Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii
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Waikiki Beach
For decades, Waikiki Beach has been Oahu’s tourist mecca thanks to its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and high-rise luxury hotels that stretch from downtown Honolulu east toward the towering Diamond Head. Here all the spoils of Hawaiian beach life—from sunbathing and swimming to snorkeling and fruity-cocktail sipping—are within steps of world-class shopping and dining.
The Basics
Waikiki Beach is one of the best spots on Oahu to get out on the water with a surfing lesson or stand-up paddleboarding tour. It’s also possible to check out the beach aboard a duck or catamaran sunset tour, or gaze into the ocean on a submarine excursion. If you’d rather relax, soak up the sun on the sandy beach. The site is visited on most Oahu tours, including those that also hit other Honolulu highlights like the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and Chinatown before heading farther afield to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, and Sea Life Park Hawaii on the east side of the island. Visitors who want to cram in the most sites on Oahu can even book helicopter or circle-island tours, both of which depart from Waikiki and showcase the entire island.
Know Before You Go
- Waikiki Beach is a must-see for first-timers to Oahu and beginning surfers.
- If you’re not staying in one of the Waikiki hotels—and even if you are—parking can be expensive and hard to find. If possible, leave the driving up to tour companies and bus drivers.
- Waikiki is warm and sunny year-round. Don’t forget your sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and bathing suit—though if you do, rest assured you can find a shop with replacements.
- Lifeguards are staffed at lookouts along Waikiki Beach. Though conditions are usually calm and great for swimming year-round, heed the lifeguard’s warnings and exit the water if necessary.
How to Get There
Waikiki is just east of downtown Honolulu on Oahu’s southern shore, and about eight miles (12.5 kilometers) from Honolulu International Airport. The main stretch of Waikiki Beach is along Kalakau Avenue, parallel to the sea, which stretches east to Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head. The Waikiki Trolley connects the downtown Ala Moana Center with Waikiki.
When to Get There
Waikiki Beach is popular year-round, but summer, spring, and winter school holidays are the busiest times. To make the most of your trip, time your visit with one Waikiki’s many festivals and parades, such as the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, the Spam Jam in late April, or the Aloha Festival Floral Parade, usually held in late September.
The Duke Kahanamoku Statue
One can’t-miss Waikiki Beach landmark is the nine-foot (2.75-meter) bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the king of surfing. Following tradition, visitors drape leis around Duke’s neck and arms; it’s not uncommon for the man to sport fistfuls of purple orchids and be buried up to his eyeballs in plumeria. Duke Kahanamoku was a Waikiki local who is credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing and once won an Olympic gold medal in swimming.
Address: Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki 96815, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 22
Waikele Center
If it’s a rainy day in this island paradise, or you forgot your bathing suit at home, the Waikele Center is a sprawling sanctuary of classic retail therapy. Located in Waipahu in Central Oahu, the outlets here provide an affordable alternative to the larege scale malls in town. You’ll find global classics such as Armani, Converse, Adidas, and Michael Kors, as wells as shops with island flare like the Local Motion surf shop. There’s a popular food court for re-fueling so you literally don’t shop ‘til you drop, and even a trolley connecting the two sides of this sprawling commerce compound.
Practical Info
The Waikele Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Stores are often open later during holidays, with the exception of Christmas when all stores are closed. The Waikele Center is about 35 minutes from downtown Waikiki and 20 minutes from West Oahu resort such as Aulani and Ko Olina.
Address: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797, USA
From $ 18
Waimanalo Beach Park
What locals refer to as Waimanalo Beach Park could easily be described as paradise by most visitors; what with its three miles of soft white sand flanked by Hawaii’s famous Koolau Mountains, soaring ironwood trees and dreamy azure and emerald sea, one can hardly argue that Waimanalo Beach Park is nothing short of heaven on earth. In opposition to more famous and more active Waimea Bay Beach, Waimanalo Beach Park is infinitely more tranquil. A silent retreat during the week, it shifts into a family-friendly, chill picnic and barbecue spot for locals.
