Hawaii, a traveler’s paradise, is known for its diverse biodiversity and rich culture. From heavenly beaches, volcanoes, to lush rain forests; Hawaii has everything.
Stargaze at Mauna Kea
This observatory has the world’s largest telescopes and is a must visit! It sits 14,000 feet up the state’s largest volcano and gives you a perfect view of the skies.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning sunset and then start with the star gazing at night, in the information center here. Check out a documentary film and then watch through the telescopes. There are professional star gazers who help you out find the major constellations and other celestial bodies.
Witness a Luau
The authentic Hawaiian event has both entertainment and culture in it. You can enjoy Hawaiian food while watching the breathtaking fire dancers and hula. It’s famous at the Maui’s northwestern coast and The Paradise Cove Luau in Waikiki.
Learn Surfing
Hawaii is known for its ideal surfing conditions. You can take a beginner surfing class which requires no prior experience at all. You will find thousands of companies that can help. Oahu’s North Shore, Kauai, and Maui are a few of the best options for surfing here.
Visit the Beaches
Bar hopping is common; but you need to try beach hopping in Hawaii! Maui’s Kaanapali Beach is a 3-mile stretch boasting of clear waters and amazing snorkeling scenes. It’s perfect for lounging too.
Waianapanapa State Park in Maui, boasts of unique black sand beach made from volcanic sediment.
Manini’owali Beach, also known as the Kua Bay, is a breathtaking white sand beach.
Snorkeling/Scuba diving
The vibrant and rich underwater flora and fauna awaits here! You can enjoy the presence of huge sea turtles and manta rays; with a variety of colorful fish and coral. Oahu’s Waianae Coast, Molokini Crater in Maui are few of the options.
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles
Swimming with the gentle giants, manta rays, is an experience of a lifetime.
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
Swimming with the Ray
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This unique and photogenic park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just can’t be missed! You can actually wander across dormant volcanoes and hike along lava tubes. Also if you’re really lucky, you may witness lava pouring out of one of the active volcanoes (Kilauea) right into the sea.
You can also visit the world’s largest volcano – Mauna Loa. There’s an option to take a helicopter ride from Kona, to experience it all from above. Do check their website to learn about safety, closures, and trail options.
Whale Watching
Majestic mammals like the North Pacific Humpback Whales or Hawaiian Humpbacks can be seen in their natural habitat all around Hawaii.
They migrate here every winter to breed. There are numerous close encounters that happen here, which make it an exhilarating experience. Oahu and Maui have various options.
Sailing
Hawaii offers a plethora of options for sailing. You can hire a boat and even spend the day surrounded by water. One of the best is sailing along the 17-mile stretch of the Napali Coast. It has rain-carved cliffs and stunning secret beaches.
A sunset cruise is the most romantic thing here and there are numerous options which you can choose from.
History buffs will love visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial. It is only accessible by boat and commemorates those who were killed in the attack.
Pearl Harbor Memorial
The visitor’s center here has a collection of authentic war relics and uniforms. There is a very interactive museum here that depicts World War II and the attacks that happened here.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Hawaii has the perfect climate and rich soil for coffee plantations. Visit one to learn about the process and of course taste some later. You can sip on freshly brewed coffee, in the perfect ambiance.
Hawaii is blessed with stunning hike experiences. One of them is the Haleakala Crater, in Maui, which translates to ‘House of the Sun’. Diamond Head in Oahu, The Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Mauna Kea Summit Hike are some of the most popular hikes.
Hiking
Specific Mentions
Take a 2-hour road trip on the 50-mile highway of Maui to Hana. The beauty of the coastlines and the taro patches is beyond breathtaking!
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is a stunning natural wonder in Kauai. It stretches 10 miles long and 3,500 feet deep. The Waimea River flows through the canyon and has its peculiar red hue.
Hawaii also has great golf courses so head to one if you love this sport. You may also experience as a fresher!
You can also explore Hawaii with a horseback riding tour. It’s a wonderful experience to enjoy the coastline trails. They also have some amazing private locations throughout the islands.
There are numerous options for camping on the islands. Camping amidst breathtaking locations is an experience in itself!
Try the Food
Oahu is one of the places you can experience the authentic Hawaiian food culture. Malasada, Portugese donuts rolled in sugar, haupia (Hawaiian coconut custard), poke, and lau lau pork are few of the dishes you’ve to try. Cool off with some shave ice.
In the end, rejuvenate with a relaxing spa. The treatment is known as lomi-lomi. After all, Hawaii is a place to relax and unwind!