Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 601-620 of 2014 listings.
Half Moon Bay
Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz sits Half Moon Bay, a sleepy beach resort community with a population not quite reaching 12,000 people. The Victorian-era Main Street harkens back to its early days as a tourist destination in the 1800s when it slowly evolved from a fishing village with a Spanish mission to a booming town with a major stagecoach depot.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
From $ 94
Hamakua Coast
Curvy, cozy and impossibly green, the Hamakua Coast is a verdant time portal on the Big Island’s northeastern side. Often referred to as the “Hamakua Heritage Corridor,” this 50-mile stretch of two-lane road passes through small, historic towns and offers a sumptuous buffet of scenery around every hairpin turn. Sugar was once king along this coast, and though the last field was planted in 1994, vestiges of the plantation past lay scattered along the trail.
Leave the city of Hilo behind and venture north toward Akaka Falls, continuing past the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden to the town of Laupahoehoe. Here you’ll find the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, a small building that showcases the history of the Hawaii Consolidated Railway. The train was vital for transporting sugar from the fields to the port of Hilo, although a devastating tsunami in 1946 obliterated the tracks.
Continue along a serpentine road oft likened to the Road to Hana, and make a stop in sleepy Honoka‘a for a dose of small town charm. Ranching and farming are big in these parts, and the rural economy and coastal location make for a haven for free-spirited artists. Continue further to Waipio Valley, the official end of the road, and if your legs are feeling up for the journey, take a hike down the state’s steepest road to the taro-lined valley floor. Waipio is the valley where King Kamehameha was hidden away as a child, and the way of life and secluded surroundings have changed little since the days of the king.
Practical Info
If driven without stopping, the Hamakau Coast from Hilo to Waipio takes a little over an hour. This stretch of coastline is windy and wet, although the 80-some annual inches of rain keep the waterfalls and valleys alive. To avoid the rain and beat the wind, mornings are often the best time of day to see it before the afternoon tradewinds arrive.
Address: Hawaii, USA
From $ 123
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala’s summit stretches 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above Maui’s world-renowned beaches. Vast swaths of its slopes—33,000 acres (13.4 hectares) from summit to sea level along the Hawaiian island’s southeastern coast—are protected within Haleakala National Park, where visitors hike, bike, camp, and catch sunsets (and sunrises) of a lifetime. Now considered a dormant volcano, Haleakala last erupted sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The Basics
Haleakala National Park is divided into two sections with separate access points, Haleakala Crater and the Kipahulu district. Most visitors head for the main event: Haleakala’s rocky, barren summit and its expansive lunar-like crater stretching some seven miles (11 kilometers) across. Popular guided summit tours include Haleakala sunrise tours, promising stunning views of the sea and sky, and bike tours that zip you down the volcano’s steep slopes. Some tours even couple a Haleakala sunrise with a scenic drive along Maui’s winding Road to Hana. The park’s Kipahulu district is lush, coastal, and more isolated, offering hiking and swimmable waterfall pools.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Park entry is $10 for a 3-day single-person pass or $20 for a vehicle pass that includes entry for everyone in the car. Guided tours usually include park admission.
- Not all of Hawaii is warm. At Haleakala’s summit, plan for wind, rain, and temperatures between 30°F and 50°F (-1°C and 10°C).
- Due to the high elevation, you may experience altitude sickness. It’s best to slowly make your way up to allow for time to get acclimated. Return to lower elevation if you experience any telltale signs including nausea, headache, and shortness of breath.
- Haleakala has nearly 40 (64 kilometers) miles of hiking paths. If planning to hike, stay on designated trails to minimize effects on the area’s flora and fauna, many of which are endangered.
- The park’s main visitor center—with informational displays and helpful rangers—closes at 3:45pm daily.
- While park trails are unpaved and unsuitable for wheelchairs, the summit’s visitor centers and Hosmer Grove picnic area are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
To reach Haleakala National Park, you need to book a tour or arrive by car; there is no public transport into the park itself. Driving time from the resort areas of Kihei and Kaanapali is about two hours to the summit, or three to four hours to Kipahulu. Summit access is via Upcountry Maui, passing through the quaint town of Makawao along Routes 377 and 378.
