50 Best Things to Do in Hawaii

Let’s be real. Your friend’s Hawaii pictures on Instagram are making you jealous. The impossibly blue water, the shave ice that looks like a technicolor dream, the smug “aloha” captions. It’s time to stop scrolling and start planning your own trip.

But a perfect Hawaii vacation doesn’t just happen. You need a plan. A bucket list. A curated guide to the absolute best things to do across the islands, from the must-see landmarks to the secret spots that will make your friends even *more* jealous.

So, here it is. The 2026 edition of the 50 best things to do in Hawaii. You’re welcome.

 

 

For the Adventurous Soul

Because sitting on a beach is great, but sometimes you need to get your heart rate up. This is where the real stories come from.

 

 

1. See the Nāpali Coast (Kauai)

There are three ways to see these majestic, emerald-green cliffs: by helicopter, by boat, or by hiking a portion of the treacherous Kalalau Trail. Helicopter gives you the movie-star view, but a catamaran tour gets you up close with dolphins and sea caves.

 

 

2. Hike Diamond Head (Oahu)

Yes, it’s a popular tourist spot. Get over it. The paved, switchback trail is a relatively easy climb that rewards you with an insane panoramic view of Waikiki and the coastline. Go at sunrise to avoid the midday sun and the biggest crowds.

 

 

3. Drive the Road to Hana (Maui)

This is an all-day adventure, not a race. You’ll navigate over 600 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges. The prize? Jaw-dropping waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the best banana bread you’ll ever taste from a roadside stand.

 

 

4. Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā (Maui)

Waking up at 3 a.m. on vacation feels wrong, until you’re standing 10,000 feet above sea level, watching the sun paint the sky above a sea of clouds. It’s a spiritual experience. Just remember to book your reservation in advance and dress warmly—it’s freezing up there.

 

 

5. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays (Big Island)

This is, without a doubt, one of the best Hawaii attractions. You float in the dark water holding onto a light board while giant, gentle manta rays glide and barrel-roll just inches below you, feeding on plankton. It’s surreal and absolutely magical.

 

 

6. Surf the North Shore (Oahu)

If you’re an experienced surfer, this is your mecca. If you’re not, it’s still a thrill to watch the pros tackle giants at Waimea Bay or the Banzai Pipeline during the winter months. For beginners, Waikiki’s gentle rollers are a much safer bet.

 

 

7. Hike Waimea Canyon (Kauai)

They call it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and for good reason. The sheer scale and the deep red and green hues of the canyon are stunning. There are trails for all skill levels, from easy scenic lookouts to challenging canyon floor hikes.

 

 

8. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

Where else can you walk through a lava tube, see steam vents hissing from the earth, and (if you’re lucky) witness the fiery glow of an active volcano? Kīlauea is a living, breathing force of nature. Check the park’s website for current eruption status before you go.

 

 

9. Kayak to the Mokes (Oahu)

Just off Lanikai Beach sit two iconic islets called the Mokulua Islands, or “the Mokes.” Rent a kayak and paddle out to the larger one, Moku Nui, where you can land on a small beach and explore. It’s the perfect half-day adventure.

 

 

10. Go Off-Roading on Lanai

Lanai has very few paved roads, which means renting a 4×4 is the best way to explore. Bounce your way to Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), a bizarre and beautiful rock garden, or find your own deserted stretch of sand at Polihua Beach.

 

 

11. Hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Oahu)

This short but steep hike offers one of the best views on Oahu. From the old military bunkers (the “pillboxes”), you get a perfect shot of Lanikai Beach and the Mokes. It’s the ultimate photo op.

 

 

12. Zipline Over a Rainforest (Kauai/Maui)

Soar through the canopy like a tropical bird. Ziplining is a huge thrill and gives you a perspective on Hawaii’s lush interior that you just can’t get from the ground. Many courses are available across the islands.

 

 

Feast Like a Kamaʻāina

Forget your diet. You’re on vacation. Hawaiian food is a delicious mix of cultures, and you need to try it all.

 

 

13. Eat at a Garlic Shrimp Truck (Oahu)

Driving up to the North Shore and not stopping for a plate of garlic shrimp is a crime. Giovanni’s is the most famous, but Romy’s and Fumi’s are just as good. Get a dozen buttery, garlicky shrimp with two scoops of rice. And extra napkins.

 

 

14. Get Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery (Oahu)

These are not your average donuts. They’re Portuguese donuts without a hole—puffy, sugary clouds of fried dough. Get them plain or filled with custard, and eat them while they’re hot in the parking lot. You won’t regret it.

 

 

15. Splurge at Mama’s Fish House (Maui)

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. This is perhaps the most famous restaurant in Hawaii, with fish so fresh the menu tells you which fisherman caught it and where. You need to make reservations months in advance, so plan ahead for this one.

