Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
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Na Pali Coast
With its emerald mountains, secluded beaches, and turquoise sea, Kauai’s Na Pali Coast State Park (or Napali Coast) is a natural treasure trove that begs to be explored. And it’s no wonder Na Pali takes its name from the Hawaiian word for cliff: the coastline is dominated by jagged 4,000-foot (1,219-meter) cliffs that reign supreme over the Pacific Ocean.
The Basics
Although the coastline is only land accessible by the challenging 11-mile (17-km) Kalalau Trail trek, guided Na Pali kayaking trips and Kauai boat tours depart regularly from Port Allen in Eleele and Hanalei Bay. If you are an active traveler, you will want to take on the Kalalau Trail—a route that traverses through steep sea cliffs, waterfalls, and sinuous rivers in old Hawaii and allows travelers to explore secluded beaches and sea caves. Some adventurers choose to camp overnight in Hanakoa Valley during the summer months, although a permit is required.
Insider Tip
To capture the best panoramas on the Kalalau Trail, walk carefully down a path to the prime Kalalau Lookout just past the Waimea Canyon’s Kokee Park Geophysical Observatory.
Popular Things to Do When Touring the Na Pali Coast
Primeval, protected scenery makes the coast a haven for lovers of outdoor activities and water sports—snorkel, raft, swim, hike, and sail to your heart’s content while you contemplate natural beauty that only Hawaii is capable of displaying.
Another great way to absorb the panoramic beauty of the Na Pali Coast—particularly if you’re not up for the difficult 11-mile (17-km) Kalalau hike—is to take a boat ride. Opt for a sunset dinner cruise to see the landscape at its most magical, or a daytime power catamaran tour to observe spinner dolphins, go whale watching, and visit Niihau, the Forbidden Island. Swim amid tropical marine life and around sea turtles on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour; let your adrenaline levels surge on a rafting adventure; or experience waterfalls and red rivers while hiking. For the ultimate Na Pali experience, you can take a sightseeing flight or helicopter tour and get aerial views of the spectacular scenery.
Address: State Highway 56, Lihue, Hawaii 96766, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 91
Mt Waialeale
Be prepared for more colors of green than you’ve ever seen before in the area surrounding Kauai’s central Mt. Waialeale—it’s one of the wettest places on planet Earth, receiving more than 450 inches of rainfall each year. It’s dominating sheer green 5,066 cliff wall has also been called the Wall of Tears, for the many waterfalls that fill its crevices and stream down its face during frequent rains. And, if the setting looks familiar, that could be because it starred as the backdrop for opening scenes of the original 1992 Jurassic Park movie. To get to the base of Waialeale, and to the the Wailua River, you’ll have to take a 4x4 down the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management Road and then trek in. Alternatively, several helicopter tours take you much closer to its cliff face—and its waterfalls—than you could easily get to on a hike.
Practical Info
There’s only one company currently permitted to take groups of trekkers back in along the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management access road—Aloha Kauai Tours—and they only offer short day hikes into the surrounding valley. If you don’t have 4-wheel drive—and many rental cars don’t—this might be your only option for trekking access other than hiking the more than 10 miles down the road to the trailhead. To get to the actual mountain base, it’s another several miles through thick jungle, which is easily bypassed in a helicopter tour.
Address: Kauai, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 135
Menehune Fish Pond
The Menehune Fishpond is scenic—set amid lush jungle where craggy mountains are close enough to frame the edges of a killer sunset photo shot. But this giant pool of green-brown water has been attributed mythical qualities that are evident even in its name. Menehune is a mysterious race of little people—some say they’re like Hawaiian leprechauns—that have been credited with building sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands swiftly and stealthily. Legend has it they built this particular 39-acre loko wai (freshwater pond) by passing stones to each other from the village of Makaweli more than two dozen miles away, damming up the Hule’ia River with walls 900 feet long and five feet tall. In a single night. To get up close and personal with the work of the Menehune, join a kayak tour of the Hule’ia—it’s the only way to gain access into the otherwise off-limits Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the pond. Fishponds like this one are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and were used to store and easily retrieve fish for the alii or ruling class. And, the Menehune Fishpond is one of the best preserved examples of a Hawaiian freshwater fishpond still in existence today.
Practical Info
The best place to see the Fishpond quickly is from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook off Halemalu Road, about ½ mile from the Nawiliwili small boat harbor and just outside of Lihue. Kayak tours that visit the fishpond also often include a short hike to Hidden Valley Falls.
