Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 196 listings.
Oahu Cruise Port
Hawaii’s most populous island is home to big-name attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation and Diamond Head. Check out these sites on a shore excursion, or get out on the water with a submarine tour or surfing lesson.
If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.
How to get to Oahu
Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.
One Day on Oahu
Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.
Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.
If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.
How to get to Oahu
Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.
One Day on Oahu
Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.
Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.
Port Information
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals speak, as well.
Address: Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu, HI, USA
From $ 36
Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest
A natural escape just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu Valley is a lush jungle tucked into the folds of the Koolau Mountains. Beyond a series of houses on Nuuanu Pali Drive, the jungle seems to close in on the road with tall flowering vine-drenched trees towering overhead. Near the stream and water reservoir about a mile in, a series of trails tempt visitors off the road and into the jungle. On one, a bamboo thicket winds to a clearing housing the jumbled lava rock ruins of a mid-19th century Hawaiian summer palace. Others lead down muddy slopes, past wild ginger and forest fruit trees to tucked away waterfalls that spill into swimmable pools.
Nuuanu Pali Drive reconnects with the Pali Highway after a little less than two miles, but don’t miss the historic Nuuanu Pali Lookout a few miles further at the windy crest 1,000 feet atop the valley. Here a bloody battle in 1795 united Oahu under a single ruler, and panoramic views stretch beyond the Windward towns of Kailua and Kaneohe all the way to the offshore Island called Mokolii —also known as Chinaman’s hat—jutting above the tropical sea.
Practical Info
To reach the rain forest from Honolulu, you’ll need a car. A tour guide is recommended if you are not familiar with the hikes in this area, as some trailheads are locally-guarded secrets. Head north on the Pali (Hwy 61) and turn off at Nuuanu Pali Drive. Follow it through a residential neighborhood in the Nuuanu/Punchbowl area to a tree-lined section of road. Pull off the road to park near the trailhead of your choice. Mosquito repellent and lightweight rain gear are recommended for jungle hikes.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 205
Parker Ranch
Before the cowboys of the American West, there were the Hawaiian cowboys, paniolos, of the Big Island. With over 17,000 head of cattle spread across the rolling country between Kohala and Mauna Kea, Parker Ranch is not only the largest active cattle ranch in Hawaii, but one of the biggest and most historic ranches in the United States.
The Basics
Explore cowboy life on the Big Island with a tour of Parker Ranch. Many guided tours of the Big Island include a a drive through the ranch’s scenic pastures, in addition to visiting island waterfalls, rain forest, and volcanoes. Those interested in learning more about the Parker family and Hawaii’s paniolo culture can take a free, self-guided tour of the ranch homes that includes a short film about the ranch’s history and exhibits about the Parker family.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parker Ranch is a must-visit for those interested in Hawaiian history.
- Self-guided tours of two Parker Ranch homes, Puuopelu and Mana Hale, are free.
- The Parker Ranch Store sells souvenirs such as Hawaiian-style beef jerky, handcrafted jewelry, and paniolo apparel.
- Taste grass-fed, pasture-raised Hawaiian beef at Village Burger in the Parker Ranch Center shopping mall near the ranch.
How to Get There
Parker Ranch is located in the town of Waimea, in the central northern region of Hawaii’s Big Island. Most visitors arrive by car on their way from Hilo to the Kona coast or as part of a guided tour of the Big Island.
When to Get There
Parker Ranch can be visited year-round, and the ranch homes are open for tours Monday through Friday. The ranch holds rodeos and horse racing events over the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. Stop by the visitor center in Parker Ranch Center in Waimea to find out what’s happening at the ranch.
Parker Ranch Rodeos
See the Hawaiian cowboys in action during the annual Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo. The Independence Day tradition includes team roping events, barrel racing, and horse racing, as well as local foods and pony rides for the kids.