 

 

16. Drink a Mai Tai at Sunset

It’s the unofficial cocktail of Hawaii for a reason. Find a beachfront bar—like the Royal Hawaiian’s Mai Tai Bar on Oahu or Duke’s on any island—order the classic, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Pure bliss.

 

 

17. Attend a Luau

Sure, it’s a tourist staple, but a good luau is a fantastic experience. You get to sample traditional Hawaiian foods like kalua pig and poi, watch incredible hula and fire dancing, and soak up the aloha spirit. The Old Lāhainā Lūʻau (Maui) and the Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) are top-tier.

 

 

18. Cool Down with Shave Ice

This is not a snow cone. Hawaiian shave ice has a fine, powdery texture that absorbs the syrup perfectly. Get it with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom and a “snow cap” of sweetened condensed milk on top. Matsumoto’s on Oahu is legendary.

 

 

19. Try a Plate Lunch

The quintessential local meal: two scoops of white rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and your choice of entrée. Go for the kalbi ribs, chicken katsu, or loco moco (a burger patty over rice, topped with a fried egg and gravy). It’s cheap, filling, and delicious.

 

 

20. Visit a Kona Coffee Farm (Big Island)

See where the world-famous coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. Most farms offer free tours and tastings. You’ll learn a lot and leave completely caffeinated with some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.

 

 

21. Eat a Puka Dog (Kauai)

This isn’t just a hot dog. It’s a Polish sausage stuffed into a hollowed-out loaf of bread, then filled with your choice of tropical mustard and relish. It sounds weird, but trust us, it’s amazing.

 

 

22. Hit a Farmer’s Market

For a real taste of the islands, go where the locals shop. You’ll find exotic fruits you’ve never heard of, fresh-baked goods, and local crafts. The KCC Farmer’s Market on Oahu and Upcountry Farmers Market on Maui are fantastic.

 

 

Culture & History Fix

Hawaii has a rich, complex history that’s so much more than tiki torches and luaus. Take some time to learn about it.

 

 

23. Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

This is a sobering but powerful experience. The USS Arizona Memorial, floating above the sunken battleship, is a quiet place for reflection on the event that pulled the U.S. into World War II. It’s a must-do for any American visitor.

 

 

24. Explore Iolani Palace (Oahu)

This is the only official royal palace on U.S. soil. It was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and is a stunning example of American Florentine architecture. The audio tour is excellent and tells the fascinating, and often tragic, story of the Hawaiian monarchy.

 

 

25. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu)

It’s like a living museum of Pacific Island cultures. You can visit villages representing Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, and more. It’s educational, entertaining, and a full day’s worth of fun, capped off by a spectacular evening show.

 

 

26. Stroll Through Historic Lahaina Town (Maui)

After the devastating fires of 2026, Lahaina is slowly and respectfully rebuilding. Visiting the town in 2026 is a way to support the local community and witness its incredible resilience. The historic Banyan Tree still stands as a symbol of hope. Be a mindful visitor and support the local businesses that have reopened.

 

 

27. See the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau (Big Island)

This National Historical Park was once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. If they could make it here, they would be absolved. It’s a beautifully restored historic site with impressive wooden kiʻi (statues) and a palpable sense of history.

 

 

28. Learn at the Bishop Museum (Oahu)

This is the premier museum for Hawaiian and Pacific cultural history. If you want a deeper understanding of the islands, their people, and their traditions, spend an afternoon here. The collection of royal artifacts is unmatched.

 

 

29. See the Kūkaniloko Birthstones (Oahu)

This sacred site was where royal children were born. It’s a peaceful, powerful place in the middle of Oahu, far from the crowds of Waikiki. It’s a quick stop that offers a deep connection to Hawaiian history.

 

 

Just Straight-Up Chilling

You came here to relax, right? Here’s how to do it properly.

 

 

30. Relax on Lanikai Beach (Oahu)

With its powder-soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and picturesque view of the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai is consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches. It’s located in a residential neighborhood, so parking is tricky, but it’s worth the effort.

 

 

31. Find a Black Sand Beach (Big Island/Maui)

Walking on sand the color of midnight is a unique Hawaiian experience. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island is the most famous, and you’ll often find giant green sea turtles (honu) resting on the shore. Just remember to give them space!

 

 

32. Unwind on Ka’anapali Beach (Maui)

This is the quintessential resort beach: a long stretch of golden sand, crystal clear water perfect for swimming, and a paved path for strolling. At sunset, watch the daily cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock on the northern end.

