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$; park entrance plus sunrise reservation when applicable.

Travel above the clouds to Haleakalā's summit district for one of Maui's most dramatic landscapes. Sunrise offers the best experience, though sunset and daytime visits also offer extraordinary crater views without requiring the very early start. Insider tip: sunrise entry between 3 AM and 7 AM requires an advance vehicle reservation. Summit temperatures can also fall below freezing, so bring warm clothing.

15. Snorkel or dive at Molokini

Location: Offshore South Maui. Best For: Snorkeling, diving, marine life. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$$; boat tour required.

Travel by boat to Molokini, a crescent-shaped volcanic islet designated as a Marine Life Conservation District and bird sanctuary. Clear water and reef habitat make it one of Maui's most popular snorkeling and scuba-diving excursions. Insider tip: early-morning trips often benefit from calmer conditions, though weather and visibility always vary.

16. Visit Waianapanapa State Park

Location: Near Hāna, East Maui. Best For: Black-sand scenery, coastal walks, photography. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $; reservations and parking fees apply to non-residents.

Stop beside Maui's rugged eastern coastline to see the dark volcanic shoreline, coastal vegetation and walking trails of Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Its black-sand setting provides one of the most distinctive stops on a Road to Hāna itinerary. Insider tip: non-resident entry and parking must be reserved ahead; same-day reservations are not available.

17. Go humpback whale watching

Location: Maui waters, particularly the Auʻau Channel. Best For: Wildlife, families, couples, seasonal trips. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Watch for koholā, or humpback whales, that migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Maui's shallow surrounding channels offer some of Hawaii's strongest whale-watching opportunities during the winter and spring migration. Insider tip: Hawaii's humpbacks are generally present from December through May, with peak viewing commonly falling between January and early April.

18. Explore Iao Valley State Monument

Location: Central Maui. Best For: Nature, short walks, scenery, families. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $; non-resident entry and parking reservations required.

Walk into the lush landscape of ʻĪao Valley, where steep green mountains surround one of central Maui's best-known natural landmarks. Short pathways and viewpoints make this easier to incorporate into an itinerary than a long backcountry hike. Insider tip: out-of-state visitors currently need advance entry and parking reservations, so don't leave this stop completely spontaneous.

19. Enjoy Kaanapali Beach and Puu Kekaa

Location: West Maui. Best For: Families, swimming, snorkeling, sunsets. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free beach access; parking and activities vary.

Spend time on Kāʻanapali's long stretch of golden sand before exploring the water around Puʻu Kekaʻa, often called Black Rock. When ocean conditions are suitable, the northern part of the beach is a popular snorkeling area. Insider tip: always check conditions with lifeguards or local ocean-safety information before snorkeling, as even familiar beaches can change quickly.

20. Snorkel at Maluaka Beach

Location: South Maui. Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing beach days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Enjoy a quieter South Maui beach day at Maluaka, where clear water and a scenic coastline can offer good swimming and snorkeling when conditions cooperate. The beach provides a useful alternative when you want natural scenery rather than a busier resort-front setting. Insider tip: snorkeling is generally best earlier in the day before afternoon winds become stronger.

21. Explore Upcountry Maui

Location: Kula, Makawao and Haleakalā slopes. Best For: Food, farms, scenic drives, couples. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; farm tours and tastings extra.

Head inland and uphill to discover Maui's agricultural side around Kula and Makawao. Farms, ranch landscapes, small businesses and panoramic views provide a change of pace from the island's coastal resorts. Insider tip: combine Upcountry with a daytime Haleakalā visit rather than making two completely separate drives up the mountain.

22. Visit Maui Ocean Center

Location: Māʻalaea. Best For: Families, marine conservation, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: Around 2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Learn about Hawaii's marine ecosystems through living coral displays, sharks, rays, sea turtles and educational presentations at Maui Ocean Center. Its conservation partnerships support initiatives including coral restoration, marine education and Hawaiian green sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Insider tip: this is particularly useful on a rainy or extremely hot afternoon when your group wants a substantial indoor activity.

23. Hike the Pipiwai Trail in Kipahulu

Location: Kīpahulu District, Haleakalā National Park. Best For: Hiking, waterfalls, bamboo forest, nature. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Haleakalā National Park entrance fee applies.

