Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Hawaii, USA [Updated-2026]

Travelo Info

November 4, 2025

Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Hawaii, USA [Updated-2026]

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More Than a Postcard: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Hawaii

Hawaii is a feeling. It’s the scent of plumeria on a warm breeze, the sound of a ukulele at sunset, and the profound sense of aloha—a spirit of connection and welcome that permeates the islands. While the images of perfect beaches are real, Hawaii offers a depth of experience that goes far beyond the sand. It’s a living geological wonder, a sacred Polynesian homeland, and a place where adventure and serenity exist side-by-side.

This guide is designed to help you move from the iconic to the immersive, uncovering the best places to visit and the most unforgettable things to do across the Hawaiian Islands.

1. The Hawaiian Islands: A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Paradise

Each island has its own distinct personality. Choosing the right one (or two) is the first step to a perfect trip.

Oʻahu: “The Gathering Place” – The bustling heart of Hawaii. Home to world-famous Waikīkī Beach and the historic Pearl Harbor, but also the lush windward coast and the big-wave surfing of the North Shore.
Maui: “The Valley Isle” – A perfect balance of luxury resorts, epic scenery (the Road to Hāna), and outdoor adventure (snorkeling with sea turtles). Ideal for first-timers and honeymooners.
Kauaʻi: “The Garden Isle” – The oldest and lushest island. Defined by the dramatic Nā Pali Coast, the vast Waimea Canyon, and a slow, peaceful pace. A nature-lover’s dream.
Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island): “The Orchid Isle” – A land of incredible scale and contrast. Here, you can witness active volcanoes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stargaze from the summit of Maunakea, and explore everything from black-sand beaches to snow-capped peaks.

2. Oʻahu: The Vibrant Heart of Hawaii

Unmissable Things to Do on Oʻahu:

Pay Respects at Pearl Harbor: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, a somber and powerful tribute to the lives lost on December 7, 1941. Book your free tickets well in advance, as they are highly sought after.
Hike Diamond Head for a Classic View: This moderate, iconic hike takes you up the side of a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater. The reward is a panoramic postcard view of Waikīkī and the Pacific Ocean.
Experience the North Shore’s Winter Waves: From November to February, the Seven Mile Miracle of beaches like Pipeline and Waimea Bay host the world’s best surfers tackling monstrous waves. In the calmer summer months, these same beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture at a Lūʻau: While touristy, a good lūʻau is a fantastic introduction to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through food, music, and the powerful art of hula. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a more in-depth, full-day experience.

3. Maui: The Magic of the Valley Isle

Can’t-Miss Things to Do on Maui:

Conquer the Road to Hāna: This is more than a drive; it’s a full-day adventure. The journey is the destination, with countless hairpin turns leading to hidden waterfalls, dramatic coastal views, and lush rainforest. Start early, pack patience, and be sure to stop at Waiʻānapanapa State Park to see its legendary black sand beach.
Watch the Sunrise from Haleakalā Crater: Reservations are now required to witness this life-affirming spectacle. Standing at 10,023 feet above the clouds as the sun paints the sky is an experience you will never forget. For those who aren’t early risers, the sunset is equally magnificent.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Molokini Crater: This partially submerged volcanic crater is a marine life conservation district, offering some of the clearest water and best snorkeling in the state. Tours often also stop at “Turtle Town,” where encounters with honu (green sea turtles) are almost guaranteed.

4. Kauaʻi: The Untamed Garden Isle

Top Things to Do on Kauaʻi:

Marvel at the Nā Pali Coast: You can’t drive its length, so you must experience it by air, sea, or foot. Take a boat tour to see sea caves and dolphins, a helicopter tour for the most breathtaking perspective, or hike the challenging Kalalau Trail for an up-close, immersive adventure.
Gaze into the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”: Waimea Canyon is a 10-mile-long, 3,000-foot-deep spectacle of red and green cliffs, carved by water and time. Drive up to the main lookout, and continue to the Kōkeʻe State Park for a view of the Kalalau Valley from above.
Kayak the Wailua River: Paddle up Hawaii’s only navigable river to the trailhead for the Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls), a rewarding destination after a short, muddy hike. It’s one of the island’s most popular and accessible adventures.

5. Hawaiʻi Island: The Land of Fire & Ice

Unforgettable Things to Do on the Big Island:

Witness the Power of Kīlauea Volcano: Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of the most dynamic places on Earth. Walk through a massive lava tube, drive the Chain of Craters Road, and after dark, gaze into the Halemaʻumaʻu crater to see the mesmerizing glow of the active lava lake (activity levels vary).
Stargaze from the Summit of Maunakea: At nearly 14,000 feet, the summit of Maunakea is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation. Join a guided stargazing tour that provides parkas and telescopes for an unforgettable night under the cosmos.
Chase Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches: The east side of the island, around Hilo, is a lush, tropical paradise. Visit Akaka Falls State Park and Rainbow Falls, then head south to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where honu are often seen basking on the shore.

Essential Hawaii Travel Tips

Travel with Respect and Aloha: You are a guest in the Hawaiian Islands. Be mindful of the culture and the land. Don’t trespass, pack out your trash, and be patient and kind to everyone you meet.
Book Everything in Advance: Hawaii is a popular destination. For highly sought-after experiences like lūʻaus, rental cars, and specific tours (especially Pearl Harbor and Haleakalā sunrise), book months ahead.
Island Hop with Care: While possible, inter-island travel takes time. Don’t try to see more than two islands on a one- to two-week trip to avoid spending your vacation in airports.
Rent a Car: To truly explore any island beyond Waikīkī, a rental car is essential.
Embrace the “Hawaiian Time”: Things move at a more relaxed pace. Let go of a rigid schedule and allow for spontaneous discoveries.

Hawaii is a place that changes you. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience of profound natural beauty and powerful culture. Come for the beaches, but leave with a deeper connection to the spirit of aloha and memories that will last a lifetime.

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