Waimea’s waves are neither too high nor break far from the beach, making it the ultimate body boarding and body surfing spot on O’ahu, in addition to being perfect for lengthy tanning sessions. Early-risers will be pleased to learn that Waimanalo Beach Park is also an excellent place to catch a good sunrise, thanks to its unbeatable eastward location. Not one to be shy of the spotlight, Waimanalo Beach Park was used as a filming location for Magnum P.I. and Baywatch Hawaii.
Because nothing is perfect, visitors should be very careful with Portuguese man-of-war, a painfully stingy jellyfish found in abundance in the area, especially on windy days.
Practical Info
Waimanalo Beach Park is located is southeastern O’ahu, about 16 miles outside Honolulu. It can be reached by car via route 61 and 72 in 30 minutes. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite complex. The beach is fully equipped with visitor facilities, such as showers, restrooms, a pavilion, picnic tables, a camping area and a lifeguard tower.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 50
Wailua Falls
Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” for its exceptionally verdant beauty, and when you first catch sight of Wailua Falls it’s easy to understand why. Spilling 80 feet over a rocky ledge into a fresh water pool below, this double-streamed, misty cascade so perfectly captures the tropical essence that it was used as part of the opening scene for the TV show, Fantasy Island.
And, while there’s definitely no shortage of waterfalls on Kauai, what makes Wailua Falls so popular is the fact that you can see the falls without even having to hike. As you follow rural, Ma’alu Road as it twists its way up the mountain, there will eventually be a large parking lot approximately four miles up from the highway. Here, from a sweeping viewpoint on a country road looking over Wailua Stream, a heart-stopping view of Wailua Falls is only a few steps away. For an added, tropical, Wailua Falls bonus, try to visit in mid-morning on a clear, sunny day, when a thin rainbow can often appear in the softly spiraling mists.
Practical Info
Wailua Falls is located about 5.2 miles outside the town of Lihue. While there are trails that lead down the steep cliff face to the base of the thundering falls, the trails are steep, exceptionally dangerous, and officially off-limits to hikers. To reach the falls, drive north of Lihue for approximately one mile until your reach Ma’alu Road, and turn left for a four mile journey into the misty hills.
Address: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
From $ 122
Waimea Valley
Once named the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, Waimea Valley is the gateway to one of Kauai’s most impressive natural sights, Waimea Canyon. At 26 miles across and 21 miles long, Waimea Canyon has crags, gorges, and rugged mountains characterized by a variety of colors. Natural green, red, and even purple and blue hues appear in various degrees along the eroded mountain sides. The canyon was carved thousands of years ago from waters flowing from the top of Mount Waialeale, still today one of the places on Earth with the most rainfall. There are still dozens of hidden waterfalls and pools to explore throughout the valley.
Waimea Valley, with all its natural beauty, was considered sacred by the ancient Hawaiians. Archaeological sites and more than 700 years of native Hawaiian history can still be seen, while visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the valley from one of several lookouts or explore by foot on one of the area’s many hiking trails.
Practical Info
Waimea Valley is situated on Kauai’s west coast. It can be accessed from Waimea on Hawaiʻi state road 550, which leads up to Koke'e State Park. Waimea Canyon Road, located just past mile marker 23, winds along the canyon but no gas stations are present so be sure to embark with a full tank.
Address: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA
From $ 245
Wailua River
Kauai’s Wailua River runs from the volcanic Wailua crater to the coast, flowing through the Wailua River State Park.
It’s Hawaii’s only navigable river, so make the most of the experience with a boat tour or cruise into the island’s rugged interior.
Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, nature reserves and walking trails as the river slowly meanders its way inland.
The river’s highlights are Fern Grotto, Wailua Falls and Secret Falls, reached by a secluded walking trail.
Practical Info
The Wailua River enters the ocean on the island’s east coast, near the settlement of Wailua.
Address: State Highway 580, Wailua 96791, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 59
Waikoloa
The town of Waikoloa Village is near the western shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, just south of the Kohala Peninsula.
Waikoloa Village is less than nine miles inland from the beach (following the road – not as the crow flies), but it's home to several hotels and resorts. There's also a popular golf resort at Waikoloa Village. There are even more resorts along the water, however, a short drive from the town.
The town of Puako is the narrow strip of land that sits between Waikoloa Village and the ocean, where you'll find many of the resorts. Waikoloa is more residential, whereas Puako is more tourist-centric.
Practical Info
Waikoloa is roughly 32 miles from Kailua-Kona – the drive takes less than an hour if you don't stop to sightsee along the way.
Address: Waikoloa, Big Island of Hawaii, USA
From $ 29
Wailuku River State Park
Best known for Rainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park is a collection of waterfalls and eroded pools only 10 minutes from downtown Hilo. Make a stop at Rainbow Falls to watch colors dance in the mist, and then continue five minutes up the road to the area known as “Boiling Pots.” These deep, circular, roiling pools seem to boil during periods of high water, and Pe‘epe‘e Falls toward the back of the pools cascades 60 feet toward the rocks below.
The waterfalls and pools here are at their most dramatic after a period of heavy rain. Flash flooding is a common occurrence, so swimming in the pools is a high-stakes gamble no matter how enticing they might seem. Since the trails down to the pools can often be slippery, the pools and falls are best enjoyed from the easily accessible lookouts. Bring a picnic and linger in the grass with rushing water as your soundtrack, or simply kill an hour in Hilo with a quick jaunt up to the falls. Not only is this Hawaii’s longest river, but it’s also one of the most popular getaways for Hilo locals and families.
Practical Info
Rainbow Falls is two miles from Hilo off of Waianuenue Avenue, and Boiling Pots is 1.5 miles past the turnoff for Rainbow Falls. The park is open during daylight hours seven days per week, and there is no entrance fee for enjoying the beauty.
Address: Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Daily during daylight hours
From $ 167
Waikiki
Waikiki, where most Hawaii vacations get their start, is everything at once: white sandy beaches, swaying palms, high-rise accommodations, world-class shopping, top-notch and seaside dining, local culture, and excellent surfing. It’s no wonder this former playground for Hawaiian royalty continues to be an oasis for global visitors.
The Basics
Waikiki is Honolulu’s city within a city dedicated to fun and sun. Stroll down the main oceanfront thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue, and place a lei on the Duke Kahanamoku surfer statue; splash in the surfer’s namesake Kahanamoku Lagoon; shop in one of several open-air malls; grab lunch along the way for a picnic in Kapiolani Park; and see the sunset behind the profile of Diamond Head.
Waikiki sightseeing tours by trolley or Segway are a great way to learn about the area and cover greater distances than you can on foot. For a different perspective, take to the water aboard a sunset dinner cruise, or get on the water in this watersports wonderland: Learn to surf, take a stand-up paddleboarding lesson, or try kayaking, parasailing, or scuba diving. Many Oahu tours, including circle-island tours and helicopter tours, depart Waikiki and allow visitors to see sights beyond Waikiki Beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waikiki is a must-see for first-timers to Oahu, families, sunbathers, and more.
- Oahu enjoys daytime temperatures that hover around 80°F (27°C) year-round. But come nightfall in spring and winter, it can get cool—bring an extra layer if you plan to be out past sunset.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen. and sunglasses. Though if you do, several ABC Stores—a Hawaii retail chain—offer replacements along Kalakaua Avenue.
How to Get There
Waikiki, a 3.4-square-mile (8.8-square-kilometer) neighborhood in southeast Honolulu, encompasses everything between Ala Wai Boulevard, Kapahulu Avenue, and the oceanfront. It is serviced by several local bus routes, including the 2, 8, 9, 13, and 22. By road, the area is within 30 minutes of most main Oahu attractions, including the 23 sites covered by the Waikiki Historic Trail, Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri and Arizona memorials, Iolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the popular snorkeling haunt of Hanauma Bay, and Sea Life Park Hawaii.
When to Get There
Waikiki’s peak season coincides with the United States’ spring, summer, and winter school holidays. If you plan to visit during these times, it pays to book tours and hotels well in advance. Several of the region’s best (and most unusual) festivals, such as the parades and cultural demonstrations of the Aloha Festival in September and the Waikiki Spam Jam in April, beckon in the off-season.
Waikiki in Winter
Balmy Waikiki provides a tropical respite to the mainland’s chilly winters, but in these months the rains are more frequent, the waves can be wilder, and temperatures still dip a bit—expect 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C) as opposed to summer’s 82 to 89°F (28 to 32°C). Still, warm-weather seekers will be in good company: Between November and March, hordes of humpback whales migrate down from chilly Alaska to mate, splash, and put on a show for eager onlookers.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 25
Waipio Valley
Forming a deep natural amphitheater that’s washed by the sea and waterfalls, the Waipio Valley, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a natural wonderland marked by rain forests and hiking trails. Cliffs thousands of feet high plunge to the valley floor, where a curved black-sand beach meets the sea.
The Basics
Known for its rich history and its natural beauty alike, the “Valley of the Kings” offers experiences for just about every type of traveler. Ride ATVs while learning about the valley’s lore, snap photos from the Waipio Valley Lookout, soar above 2,000-foot (610-meter) cliffs in a helicopter, or spend the day visiting some of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls, including the towering Hi’ilawe Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waipio Valley is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, or first-time visitors to the island.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Don’t attempt to drive a rental car into the valley; the road is extremely steep and many rental agreements prohibit it.
- Hiking down to the black-sand beach requires a high level of physical fitness, but anyone can enjoy the views from the Waipio Valley Lookout.
How to Get There
The stunning Waipio Valley is located on the Big Island’s northern Hamakua Coast. The roads here are notoriously steep and should only be accessed by four-wheel drive, horseback, or organized tour (from Kukuihaele).
When to Get There
Since the views are one of the biggest draws, plan to visit on a clear, sunny day. November is the wettest month on the Big Island, and rain tends to impact how much of the valley is visible. Organized tours typically don’t run on Sundays.
Sacred, Mythical, Historical Waipio Valley
The Waipio Valley was once the home of many of Hawaii’s past rulers, and has great sacred and mythical significance. It was here where Kamehameha the Great (the first ruler of a unified Kingdom of Hawaii) was proclaimed the future ruler of the islands by Kakailimoku (a Hawaiian god). It’s also the site of several important Hawaiian temples, or heiaus.
Address: Highway 240, Honokaa 96727, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 182
Wailuku
The city of Wailuku sits on the northern coast of Maui, once a major tourist destination on the island and now a commercial and governmental center. As the Maui County seat, Wailuku is home to the county government and was historically home to some of the Kingdom of Hawaii's most esteemed leaders. It was also a major center of the sugar cane industry in Hawaii in the 19th century.
The town is situated on the coast, but at its back is the mouth of the Iao Valley, a gorgeous and lush state park that was sacred to the old Hawaiian gods and a burial ground for Hawaiian royalty. The valley was also the setting for a legendary 18th century battle in the fight to unify the islands as one kingdom. Visitors to Wailuku today can explore the city's historic monuments, browse its unique local shops and restaurants, and use it as a base for visiting the Iao Valley.
Practical Info
Wailuku is a short 10-minute drive from Kahului Airport, Maui's main airport. It has a very different feel from the more touristy parts of Maui, and lacks the big resort hotels.
Address: Wailuku, Hawaii, USA
From $ 144
Waimea Bay Beach
Welcome to one of the most iconic places on O’ahu Island! Combining popular culture, history and extreme sports, Waimea Bay Beach simply does not disappoint. Its stunning panoramas alone, as seen from the Kamehameha Highway, are sufficient reason to visit the island’s northern end! The area’s international reputation emerged in 1779, when famous Captain James Cook was killed by native villagers after he tried to make the King of Hawaii captive. Staples of this period are still visible today at the Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Monument, the largest of its kind on the island.
Many years later, Waimea Bay Beach once again gained popularity by becoming the top surfing destination in the world and officially starting the 1950s now-iconic surf phenomenon (as demonstrated by the Beach Boys’ famous song!). In fact, surfing is still very much in fashion in this neck of the woods, with numerous surfing events taking place throughout the year, especially during big wave season between November and February. Alternatively, it is a very nice place to swim and sunbathe during the calmer summer months. Waimea Bay Beach even made it to the small screen as a filming location for acclaimed series Lost.
Practical Info
Waimea Bay Beach is located on the northern tip of O’ahu Island in Hawaii, roughly 35 miles northwest of Honolulu. It is reachable via route 99 in just under an hour. It is also possible to get there with bus #55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 79
Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii
Wet ’n’ Wild Hawaii, one of the most visited family attractions on the island of Oahu, occupies 29 lush acres with more than 25 rides and attractions. Kids can climb up the multi-level Water World Kids Playground with its five fun zones and seven slides or splash around in Keiki Kove, a spray ground filled with water cannons, pint-size water slides and a mushroom water shower. Kapolei Cooler, a lazy river, makes an 800-foot lap around the park, while Cutter’s Island provides a serene retreat for guests over 12 years of age.
Thrill seekers will find a host of attractions as well, including raft rides, body slides, racers and a 400,000-gallon wave pool. For an extra fee, guests of all ages and skill levels can catch a wave on Hawaii’s only simulated surf attraction.
Practical Info
The park’s hours aren’t always regular, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Address: 400 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, Oahu, USA
Hours: Monday, Thursday and Frida 10:30am-3:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:30am-4pm; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Admission: $49.99
From $ 50
Waikiki Aquarium
Have you been wondering the name of the bright yellow fish or strange eel that you saw snorkeling? Wonder no longer—the small but lively Waikiki Aquarium has dozens of tanks that recreate area reefs, as well as unusual ocean habitats in the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands, with informative signage. The aquarium boasts half a dozen species of butterflyfish (your yellow fish could have been one of these), the fun-to-say state fish of Hawaii— humuhumu-nukunuku-a-pua’a, sharks, puffers, turtles and even two resident specimens of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Watch jellies float in black-lit tanks, see a nautilus use jet propulsion to move through the water, or find strange seadragons camouflaged in seaweed. The aquarium also hosts after-hours programming, including the popular Reef After Dark, which takes participants to explore area tide pools with experts by moonlight.
Practical Info
Waikiki Aquarium is located 2777 Kalakaua Avenue at the Diamond Head side of Waikiki beyond the Honolulu Zoo. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. with the last person admitted at 4:30 p.m. (building closes at 5 p.m.); special holiday hours or closures may apply. General Admission tickets are $12 adults, $5 kids ages 4-12 and children under 3 are free, discounts are available for seniors, Hawaii residents and military with ID. The aquarium is serviced TheBus routes 19,20 and 22, the hop-on, hop-off Waikiki Trolley and is within walking distance of many Waikiki hotels.
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $5
From $ 25
Waimea Canyon
A geological kaleidoscope of reds and browns, Kauai’s impressive Waimea Canyon—at 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long, one mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, and 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) deep—is Hawaii’s version of the Grand Canyon. In fact, some say Mark Twain was the first to lend it its nickname: the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Stop on its winding rim road for views of a far-below river, sheer drop-offs, spectacular views, excellent hiking, and waterfall-lined crevasses, all just a short way away from the Garden Isle’s legendary Na Pali Coast.
The Basics
The canyon, within the purview of the free-to-access Waimea Canyon State Park, is best seen on a tour, which allows you to gaze over the cliff edges without having to also navigate a vehicle along the winding, canyon-hugging route. Take a 4WD tour on Kauai’s backroads and past popular attractions like quaint Koloa Town, the Spouting Horn blowhole, the artsy town of Hanapepe, and the old Russian Fort before skirting the canyon. Or follow the Wailua River—coupling boat or kayak rides to the jungle of Fern Grotto—with a journey west for comparatively dry river views. Most Waimea Canyon tours continue to Kauai’s northern coast, stopping at Kokee State Park and the Kalalau Overlook for sweeping views of the undulating Na Pali Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waimea Canyon itself is dry and dusty, but the Na Pali Coast can be foggy and wet. Be prepared and dress in layers for whatever the weather may bring.
- Although the canyon trails aren’t generally wheelchair accessible, the many lookout points are.
- For experienced hikers, longer treks—including guided multi-day hut-to-hut hikes—are an option. Trail maps and additional information are available in the Kokee Museum and Visitor Center north of the canyon.
- There are no gas stations and only one restaurant along Waimea Canyon Drive—a route that, depending on how many stops you make, could take all day. Choose a tour that includes lunch or snacks, or pack food.
How to Get There
Access Waimea Canyon along scenic, in-and-out Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) in southwestern Kauai. There are several lookout points and trailheads along the route. You can access the road from coastal Highway 50 in the town of Waimea, or from farther west at Kekaha, via Kokee Road. On the return journey be sure to look for glimpses of distant Niihau, the Forbidden Island.
When to Get There
It’s best to head to Waimea Canyon early in the day (before 10am) or in the late afternoon (after 3pm), when the fog that regularly rolls off the sea is less likely to obscure views along the route. Very early morning and at sunset, the canyon’s colors come alive and make for great photographs.
Stops Along the Waimea Canyon
There are dozens of pull-offs along Waimea Canyon Drive, but don’t miss sights like the Waimea Canyon Lookout at mile marker 10 or Waipio Falls, best seen from a small lookout around mile marker 13, opposite a picnic area with restrooms and water fountains. The Iliau Nature Loop is a flat and easy (though dusty) trail with signage on local birds and plants, as well as some great canyon views; look for it just before mile marker 9. The restaurant at Kokee State Park, north of the canyon, serves local-style meals—try the loco moco, a hearty Hawaiian dish of white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy.
Address: Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea 96796, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
Eerie and abandoned, the salt water swimming pool and stone bleachers of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial off San Souci beach was a shimmering seaside tribute when it opened in 1927. Today, some call the crumbling venue haunted and it is often featured in Island-wide nighttime ghost tours.
The aging edifice, shuttered since 1979, is still worth a daytime visit, if only to peek through the bars of its towering front gate and imagine what it once was. As one of the country’s few ‘living memorials,’ the space served both as a gathering place to honor the 10,000 Hawaii service men who served during WWI and a public facility where Hawaii residents learned to swim in its 100m length. The Natatorium is credited with creating a swimming culture in the local community, and providing a peaceful practice spot for Olympians including legendary Hawaiian waterman (and five-time Olympic swimming medalist) Duke Kahanamoku. On Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, the chipping lot around the structure still occasionally hosts commemorative ceremonies honoring the structure’s original purpose.
Despite its designation as a ‘national treasure’ by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, no one seems to know what to do with the Natatorium. Throughout the years, numerous plans to revive or raze the structure, adding a new stretch of white sand to Waikiki’s crowded beaches, have been passed over. Until then, it just waits.
Practical Info
The structure is located at 2815 Kalakaua Ave., across from Kapiolani Regional Park and next to Kaimana Beach at the far end of Waikiki’s main strip. Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, though interior access is always prohibited.
Address: 2815 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, USA
From $ 109
Bailey House Museum
The Bailey House is a historical house and museum operated by the Maui Historical Society. It houses the largest collection of Hawaiian artifacts on Maui, many dating back to the 19th century when the house was built. The home was constructed as a mission in 1833 on what was then the royal compound of Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui, and the second story contains many of the koa wood furniture that belonged to the missionary Edward Bailey, who lived in the house. The first floor contains remnants of native Hawaiian life, from wooden bowls and utensils to spears and shark teeth used in battle. The museum also houses a private collection of Edward Bailey's paintings of Maui along with the oldest surviving photographs of the island.
Outside you can view dozens of native Hawaiian plants in the house gardens. There is a 100-year-old outrigger canoe and a historic surfboard that belonged to Duke Kahanamoku in an outdoor gallery beside the entrance to the house.
Practical Info
The Bailey House Museum is located at 2375-A Main Street in Wailuku on the island of Maui. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for children 12 and under. It is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Address: 2375-A Main Street, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and major holidays.
Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for children 12 and under.
From $ 153
Wailea
The town of Wailea is located on Maui's southwestern coast, known as a beach resort with spectacular beaches and luxury resort hotels.
Wailea itself is relatively small, with a population under 6,000, but it's home to no less than five resort hotels – including two huge luxury properties. There are a number of really excellent beaches, such as Ulua Beach, Polo Beach and Wailea Beach, and there are three golf courses that make Wailea a popular draw for golfing vacations, too.
Even if you're not staying in one of the fancy beachfront hotels, you can still enjoy Wailea's gorgeous scenery. Put on your walking shoes and head for the coastal nature trail that winds along the water. It's paved, so it's easy going, and it'll give you an up-close look at an abundance of unique Hawaiian plants. In the morning, the trail is full of joggers, and in the evening, it's an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Practical Info
Wailea is about 16 miles from Maui's main airport in Kahului and 28 miles from Lahaina. If you're visiting in the winter months, keep your eye on the water as you're walking the coastal trail – it's a pretty good spot for whale-watching.
Address: Wailea, Hawaii, USA
From $ 149
Wailea Beach
Although the Wailea resort complex is graced with numerous beaches, the epicenter of the beach scene will forever be Wailea Beach. Voted as the #1 beach in America in 1999, this stretch of golden sand which fronts the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts offers everything from snorkeling and standup paddling to outrigger canoe paddling and playful bodyboarding. Fun-loving yet undeniably luxurious, Wailea Beach is the postcard of luxury you would expect from a Maui resort complex.
Even though private cabanas line the shoreline (and there is a great chance of spotting a celebrity), Wailea Beach is a public beach and is open to anyone in the community. Public parking lots are found at neighboring Ulua Beach as well as next to the Four Seasons, and a two-mile coastal path connects Wailea Beach with Polo beaches, which is a similar island favorite.
Although there is never a bad time to find yourself on Wailea Beach, summer can be a bit more prone to large surf which can make bodyboarding dangerous and churn up the visibility while snorkeling. On most days of the year, however, Hawaiian green sea turtles can be spotted off the point, and the waters are calm and clear with just enough wave action to frolick in the surf.
Or, if watersports aren’t your thing, the string of cabanas and beach umbrellas are the perfect spot for kicking back with a good book, a cold drink, and simply listening to the surf crash on the shore. Flanked on both sides by palm trees and resorts, Wailea Beach is a dream getaway for the resort-loving crowd, and even those who prefer their lodging a bit more low-key will appreciate the island beauty which radiates from the shore.
Even though private cabanas line the shoreline (and there is a great chance of spotting a celebrity), Wailea Beach is a public beach and is open to anyone in the community. Public parking lots are found at neighboring Ulua Beach as well as next to the Four Seasons, and a two-mile coastal path connects Wailea Beach with Polo beaches, which is a similar island favorite.
Although there is never a bad time to find yourself on Wailea Beach, summer can be a bit more prone to large surf which can make bodyboarding dangerous and churn up the visibility while snorkeling. On most days of the year, however, Hawaiian green sea turtles can be spotted off the point, and the waters are calm and clear with just enough wave action to frolick in the surf.
Or, if watersports aren’t your thing, the string of cabanas and beach umbrellas are the perfect spot for kicking back with a good book, a cold drink, and simply listening to the surf crash on the shore. Flanked on both sides by palm trees and resorts, Wailea Beach is a dream getaway for the resort-loving crowd, and even those who prefer their lodging a bit more low-key will appreciate the island beauty which radiates from the shore.
Address: Wailea Beach Park, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
From $ 93
Waioli Mission House
Down a dirt road behind Hanalei’s iconic green Wai’oli Hui’ia church, the Wai’oli Mission House served as the residence for three different gospel-sharing families in the early 19th century. The charming two-story, four-bedroom home—one of the Island’s oldest Western-style dwellings—was built by Congregational missionary Reverend William Alexander and his wife Mary in 1837.
Though tours of clap-board house are offered only on certain days, and on a first-come first-served basis—ring the old school bell to alert the docents of your presence—visitors are treated to a unique blend of early Hawaiian-made home goods as well as items useful in missionary life: A still-functioning wall clock, koa bedframes and bookshelves filled with the missionaries’ tomes, a lava rock chimney, ohio wood floors, a traveling chest, a whale oil burning lantern and a spinning wheel. Many of the artifacts belonged to Lucy and Abner Wilcox and their eight sons who lived here between 1846 and 1869—the longest serving and final residents of the Mission House. Touring the historic home is an educational way to spend a rainy Hanalei day, indeed, the name “Wai’oli” means joyful water, perhaps a nod to the many waterfalls that stream down the mountains behind the old mission settlement during the rains or its proximity to the meandering Hanalei River.
Practical Info
To reach the Mission House, continue 0.2 miles west on Kuhio Highway past Wai’oli Hui’ia Church to Old School House Road. A parking lot and footpath leading to the mission house is located in the trees alongside Hanalei Elementary School. Guided mission tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Address: Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, Hawaii 96714, USA
Hours: Guided mission tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Admission: Suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children
From $ 135