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The Best Things to Do in Hawaii
Written by Nick Rudd
Volcano-studded national parks, Kona coffee farms and film festivals under the brilliant night sky: these are the best things to do in Hawaii.
More than just a beach destination, Hawaii offers the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence, with rugged landscapes, turquoise waters and rich Polynesian heritage. Read on for your guide to the best experiences across Hawaii’s three largest islands.
The best things to do on the Big Island
Explore breathtaking displays of nature
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, witness the raw power of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, where molten lava meets the sea. The island’s west coast offers world-class snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay, with spinner dolphins regularly appearing in the lagoon’s crystal-blue waters.
Step back in time among historical gems
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, once home to Hawaiian royalty, contains stone carvings dating back to the Kingdom of Hawaii’s ancient ceremonies. It’s also the perfect place to try out ancient Hawaiian traditions like lei-making and spiritual hula workshops.
Hulihee Palace provides a window into Hawaiian history with rare artifacts, while the Lyman Museum captivates with a spellbinding collection of Pacific Island relics. At sunset, explore Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District, an open-air museum of over 3,000 ancient volcanic rock carvings.
Indulge in the Big Island’s best produce
Experience farm-to-table dining at Merriman’s, where fresh island flavours infuse Pacific Rim cuisine. Don’t miss the weekly Hilo Farmers Market for exotic fruits like cherimoya, dragon fruit and soursop, as well as local delicacies like passion fruit butter and manapua (sweet pork in a fluffy bread shell).
Coffee enthusiasts can tour Kona’s prestigious coffee farms and learn about how the island’s unique terrain and traditional processing methods help cultivate the rare coffee bean. At Brown’s Beach House, savour locally caught ahi tuna and mahi-mahi. The Fairmont Orchid’s ocean views alone are worth the visit.
Experience the Big Island’s unique culture
Time your visit for the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November to join cupping contests and explore local coffee farms. In April, the Merrie Monarch Festival showcases Olympic-level hula performers in a competition that showcases traditional Hawaiian storytelling and cultural expression.
Astronomy lovers should check out the Mauna Kea Stargazing Program, offering views of the Milky Way and distant planets through some of the world’s most powerful telescopes.
The best things to do on Oahu
Step into urban island life
Oahu’s unique energy, led by Honolulu’s buzz, sets it apart from its sister islands. Waikiki Beach might be its heart of tourism, but its true character shines when you venture a bit further.
Start your mornings with sunrise yoga at Lanikai Beach, then head to the iconic North Shore for a private surf lesson. Wrap up your day with a sunset sail on a luxury catamaran – if you’re lucky you might spot whales breaching (seasonal), all while savouring champagne and local pupus (small meat and seafood appetisers).
Uncover Oahu’s vibrant arts
Explore the contemporary Hawaiian art scene at the Honolulu Museum of Art, or join an exclusive after-hours tour of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on US soil. Discover the world-class street art and trendy galleries of Kakaako, and immerse yourself in the diverse exhibitions offered by the Bishop Museum of Natural and Cultural History and Capitol Modern State Art Museum.
Savour an international food scene
Indulge in fine French cuisine with panoramic ocean views at La Mer, or join a guided food tour and weave through Chinatown’s bustling alleyways, sampling Hawaiian specialities like poke and sizzling saimin noodles. Discover family-owned bakeries and sample traditional Portuguese malasadas, as well as fusion eateries that put a modern spin on Asian-Pacific cuisine.
Beyond the dedicated dining scene, Chinatown is also renowned for its lively markets, eclectic shops and vibrant street art.
Attend Oahu’s top annual events
Every October, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival brings celebrated chefs, master sommeliers and mixologists to Oahu’s shores. The Honolulu Triennial is another must-see, transforming the city into an artistic wonderland of contemporary Pacific Island-inspired installations in jaw-dropping locations.
The best things to do on Maui
Discover the island’s untouched beauty
Escape the crowds off the Road to Hana with a private guide who will lead you to secluded waterfalls and black sand beaches. Catch a breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Haleakala, then cruise downhill past Maui’s lavender farms and vineyards.
In Kapalua, indulge in the ultimate coastal luxury at clifftop mansions featuring private chefs and infinity pools overlooking the Pacific.
Get hands-on with local crafts
Immerse yourself in Maui’s culture during an authentic luau at the Andaz Maui, or enjoy private hula lessons from respected kumu hula teachers. Visit Hale Hoikeike, a museum dedicated to Hawaii’s monarchy and life before European contact.
Walk the Lahaina Historic Trail to discover the island’s whaling legacy. At the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, learn about Hawaii’s plantation era, and try your hand at traditional poi-pounding for a foundational culinary experience.
Have a meal to remember
Reserve the chef’s table at Morimoto Maui for an unforgettable omakase experience. Savour farm-to-table perfection at The Mill House, set against the stunning backdrop of the West Maui Mountains, or head to Mama’s Fish House for Hawaii’s freshest seafood in a dreamy oceanfront setting.
Make memories at Maui’s best events
Watch indie films under the stars at the Maui Film Festival in autumn, celebrate Hawaiian technique at Kapalau’s Celebration of the Arts each spring and celebrate the versatility of Hawaii’s dietary staple at the East Maui Taro Festival in April.
Discover Hawaii
