Hawaii is arguably the best beach vacation destination that doesn’t require a passport for US citizens.
With lush rainforests, remote hiking trails, world class scuba diving, charming villages, and otherworldly lava fields, there is a lot more to do in Hawaii than just sitting on the beach.
Whether you’re interested in having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, indulging in all the best foods, learning about the complex history of this island state, immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, or completing a bucket list hike, this chain of volcanic islands is sure to wow just about every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Here are the attractions in Hawaii you don’t want to miss!
- Waikiki Beach, Oahu
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Haleakalā National Park
- Nāpali Coast
- Pearl Harbor
- Diamond Head
- Road to Hana
- Polynesian Cultural Center
Featured Articles
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii is any time between late March and late October. These months bring the warmest weather, calmest water conditions, and lowest chances of rain.
There is one notable exception: if you’re serious about surfing, you may actually want to visit Hawaii in the winter, when swells are generally much larger.
However, the best month depends on which island(s) you plan to visit and how you want to spend your time. Conditions differ slightly from island to island, so activities vary accordingly – the best time to swim or snorkel isn’t necessarily the best time to go whale-watching.
For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Hawaii.
Things to do
There are endless adventures to be had in Hawaii. Here are just a handful of the incredible bucket list experiences that you can have on just about any island.
- Go snorkeling
- Take a scenic helicopter flight
- Eat authentic Hawaiian food
- Learn about how cacao is turned into a chocolate bar on a farm tour
- Attend a luau
- Go on an epic hike (there are many hiking opportunities on the islands!)
- Visit one of Hawaii’s National Parks (Big Island, Maui)
- Chase waterfalls
Hawaii Travel Resources
41 Truly Epic Things to Do on Big Island, Hawaii in 2024
From lava fields to pristine beaches, there are so many things to do on Big Island, Hawaii. We’re sharing all the must-sees as well as hidden gems that few tourists know about....
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How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost in 2024? (+Tips to Save)
There's no getting around it, Hawaii is an expensive destination. In this article, we share the exact breakdown of a Hawaii trip cost — from food and hotels to transportation and entertainment. Plus, we’re sharing some of our best money-saving tips so you can travel to Hawaii on a budget!...
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Best Time to Visit Hawaii: When to Go & When to Avoid
Hawaii is known for its pristine beaches, rugged volcanic landscapes, world-class surf, and welcoming aloha culture. With so much to see and do, deciding on the best time to visit Hawaii can be tricky. This guide can help, offering details on weather and activities in each season....
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17 Hawaiian Fruits You Must Try (+ how to eat them!)
One thing we can absolutely guarantee on your trip to Hawaii: you won’t run out of delicious fruit to try. From pineapples to mangosteens, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Hawaiian fruit and how to enjoy it like a local....
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Hawaii Car Rental: Where to Get the Best Deals + Tips
Getting a car rental in Hawaii is by far one of the best ways to explore the islands. It’s convenient and flexible, letting you sight-see where, when, and as much as you want! This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Hawaii car rental....
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How to get from Kona to Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island
Are you planning to travel from Kona to Hilo? There are multiple ways to get from one city to the other, so we’ve broken down all the transportation and driving options to help you plan your route....
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30 Seriously Fun Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii (+Tips!)
On the Big Island of Hawaii, the lush city of Hilo is surrounded by pristine nature, adventure, and bucket list experiences. We've curated the ultimate list of things to do in Hilo, plus important tips, to help you plan the most memorable trip to the Kohala Coast....
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34 Exciting Things to do in Kona, Hawaii (+ tips!)
Kona is a gateway for exploring all that the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer. In this guide, we round up all the best things to do in Kona including highlights, offbeat treasures, and insider tips to help you plan your visit. ...
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40 Exciting Things to Do in Kauai (+ insider tips!)
Hawaii’s Garden Island showcases the true essence of Aloha with lush jungles, glittering coastlines, and pristine nature. In this guide to top things to do in Kauai, we’ve rounded up the best foods to try, hiking trails, iconic locations, hidden gems, and cultural experiences not to miss. ...
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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Read Before You Book!
Kona manta ray snorkeling is one of the best wildlife experiences not only in Hawaii, but the entire world! Since it’s a nighttime activity only accessible on a tour, it’s helpful to know some details before diving in. This guide will help you plan your manta ray night snorkel!...
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35 Best Things to do in Hawaii: Ultimate Bucket List + Tips
With endless bucket list-worthy sites stretched across a small archipelago, it can be a little overwhelming to narrow down the best things to do in Hawaii. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the absolute must-sees and experiences for you to plan the ultimate trip to the Aloha state....
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Papakōlea Beach: Ultimate Guide to Hawaii’s Green Sand Beach
Papakolea green sand beach is a breathtaking and unique slice of paradise. The only green sand beach in Hawaii, and one of just a few in the entire world, it’s a truly unforgettable place. We put together this guide with everything you need to know to visit Papakolea Beach....
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Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide
Planning a trip to Hawaii tops many travelers’ bucket lists. But with several islands and SO much to do and see, where do you start? In this comprehensive Hawaii trip planner, we cover pros and cons of each island, the best time to visit, travel tips, and much more! ...
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Best Snorkeling in Kauai: 9 Spots + Which to Choose
From calm, family-friendly spots with natural coves to adventurous locations requiring a swim or hike, the best snorkeling in Kauai offers something for every type of water enthusiast. This guide covers some of the best snorkeling sites, plus tips to help you enjoy the experience!...
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Kalalau Trail: Ultimate Guide to Kauai’s Best Hike
This info-packed guide to the Kalalau Trail has everything you need. Find insider tips, what to pack, & transportation info all in one place....
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