Top Things to do in Hawaii
Top 10 Things to do in Hawaii, United States
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Midway Atoll
3. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
4. Hana Highway - Road to Hana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,634 reviews
A scenic and often dangerous road popular with the more adventurous visitor.
Reviewed By MauiSteve96713 - Hana, United States
Ok, I see a lot of mixed reviews on this Road To Hana, and while some are valid, others are not. A lot of people seem to 'not get it'., so here I am...as a resident reviewing my side of the island. The road to Hana is just that. Nothing more. Hana itself is not the destination. The draw to the attraction IS the road and all it has to offer...NOT what's at the end. Keep an open mind, leave for your drive as early as possible...even sunrise or before...and get a jump on traffic and crowds. Get your gas tank topped off in Paia, and bring a cooler of drinks and some snacks. As far as the nightmares you've heard about the local drivers tailgating, all you need to do is slow down or pull over and motion them to let them pass. We've all seen it, we live here and it's a long drive for us to even go to Walmart. Most of us can drive this road blindfolded since we've done it so many times. We want you to enjoy your drive at your leisure, but we don't appreciate other drivers not allowing us to pass. Wave to us as we pass...we'll wave back! Appreciate your day. If it's raining, it's Maui. Can't have waterfalls without the rain. If it's sunny, then many of the waterfalls may not be flowing. Best time to drive it? The first sunny day after a few days of rain. Sun AND waterfalls! Take it easy and slow. There is no rush. Consider spending the night in Hana. LOTS to do and see along the drive and in Hana and further. Pace yourself. If you make no stops, it's still nearly two hours to Hana from Paia. Consider a CD tour or book that gives you the sights by mile-marker. They are not all there, but enough to know where you are. Some of the best waterfalls are back toward the Nahiku area and Hana. Make the stops and take lots of photos. If you need facilities, there are three along the way at wayside stops, The Half Way to Hana stand, Ka'ahumina wayside, and one between MM 22/23....but you won't be arrested if you need a privacy tree in an emergency. There are plenty of those. The drive has access to plenty of waterfall views and hikes, oceanfront areas in Ka'anae, an arboretum, quaint early 1800's churches, pounding surf, gorgeous views, delicious banana bread, flowers and flower farms, quaint neighborhoods, fruit stands, black-sand beach, caves, BBQ stands, gift shops, coffee shop, Nahiku Tropical flower farm, Glenn's organic and vegan ice cream stand, bamboo hikes, Seven Pools, several absolutely delicious food trucks in Hana, Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay,...the list goes on... Main thing is to come early, take your time and relax in Hawaiian Time like no other...and yes, consider spending the night. Many places don't need reservations, as many folks have bungalows out back you can inquire about. And if you need to pass, just give your horn two little taps. Beep Beep...as you pass. and don't forget to wave! Enjoy!
5. Pololu Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,096 reviews
One of many scenic valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Reviewed By tano14130831 - San Ramon, United States
Had to insist that we give this hike a try. The concierge at our hotel said it was her favorite. Took about an hour to drive from Waikoloa to the lookout point but there were cute little shops in little towns on the way. Parked at the top of the cliff and hiked down to the most beautiful, serene and breathtaking scenery on the Big Island. There were tree swings near the black sand beach, majestic mountains on one side and ocean on the other. Cows were grazing in a far-off field near a peaceful meadow. I’d say hiking down took longer than hiking back up but neither took too long. Amazing views as you traverse the path. Went near sunset so only a few other people there. I’d do this hike again in a second!
6. Mauna Kea Summit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,543 reviews
At 13,796 feet, this peak offers an incredible view of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna Loa.
Reviewed By patricialj2016 - Las Vegas, United States
An amazing visit to the summit of Mauna Kea and the evening was clear as a a bell - enough to be able to see Maui! Knowledgeable guide showed and explained the various observatories located at the summit. It was cold but, the gear they provide was more than adequate. After dark explanation and location of common stars in the night skies was super! Loved every minute!
7. North Shore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,247 reviews
The northern region of Oahu is a destination in itself, offering a wide variety of natural wonders and resort activities.
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
We headed to the North Shore by the ocean route 83 and came back overland on 99. This is a great loop trip with lots of things to see along the way. Beautiful beaches and some great surf to watch especially along the north shore beaches like the Banzai Pipeline. So much better to enjoy than the city of Honolulu.
8. Ka'anapali Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,220 reviews
One of the best beaches in Maui, a favorite for relaxation as well as water sports.
Reviewed By Walnutwoman - Sacramento, United States
Sunshine kissed, cool trade breezes, water sports galore and stunning beaches, what more could you ask for.... wait, it’s there too, a short walk to whalers village gets you shopping, dining and more. P.S. Macy’s in the Hyatt is perfect for resort wear and things forgotten for a trip.
9. Hanalei Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Almost two miles of beach on Kauai's north shore.
Reviewed By beargem - West Grove, United States
Had a terrific 5 days at the North Shore Hanalei Bay Resort. Clean rooms, super views, great beach, excellent pool area with helpful and polite service all around. We also had tennis instruction with the pro, Mary Hannsz. She was excellent, great communicator, positive and was quickly able to analyze our strokes. Gave just enough instruction to help improve our game.
10. Nakalele Blowhole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,251 reviews
Reviewed By ToolChick92
Check the waves report every day during your stay. Pick a big swell or windy and wavy day. This will maximize the blowhole activity watching. Wear hiking shoes, take water. If you are not fit enough to climb down slippery and sometimes rocky parts that you will later have to climb back up sometimes pulling yourself up the rocks then watch the blowhole from the top just a short ways from the parking lot. There is an Ohana selling banana bread and coconut water at the parking lot. Park at mile marker 38.5 not 38 ! Much closer more trafficked and apparently safer from the break ins that are common in the area, take your valuables and leave glove compartment open. At mile marker 38 you can park and walk down a short way to see the other side of the rocky structure that has the blow hole for a magnificent view of the water pools and rocky bridge connecting them. It's an amazing feat of nature! Do not get close to it, stay on dry ground, it has massive suction, also a powerful jet of water that sometimes spews rocks, also do not go near the edges by the ocean waves. There have been people know to have fallen in the ocean due to a wave surprising them and tumbling in. There is no rescue here ans no cell service. On the day we went it shot up 60 ft in the air there were a couple of explosions that reached 100 ft. Respect mother nature and keep your eyes on the ocean. Great viewing stops along the way, especially surfer watching at Honolua Bay.
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