When to Get There
Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. On clear mornings, many visitors take advantage of the peak’s lofty vantage point to watch the colorful sunrise, with tours departing as early as 2am to arrive in time. If you’re crowd adverse, try a sunset tour where, on clear nights, an equally spectacular explosion of color bleeds into top-notch stargazing. Tours meet on the mountain a few hours before sunset.
Spotting Haleakala’s Rare Silverswords
The volcano’s slopes are home to an extremely rare and Dr. Seuss–like plant: the Haleakala silversword. The bizarre, bushy, and silver-colored plants are found only here and can live for up to 90 years. Silverswords flower only once, sending up a spectacular flowering stalk—and dying shortly thereafter. You’ll find them at the Haleakala summit, the Kalahaku Overlook, and along Sliding Sands Trail, a several-mile round-trip hike.
Address: State Highway 330, Kula 96790, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: US$12 per person or US$25 per vehicle
From $ 80
Ground Zero Museum Workshop
The tiny but jam-packed Ground Zero Museum Workshop explains what it felt like to be in the middle of the aftermath of the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Visitors can wander the rooms to see more than 100 exhibits, including walls covered in rare photos, artifacts, and inspiring tales of first responders, New York City Fire Department firefighters, police officers, and other USA heroes who participated in recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. Video and audio stories supplement the photographs taken by museum founder Gary Marlon Suson, who spent seven months as the only official FDNY photographer allowed to document the recovery period at Ground Zero.
The Basics
Admission includes a guided, interactive Ground Zero Museum Workshop tour, as well as an audio guide explaining the work it took to rebuild Lower Manhattan. Tours begin with a short video followed by a tour of the artifacts with guided explanations of the stories behind many of the photographs on display.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Museum workshop tickets must be booked in advance, as only 28 guests can be accommodated per tour.
- Considered non-graphic with a focus on recovery efforts rather than the attacks themselves, the museum is kid-friendly, welcoming children as young as 4.
- The museum's self-guided audio tours are available in four languages.
- Many travelers choose to visit this site before heading to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Note that the two are different and separate.
How to Get There
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is located at 420 West 14th Street in the Meatpacking District near Chelsea Market, 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) north of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The site is accessible via ACE trains and by subway to 14th Street and 8th Avenue.
When to Get There
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm, with 1- to 2-hour museum workshop tours led by a tour guide starting at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 1:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Artifacts at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop
Built under the premise that education leads to healing, the museum’s experiential galleries include artifacts—including the must-see piece of the first plane to hit the World Trade Center towers—that visitors are welcome to touch. Also on display is the largest piece of window glass from the twin towers, a frozen clock that still displays the time of the attacks, and a charred bible page. The artifacts were collected by official photographer Suson during his work at Ground Zero or donated to the museum by family members of victims and others.
Address: 420 West 14th Street, New York City, New York 10048, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the largest city parks in North America, covering a vast 4,310 acres (1,744 hectares). An oasis in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, this green space caters to visitors of all ages and interests with attractions such as the Los Angeles City Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood sign.
The Basics
Griffith Park is an ideal escape from LA’s bustling city center. Visitors can rent bicycles and tour the park on two wheels, join a guided hike or horseback ride up to the Hollywood sign, or explore a multitude of museums, golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Budding astronomers can visit the landmark Griffith Observatory, which boasts rooftop telescopes plus the world’s most advanced star projector, while kids love the Los Angeles Zoo and its 250 animal species. Don’t miss the Travel Town Museum, which features dozens of vintage railcars and locomotives; the Museum of the American West, where kids can pan for gold and explore a stagecoach; and the Griffith Park merry-go-round with its carved and colorfully painted horses. If you’re short on time, visit the park on a Los Angeles day tour to also see city highlights such as Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.
- Pack a lunch to enjoy the park’s many scenic picnic areas.
- Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.