Follow the four-mile round-trip Pīpīwai Trail through varied forest landscapes, past Makahiku Falls and a bamboo forest to the Waimoku Falls viewing area. Nearby Kūloa Point Trail provides views towards the Pools of ʻOheʻo and the coastline. Insider tip: the Pools of ʻOheʻo are currently closed to swimming, so ignore older guides that recommend entering the water.

Things to Do on the Big Island

24. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Location Southeast Hawaiʻi Island. Best For: Volcanoes, hiking, families, geology. Estimated Time Needed: Full day to several days. Cost / Entry: $$; national park entrance fee applies.

Discover the extraordinary volcanic landscapes shaped by Kīlauea and Mauna Loa at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Crater viewpoints, trails, rainforest and vast lava fields reveal an island that is still being reshaped by geological forces. Insider tip: volcanic activity changes frequently, so check the National Park Service's current eruption and closure information on the morning of your visit.

25. Drive Chain of Craters Road

Location: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Best For: Scenic driving, geology, photography. Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Included with park entrance.

Descend from the Kīlauea summit towards the coast on a scenic drive passing craters, old lava flows and cultural landscapes. The road currently extends almost 19 miles from the Devastation Trail area towards the coast, with numerous places to stop and explore. Insider tip: there is no food, fuel or drinking water along Chain of Craters Road, so prepare before leaving the summit area.

26. Walk through Nahuku Lava Tube

Location: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Best For: Families, geology, short hikes. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Included with park entrance.

Walk through native rainforest before entering Nāhuku, a lava tube formed when molten rock once flowed beneath a cooling crust. The short underground section provides an accessible way to understand how volcanic landscapes continue below the surface. Insider tip: parking is extremely limited, so the National Park Service recommends visiting before 9 AM or later in the day.

27. Snorkel with manta rays at night

Location: Kona Coast. Best For: Wildlife, snorkeling, divers, adventure. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Join a responsible evening boat excursion to watch manta rays feeding in the waters off the Kona Coast. Special lights attract plankton, which can bring these large rays close enough for snorkelers and divers to observe their graceful movements without touching them. Insider tip: choose an established operator with clear wildlife-interaction rules and never attempt to touch, chase or ride a manta ray.

28. Go stargazing on Maunakea

Location: Central Hawaiʻi Island. Best For: Astronomy, couples, photography. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to evening. Cost / Entry: Free–$$$ depending on experience.

Experience exceptionally dark skies around Maunakea, a place of profound cultural significance to Native Hawaiians as well as a globally important astronomical location. Stargazing experiences around the mountain can reveal planets, constellations and the Milky Way under suitable conditions. Insider tip: altitude, weather and access restrictions require careful planning; consider the visitor-information area or an organized experience rather than assuming you should drive to the summit.

29. Tour a Kona coffee farm

Location: Kona District. Best For: Couples, food and drink, agriculture. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free–$$ depending on tour.

See where one of Hawaii's best-known agricultural products is grown on the volcanic slopes around Kona. Farm tours can explain the journey from coffee cherry to roasted bean before finishing with tastings overlooking tropical farmland. Insider tip: pair a coffee-farm visit with Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau or other South Kona attractions to reduce unnecessary driving.

30. Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau

Location: South Kona. Best For: Hawaiian culture, history, families. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; National Park Service entrance fee applies.

Walk through the Royal Grounds and sacred place of refuge at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. A self-guided route passes reconstructed and preserved cultural features including the Great Wall, heiau and carved kiʻi while explaining traditional Hawaiian life and the kapu system. Insider tip: treat this as a cultural and sacred site rather than simply another photo stop, staying on designated paths and respecting all restrictions.

31. Relax at Hapuna Beach

Location: Kohala Coast. Best For: Families, beach days, swimming, sunsets. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $; non-resident state park fees apply.

Spend a day on one of Hawaiʻi Island's best-known stretches of pale sand. Hāpuna Beach offers a broad shoreline and open ocean views, with swimming often appealing when surf conditions are calm. Insider tip: check current state park notices before setting out, as weather and storm recovery can temporarily affect individual sections and facilities.