Address: Lihue, Hawaii, USA 96766, USA
From $ 135
Maui Tropical Plantation
Set amid 500 acres (202 hectares) of farmland in Waikapu Valley, Maui Tropical Plantation is a working plantation and agricultural theme park where more than 40 different crops and native plants are grown and harvested. Located on the grounds of a former sugarcane plantation, the park offers a glimpse into Maui’s agricultural past.
The Basics
Visitors have several ways of exploring the plantation grounds. Take a tram ride around the beautiful grounds to learn about the island’s agricultural past and Hawaii’s native plants and tropical fruits, watch a live coconut-husking demonstration, zipline above the plantation, or shop for seasonal organic produce, including tasty tropical fruit, macadamia nuts, and other made-in-Maui products. Admission to the park is free, although each attraction or experience has its own fee, allowing travelers to customize their visit. The plantation tour is included on the Maui Value Pass, along with entry to the Atlantis Maui Submarine Adventure, Maui Ocean Center, and Bailey House Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Maui Tropical Plantation is a must-see for families.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Much of the plantation is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Maui Tropical Plantation is situated in Central Maui in the town of Waikapu, about 30 minutes from Wailea and 40 minutes from Lahaina by road. The easiest way to get there is to drive.
When to Get There
Maui Tropical Plantation is open daily. The summer season (July to September) sees the least rainfall in Maui, making it a good time to experience the plantation’s outdoor attractions. Be sure to book ahead if a cruise ship is in port—the plantation is a popular excursion.
Dining at the Maui Tropical Plantation
Come hungry, because the plantation grounds offer several culinary experiences. Sip a small-batch Hawaiian coffee at the Mill House Roasting Co., tuck into a multicourse meal at Maui Chef’s Table, dine on farm-to-table fare by a quiet lagoon at The Mill House, or satisfy a craving for something sweet at The Scoop, known for its ice creams and smoothies, all freshly made with plantation-grown ingredients.
Address: 1670 Honoapiilani Highway, Waikapu 96793, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am - 9pm
Admission: Adults: US$20, Children (3-12yrs): US$10
From $ 20
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a beautiful, moderate, 1-hour hike close to downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Thanks to a paid parking lot and gravel path, it is one of the island’s most accessible hikes—and with a 150-foot (46-meter) rushing waterfall at the end, it is well worth the effort.
The Basics
The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) round-trip Manoa Falls trail is well marked, and while visitors some go at it alone, a number of tour operators offer guided hikes. Parts of the path are paved or lined with gravel, but because of the heavy foot traffic and rainy weather, the trail can be very wet and muddy. As a result the relatively easy hike can be slippery; the last few minutes before the falls are the most challenging. The pool at the bottom of the falls is no longer open for swimming due to falling rocks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan on getting dirty, and wear sturdy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
- Bring insect repellent, as mosquitos are out in full force on the trail.
- There is a small snack shop near the trail entrance.
- The force of the waterfall depends on rainfall; expect less water in summer months.
How to Get There
Manoa Falls is located at the end of Manoa Valley, northeast of downtown Honolulu. If driving from Waikiki, take the H1 toward the airport, exit at Punahou Road, and continue on to Manoa Road. There is paid parking near the entrance to the hike.
When to Get There
The Manoa Falls trail is open year-round. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate, with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March. On rainy days the waterfall is at its most impressive and the trail is less crowded—yet also very muddy.
Tropical Vegetation
Manoa Falls is full of colorful, tropical plants, and a naturalist guide or book can help you identify what you see along the way. Parts of the trail are lined with guava, eucalyptus, and banyan trees as well as awapuhi, or bitter ginger flowers. It is common to spot tropical birds and insects as well.
Address: Manoa Falls, Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
From $ 40
Mt Tantalus
A not-so-well-kept local secret, Mt Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) looms behind Honolulu offering stunning skyline panoramas. The nine-mile Round Top and Tantalus Drive loop snakes up its side with attractive pull-offs overlooking the city’s high rises, Punch Bowl Crater, iconic Diamond Head, the homes dotting Manoa Valley, as well as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in the west.