Address: 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
From $ 120
Onomea Bay
On a grand section of the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the best way to see Onomea Bay is with a scenic drive — granting views of the coastline, turquoise waters, and tropical forest. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located along the route, as is the Onomea Arch (which collapsed during an earthquake in 1956.) With many streams and waterfalls, it is a particularly lush area of the Big Island.
Historically the bay was a small fishing village for early Hawaiians, and became one of the Big Island’s biggest landing spots for large ships. There were once taro and sugarcane fields growing in the hills above, with both products being shipped out from the bay. The “Donkey Trail” is the path (now hike) from the remains of the old sugar mill that was used to take products down to the water for wider distribution. Now the bay is a much-loved scenic spot popular with snorkelers and those driving through.
Practical Info
Onomea Bay is located just outside of Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii (8.5 miles.) It can be accessed via Highway 19.
Address: Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 145
Polihale State Park
Regardless of what type of traveler you are or what sort of experience you’re looking for, Polihale State Park on the far western edge of Kaua’i is a remote outpost that holds a different allure for all who venture to her shores.
Novelty-seekers can revel in the knowledge that Polihale State Park is the westernmost public beach in the entire state of Hawaii, while adventurers will love how the park is accessed by a rugged dirt road where 100-foot sand dunes line the empty shoreline. If you’re a photographer, Polihale State Park is one of the few places on Kauai where you can photograph the sunset disappearing into the water and somehow be the only person around.
Different from the popular tourist centers of Poipu, Kapa’a, and Hanalei, the main draw for visitors to Polihale is not its popularity, but how it somehow continues to be completely and totally wild. There are no facilities to be found anywhere at Polihale, and the only place which is safe for swimming is a protected area towards the south end of the beach which is known as the Queen’s Bath.
Camping is permitted along the length of Polihale, although campers will need to pack in all of their own supplies since the closest town is over 30 minutes away. A windswept wilderness of sculpted sand and powerful surf, a visit to Polihale State Park is a reminder of what it means to be free.
Novelty-seekers can revel in the knowledge that Polihale State Park is the westernmost public beach in the entire state of Hawaii, while adventurers will love how the park is accessed by a rugged dirt road where 100-foot sand dunes line the empty shoreline. If you’re a photographer, Polihale State Park is one of the few places on Kauai where you can photograph the sunset disappearing into the water and somehow be the only person around.
Different from the popular tourist centers of Poipu, Kapa’a, and Hanalei, the main draw for visitors to Polihale is not its popularity, but how it somehow continues to be completely and totally wild. There are no facilities to be found anywhere at Polihale, and the only place which is safe for swimming is a protected area towards the south end of the beach which is known as the Queen’s Bath.
Camping is permitted along the length of Polihale, although campers will need to pack in all of their own supplies since the closest town is over 30 minutes away. A windswept wilderness of sculpted sand and powerful surf, a visit to Polihale State Park is a reminder of what it means to be free.
Address: Polihale State Park, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
Hours: During daylight
From $ 525
Polynesian Cultural Center
Although never a recognized country, Polynesia was once considered the largest nation on Earth, with the island nations in the Polynesian Triangle all tracing their roots to the same ancestral homeland and connected by language and lore. You can experience many of these cultures at the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, set on the North Shore of Oahu. Explore some of the eight island village exhibitions; discover Maori facial tattoos, experience the “ha,” or breath of life, and how it helps connect all cultures across the Polynesian chain; enjoy a canoe tour; and stay for an evening luau.
The Basics
The Polynesian Cultural Center features distinct exhibition areas covering the islands of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui (Easter island). Book full-day admission tickets for full access to the site, a dinner experience with a luau option, and the thrilling “Ha: Breath of Life” night show, or half-day afternoon tickets for access to one island village, dinner, and the night show. Many travelers also visit as part of a circle island tour of Oahu, which may also stop at other notable sites such as Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or the Dole Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All major areas are wheelchair accessible, and American Sign Language interpreters are available for most shows. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented on site for an additional fee.