32. Explore Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Location: Hāmākua Coast near Hilo. Best For: Gardens, photography, couples, nature. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.

Walk through lush tropical vegetation overlooking the coast near Hilo, with palms, orchids, heliconias, rainforest species and streams creating a peaceful contrast to the Big Island's stark volcanic landscapes. Insider tip: combine the garden with other Hāmākua Coast attractions rather than making a separate cross-island drive solely for one stop.

33. Explore Historic Kailua Village

Location: Kailua-Kona. Best For: Dining, shopping, history, sunsets. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Spend an afternoon around Kailua-Kona's waterfront, where historic sites, restaurants, cafés and shops line the coast around Aliʻi Drive. It is an easy activity for arrival day or an evening when you want to stay close to your Big Island vacation rental. Insider tip: arrive in the late afternoon, explore on foot and stay for sunset and dinner beside the water.

34. See Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Location: Kaʻū, southern Hawaiʻi Island. Best For: Scenery, photography, coastal road trips. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

See one of the Big Island's most recognizable volcanic coastlines at Punaluʻu, where dark basalt sand contrasts with palms and blue Pacific water. Hawaiian green sea turtles are sometimes seen resting in the area. Insider tip: admire turtles from the legally required distance and never touch, feed or block them if they come ashore.

Things to Do on Kauai

35. See the Napali Coast by boat

Location: Northwest Kauaʻi. Best For: Scenery, couples, families, photography. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$$.

See Kauaʻi's dramatic Nāpali coastline from offshore, where deeply folded green cliffs, waterfalls and narrow valleys rise above the Pacific. Boat tours provide one of the best ways to appreciate the sheer scale of terrain that cannot be reached by road. Insider tip: ocean conditions vary significantly by season, so choose the departure coast and operator according to current weather rather than assuming every itinerary runs year-round.

36. Explore Haena State Park and Hanakapiai

Location: North Shore Kauaʻi. Best For: Hiking, scenery, active travelers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $; non-resident reservations required.

Explore Kauaʻi's spectacular North Shore from Hāʻena State Park and the beginning of the Kalalau Trail. Following Hurricane Lowell, the park reopened on October 15, 2026, with day hiking available to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, valley and falls. Insider tip: hiking beyond the two-mile point towards Kalalau and overnight camping remain closed at the time of this update, so check current conditions before travelling.

37. See Waimea Canyon (when access is open)

Location: West Kauaʻi. Best For: Scenic drives, hiking, photography. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: State park entrance and parking charges normally apply to non-residents.

Waimea Canyon is one of Kauaʻi's signature landscapes, with deeply eroded red and green walls, waterfalls and far-reaching viewpoints earning comparisons with the Grand Canyon. Scenic overlooks and hiking routes normally make it an essential West Kauaʻi experience. Insider tip: Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks remain temporarily closed for hurricane-recovery work as of October 15, 2026. Check Hawaii DLNR park notices before including them in your itinerary.

38. Kayak the Wailua River

Location: East Kauaʻi. Best For: Kayaking, families, nature. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $ for rentals or tours.

Paddle along the broad Wailua River through lush East Kauaʻi scenery for a different perspective on the Garden Isle. Insider tip: Uluwehi, commonly called Secret Falls, remains closed at the time of this update, so don't book an itinerary that promises access unless official restrictions have changed.

39. Relax at Hanalei Bay

Location: Hanalei, North Shore Kauaʻi. Best For: Beaches, surfing, families, scenery. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free.

Spend time beside the mountains at sweeping Hanalei Bay, one of Kauaʻi's most photogenic coastal settings. Swimming, surfing and paddling opportunities vary with the season, while Hanalei town provides cafés, restaurants and shops nearby. Insider tip: winter North Shore surf can be powerful, so treat ocean-safety warnings seriously even when the beach itself looks inviting.

40. Spend the day at Poipu Beach

Location: South Shore Kauaʻi. Best For: Families, beach days, snorkeling, sunsets. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free.

