Most people get one trip to Hawaiʻi. Some get two. With prices rising every year it's getting harder and harder to budget a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. With this guide, my goal is to share the top experiences in Hawaiʻi, so you can make a decision on how to spend your limited time here. This is not a comprehensive list of every activity across the islands — it's advice from someone who has spent over 10 years living in and traveling amongst these islands. I've done almost all the tourist activities and know what is worth your time and what is not.
To witness Kīlauea erupt at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, even for locals. To stand on the sacred summit of Haleakalā on Maui, a landscape so otherworldly it's often compared to walking on the moon, is an enormous privilege. To see the Nā Pali Coast on Kauaʻi — whether by boat, helicopter or on foot — is to behold one of the most spectacular coastlines on earth. These are not interchangeable, and they are definitely not comparable to a harbor dinner cruise or submarine tour.
What it comes down to is this: Hawaiʻi is expensive and no single trip scratches the surface of how special this place is. Your best bet is to pick one or two islands, go as deep as you can on a few experiences and save the rest for another time. The visitors who leave disappointed are the ones who tried to do too much and didn't take any time to rest and savor.
The attack on Pearl Harbor changed history, and Hawaiʻi, forever. Standing above the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, where 1,177 people lost their lives, is heavy — guests are encouraged to stay silent and take it all in. The memorial is free but requires reservations well in advance, so book before you arrive. Pearl Harbor as a whole contains several historic sites, including the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin submarine and the Pacific Aviation Museum. It's worth setting aside a whole day for.
Haleakalā is one of the most sacred places in Hawaiian culture — a domain of gods and an ancestral life source. The demigod Māui is said to have lassoed the sun from this summit to slow its passage across the sky. The summit sits above the clouds at 10,023 feet, and its national park encompasses one of the most surreal landscapes in the United States: a vast volcanic crater of cinder cones, colored ash and sub-tropical valleys, with more than 30 miles of hiking trails. Prepare for cold, windy conditions. Sunrise and sunset are incredible — just know a sunrise visit requires a reservation months in advance.
Hawaiʻi Island is the only island where you can see an active volcano. Kīlauea has been one of the most continuously active volcanoes on Earth for decades, and the park built around it — accessible by Chain of Craters Road — lets you explore 22 miles of lava-tube forests, steam vents and the red glow of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Give this adventure a full day minimum. Better yet, stay overnight near the park so you can arrive early, before the crowds.
The Nā Pali Coast is 17 miles of fluted green sea cliffs towering thousands of feet high along Kauaʻi's northwest shore. The only ways to see them are by boat, by helicopter, from the Kalalau lookout at the top of Kōkeʻe State Park, or by hiking the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Boat tours take you into sea caves and snorkeling at the base of the cliffs; a helicopter gives you the bird's-eye view; the Kalalau Trail is the most difficult and most rewarding. There's also no shame in driving up to the west-side lookout — you'll see Waimea Canyon and the Nā Pali Coast in one trip. Pick the option that fits your fitness level and budget.
ʻIolani Palace in downtown Honolulu is the only royal palace on American soil and one of the most important historical sites in Hawaiʻi. Here you'll learn the true story of how Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in her own palace following the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. The guided tour is only 45 minutes, but in that time you'll understand why the people of Hawaiʻi still fight for their sovereignty today. Don't skip this experience — it will change how you see everything else in the islands.
Oʻahu receives the most visitors each year, and here you get the best of two worlds: an exciting city scene and serene natural landscape. Despite the traffic, it's the easiest island to traverse and has the most variety of things to do. Waikīkī is crowded and touristy, but also fun, and has the most hotels — a good home base for exploring. The North Shore is where country meets beach life; Ko ʻOlina has the biggest resorts but sits far from Honolulu's restaurants, museums and shopping. If you want to relax all day by the pool, your time would be wasted here — Oʻahu has so much more, from Pearl Harbor and ʻIolani Palace to the Bishop Museum, Mānoa Falls and Cirque du Soleil.
Maui is the island most people picture when they picture Hawaiʻi — expansive beaches steps from your hotel, breezy open-air restaurants and the best whale watching. The west side and south shore have the best high-end resorts in the state, the farm-to-table dining scene is outstanding, and the Road to Hāna is something you'll never forget. Maui is big and spread out, so you'll need a rental car; traveling between regions takes hours (Wailea to Kāʻanapali is an hour; Hāna is a full-day commitment). Lāhainā, the historic former capital devastated by the 2023 wildfires, is rebuilding and welcoming visitors — spending money there supports the local community. Maui is great for couples, families who want resort amenities, and anyone wanting both beach time and exploration.