- A number of gift shops and restaurants are set throughout the park, including the main Hukilau Marketplace.
- A limited number of foreign language tours are offered starting at $25.
- Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and run from $5 to $15.
- While cameras are welcome around the site, photos and video are not allowed during the “Ha: Breath of Life” show.
How to Get There
The Polynesian Cultural Center is set in the North Shore town of Laie, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) or one hour from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu by road. Most travelers drive independently or choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation. Free parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday to Saturday from 11:45am to 9pm. The island villages are open from 12-5:30pm, and canoe rides are available until 6pm. Dining begins at 5:30pm and the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” runs from 7:30 to 9pm. Because the center offers so many activities, it’s best to plan what you’d like to see and allot your time accordingly.
Visiting as Part of a Circle Island Tour
Because the Polynesian Cultural Center is open in the afternoon, many full-day circle island tours spend the morning visiting sites on Oahu’s east and north shores such as Waimea Bay and the Halona Blowhole before arriving at the center around noon. If you’d like to experience the nighttime events including dinner and the show, choose an extended circle island tour that includes the evening entertainment.
Address: 55–370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie 96762, USA
Hours: Open Mon - Sat noon - 9pm
Admission: Adults: $84 - $219
From $ 65
Oahu Chinatown
Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. Home to an eclectic assortment of storefronts, spend some time wandering and you’ll find herbalists, temples, antique shops and lei makers.
Folks in Chinatown also know how to eat well. When hunger strikes you’ll have your pick of dishes. Chefs serve everything from Chinese dim sum to Cuban and French Fare. Night owls will be happy to know Chinatown offers a variety of nightlife options from jazz clubs to wine bars and nightclubs.
Practical Info
Chinatown is located on the western edge of Honolulu’s financial district. If you’re in town the “First Friday” of the month, Chinatown is a fun place to be. Artists come together to showcase their work in a fun, festive setting that attracts locals and visitors. The main events occur between 5 and 9 pm, with celebrations afterward in popular bars and night spots.
Address: Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96817, USA
From $ 25
Pali Lookout
On Oahu’s Windward (or east) Coast, Nuuanu Pali Lookout stands sentinel over the 1,200-foot (360 m) cliffs of the Koolau mountains.
One of the best viewpoints on Oahu, the lookout provides panoramic vistas across the island. You can also see Chinaman’s Hat and Kaneohe Bay.
In 1795 the lookout was the site of a massacre, when King Kamehameha defeated the island’s warriors by forcing them off the treacherous cliff top to their deaths.
Hold on to your hat, as it can get extremely windy up here, and bring a warm coat and your camera.
Practical Info
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is on Oahu’s east coast. It’s on Highway 61, four miles (6.5 km) north-east of Honolulu. The Circle Island bus from Waikiki runs through the Pali tunnels, it’s a very scenic drive.
Address: Huuanu Pali State Park, Highway 61, Nuuanali 96817, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Old Koloa Town
Beneath the shade of monkeypod trees, the red clapboard downtown strip of Old Koloa Town welcomes visitors to a bygone era, the former site of Koloa Plantation. Founded in 1835 by New England missionaries, Koloa was the largest sugar plantation in a statewide industry credited with encouraging immigrants from around the world to make Hawaii home. Today the strip—accessed through a mile-long tree tunnel of towering eucalyptus—is a tiny community of gift shops, ice cream parlors, galleries and restaurants, each with a building plaque describing its original purpose on the plantation.
Besides shopping there’s the Old Koloa Jodo Mission, a still-functioning Buddhist temple originally founded to serve the Japanese immigrant community; a semi-circular bronze sculpture depicting plantation workers; an old stone chimney left over from one of the plantation buildings; and the Koloa History Center set back along the Waikomo Stream running through downtown. The center includes indoor and outdoor historical artifacts including a vintage sewing machine, an antique gas pump, farm equipment, historical photographs and displays. Every summer for nine days, the town celebrates its heritage with parades, food and craft booths, outdoor movies, a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeo and guided educational walks.