The scenic drive to the top drive lingers in lush forests but is not for the faint of heart—steep and narrow passages are frequent and sheer drops loom around abundant curves. Trailheads for a handful of hikes begin along this route and lead into valleys often shrouded in mist and topped by Honolulu’s famous rainbows. At the summit, Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park has a small cement walkway with commanding views of all of southern Oahu. There’s also a grassy lawn popular with picnickers. Though the drive is equally spectacular when buildings cast shadows and city lights glow at night, the summit park closes at sundown.
Tantalus is the first in a series of peaks that form the imposing green wall of the Koolau range, which hugs the Windward coast. Near the mountain’s base on Makiki Heights Drive, the Spalding House museum and galleries features local and international artists and boasts similar views from its trellised café.
Practical Info
Tantalus Drive is accessed via Makiki Street, two miles inland from Waikiki. The road becomes Round Top Drive halfway up amid a residential neighborhood. Numerous land-based Honolulu tours include the drive. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is open from 7am-6:45pm. If you visit in your own vehicle, it’s best not to leave valuables in your car.
Address: Makiki Street, Oahu, USA
From $ 120
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
When it comes to the macadamia nut, never has a nut been so difficult to crack but so tremendously easy to eat. Whether eaten whole, covered in chocolate, or crushed into a succulent brittle, the macadamia is a culinary staple of Hawaiian treats and desserts.
Luckily for travelers visiting Hilo, there is an entire factory and sprawling orchard devoted solely to the wonders of this nut. At the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, a self-guided tour explains the process of harvesting these off-white nuts, from the lengthy and protracted growing process right up through roasting and canning. More than just a look at the production process, there are also recipes on the dozens of ways to consume a macadamia. From standard methods of baking them in cookies to wasabi or onion flavoring, even the most accomplished gourmands and foodies will likely pick up some tips. Best of all, free samples are often distributed in the visitor center gift shop, and from the moment you turn on Macadamia Road and make the three-mile drive through the orchard, everything about this farm experience seems tasty, engaging, and fresh.
Practical Info
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is located five miles south of Hilo off of Highway 11. Visitor center hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and the factory is an easy, convenient detour on the drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Address: 16-701 Macadamia Nut Rd, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
From $ 99
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Visiting the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatories gives you the feeling of being on top of the world for good reason: You’re actually pretty close. Standing at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the mountain is Hawaii’s tallest and the highlight of many visitors’ trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) feature some of the world's largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii, due to its designation as an unparalleled destination for stargazing.
The Basics
Mauna Kea tours depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa Village, and usually last upwards of eight hours. Whether you choose to visit for sunrise, sunset, a midday summit tour, or after-dark stargazing, the mountain makes for a popular day trip on the Big Island.
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station sits at 9,300 feet (2,790 m) and features interactive displays and videos, with telescopes, talks, and tours. It’s important to stop here even if you’re headed to the summit to acclimate to the altitude. In addition to checking out the magnificent night sky, you can learn about Mauna Kea’s formation and why the mountain is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.
Insider Tip
Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) and hot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.
Best Ways to Summit Mauna Kea
You can make an ambitious go of the summit on your own (on foot or in a vehicle), or join an organized summit adventure tour during visiting hours (from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). From the Visitor Information Station, a roughly 10-hour, roundtrip hike on a rugged trail takes you to the top and back. Be prepared for a workout, and be sure to wear layers and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; you’ll encounter all kinds of weather as you ascend above the Big Island’s layer of cloud cover. You must bring your own water and pack out your waste; there are no amenities on the trail.
If you’d rather drive to the top, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a keen eye for hazards. Depending on conditions, summit attempts can be particularly dangerous in winter. Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in a few hours.
Practical Info
How to Get There
What Makes Mauna Kea Ideal for Astronomical Sightseeing?
The Subaru Telescope, the W.M. Keck Observatory, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility take advantage of Mauna Kea’s ideal location near the equator and above most of the atmosphere’s water vapor, which means a clear view of stars in both of the earth’s hemispheres.
Address: Saddle Road, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 145
Makena
As the population center for South Maui's original inhabitants, Makena is heavily steeped in ancient history and culture. And although much of modern Makena has been developed with waterfront resorts and homes, this history is still evident at places such as Keawala’i Church—a Congregational church established in 1832—where sermons are still held in the Hawaiian language. Similarly, at the end of the paved road in Keone’o’io Bay (La Perouse Bay), the trailhead begins for the ancient King’s Highway, a rocky path that once wrapped around the entire island.
