Things to Do in Hawaii

Guarding the tip of Kilauea Point since 1913, this historic Kilauea Lighthouse is one of Kauai’s most visited attractions.

One of the most intact historic lighthouses in the USA, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1976 and now forms part of a wildlife refuge for migrating seabirds.

Gaze out to sea and imagine the ships that were guided by its light, pick up a souvenir in the gift shop, and learn about the restoration project that’s currently under way.

There was once a time in 1959 when fountains of lava from Kilauea Iki crater erupted nearly 2,000 ft. into the sulfur-filled air. As lava spouted from the small crater near the summit of Kilauea volcano, it formed a lava lake which measured ten feet deep and was a bubbling cauldron of freshly-formed Earth. To date, the area is home to some of the most intense activity volcanologists have experienced in the Hawaiian chain.

While that particular event may have been over 50 years ago, Kilauea Iki crater today is still one of the most visited spots in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it’s reputed that even after five decades that parts of the Earth are still warm to the touch. Strangely enough, the most popular hike in the National Park actually cuts across the floor of the crater, and this strenuous two hour journey begins its descent from the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Even though the crater looks tame from above, hikers who tackle Kilauea Iki crater speak of the surreal feeling of hiking across virgin terrain that was so violent in the recent past. Gazing up at the rim of the crater, it’s humbling to think that this mile-wide opening was once consumed with magma as it gushed from the fiery Earth.

Although Kilauea remains an active volcano, the center of the activity is in a separate section of park, and Kilauea Iki seems to have calmed for the immediate time being. Nevertheless, steam vents will still rise from areas with moisture, and a hike across Kilauea Iki crater is a literal walk into the heart of one of the most active volcanoes on the planet.

For those with an interest in volcanoes and history this is a spot that will leave you in astonishment and wonder, and the otherworldly terrain of the crater floor is like none other you will experience in the Hawaiian chain.

Kipu Falls is a gorgeous retreat on the Huleia River, just outside Lihue.

Reached by a short walk along a former sugarcane trail, a lovely waterfall tumbles over a sheer 20-foot (6 m) cliff at Kipu, into the pool below.

Cool off with a paddle in this natural swimming pool, or join adventurous locals who fling themselves into the water using handy ropeswings attached to the surrounding trees.

Situated on Maui’s northern tip past the sweltering shores of Lahaina, Kapalua is a luxurious enclave of beaches, golf, tennis and resorts. The signature beach—Kapalua Bay—has been voted America’s best, and the Plantation Golf Course regularly hosts the best in professional golf.  Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful reef fish at hidden Namalu Bay, or hike the Village Walking Trails that climb their way up the ridge. Wherever you stand in Kapalua, the island of Moloka’i dramatically sits on the not-too-distant horizon, and whitecaps fleck the Pailolo Channel that separates the two islands. In winter, locals flock to Fleming Beach Park for the bodysurfing and waves, and secret, white sand Oneloa Bay is a sanctuary of footprints and silence. And, even though tony Kapalua is only 20 minutes from Lahaina, its exposure to the trade winds means it’s always cooler just a few minutes up the road.

Known as the Garden Isle – it’s the greenest of all the islands – Kauai lies at the northern end of the Hawaiian chain. Kauai’s scenery is so spectacular, it’s been featured in dozens of movies, from Jurassic Park to The Descendants to Tropic Thunder. Shore excursions include film location tours, as well as tours to Waimea Canyon, the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific.’

How to get to Kauai

Ships dock in Nawiliwili Harbor on the island’s southeast coast, near the town of Lihue. A rental car is the best way to get around if you aren’t taking an organized tour.

One day on Kauai

Spend your day on Kauai getting back to nature. Start with a drive from Lihue a couple of miles north to Wailua River State Park. Here you’ll find Wailua Falls, a pristine triple waterfall. Then head south, back through Lihue, to the south coast of the island.

Make your way to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which is really made up of two gardens: Allerton and McBryde (the third garden, Limahuli, is located on the north shore). See an astounding array of tropical plant life as you explore the two expansive gardens, which can be reached by bus from the visitor’s center.

End your day at Poipu Beach, near the botanical garden. Stretch out and relax on this stretch of sand that’s often considered one of the top beaches in Hawaii.