Practical Info
Old Koloa Town is a jaunt north of southerly Poipu Beach, or about a 10-mile drive west from Lihue. Downtown shops and the Old Koloa Town History Center open around 9 a.m. The Koloa Plantation Days event usually runs over the course of a week in mid-July.
Address: Koloa Rd, Koloa, Hawaii 96756, USA
From $ 270
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Built in 1847, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of Oahu’s last remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture. The summer retreat of Queen Emma and the Hawaiian royal family from 1857 to 1885 is now a historic landmark and museum showcasing many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings, royal antiques, furnishings, and other objects.
The Basics
Queen Emma inherited the palace, located in the Ko’olau foothills, from her uncle in 1857. The secluded location and elevation made the home a royal retreat from the heat of Honolulu. After Emma’s death the palace slipped into disrepair, and the Daughters of Hawai’i took it over in 1915. After extensive renovations, the palace opened to the public as a museum. It also serves as a cultural institution, offering guided and self-led tours, educational programs, and community events.
Admission to the palace is included with a Go Oahu card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Queen Emma Summer Palace is ideal for those wanting to explore Hawaiian history.
- The original palace architecture is not completely wheelchair accessible, but people needing assistance can contact the palace ahead of time for options.
- Docent-led tours for groups of more than 10 people should be arranged in advance; check the website for details.
How to Get There
Queen Emma Summer Palace is located in Nu’uanu, right off the Pali Highway and about a 10-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. City buses run from Honolulu and Waikiki regularly and stop near the palace. There is also on-site parking.
When to Get There
Queen Emma Summer Palace is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in the summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.
The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Queen Emma Summer Palace is a 5-minute drive from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, one of Oahu’s most visited viewpoints and a historic site. In 1795 during the bloody Battle of Nu’uanu, hundreds of Hawaiian warriors were pushed off the cliffs to their deaths. Today visitors to the lookout are treated to panoramic views of Oahu’s windward side and the Ko’olau Mountains.
Address: 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Paia
Once a little sugarcane town, tiny Paia was brought to world notice by the windsurfers who discovered its first-class waves. It’s now known as the windsurfing capital of the world.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
Practical Info
The town of Paia is on the mid-north coast of Maui, just a little inland from the beach between the towns of Kahului and Haiku. It’s a delightful stop on the scenic Road to Hana.
Address: Baldwin Avenue, Paia 96779, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 125
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls create a rare instance where a Hawaiian name and an English name actually mean the same thing. Known to Hawaiians as waianuenue, the name is a reference to the arcing rainbows that can be seen in the waterfall’s mist. The image, it seems, is a natural occurrence of such beauty and wonder that it transcends linguistic lines, and today the waterfall is one of the most popular attractions when visiting the town of Hilo.
Only 50 yards from a paved parking lot in Wailuku River State Park, a large viewing area provides the best platform for gazing out at the falls. To see the waterfall’s namesake rainbow, visit the falls around 10 a.m. when the angle of light is just right. Behind the falls, a large cave forms the home of Hina—the mythological Hawaiian god who gave birth to the demigod Maui—and the turquoise pool and surrounding rain forest are the trademark photo of paradise.
Practical Info
Rainbow Falls is located two miles from downtown Hilo and is open from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee to Wailuku State Park, and while the crystalline pool looks inviting for swimming, this is a waterfall best enjoyed from afar.
Address: Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
From $ 99
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park
Because of the constant volcanic activity, sand comes in a variety of colors in Hawaii—along with white, you can also find green and black, the latter of which is found on the well-known Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the town of Naalehu, this beach should be on your list of places to visit when on the Big Island of Hawaii. The coastline is framed by coconut palms, but what is often found at the edge of the sand tends to steal all of the attention. Large honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking in the sun are a common sight here. Take as many pictures as you’d like, but be sure to stay a safe distance away.