Makena is home to some of Maui's best beaches, including Big Beach—one of the only stretches of Maui's shoreline that has been entirely protected from development—and nearby Little Beach, which is known as the island's clothing-optional outpost and hosts drum circles led by sun worshippers. Snorkeling is also especially popular in Makena, and pods of spinner dolphins have been known to frequent the waters of Keone’o’io.
Makena is home to some of Maui's best beaches, including Big Beach—one of the only stretches of Maui's shoreline that has been entirely protected from development—and nearby Little Beach, which is known as the island's clothing-optional outpost and hosts drum circles led by sun worshippers. Snorkeling is also especially popular in Makena, and pods of spinner dolphins have been known to frequent the waters of Keone’o’io.
Although Makena is only a 10-minute drive from the mega-resorts of nearby Wailea, it manages to retain a rural charm that draws everyone from hikers to hippies and surfers to sightseers. It’s a dry, volcanic stretch of rocky shore where travelers can still catch glimpses of the island’s past along the southern coast.
Practical Info
Address: USA
From $ 75
Mauna Loa
The world’s most massive volcano doesn’t tower over Hawaii Island like you might expect. Instead, its giant three-pronged fingers take up most of the southern half of the island, reaching the sea in spots both north and south of Kailua Kona, across the Saddle Road interior and sloping down behind Hilo. It’s possible to be on the slopes of Mauna Loa and not even realize it.
To get a true sense of the volcano, most visitors opt to drive along the central Saddle Road, etched into the barren lava rock foothills where Mauna Loa meets Mauna Kea. Those who turn in near the 28 Mile Marker on Mauna Loa Observatory Road are rewarded with a 17-mile (one-way) scenic drive up its slopes from about 6,500 feet above sea level to 11,150 feet, ending near the entrance to mountain's observatories.
Unlike the astronomical observatories atop neighboring Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa’s observatories mostly monitor weather. They are possible to visit, but prior arrangement is required. Additionally, a number of hikes around the island explore Mauna Loa’s flanks and two challenging routes—a 13-mile day trip and a 30+ mile, three- to five-day trip—will get your feet shuffling toward the summit. Travelers should note that hiking the longer Mauna Kea Summit Trail requires advance permits obtained through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along-the-route cabins restrict the trail to a maximum of 16 hikers at any given time, so it’s best to reserve permits in advance.
Practical Info
Though currently not erupting (the last was in 1984), the volcano is still considered active. Mauna Loa is not prone to violent eruptions—instead it oozes lava toward the sea—but visitors should still be aware of the possibility of eruption and take appropriate precautions when visiting. If you plan to go up Mauna Loa, or even just drive along the Saddle Road, note that elevation gain is significant and that this should not be done following scuba diving. If you have any signs of altitude sickness—weakness, trouble breathing, higher pulse—turn back to a lower elevation. It can be chilly at the top (it even sometimes snows!) so be sure to wear cold-weather clothing if you plan to leave your vehicle. Tours of the summit observatories are currently only offered on select Thursdays at 12:30pm (though this could change).
Address: Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 120
Niihau
Nicknamed the "Forbidden Isle" because private ownership has restricted access to outsiders for more than 150 years, Niihau is an enclave of Hawaiian culture not found elsewhere. In 1864, the seafaring Sinclair/Robinson family from New Zealand (via Scotland) bought the island from King Kamehameha for $10,000 and a promise to protect its existing residents both physically and culturally. It persists undeveloped—without roads, a hospital, central electricity, or plumbing. Nearly 200 isolated residents live off the land and communicate almost exclusively in Hawaiian.
Visible as a tall, blocky shadow from the western shores of Kauai, Niihau elicits dreams of seeing the island stuck in time. However, many of those dreamers have been turned away, reportedly including Mick Jagger and several heads of state. For decades, outsiders have had to settle for its namesake exports—coveted lei crafted from tiny endemic seashells, as well as ranched lamb and beef.
Now, snorkeling charters aboard large, sturdy catamarans also make the 17-mile trip across the Kaulakahi Channel from Kauai, showing visitors the whales and dolphins that frequent the area seasonally. Unable to land, the catamarans bob offshore, sharing the beauty of Niihau’s pristine reef unspoiled by on-land development.
