Top 10 Things You Must Do While Visiting Hawaii

There is so much to do and see in Hawaii that it can be overwhelming to decide on what to pick. The length of your stay is what is going to allow you to choose between all the activities that this unforgettable Island has to offer.

If you were looking for a list of things to see and do to help you choose the right adventure for you and your family, this one would definitely help you find what is a must to experience. Whether this is your first trip or if you have been to this dreamy Island before.

I have been there a couple of times and still have not done all, but this is a list of musts for your first trip so you won’t feel like you are skipping anything that you shouldn’t. 

Top 10 List

  • Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: This is also known as Place of Refuge, this is one of three national parks on the island. This is a must see, there is so much history related to the park and you can read all that while visiting it. The photo opportunities are great and the views are amazing.
  • Volcano National Park: This one is very special to us since we went before the lava was spewing out and took over some roads along with residences and belongings from the population that lived nearby. There is a lot to see here. You can drive chain of the craters road all the way down and see the Island expanding to the sea. There is a driving tour called the crater rim driving tour. But, if taking is more up your ally, there are a few hiking tours that you can partake. Please check with the park for a more accurate park closure schedule.
Holei Sea Arch
  • Green Sand Beach or Papakolea Beach: Did you know that there are only 3 Green Sand Beaches in the world? And one of them is in Hawaii. You can get to this beach by taking a hike for about 3 miles and witness some of the most beautiful landscape or you can pay one of the drivers waiting at the beginning of the hike to take you all the way to the beach. When you get there you have to climb down the cinder cone but don’t worry, it’s totally doable with children.
Green sand beach
It’s spectacular
Breathtaking views
  • Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: This one was a dream come true for us, we not only got to experience the Kealakekua Bay but we also got to snorkel with wild dolphins. If that is on your bucket list you have to try this one. You have to make sure you find a excursion that will do both.
There were so many of them. I wish I had better pics
A special experience
  • Zip Lining: This one was one of my daughter’s favorites and since we had her with us we had to drive to Hilo and find a company that would allow kids. The staff was so attentive with her that they even went tandem with her since she was very light for one of the long lines. On our 4 hour zip line excursion, we got to zip line over a couple of waterfalls and some beautiful landscapes.
  • Luau: If you are going to visit Hawai’i you need to participate in this magical ceremony. This feast is full of traditions from the Kalua pig to the hula dance to the great music you get to immerse yourself on the Hawaiian culture.
  • Sunset Cruise: There are many to choose from but when traveling with your children make sure you pick one that will allow your kiddos aboard the boat. Normally you sail for about 3 hours, your food and drinks are included, all you have to do is tip your captain and crew.
This was our view of Mauna Kea from our Catamaran.
  • Hilo: There are some things that you only going to see in this side of the Big Island of Hawai’i, like the black sand beaches and the waterfalls, so plan on spending one night in this side of the island if you are staying on the dry side. There are lots to do and see and the food is excellent.
This is Rainbow Falls
  • Lava Tour: If see lava in a bucket list item for you, you definitely need to take a Lava Boat Tour. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and it’s worth every penny. The captain gets so close that you can feel the heat from the lava hitting the ocean. This tour leaves from Hilo, so you need to plan in advance to make sure you get reservations
Lava flowing in Hawaii
The captan gets so close
You can feel the heat and smell the sulphur
  • Akaka Falls: You should plan on visiting the Akaka Falls State Park, you can go on a self-guided hike through the park or you contact a tour company to take you there. (I have not been yet, so my next visit to Hawai’i this is going to be on my must list).

The reason I did not number this list is because I can’t come up with an order, they all are wonderful adventures and will bring a different experience for your family.

Also, while in Hawai’i you have to visit the many beaches that will leave you speechless, they are some of the most gorgeous beaches you’ll see, one more beautiful than the other. The turquoise water with the beautiful and fluffy sand make for the best view that you see. I love Hawai’i and dream of living there someday.

Got a question? I’d love to hear from you. Also, sign up for our email list so you don’t miss out on upcoming posts.

“To Travel Is To Live.” – Hans Christian Anderson

All the Best, Patricia M.