Swimming isn’t ideal here due to waves and currents. There is an area for picnics, so plan ahead and come prepared to enjoy lunch with a view. Don’t take any black sand from the beach—legend says that a curse will also go home with you.
Practical Info
The sand may be coarser than you are used to, so be sure to have a pair of flip flops or beach shoes that can get messy and wet. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is located between Naalehu and Pahala, off Highway 11. Camping is allowed with a county permit.
Address: 96-876 Government Rd, Pahala, Hawaii 96777, USA
From $ 120
Pacific Aviation Museum
On Ford Island in the heart of infamous Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum’s two massive hangars totaling more than 120,000 square feet house military aircraft from the WWII Vietnam and the Korean War. Given its setting, the highlights here are Pearl Harbor related: Hangar 37 houses Japanese Zero planes, a civilian plane that was shot down during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a P-40 fighter plane similar to those that took flight on Dec. 7th, 1941. On the door of Hangar 79, it’s still possible to see bullet holes left from that day. But there are plenty of other planes to pique the aviation-enthusiasts interest including an authentic F4F Wildcat, the actual Stearman N2S-3 piloted solo by former President George H.W. Bush and several MiG planes from the Korean conflict. You can even learn about ill-fated aviator Amelia Earhart, who visited the airstrip here on several occasions, including during her Round-the-World Flight—each year, the museum hosts a birthday party in her honor. Additionally, incredibly popular combat flight simulator experiences are available for an additional fee; the experience lasts 30-minutes including a flight briefing.
Practical Info
Because the Pacific Aviation Museum is located on an active military base, you’ll have to park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (1 Arizona Memorial Place) and take a shuttle bus—with departures every 15 minutes—to the museum; no bags are allowed but storage is available for a fee. The museum is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Tickets for self-guided tours can be purchased on the museum’s website in advance (sometimes for a considerable discount) or at the onsite box office for $25 adults, $12 children. Guided tours led by experienced pilots lend additional insight but cost a little more at $35 adults or $22 kids (4-12).
Address: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96818, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $25; Children: $12
From $ 25
Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
A pleasant stop on the road to Hana, the Puaa Kaa Park offers the chance to take a scenic break from the long drive. Stretch your legs on its dirt path to nearby waterfalls and natural pools. The farther you're willing to walk, the taller the waterfalls become and many people bring a picnic to enjoy as a part of this diversion.
Totaling five acres the area here is lush with tropical plants which, with the sound of the waterfalls, create a distinct rain forest feel. Picnic tables are set against scenic backdrops, and fish and tadpoles are visible in the shallower pools. Watch for wild birds and mongoose. The walking paths here are not rigorous, but a refreshing dip in one of the pools is a highlight for many on a hot day.
Practical Info
Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is just past mile marker 22 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana). It is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and there are parking and restroom facilities.
Address: Haiku, Hawaii 96708, USA
Hours: Daily 6am-6pm
From $ 125
Opaekaa Falls
Kauai, is green, and Kauai is wet—and that's why it's so beautiful. Parts of the island receive over 400 inches of rainfall every year, and all that rain means the Garden Isle is dripping in dozens of waterfalls. While some of these waterfalls require trekking through mud just to gain a glimpse of their splendor, others ones such as Opaekaa Falls only require stepping out of the car. Tumbling just over 150 feet, Opaekaa Falls is a year-round waterfall that is guaranteed to be flowing. The falls usually feature two separate streams that splash their way down the cliff face, but after periods of especially heavy rain, the two falls can merge into a single, explosive cascade. Whatever the size, the best time to visit is usually in the late morning when the falls are bathed in sunlight—and if it happens to be cloudy day, the falls are so close and easily accessible it’s easy to pay another visit.