 

 

33. Discover a Green Sand Beach (Big Island)

Yes, green sand. It exists. Getting to Papakōlea Beach requires a strenuous hike or a ride with a local in a 4×4, but seeing the olive-green crystals sparkling in the sun is a truly wild sight.

 

 

34. Stargaze on Mauna Kea (Big Island)

Because of its altitude and clear, dark skies, the summit of Mauna Kea is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. You can take a guided tour to the summit, or just drive to the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet for their free nightly stargazing program.

 

 

35. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach (Oahu)

The name says it all. This North Shore spot is perfectly angled for spectacular sunsets, especially in the summer. Grab a spot on the sand and watch the sky explode with color.

 

 

36. Explore Upcountry Maui

Escape the beach for a day and drive up the slopes of Haleakalā. You’ll find charming towns like Makawao and Kula, lavender farms, a goat dairy, and a cooler, more relaxed vibe than the coastal resorts.

 

 

37. Wander Through Hanalei Town (Kauai)

After you’ve seen the epic beauty of the North Shore, spend some time in this impossibly charming surf town. Browse the cute boutiques, art galleries, and grab a bite at a casual food truck or a nice restaurant.

 

 

Seriously Wild Encounters

Get ready for some face time with Hawaii’s incredible wildlife and nature. Remember to always be respectful and keep your distance.

 

 

38. Go Whale Watching (Maui)

From December to April, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Maui to breed and give birth. Taking a boat tour to see these gentle giants breach and slap their tails is an awe-inspiring experience. It’s one of the best hawaii attractions during the winter season.

 

 

39. Snorkel Molokini Crater (Maui)

This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater is a marine life conservation district. The water clarity is insane, often exceeding 150 feet, making it a spectacular place to snorkel with a huge variety of tropical fish.

 

 

40. Spot Sea Turtles on Poipu Beach (Kauai)

Green sea turtles, or honu, love to hang out in the shallow waters and sunbathe on the sand at Poipu. It’s one of the most reliable places to see them. Look, admire, take pictures, but never, ever touch them.

 

 

41. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

This stunning nature preserve is a snorkeler’s paradise. It’s a protected bay teeming with colorful fish. You now need an online reservation to visit, which helps control crowds and protect the fragile ecosystem.

 

 

42. See Akaka Falls (Big Island)

A short, paved loop trail takes you through a lush rainforest to view the towering Kahuna Falls and the main event: the 442-foot Akaka Falls, which plunges into a gorge below. It’s an easy walk with a huge payoff.

 

 

43. Kayak the Wailua River (Kauai)

This is the only navigable river in Hawaii, making it perfect for a mellow kayak or stand-up paddleboard adventure. Paddle upstream to a trailhead that leads to the beautiful Secret Falls.

 

 

44. Visit Iao Valley State Monument (Maui)

This verdant valley is both historically important and stunningly beautiful. The main attraction is the 1,200-foot Iao Needle, a green-mantled rock outcropping that rises dramatically from the valley floor.

 

 

45. See Spouting Horn (Kauai)

The Poipu coastline is full of blowholes, but Spouting Horn is the most dramatic. As waves crash into a lava shelf, water is forced through a small opening, shooting into the air with a loud hiss and a groan.

 

 

46. Swim with Dolphins in Kealakekua Bay (Big Island)

Take a boat tour to this protected bay, famous as the spot where Captain Cook met his end. It’s also home to a pod of spinner dolphins. Be sure to book with an ethical tour operator who respects the animals’ space.

 

 

47. Stroll Limahuli Garden and Preserve (Kauai)

This is not just another pretty garden. Located on Kauai’s North Shore, it’s a botanical and cultural treasure, focusing on native Hawaiian plants and the ancient agricultural terraces built by early inhabitants.

 

 

48. Hike to Manoa Falls (Oahu)

This trail feels like a scene from *Jurassic Park* (some of which was filmed nearby). It’s an easy, often muddy, walk through a bamboo forest and lush rainforest that ends at the base of a 150-foot waterfall.

 

 

49. Drive the Hamakua Coast (Big Island)

The northeastern side of the Big Island is a scenic wonderland. This drive takes you past botanical gardens, waterfalls, and charming old sugar plantation towns. It’s the “other” scenic drive that’s just as beautiful as the Road to Hana.

 

 

50. See the Kalaupapa Sea Cliffs (Molokai)

Home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Molokai offers a glimpse of old Hawaii. The best way to see the cliffs and the remote Kalaupapa Peninsula is by a small plane tour from a neighboring island.

 

 

So, What Are You Waiting For?

There you have it. Fifty reasons to pack your bags and get on a plane to paradise. You can’t do it all in one trip, and that’s the beauty of it.

Hawaii always leaves you wanting more. Pick a few things from this list, book your flight, and start counting down the days until you can say “aloha.”