Practical Info
Full-day Niihau snorkeling (and sometimes scuba) charters depart from Port Allen’s small boat harbor just south of Hanapepe town. Most also incorporate a scenic tour of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Note that sea conditions in the channel crossing can sometimes be rough.
Address: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
From $ 114
Maui Cruise Port
The second largest of the islands, Maui is known for its legendary Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway). This scenic route past waterfalls and beaches is one of the most popular attractions on the island and makes a great shore excursion. Other shore excursions include snorkeling and trips to the Haleakala Crater, a well-known sunset spot.
Maui has great beaches, including white-sand Kaanapali Beach near Lahaina, so don’t be afraid to spend your whole day in port on the sand.
How to get to Maui
Ships dock in Kahului Harbor on the north coast or anchor off Lahaina on the west coast. If you’re not taking an organized tour, you’ll want a rental car to get around the island. Most of the rental companies have shuttles from each port to take you to one of the airports to pick up your car.
One Day on Maui
The Road to Hana is a must, so plan your day around that. The 68-mile (109-km) journey (technically highways 36 and 360) starts in Kahului and travels east along the northern coast of the island to the town of Hana, on the eastern end of the island. The road takes you through the lush rainforest and over nearly 60 bridges. Stop whenever you like to check out waterfalls and amazing coastal views.
When you reach Hana, continue about 45 minutes past town if you’d like to swim in Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time. Each way, the journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours, longer when you make stops.
Maui has great beaches, including white-sand Kaanapali Beach near Lahaina, so don’t be afraid to spend your whole day in port on the sand.
How to get to Maui
Ships dock in Kahului Harbor on the north coast or anchor off Lahaina on the west coast. If you’re not taking an organized tour, you’ll want a rental car to get around the island. Most of the rental companies have shuttles from each port to take you to one of the airports to pick up your car.
One Day on Maui
The Road to Hana is a must, so plan your day around that. The 68-mile (109-km) journey (technically highways 36 and 360) starts in Kahului and travels east along the northern coast of the island to the town of Hana, on the eastern end of the island. The road takes you through the lush rainforest and over nearly 60 bridges. Stop whenever you like to check out waterfalls and amazing coastal views.
When you reach Hana, continue about 45 minutes past town if you’d like to swim in Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time. Each way, the journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours, longer when you make stops.
Port Information
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals also speak.
Address: Kahului Harbor, Kahului, HI, USA
From $ 89
Mission Houses Museum
Two of the oldest wooden houses in Hawaii—the former site of the Sandwich Islands mission, the Island’s first western colony—remain not far from the skyrises of downtown Honolulu’s financial and government district. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is comprised of the Frame House, the Chamberlain House and the Printing Office—built between 1821 and 1841, and restored and furnished as they would have been in the early 19th century. Each feature small exhibits and artifacts detailing early missionary’s way of life: a recreation of a medical dispensary, chamber pots in the rooms and quilts on the beds. Short-term exhibitions regularly make an appearance too and have included features on children’s toys, portraits and portrait-making, quilts and reading. The site also includes a library featuring over 12,000 printed works, handwritten missionary journals and a printing press used to create the first written Hawaiian language materials. A block away, you’ll find the old coral Kawaiaha’o mission church and the state’s first Christian cemetery, still in use today. The buildings of the Hawaiian Mission Houses site are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and also serve as a venue for regular public programming including workshops, teas and lectures.
Practical Info
The Mission Houses are located at 553 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. The houses are open Tuesday through Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and closed on major holidays. Guided tours start on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and are the only way to gain access to the buildings’ interiors. It’s free to walk the grounds, but tours cost $10 for adults and $6 for children and college students with ID (there are discounts for military and Hawaii residents, also with ID). The excellent Mission Social Hall and Café, run by renowned Hawaii chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, is reason in and of itself to visit. It serves authentic and modern Hawaiian fare for lunch only—it’s open the same days as the Mission Houses and closes by 2 p.m.
Address: 553 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm; Guided tours run on the hour 11am-3pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $6
From $ 62
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Otherwise and colloquially known as Punchbowl Cemetery, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a United States Armed Forces cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery gathers millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Hawaii. It is dedicated to Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard members who lost their lives in their line of duty.
The location of the cemetery wasn’t the fruit of coincidence; it is located on what Hawaiians called “Hill of Sacrifice,” which used to be an altar where they offered human sacrifices to pagan gods and where they installed a battery of two cannons used to salute prominent arrivals and signify noteworthy instances.