Enjoy one of Kauaʻi's most popular South Shore areas around Poʻipū, where beaches, snorkeling areas and nearby dining make it easy to spend most of a day close to your Kōloa vacation rental. Insider tip: wildlife frequently uses Kauaʻi's beaches too; always give turtles and Hawaiian monk seals substantial space if they are resting ashore.

41. Watch Spouting Horn

Location: Poʻipū, South Kauaʻi. Best For: Families, sightseeing, short stops. Estimated Time Needed: 30–60 minutes. Cost / Entry: Free.

Observe the waves as they force water and air through a natural lava opening at Spouting Horn, creating a dramatic burst of spray along Kauaʻi's southern coastline. The viewpoint makes an easy addition to a Poʻipū or Kōloa sightseeing day. Insider tip: remain behind designated barriers; blowholes and surrounding lava shelves can be extremely dangerous despite appearing accessible.

42. Explore Old Koloa and the Koloa Heritage Trail

Location: Kōloa, South Kauaʻi. Best For: History, families, self-guided sightseeing. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Mostly free.

Discover the history and landscapes around Kōloa through a route linking cultural, historic and natural sites across Kauaʻi's South Shore. Old Kōloa Town also offers local shops, food and an easy place to explore between beach activities. Insider tip: split the heritage stops across your wider South Shore itinerary rather than attempting to treat the whole route as one continuous walk.

43. Visit Kauai's tropical botanical gardens

Location: South Shore Kauaʻi. Best For: Gardens, conservation, couples, photography. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $; tours and admission vary.

Explore tropical plant collections and landscaped valleys at gardens such as Allerton and McBryde, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network. Guided experiences introduce Hawaiian and Pacific plant life alongside broader conservation work. Insider tip: select your garden and tour before arriving, as different sites emphasize landscape design, conservation and botanical collections in different ways.

44. Watch Hawaiian monk seals responsibly

Location: Beaches around Kauaʻi, including the South Shore. Best For: Wildlife, conservation, families. Estimated Time Needed: Opportunistic rather than scheduled. Cost / Entry: Free.

Kauaʻi offers opportunities to see critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals resting on beaches or swimming offshore. Seeing one is memorable, but wildlife viewing should always prioritize the animal rather than the photograph. Insider tip: remain well outside posted ropes and follow volunteer or wildlife-official instructions; never approach, touch, feed or attempt to enter the water beside a seal.

45. See Kauai from the air

Location: Kauaʻi. Best For: Scenery, photography, special occasions. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Take a scenic helicopter or small-aircraft flight over terrain that is difficult to appreciate from the road, potentially including the Nāpali Coast, waterfalls, deep valleys and Kauaʻi's mountainous interior. Insider tip: weather determines both safety and visibility, so allow some flexibility in your schedule in case your flight needs to move or be cancelled.

Top Hawaii events

Aloha Festivals

Held each September, Aloha Festivals is one of Hawaiʻi’s biggest celebrations of Hawaiian culture, with events including live music, hula, street parties, cultural demonstrations and colorful parades. On Oʻahu, highlights include the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa block party and the Floral Parade along Kalākaua Avenue, giving visitors a lively introduction to Hawaiian traditions, food and music. Go Hawaii

Merrie Monarch Festival

The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place each spring in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island and is one of the world’s most prestigious celebrations of hula. The week-long event centers on an internationally renowned hula competition, accompanied by cultural performances, an Hawaiian arts fair and community celebrations that showcase the history, language and traditions of Hawaiʻi.

Honolulu Marathon

Taking place each December on Oʻahu, the Honolulu Marathon attracts runners from around the world for a 26.2-mile course through Honolulu. The route combines city landmarks with coastal scenery, making it one of Hawaiʻi’s most popular annual sporting events for both international competitors and spectators.

Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival

Held each fall across multiple Hawaiian islands, the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival celebrates the state’s food, agriculture and culinary talent. Events range from grand tastings and chef dinners to cooking demonstrations and wine experiences, with participating chefs showcasing locally grown, raised or caught ingredients from across the islands.

IRONMAN World Championship

The IRONMAN World Championship is one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most famous annual sporting events, traditionally centered around Kailua-Kona. Elite and amateur athletes take on a demanding swim, bike and run course through the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape, drawing competitors and supporters from around the world.

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