Practical Info
Opaekaa Falls is located six miles south of the town of Kapaa and the famous Coconut Coast. To reach the falls drive south on Highway 560 until you reach the town of Wailua, and then turn inland on Kuamoo Road and drive for approximately two miles. There, you’ll find a sign-posted lookout point and large parking lot where you can get a glimpse of the falls.
Address: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
From $ 65
Pearl Harbor
Arguably one of the most significant World War II sites on the planet, Hawaii's Pearl Harbor—once a tranquil oyster farming bay—hurtled the United States into World War II combat on the Pacific Ocean. Today, the central Oahu port features several attractions that memorialize the 2,403 lives lost to Japan's devastating bombings of American ships and planes in 1941.
Pearl Harbor Tour Attraction Highlights
Floating solemnly on the harbor, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument serves as testament to the bravery of those who served in the U.S. Navy and includes many well-known spots, while a number of other Pearl Harbor historic sites can be found in the waters of the harbor.
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (where most of the casualties took place during the attacks); view the rows of white marble columns honoring the dead aboard the USS Oklahoma on Ford Island (accessible via shuttle); and see the long dock within view of the rusty sunken hull of the USS Utah, currently only accessible to those with a valid military ID. Other official sites include the docked and accessible USS Missouri, the last American battleship ever built; the underwater museum housed in the USS Bowfin submarine; and a vast collection of WWII-era planes at Ford Island’s Pacific Aviation Museum. It should be noted that various attractions may have separate admission fees.
How to Visit with Viator
An array of tours help take the hassle out of navigating this huge area, offering everything from simple shuttle service from Waikiki to ticket bundles packaging multiple see-it-yourself sites and guided tours on land and by boat. Whether you want round-trip transfer service from Waikiki or a comprehensive full-day Pearl Harbor tour, it’s possible to customize your experience. Bypass long lines with a skip-the-line pass; combine a Pearl Harbor tour with sightseeing in Honolulu; or take an inter-island tour from the Big Island that includes a panoramic Oahu boat tour to delve into the island’s history.
Insider Tips
- To make the most of Pearl Harbor’s multitude of historical and maritime attractions, set aside an entire day to explore the site, and be sure to choose a tour that includes all the areas important to you.
- The famous Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7am until 5pm, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
How to Get There
Pearl Harbor is set on Oahu's south coast, about 12 miles (20 km) west of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Most Pearl Harbor tours depart from the aforementioned cities, Maui, and Kauai. For a cost-effective option, take TheBus, which serves many stops between Waikiki hotels and Pearl Harbor. Fares come in at an economical $2.50 each way.
Address: Arizona Memorial Way, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park is Kauai’s most popular beach resort for families, with a natural ocean pool, golden sand and an endless array of watersports.
This beach is watched over by lifeguards, to ensure safe seaside fun for all the family. You’ll also find a playground, washing facilities, picnic tables, shady lawns and mini golf,.
The vacation activities are boundless at Poipu, from summertime surfing and year-round snorkeling to hiking, horseback riding and golf.
Other beaches nearby include protected Baby Beach for youngsters, body-surfing waves at Brennecke’s, snorkeling from Lawai and shoreline walking at Shipwreck’s Beach.
As this is a resort area, you’ll also find great shopping and dining at Poipu Beach, including popular oceanfront restaurants and seafood beach bars.
Practical Info
Poipu is on Kauai’s southern coast, a 25-minute drive from the airport. Getting here from Lihue is easiest by rental car or taxi.
Address: Poipu Road, Lihue 96766, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 78
Road to Hana
With 64 miles of black sand beaches, waterfalls, and bamboo jungles, the Road to Hana is a must-see for any Maui visitor. The two-lane route, also known as Hāna Highway, connects Kahului with the tiny town of Hana in east Maui, offering scenic views, plenty of excursions, and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery along the way. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your trip on this beautiful island.