Since the site was established in 1949, approximately 53,000 World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans and their dependents have been interred in these grounds – including the sadly infamous USS Arizona victims during the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition to its vast burial grounds, the cemetery contains a number of small memorials, such as that of Honolulu, commemorating soldiers of 20th-century wars. The memorial is often regarded as the highlight of the cemetery’s visit, because of Lady Columbia’s statue erected at the top of the staircase in the Court of Honor; also known as Lady Liberty or Lady Justice, she is said to represent all grieving mothers.
Practical Info
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive in central Honolulu and is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm between September 30 and March 1. It is open from 8am to 6:30pm between March 2 and September 29. On Memorial Day, the cemetery is open from 7am until 7pm.
Address: 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Varies
From $ 51
Molokai Island
Molokai, Hawaii’s fifth largest island, is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) across at its widest point. The small island packs a big punch in terms of natural beauty—it’s home to the world’s highest sea cliffs and longest continuous fringing reef. It’s often considered the most Hawaiian of islands, thanks to its largely Native Hawaiian population.
The Basics
What Molokai lacks in development it makes up for in pristine beauty. Visitors find two volcanoes, sprawling white-sand beaches, and the sacred Halawa Valley, all in a compact package. While the island is worthy of a stay in its own right, visitors pressed for time can catch the highlights on a helicopter tour from the neighboring island of Maui.
While Molokai is beautiful from the air, it also offers numerous worthy attractions on the ground. Hike or ride a mule down the towering sea cliffs of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, visit a former leper colony within Kalaupapa National Historical Park, learn about sugar cane production at the Molokai Museum, do some shopping in the small town of Kaunakakai, or watch the sunset from Papohaku Beach, considered one of Hawaii’s best.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Molokai is a must-see for travelers wanting to get off the beaten path.
- Helicopter tours to Molokai range in length from 45 minutes to an hour.
- If staying on Molokai, you’ll need a rental car or taxi; there is no public transportation on the island.
- Don’t forget hiking boots and everything you’d need for a day at the beach.
How to Get There
Visitors have only one option for getting to the island—by plane. Daily commuter flights aboard local regional airlines depart from both Honolulu (Oahu) and Maui airports.
When to Get There
The weather on Molokai remains in the mid-80s throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in winter and a combination of sunny skies and calm seas in summer. For a local cultural experience, plan to visit during the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival in January or the Molokai Ka Hula Piko in May.
Molokai’s Leper Colony
Kalaupapa National Park is home to the remains of a colony where patients with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) were once isolated from the rest of Hawaii’s population. Of the 8,000 people who lived and died at the colony—most of them Hawaiian—only a few remain, cured of their disease but living out their lives in this isolated environment.
Address: State Highway 450, Kaunakakai 96748, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 123
Maunalua Bay
Maunalua Bay is a popular bay for water sports activities on Oahu’s south shore. Home to many stand up paddlers and kayakers, snorkelers and divers also come to explore the nearby reef. Hawaiian for “two mountains,” Maunalua Bay is framed by the Ko’olau range and sits by the peaks of Koko Crater and Koko Head.
Famous for its sunsets, the adventure beach is especially popular among Honolulu’s boaters and jet skiers who come to make the most of Maunalua Bay’s launch site. Look out for parasailers while you’re here too, and if you’re coming to Maunalua Bay to snorkel or scuba dive the reef is a mile out to shore, its crystal-clear waters full of colorful reef fish and bright green sea turtles. If you’d rather relax, there are also park benches available on the shore where it’s popular to enjoy a picnic under the setting sun.
Practical Info
Six miles from Honolulu’s beachside Waikiki neighborhood, to get to Maunalua Bay just head to the beach park off Kalanianaole Highway, which is just across from Hawaii Kai Drive. As the ocean bottom is shallow and rocky at Maunalua Bay, this isn’t really a swimmer’s beach.
Address: Manualua Bay, Oahu, USA
From $ 89
Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach)
In the shadow of verdant mountains, and shaded by palm and ironwood trees, Makua Beach has golden sand and baby blue waters. The post-card-perfect setting was featured in the 1958 movie South Pacific, but it’s the labyrinthine underwater reef, snaked with caves, that lends the beach its nickname and draws visitors today: Tunnels Beach is one of Kauai’s best snorkeling spots. Best of all, it’s frequently uncrowded.
