10 Must Do Experiences in Hawaii
Welcome to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, where adventure and relaxation meet against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. From the historical echoes of Pearl Harbor to the breathtaking heights of Mauna Kea, each island offers unique experiences that are quintessentially Hawaiian. Whether you're diving with sharks in the crystal-clear Pacific waters or ziplining through lush tropical forests, Hawaii promises an array of activities to thrill every type of traveler.
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
The solemn beauty of the Pearl Harbor National Monument captures a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and reflect on the events of December 7, 1941. Start your journey at the visitor center by watching a historical film, explore the “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibit galleries, and complete the experience with a poignant boat ride to the memorial itself. Guarantee your entry including boat tickets to the USS Arizona by booking early here.
Oahu Shark Dive
Dive into the deep blue waters off Oahu’s North Shore for a thrilling encounter with magnificent sharks. From the safety of a shark cage, watch as Galapagos, Hammerhead, and Sandbar sharks glide gracefully through the ocean. With the help of experienced crew members ensuring safety, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to observe these predators in their natural habitat. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget. Interested in diving in? Check out this shark dive tour.
Manta Ray Snorkeling
Experience the magic of snorkeling with manta rays around the Island of Hawaii. After dark in Keauhou Bay is an excellent way to see manta rays in the water and is a unique experience because you can view them feeding at this time. Join a guided boat tour and float in the ocean with lights that attract these gentle giants, creating a ballet of manta rays feeding and somersaulting through the water. Imagine floating in a dark ocean near the water’s surface as you hold on to our state of the art flotation device outfitted with lights when giant prehistoric, creatures with wingspans over 12’ glide silently and effortlessly into view from out of the inky dark boundaries of light. As they feed, the manta ray will swim while doing somersaults (barrel rolls) and turning gracefully in the beams of piercing light, giving you the most unforgettable snorkel adventure ever!
Mauna Kea Summit
Ascend to the highest point in the Hawaiian islands for a sunset and stargazing experience that’s out of this world at Mauna Kea summit. Discover the cultural significance of Mauna Kea, revered in Hawaiian mythology, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare silversword plant or the endangered Mauna Kea beetle. Mauna kea is a celebrated and storied place in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i. While it is the dwelling place of the goddess Poli'ahu it is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinoe and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal visitor being Queen Emma in 1881 who led her companions on the arduous 6 hour journey to the top to see the summit and rejuvenate herself in sacred Lake Waiau. Ready for an ethereal journey? Secure your spot on this sunset and stargazing tour for the ultimate experience of Mauna Kea.
Helicopter Tour
See Hawaii from a different perspective on a breathtaking helicopter tour. Each island offers its unique vistas. Kauai offers Jurassic Park waterfalls and lush canyons, wild cliffs and gorgeous views. Above Oahu, you can explore Diamond head, Sacred Falls, the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbor. From Maui, soar past valleys and hidden waterfalls that are inaccessible by land before crossing the channel to neighboring Molokai, where vertical sea cliffs spill 4,000 feet to the turbid shoreline below, and get up-close views of a part of the world that has barely been touch by man. Lastly, the Big Island offers the opportunity to see steam vents and fiery lava streams of Kilauea. Choose your adventure – whether it’s flying over lush landscapes or alongside towering coastal cliffs. Explore tour options for Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island to start your aerial adventure.
Island Ziplining
Fly through the treetops on Hawaii’s longest ziplines is a must do experience. Whether you’re in Kauai, Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, ziplining provides a thrilling perspective of Hawaii’s stunning landscapes. From soaring over waterfalls in Hilo to crossing scenic boardwalks on Oahu’s North Shore, find the zipline tour that suits your thrill-seeking spirit. Ziplining in Kauai offers a new perspective as you soar through lush forests. On the Big Island zip over ever changing landscape from thundering waterfalls and valley to Pacific Ocean views. On Oahu, enjoy ziplines along the famous North Shore as well as some extra fun with ATVs, sky bridges and boardwalks. In Maui, sour through the jungle and enjoy two swinging bridges along the way. Regardless of which island you choose, ziplining in Hawaii should be added to your bucket list.
Volcano National Park
Extending from sea level up to over 13,000 feet, Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island encompasses two of the worlds most active volcanoes. Exploring this dynamic landscape is a must do experience when visiting Hawaii. Drive yourself around the park with an audio-guided tour to learn about its geology, history, and ecology at your own pace. Make sure to check out the Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of Craters Road, and Holei Sea Arch. If you are looking for a guided experience, check out this tour where you will get to explore the highlights of Volcanoes National Park as well as Rainbow Falls and a gorgeous black sand beach. If you are staying on Oahu but want to catch Volcano National Park during your stay in Hawaii, check out this day tour.
ATV Tours
Get down and dirty on an exhilarating ATV tour through some of Hawaii's most breathtaking scenery. Tackle the rugged terrain of Kualoa Ranch on Oahu or explore the lush landscapes of Kauai. On Oahu, discover hidden gems beyond the typical resort and beach scenes before visiting iconic filming locations from Hollywood movies like ‘Jurassic Park’. On Kauai, pass through plantations and up to an inactive volcano before passing by some famous movie sites and stopping off at the cliffs of Mahaulepu beach. Each tour offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the islands that are not to be missed.
Snorkel with the Turtles
You can’t visit Hawaii without snorkeling, and snorkeling with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in an experience you don’t want to miss. From Maui, explore Turtle Town where these majestic creatures like to hang out. Swim out from the shore of Maluaka Beach or book this incredible tour where a boat will bring you to the best spot. Plus explore the vibrate coral reef and rich marine biodiversity of Molokini Crater in the same day. If you are searching for turtles on Oahu, check out Turtle Canyon near Waikiki. This reef is known for the abundance of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that come to get their shells cleaned by the surrounding reef fish. The turtles frequently come up to the surface to breathe making them easier to spot. For the best experience, book this semi private boat tour so your guide can bring you to the best spots in Turtle Canyon.
Cruise the Coast
End your day with a scenic sunset cruise along Hawaii’s spectacular coasts. Whether you’re sailing off Waikiki, Kaanapali, or the Na Pali Coast, each cruise offers a unique view of the islands’ stunning landscapes and wildlife, accompanied by local snacks and drinks. With opportunities to see dolphins, and humpback whales in the water and epic coast lines like Diamond Head and Nap Pali Coast, experiencing Hawaii from the water is something you don’t want to miss during your Hawaiian vacation. Check out cruise options for each island here: Oahu, Maui, Kauai.
Each of these activities offers a unique slice of Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural richness, promising unforgettable experiences that highlight why the Hawaiian Islands are a dream destination for travelers around the world. If you need help planning your Hawaiian vacation contact us here.
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