The Basics
Most Hana tour options tend to be long, full-day trips, as the drive is slow-going with many twists and turns, taking at least three hours to drive the winding route. Don't be surprised when the path gets narrow—you'll pass over 59 bridges, 46 of which are only a single lane wide.
Small group trips offer a comfortable, air-conditioned ride via van or mini-coach with an expert tour guide who'll give you the inside scoop on the history and legends of the Valley Isle, while a private tour will include a driver who will stop wherever you’d like. Despite the narrow road’s name, most tours continue further south past Hana Town before turning around and returning to Kahului.
Road to Hana Popular Attractions
Some of the sights you can visit on your Hana adventure are the famous Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo, the Twin Falls waterfalls, the Ho'okipa Lookout, Honomanu Bay, the two arboretums, the Hana Lava Tube, and Wai'anapanapa State Park. For a piece of history, make a stop at Palapala Ho’omau Church, set on the coast in Kipahulu, where famous aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried. The town of Hana itself is tiny but lovely, and has many nice beaches.
Things to Do While Touring Hana
Stop at the Oheo Gulch to take a dip in the Seven Sacred Pools, or enjoy a range of short hikes through tropical rain forest, such as the four-mile Pipiwai Trail, a part of Haleakala National Park. If weather permits, take in the views at Keanae Lookout; rappel or zipline alongside one of the beautiful waterfalls; grab lunch in Paia Town; and check out ancient lava formations in the Ka’eleku Cavern. You can also take to the skies to see the Hana Highway on a helicopter tour or a day trip from Oahu, flight costs included.
Some travelers opt to take their own road trip along the famous Road to Hana, spending the night in Hana before heading back to the west side of the island. If you're interested in cycling, you can either rent a bike and go on your own, or book a cycling tour.
Amenities and Accessibility
Here are a few things to know before you go.
- Those considering the self-guided option should note that select rental car companies don’t allow their vehicles on the Hana road due to gravel and rocky paths.
- Some rock climbing may be required at the Seven Sacred Pools; however, Wai'anapanapa State Park has worked to improve its pathways for safer and more comfortable travel throughout the area.
- Not all day trips include meals, so consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic stop en route. Some options do include a continental breakfast for your early start.
Address: State Highway 360, Hana, Hawaii 96713, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 125
Original King Kamehameha Statue
A nine-foot-tall golden-helmeted and spear-wielding bronze depiction of King Kamehameha the Great stands on the North Kohala Civic Center lawn in the tiny town of Kapaau. Though there are similar statues honoring the King throughout the state—including notably in Hilo and fronting the State Supreme Court in Honolulu—this site is perhaps the most significant to the king’s own story: He was born not far from here in 1758, and lived his first few years in hiding deep within a nearby valley where he was safe from battling tribal factions. Kamehameha would later prove his strength, acquiring each of the Islands for the Kingdom of Hawaii by 1810.
The statue, originally intended for a site in Honolulu and constructed in Europe, took several years to make. However, the ship transporting it to Hawaii wrecked in a storm near the Falkland Islands and the heavy sculpture sank to the bottom of the sea. Insurance money was used to quickly replace the missing statue with an even taller one, and that arrived in Honolulu in 1883 where it still stands today. Meanwhile, entrepreneurial fishermen lifted the original and sold it back to the Kingdom of Hawaii for a bargain price. Seeking a spot for the ill-fated statue, the state decided to place the original commissioned bronze here. Each June 11th—the state holiday honoring Kamehameha—all statues of the King, including this one, are draped in community-strung floral lei to celebrate his legacy.
Practical Info
It’s hard to miss the King Kamehameha statue when driving through Kapaau along Akoni Pule Highway. After the town of Hawi, it’s on your right when driving east along the main drag through the northern tip of the Island. A small lot behind the Civic Center has metered parking. The cleverly named King’s View Café across the street (stop in for sandwiches, pizza or ice cream) will point you in the right direction if you happen to be looking the wrong way.
Address: Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, Hawaii, USA 96755, USA
From $ 239