- A trip to the observatory is ideal for visitors with limited mobility thanks to its plentiful parking, expansive views, and relatively flat ground.
How to Get There
Griffith Park is located at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood. Access to the park is easiest by car, and parking is free. For information and maps, stop by the Griffith Park Ranger Station at Crystal Springs Drive. On weekends, holidays, and during summer, the park’s higher elevations can be congested with heavy traffic, so it’s best to use the DASH Observatory Shuttle to access Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.
When to Get There
Griffith Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Opening hours for attractions within the park vary. Summer is LA’s busiest season, but spring and autumn visitors can benefit from decreased smog levels and fewer crowds. January and February can be rainy, so pack an umbrella if visiting in winter.
Movies Filmed in Griffith Park
Being in La La Land, it’s no surprise that Griffith Park stars in more than a few films and TV shows. James Dean and his classmates take a trip to the Griffith Observatory in Rebel Without a Cause, and the park’s Bronson Caves were featured in the 1960s TV shows Batman and Star Trek. Ron Burgundy of Anchorman fame fights bears in the Los Angeles Zoo, Conrad Birdie serenades Ann-Margret at the Greek Theater in the classic musical Bye Bye Birdie, and the tunnel to Toontown in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? leads to the Griffith Observatory.
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles 90027, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Park admission is free; fees may apply to attractions inside the park
From $ 30
Hanalei Bay
One of Kauai’s most beautiful stretches of water, Hanalei Bay is a hub for watersports on the island’s north shore.
Flanked by idyllic stretches of beach and backed by mountains, the bayside town of Hanalei is filled with shops renting kayaks, sailing boats, surfboards.
Come here to soak up the rays on the beach, dip your toe in the water, take a stroll on the pier or bring a picnic to enjoy on the sand.
Practical Info
Hanalei Bay is on the northern coast of Kauai, reached via State Highway 56 from Lihue.
Address: Weke Road, Hanalei 96714, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 78
Hana
Hana is a community on the eastern end of Maui, and it might remain largely isolated if not for the spectacular scenery on the Hana Highway that draws visitors in droves.
Hana Town itself has a small population, although there's a constant influx of travelers. It's hot and humid year-round, but you'll be able to escape the tropical conditions at any one of the many excellent beaches in and around Hana – including a black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and Hamoa Beach (sometimes called Hawaii's most beautiful beach).
The Hana Highway – also known as the Road to Hana – meanders more than 50 miles along the northern shore of Maui and leads to the community of Hana. If you've got the time, the best way to travel the Hana Highway is slowly, stopping frequently to check out waterfalls, beaches, and breathtaking views.
Along with the many attractions along the Road to Hana, there are also historic and scenic points of interest in Hana Town itself – including the Kahanu Garden, a 294-acre botanical garden that's also home to the 14th-century Pi'ilanihale Heiau temple, the largest such temple in Hawaii.
Practical Info
Hana Town is at the end of the 52-mile Hana Highway that starts in Kahului, but the drive takes at least 2.5-3 hours – even if you don't make frequent stops – because of all the twists and turns. Plan to take your time.
Address: Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA
From $ 170
Half Dome
Iconic Half Dome rises 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was once considered impossible to climb. Now hundreds of park visitors reach this magnificent granite formation’s summit each day, and countless more gaze at its towering face from below.
The Basics
Spend any time at all in Yosemite, and you’re sure to catch a glimpse of postcard-perfect Half Dome. Sightseeing tours through the park—including full-day and multi-day trips from Fresno, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—offer plenty of views and photo ops of the park’s distinctive peak. For adventure travelers, climbing to the top is somewhat of a rite of passage: The intense round-trip hike is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) with a 4,800-foot (1,463-meter) elevation gain. A guided hike to the top is a full-day affair, and the spectacular panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Half Dome is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers.
- Hiking Half Dome requires a permit, so be sure to apply well in advance.
- If hiking, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as well as sun protection, and bring gloves to ascend the metal cables that line the final stretch of the route.
- Along the trail, flush toilets are located at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and composting toilets are available at Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), at the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley.