Protected within a small cupped North Shore bay, two layers of reef offer different experiences. The smaller inshore reef boasts calmer waters and frequent sea turtle sightings, while the expansive offshore reef is a well-utilized scuba dive site with more varied terrain—some sections drop to 70 feet. The ocean-facing edge of the outer reef is popular with expert surfers. Both reefs are home to colorful wrasse, moray eels, butterfly fish and Hawaii’s state fish, the hard-to-pronounce Humuhumunukunukuapua`a. If you’re lucky, you may even see an endangered Hawaiian monk seal hauled out on the shore.
Practical Info
Makua (Tunnels) Beach is 5.5 miles west of Hanalei on a narrow section Highway 560. Several private Kauai tours take visitors to Makua, but it is not a common stop on package tours. If you’re driving yourself, parking is easiest in Ha’ena State Park, which has restrooms, showers, lifeguards and occasionally food trucks. It occupies the western shores of the same bay, a little over a half-mile away.
Tunnels is one of the few beaches where snorkeling may be possible during choppy winter months, but check conditions with Ha’ena lifeguards that day.
Address: Highway 560, Kauai, USA
From $ 135
Manoa Valley
Manoa is both a valley and a neighborhood that's part of Honolulu. It's about three miles from downtown, and less than a mile from Waikiki Beach.
The Manoa Valley neighborhood is largely residential, though there is also a university campus here, and is surrounded by the tall, green mountains of the Ko'olau Range. In the 19th century, Manoa was the setting for Hawaii's first sugarcane and coffee plantations.
Because of the geography and position of the Manoa Valley, it rains at least a little bit almost every day – rainbows occur frequently – and it is always incredibly lush. One of the main attractions is the 150-foot Manoa Falls.
Practical Info
Manoa Falls is only reachable after a hike of roughly 0.8 miles. It's a moderate trail, and most people can make the trip there and back in about an hour.
Address: Manoa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 40
North Shore
Surfing is king on Oahu’s North Shore, where summer’s placid snorkeling spots are transformed into pounding 40-foot (12-meter) waves come winter. On land you’ll find a peaceful respite from hectic Honolulu, with scenic waterfall hikes, sleepy farms selling tropical fruit, and food trucks doling out garlic shrimp.
The Basics
There are a number of options for exploring the North Shore. Head to the water for a surfing or stand-up paddle board lesson, a sunset catamaran cruise, or a shark cage diving excursion. On land, tour the area’s rich farms, hike to Waimea Valley Falls, explore the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch, or see the island from above on a helicopter tour. While many tours leave from nearby Waikiki, it’s also possible to visit the North Shore on a day trip from Honolulu. Some full-day excursions include visits to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.
- Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.
- Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Oahu’s North Shore stretches for more than seven miles (11 kilometers) and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. During winter, the one-way road along the North Shore’s “seven-mile miracle” of popular surf beaches can back up for hours, so it’s best to visit on a tour to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.
When to Get There
The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, seas are calm and you can to take beginner surf lessons, go kayaking, or enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling. Winter is the busiest time to visit, when expert surfers hit the waves and other visitors stick to the safety of land. If you opt for a winter visit, it’s best to arrive early (before 9am) to score a parking spot.
Must-See North Shore Spots
Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa Beach town, with its clapboard shops, surf boutiques, and restaurants. The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are some of the most famous North Shore beaches, while Turtle Beach offers a chance to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Address: Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa 96712, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 65
Molokini Crater
When was the last time you had a snorkel adventure inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano, or enjoyed a freshly cooked BBQ lunch on the deck of a sailing catamaran? Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling tour as you explore the protected marine preserve and come face to face with some of Hawaii's most colorful marine life.
The Basics
How To Get There
Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.
When To Get There
Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.
Why Molokini Crater Offers the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii
The Basics
Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All trips include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Some Molokini snorkeling tours also offer scuba diving for certified divers.
- Beat the crowds with an early Molokini tour.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and a swimsuit.
- Snuba diving is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.
- Private charters are available for personalized experiences.
Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.
When To Get There
Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.
Why Molokini Crater Offers the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii
Because Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters like parrotfish and octopus. In winter if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, the haunting song of humpback whales reverberates in the distance. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are rarely spotted at Molokini Crater, which is why many boats include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.
Address: Molokini Island Preserve, Makena Bay 96753, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 71