Things to do in Hawaii

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus featuring a sunset, wildflowers and a city

Hawaii Attractions

Explore the sights of Hawaii with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {1394 fun activities in Hawaii fun activities in Hawaii}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and concentrate on planning the vacation of a lifetime.



Hawaii must see attractions

1. Waikiki Beach

You know that you’re in Hawaii when you step onto the pristine white sand of world-famous Waikiki Beach. Dip your toes into the warm Pacific waters and watch the surfers show off their moves on the waves, or sit back in the shade of a palm tree and gaze up at the green slopes of Diamond Head.
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Waikiki Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and swimming

2. Kaanapali Beach

Hawaiian kings once favored Kaanapali Beach, and now the whole world is in love with it. Kaanapali was the first planned resort in Hawaii and, because of its success, its formula has been copied around the world. Kaanapali has many comforts, and just over a decade ago it was voted “America’s Best Beach.” Come here to laze on the palm-fringed sand and bathe in the warm Pacific waters.
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Kaanapali Beach which includes swimming, a hotel and a sandy beach

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, including the most active in the world, Kīlauea. Covering 333,000 acres (1,335 square kilometers) of Hawaii’s Big Island this national park is unlike any other in America. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii for its scenic drives, stunning views and fascinating natural history and science museum.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park featuring tranquil scenes

4. Pearl Harbor

One of the most infamous dates in American history is the December 7, 1941. At 7.55 a.m. Japanese aircraft made a surprise attack on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet that led directly to America’s entry into World War II. Visit the memorials and museums of the naval base and see where the war with Japan started and ended.
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USS Missouri Memorial featuring military items

5. Mauna Kea Beach

This resort beach on the Big Island’s northwest coast is a hot spot for swimmers and snorkelers and considered by many as one of Hawaii’s best beaches. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was opened in 1965. At a cost of U.S. $15 million, it was the most expensive ever built at the time. Decades later the beach and the hotel remain a popular destination.
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Mauna Kea which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

6. Royal Hawaiian Center

Split your time in Waikiki between beach activities on the sand and non-beach activities at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Here you’ll find three buildings with a large selection of luxury brand stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques and more affordable shops to find the perfect clothing to wear on your vacation or items to take home as souvenirs or gifts. Dining options are almost unlimited too.
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Royal Hawaiian Center featuring a park and street scenes

What to do in Hawaii

Free Things to Do in Hawaii

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's a cinch to have a ball in Hawaii without surrendering a penny.

Mauna Kea State Recreation Area - If you're into nurturing your garden, this place will satisfy your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in Hawaii. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that are sure to make your trip memorable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hawaii? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Hawaii on a sunny day?
What to do in Hawaii on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splish and splash your way through a rainy day when there are wonderful indoor activities like these to try:


What is Hawaii famous for?
With loads of famous sights like these, your most challenging decision will be what to see first:

  • Kaanapali Beach
  • Diamond Head
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Mauna Kea

What should I not miss in Hawaii?
Don’t go home without ticking off the following superb sights:

  • Ala Moana Center
  • Kailua Beach
  • Honolulu Zoo
  • Lanikai Beach

Are there cheap things to do in Hawaii?
You’ll find loads of fantastic experiences here that’ll catch your eye if you’re traveling on a tight budget:


What can you do in Hawaii for free?
Your vacation in Hawaii won’t cost a fortune with free things like these to keep you busy:

  • Kaanapali Beach
  • USS Arizona Memorial
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Aloha Tower


Discover the most popular places to visit in Hawaii

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hawaii

Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, this neighborhood is known internationally for its great surfing and beautiful beaches.

Waikiki
Maluaka Beach featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Wailea

5/5(852 area reviews)

Indulge in Hawai’i’s high life with a stay in this beautiful coastal area known for its luxury accommodation and secluded beaches.

Wailea
Poipu showing a beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Poipu

4.5/5(365 area reviews)

Hawaii’s “sunny side of paradise” balances adventure with relaxation, offering world-class waves and outdoor activities amid a serene tropical setting.

Poipu
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
Diamond Head which includes a city, landscape views and a sunset

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

While visiting Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Beach and Ala Wai Golf Course.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden featuring a park and tropical scenes

Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Honl's Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.

Holualoa Village

Popular day trips from Hawaii