Hawaiʻi Island has far less tourist infrastructure than Oʻahu and Maui, though still a fair amount of hotels, especially on the west side. Here it's all about geology: active volcanoes, lava fields, 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, preserved heritage sites, ancient fishponds and rolling green ranchlands. Pick a side and dig in — driving from Kona to Hilo takes at least two and a half hours, and Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about the same. You really need a full week to do the island justice. It's a good choice for visitors who've already done Oʻahu and Maui and want to understand what Hawaiʻi looked like before the hotels arrived. History buffs and nature lovers will be in heaven.
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Kauaʻi's natural beauty is hard to beat — lush green rainforests that seem to go on forever. There's only one main road, and it doesn't connect through the Nā Pali Coast, so you can't loop the island. To reach attractions on all sides, base yourself on the east side, which is central and closest to the airport. This is an island for slowing down and enjoying nature. The north shore around Hanalei is rainy; the south shore in Poʻipū is sunny; both offer amazing experiences. Come without rigid expectations and you'll leave more than happy. The Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are the most popular experiences, but there's plenty to do in every area, from river kayaking to farmers markets. First-timers usually do better starting with Oʻahu or Maui — but many leave Kauaʻi saying it was their favorite island.
Polynesian Cultural Center — Worth it. I say this having arrived skeptical. The PCC on Oʻahu's North Shore is a full-day immersion in the cultures of Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Aotearoa and the Marquesas, staffed largely by BYU–Hawaiʻi students who are actually from these places. The day flies by and the evening show is a relaxing, entertaining cap. Go with an open mind and comfortable shoes.
Helicopter tours — Yes, but only on Kauaʻi. The Nā Pali Coast from the air is the one helicopter experience in Hawaiʻi that justifies the ~$300 price tag — the cliffs, valleys and hidden waterfalls have no ground-level equivalent. Elsewhere, helicopters compete with things you can see from the road or a boat for a fraction of the price. Spend the money on Kauaʻi; save it everywhere else.
Lūʻau — Depends on where you go. Quality varies wildly, and it's not always a genuine cultural experience or the best food. To see hula, consider one of the many hula festivals across the islands — the Merrie Monarch competition being the ultimate. For Hawaiian food, visit restaurants like Waiahole Poi Factory or Helena's Hawaiian Food on Oʻahu. Research before you book: if it looks and sounds cheesy, it probably is.
Submarine tours — Skip. The Atlantis submarine exists on multiple islands and costs around $150 per adult for a view of the ocean floor you can see better, for free, while snorkeling. Unless someone in your group genuinely can't snorkel, the money goes further almost anywhere else.
Underrated: the Bishop Museum and farmers markets. The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the best natural and cultural history museum in Hawaiʻi — the planetarium alone is worth an hour. Farmers markets across the islands are free and offer the best local ingredients: Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, Kakaʻako on Oʻahu, Upcountry Maui and Kīlauea on Kauaʻi are among the best.
Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the North Shore and Honolulu.
Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna, whale watching and Wailea.
Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon and the slow magic of the Garden Isle.
Volcanoes, Mauna Kea, Kona coffee and the Kohala Coast.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island — standing at the edge of an active caldera on land still being formed has no equivalent anywhere else in the country. If you're Oʻahu-only, Pearl Harbor and ʻIolani Palace together make the strongest single day. On Maui, it's Haleakalā and the Road to Hāna.
Oʻahu, for city energy, historical depth and the widest range of activities in the most accessible package. Maui is great for first-timers who want resort beaches, great food and scenic drives. If you can only pick one, start with Oʻahu — it has it all: surfing, hiking, beaches, shopping, art and museums.
One or two at most. A day or two isn't enough to see the breadth of any island. Two weeks across two islands — Oʻahu and Maui, or Maui and the Big Island — is a far richer trip than ten days split four ways.
The generic dinner cruise. It exists on every island, costs $150+ per person, serves buffet food on a moving boat and provides a sunset you could get for free from any west-facing beach. The money and the evening are almost always better spent elsewhere.
April through May and September through October are the sweet spots — shoulder-season prices, fewer crowds and good weather island-wide. December through March brings humpback whales to Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island, but also higher prices and peak crowds. There's no bad time to go, but shoulder season is cheaper and quieter.
No. Trying to squeeze in multiple islands to feel like you've "done Hawaiʻi" is one of the most common visitor mistakes. Each island is a complete destination — a week on Maui done right reveals only a fraction of what Maui contains. See one island well before moving on.
Each island has its own character — choose yours to explore activities on the ground.
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Shoot Ogawa in his favorite environment: small, personal, unforgiving, and impossibly close. Every guest becomes part of the experience.
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A live interactive true crime comedy where the clues are real, the suspects are everywhere, and you're part of the case.