How to Get There
The top of Half Dome is accessible only via a strenuous round-trip hike. If you’re not hiking to the top (or don’t have a permit), take the park shuttle to Sentinel Bridge or drive up to Glacier Point for excellent views of the peak.
When to Get There
The cables that allow visitors to summit Half Dome usually go up just before Memorial Day and come down after Columbus Day, depending on the weather. Never attempt to ascend if you see storm clouds. If you’re in the park around sunset, make your way to Sentinel Bridge to see Half Dome illuminated by the setting sun.
The Infamous Half Dome Cables
One of the most notorious parts of the hike to the top of Half Dome is the last 400 feet (122 meters), where hikers are aided by two metal cables to summit the stone face without the need for rock-climbing equipment. The predecessor to today’s modern cables were laid by George Anderson, when he successfully reached the summit in 1875.
Address: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 74
Guenther House
This restaurant, museum and store located in downtown San Antonio is stationed at the center of Bexar County and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Travelers can saddle up to the stunning covered outdoor terrace, or relax inside at one of the comfortable tables and enjoy traditional southern and Tex-Mex fare in a unique environment. Visitors should plan to spend some time exploring this historic home and its unique gift shop. And the world-famous baked goods should not be missed!
Practical Info
Guenther House is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio at 205 East Guenther Street. It is open daily from 8 am until 3 pm and serves breakfast and lunch.
Address: 205 East Guenther Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204, USA
Hours: Open daily from 8 am until 3 pm
From $ 25
Gulf World Marine Park
A mostly open-air aquarium, Gulf World Marine Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida. The park is home to rough-toothed and bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, flamingos, sharks, turtles, penguins, alligators, and reef fish.
The Basics
At Gulf World Marine Park, daily trainer-led dolphin and sea lion shows highlight animals’ agility and skill, while aquarium shows spotlight birds, sharks, and turtles. Interactive programs allow you to interact with seals, feed stingrays, or be a veterinarian or trainer for a day. General admission passes include all shows and exhibits, but interactive programs require separate bookings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site food options include a grill and snack bar. No outside food is permitted in the park.
- Gulf World Marine Park is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible.
- Photos and videos are allowed anywhere in the park, but not during interactive experiences.
- Most visitors spend between three to four hours exploring the park.
How to Get There
Gulf World Marine Park is located off Front Beach Road, between the gulf and Panama City Beach’s West Bay Grand Lagoon. There is free parking on-site, as well as an overflow lot for particularly busy days.
When to Get There
Gulf World Marine Park is busiest during summer weekends. If you’re visiting anytime between March and June and want to book an interactive program, be sure to do so in advance.
Animals at Gulf World Marine Park
All of the animals at the park are rescues deemed nonreleasable to the wild, animals born in captivity, or pets who were donated by their owners. Interactive animal experiences are completely safe, but visitors should be prepared to sign a waiver as animals are unpredictable by nature.
Address: 15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida 32413, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
Gribble House
There are ghosts on the loose in Downtown Savannah, and the Gribble House is the epicenter of paranormal experience. Though only a warehouse stands here today, this ground was where three women lost their lives in a gruesome, 1909 axe attack that’s been called “the most diabolical crime in the history of Savannah.” Not everyone believes that the man arrested was the one who committed the crime, and it’s likely that the only people who know the truth are the famous Gribble House ghosts. On a tour of this haunted and infamous site, grab a flashlight and explore the darkness of where the three gruesome murders took place. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck suddenly stand on end, and talk or ask questions to a spooky “ghost box” that can silence the biggest of critics. By the time you emerge from this haunted house in the middle of downtown Savannah, there’s a good chance that you could walk away with a firm belief in ghosts.
Practical Info
Investigations of the Gribble House are 90 minutes long, and take place at 8pm every day of the week. On Friday and Saturday, a second tour is added at 10:30pm, and there’s a minimum age of 16 years old to participate in the ghost hunting experience.
Address: 234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Admission: Adults: $35
From $ 31
Hancock Park
Hancock Park can refer to two areas in Los Angeles, both worth saving time in your schedule for a look.