82 thoughts on “Top 10 Things You Must Do While Visiting Hawaii

  1. You know, i’ve never been to Hawaii but i know the island is gorgeous! It is Hawaii after all. Would love to visit soon.

    1. Nice places! Perfect for this season.. Thanks for sharing this itineraries. It would be fun to explore these places.

  2. Oh my gosh you had such a great trip to Hawaii! I’ve been twice, but never vacationed like you!q

    1. I haven’t been here but these photos makes me want to go here right now. The lava watch looks so amazing. Can’t imagine the feeling when you get near here and watch it boils. 🤣

  3. I’ve never been to Hawaii but I thought it was more a typical holiday island. After reading this post I see that it has a lot more and special things to offer like a volcano and black sand beaches! Thanks for the article!

  4. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but looks like an awesome place to visit. I’m going to add this to my vacation list, because it looks like you and your family had an amazing time!

  5. Hawaii is one of my favorite destination to visit because aside from their beautiful beaches they also have amazing views and delicious foods to offer.

  6. Hawaii still one of dream destinations. It seems like such a beautiful place and I can’t wait to see it in person. I’m so glad that you’ve written this list of things to do in Hawaii. I would love to see the rainbow falls.

  7. Hawaii look massive! i would so go there and enjoy it the fullest! i have never heard of that park, I think I should add it to my list

  8. What an amazing selection of things to do. I always love when a place has so many different but delicious places to eat at and a variety of interesting and unique things to do.

  9. When I go to Hawaii, I will don a lei and dance the traditional dance. That’s going to be the first thing I’d do haha. The lava boat tours sounds a bit scary for me.

  10. Those pictures with the lava… seems that you’re just so near from the eruption… it’s definitely something to look forward to! Plus the adrenaline for sure is high! I’d love to visit Hawaii someday…Hawaii definitely has rich culture and tradition that I believe is worth knowing once I get to visit that place!

  11. I’ve never had a want to visit Hawaii, mostly because I’ve heard it’s really expensive. However you’re kind of making me want to change my mind. Maybe it’s time for a visit!

  12. Hawaii is my dream place and I was thinking of visiting it this year but was overwhelmed as it has lots of beautiful places to cover. These suggestions sound good. I will be able to plan now.

  13. Hawaii is definitely on my travel bucket list. I am going to have to plan a trip there soon. I’ve always wanted to go to a Luau.

    1. The perfect travel and tour guide for anyone planning on a trip to Hawaii right now for me. The images tells alot of positives of it and makes one wish for a permanent stay over there

  14. What an amazing selection of things to do. I never considered Hawaii, but it honestly sounds like the perfect place for me and my family. It’s so beautiful

  15. I literally just told my Wife we should go to Hawaii for my Birthday! Sooo needed this list! Thank you for sharing & glad you all had fun! 🙂

  16. This is so timely because Hawaii is next on my bucket list! Love your beautiful photos & I will definitely be adding your suggestions to the list of things to do! The waterfalls & cliffs over the ocean are so gorgeous!👏🙌

  17. Just why Hawaii is on my bucket list too! The landscapes unfold just so majestically and their beaches are soemthing else! I would really want to see lava spewing out of the volacnic mountain. Hawaii…I’m coming!

  18. Beautiful. I doubt I’ll ever make it to Hawaii but this is a wonderful guide should I ever venture that far. What gorgeous weather, and I love those Tikki statues!

  19. I have never been to Hawaii and have always wanted to go, it’s t the top of my travel bucket list. all of these things sound like thing I’d enjoy.

  20. Hawaii is also my dream destination, it is perfect for me because I love the sun, sands, and lots of beach experience. Also learning a new culture and experience good food, are huge bonuses!

  21. Reading this makes me want to visit Hawaii ASAP! I have tried zip line several times here in the Philippines. If I have the chance to visit Hawaii, I’ll definitely try the zipline there and experience sunset cruise

  22. This is an awesome list of places to visit and things to do in Hawaii. I did not have any idea about Papakolea Beach and how beautiful it is.

  23. Beautiful photos! Would love to visit Hawaii one day. Being on the east coast of the states, I’d want to take plenty of time to be able to enjoy the different aspects of the islands

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *