Hawaii has been on my bucket list for quite a while now (let’s face it – what isn’t on there?!) as it looks like one of the most beautiful places in the world. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the islands have over 300 days of sunshine each year and the laid back island lifestyle is definitely something that really appeals to me.
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I can just picture myself hanging out in a hammock as I sip from my coconut! But there’s more to the state than just beaches, so here are some things to do in Hawaii.
Mountain hikes
I’m a huge fan of walking and hiking on holiday as it’s a really good way to keep fit when you’re away from home. Plus, you’ll get to explore and get to know an area better AND get some stunning pictures for your Instagram.
Some of the best walks and trails can be found on the island of Oahu and treks vary from the hour-long Koko Crater Arch to the more advanced Windward Ridge Loop Hike. There’s something to suit every ability.
Some of the best hiking in Hawaii can be found in Waimea Canyon State Park, on the western side of Kauai.
It’s got tropical cliffs, amazing waterfalls and several lookouts providing breathtaking views. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.
If you’re staying on Kauai, why not try the Kalalau Trail? This 11 mile hike is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the USA and runs along the north coast of the island.
Try this one for some incredible views. You will need an advance reservation in order to visit the Haena and Napali Coast State Parks where this trail is.
Exploring Honolulu
The Hawaiian capital is a large city, situated on the island of Oahu, and there’s plenty to do there. Start your day in Honolulu with a delicious brunch at Heavenly (rated number 1 on Yelp) before chilling out on Waikiki Beach and then heading to Iolani Palace in the afternoon to get your dose of culture.
It’s the only royal residence on American soil and it’s a pretty fancy house and museum. There’s more information about this fabulous capital city on this Honolulu city guide.
If you’ve not had your fill of history, you can head to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial which commemorates the events of Pearl Harbor, where a surprise military attack by Japan took place on a USA naval base leaving 2,403 people dead.
Head to House Without a Key in the evening for live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancing. Their signature cocktail is a mai tai, which is said to be the best on the island – perfect for a sundowner.
Where to stay in Honolulu
Budget: Hostelling International Honolulu
Mid-range: Aqua Oasis
Splurge: Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki
Maui
Maui is home to the Haleakala National Park, which has the highest peak on the island and many natural pools and waterfalls. There’s also 30 miles of beaches, great for sunset walks and spotting some sea turtles – they’re native to Hawaii.
If wildlife spotting is your thing, you can also snorkel or scuba dive with marine life like manta rays and tropical fish off the coast of Maui.
If you drive, you can rent a car and drive the island’s Road to Hana – a scenic highway that gives you amazing views of Maui’s stunning scenery of lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
You could go on 20 different Maui vacations and you would find a new thing to do every time – from hiking to snorkelling to boat tours! Now, where did I put my passport?!
Where to stay in Maui
Budget: Howzit Hostels
Mid-range: The Mauian Hotel
Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
The beaches
Obviously, you can’t go to Hawaii and ignore the beautiful beaches. With white sands, blue surf, and rugged coastline, the islands have got it all.
I’d love to visit the famous Waikiki Beach where the Hawaiian royals used to hang out.
Located on the island of Oahu, if you’re feeling energetic you can have a surfing lesson, or relax with your favourite book on the white sands. I also love more secluded, quiet beaches and Kauna’oa Beach on The Big Island sounds right up my street.
It’s limited to 25 people at a time so you have to get there early (I’m talking pre-9am!) but it’s more than worth it to escape the crowds at this tropical paradise, or have a look at the numerous beaches you can find on South Kona, with stunning sands and waters all around.
If you prefer a volcanic beach, try Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the southeastern Kau coast. It’s one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world and you might see sea turtles basking on the sand here.
Visit a coffee farm
Another thing that Hawaii is famous for is its coffee farms. The state has 790 plantations in total and some are available to tour.
Try the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation or Hula Daddy Coffee.
Volcanoes
Mauna Kea is a a dormant volcano on the island of Hawai’i, the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian islands. You can drive to the summit, 14,000ft above sea level in around two hours and you must have a 4×4 to proceed past the visitor centre at 9,200ft as the terrain becomes rocky and uneven – what an adventure!
You can do a guided tour when you can watch the sunset and then stargaze which sounds amazing and is definitely going on my list for when I visit.
If live volcanoes are more your thing, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the place to be. There are two active volcanoes here and you can do a crater rim drive where you get amazing views of the volcanoes.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head State Monument is located on the island of Oahu. It’s the most visited state park and it’s a volcanic cone which offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu.
Whale watching
Humpback whales love the shallow, warm waters which surround the Hawaiian islands and so Hawaii is a great place for whale watching. Humpbacks can be seen from lots of places in Hawaii, but one of the best places to see them is in the Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
You can take a boat tour or even go on a kayaking expedition to see these majestic animals.
If you’ve got any top tips for things to do in Hawaii then let me know in the comments below.