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Featured PartnerShark Cage Diving On Oahu, Hawaii
We are the original and most established shark adventure tour in Hawaii.
Hawaiʻi IslandSells out fastFree cancellationA must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the neon lights. Join us for a memorable and magical moment of a night snorkel with beautiful manta rays gracefully gliding through the water. We guarantee Manta Ray sighting or your next trip is on us!!
OʻahuSells out fastFree cancellationToa Luau invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Polynesia on Oahu’s historic North Shore! Book any one our 3 Luau seating options. We have 2 Luau showings per day, first luau starts at 12:30pm and second luau starts at 5pm. Set aside ample time in the day to walk through the fragrant flower lei gardens or hike among some of Hawaii’s most diverse plant life and even swim at the refreshing Waimea falls (Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays in January, February, May, October, and November). The epitome of your visit happens with TOA at Oahu’s most authentic Polynesian luau! Complete with authentic interactive cultural demonstrations, island feast and a sampling of Polynesian dances from all over the Pacific. Your time with us will be one to remember long after you leave our beautiful islands. There’s something for everyone when you spend an adventurous day with TOA LUAU in alluring Waimea.
OʻahuSells out fastFree cancellationBook the Oahu Shark Dive for a thrilling shark encounter off the North Shore. You’ll travel by boat from Haleiwa Harbor, then view sharks from a secure cage, with clear water offering excellent visibility. No swimming skills are required. Crew members are experienced and focus on guest safety, and you can choose to watch the action from the boat if you prefer to stay dry.
KauaʻiSells out fastFree cancellationIf you're visiting Kauai, you absolutely can't miss seeing the stunning NaPali Coast. We offer a one-of-a-kind experience to do just that. As a Native family-run company, we are very fortunate to have been right here at our shop for 200 years, gathering our family's documented history to share about the NaPali Coast. Our Captains and Crew would love to share their very own culture and history with you on our tours. You can choose from one of our four vessels for a more personal and comfortable 4.5 to 5-hour tour. Our vessels are just the right size to explore sea caves with comfort when the weather allows. We can't wait to have you on board!
MauiSells out fastFree cancellationGilligans' Island Luau is an intimate luau experience and is the only luau in Kihei on Maui. Our luau is less than one quarter the size of the average luau in Hawaii. So, every seat is a great view of the show. The show is a mesmerizing journey through various types of Polynesian culture presented in a fun and engaging format. Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable performances, we present an experience unavailable anywhere else. Locally owned and operated, Gilligans is located on the Maui Nui Golf Course. With our small venue, we sell out quickly. Reserve your seats today!
MauiSells out fastFree cancellationExplore the natural wonders of Molokini Crater, a volcanic islet 3 miles (4.8 km) off the coast of Maui, on this snorkeling tour from Maalaea. Surrounded by clear tropical waters, this extinct cone is home to many species of marine life, such as fish, sea urchins, sharks, manta rays, and coral. Molokini is a marine preserve, meaning nothing can be disturbed, keeping the island and underwater environment pristine. You'll also explore Turtle Town, and admire native birds. Two water slides, a glass bottom viewing room, and a "leap of faith" are also available if you don't want to snorkel or finish early. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, soda, and juice are included.
MauiSells out fastFree cancellationOur 55 foot power catamaran goes out on an afternoon snorkel that is perfect for late sleepers! Visit one of two amazing snorkel sites: Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens, on this 3-hour boat tour. Both have extensive reef systems, are easy to snorkel, and host a ton of different, colorful fish. Your captain will choose the best location based on ocean conditions. Swimming in Molokini Crater is one of the best experiences of a lifetime. The visibility can reach up to 150 feet! Coral Gardens is another thrilling site full of diverse marine life. No matter which site, swimming and fun is included. All equipment and instructions are provided by the fabulous crew, and there is lunch included!
KauaʻiSells out fastFree cancellationExperience the thrill of a lifetime with our doors-off helicopter tour over breathtaking Kauai. On this exhilarating adventure, you will feel the wind in your hair and get unobstructed views from our specially designed helicopter with the doors removed and pilot controls on the left hand side. Our knowledgeable and skilled pilots guide you through the island’s iconic landmarks, sharing insightful commentary along the way. Safety is our top priority, and our doors-off helicopter tours adhere to the highest industry standards. We fly a FULL 60-65 minute tour. You don’t want to settle for any less than 60 minutes, as this allows our pilots to take their time at each viewpoint and rotate the helicopter so all passengers have a great view regardless of seating arrangements. We fly a MD500E aircraft, one of the safest and best helicopter makes in the world. Please know we fly a full tour with all seats sold. Maximum of 4 passengers per helicopter. Weight restrictions apply.
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