The Hancock Park neighborhood is an affluent area with a history that dates back to the mid-1800s, while the actual Hancock Park might be better known as the home of the La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum. Since 1906, more than one million bones have been recovered and scientists are still excavating. The best fossils pulled from the Tar Pits are on display in the Page Museum.
Hancock Park is also the home of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). In addition, the park has plenty of open space, making it a nice spot to wander or have a picnic
Practical Info
Parking is available in a lot located at the corner of Curson Ave. and 6th Street, directly behind the Page Museum. Parking for LACMA is located at the Pritzker Parking Garage on Sixth Street. Free charging stations for electric vehicles are available on the first level of the Pritzker Parking Garage.
Address: 5800 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036, USA
From $ 55
Handy Park
Handy Park is a large public park known for its wide, open fields and stage, making it a great outdoor concert and event space in Memphis. The park was named for W.C. Handy, the “Father of Blues.” A large statue of W.C. Handy stands tall in the park.
Events that take place in Handy Park are always free and open to the public, often attracting large crowds. With an outdoor amphitheater that seats 2,000, it is a favorite local spot to enjoy a cold beverage and the great outdoors. There is also a small stage that often is home to impromptu blues performances on afternoons! The park is right off of the famous Beale Street, also home to a vibrant music culture and known as the “home of the Blues.” The local Memphis music scene often comes to life in Handy Park.
Practical Info
Handy Park is located at the corner of Beale and Third Streets in Memphis.
Address: 200 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
From $ 15
Haleiwa
Set on Oahu’s famous north shore just minutes from world-class surf, funky Haleiwa is the Hawaiian antithesis of urban Honolulu. Gone are the brand-name glamorous stores of Ala Moana Mall, and enter the small, locally-owned boutiques with tanned and beautiful staff. Surfboards poke from the back of trucks that cruise the two lane roads, and boardshorts, bikinis, and rubber slippers are the de facto outfit of choice. Haleiwa, however, has two different moods—and they change with the time of year. In spring, summer, and early fall, Haleiwa is a sunny, laidback beach town where where you can start the day with a shark diving tour and finish with a barbecue at the beach. The waves are flat, the skies are blue, and you’re fare more likely to pack a snorkel than a surfboard or boogie board to the beach.
In winter, however, the entire surf world descends on Haleiwa and the buzz in the air is electric. Parking spots can be harder find, and the streets are a bit more crowded, but the chance to watch the world’s best surfers is worth the added crowds. For a short time, maybe 8 eight weeks at most, Haleiwa becomes the place to be—even more than Honolulu. Growth of the town itself, thankfully, is still relatively slow, and whether it’s ordering shave ice on a sunny day or watching the waves from shore, Haleiwa is a town that remains exactly the way that everyone likes it.
Practical Info
Haleiwa is located approximately an hour from central Waikiki. By following the road up the leeward coast, past Kailua, Laie, and Kahuku, Haleiwa is approximately 90 minutes if you drive directly without stopping. Waves are largest from November-March, with December and January being the peak months for surfing, contests, and crowds.
Address: Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA 96712, USA
From $ 85
Haight-Ashbury
The heart of San Francisco’s 1967 Summer of Love, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood will forever be associated with the hippie movement and American counterculture. Today the district’s mix of boutiques, smoke shops, vintage stores, restaurants, and bars makes it a favorite among locals. It also has a high concentration of the beautifully restored Victorian homes the city is known for.
The Basics
Visiting the Haight, as it’s known, is mostly about people watching and enjoying the laid-back vibe. Walk up and down Haight Street to visit landmark record store Amoeba Music and the popular Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, located at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets.
Many San Francisco city tours will take you past the neighborhood, but opt for a VW van tour, Haight-Ashbury walking tour, or themed hippie tour for a more in-depth experience with a guide, who can often point out places of interest such as where Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead used to spend their time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Haight-Ashbury is a must-visit for counterculture history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Metered and non-metered street parking is available on and around Haight Street; read the street signs to check time allotments and street-cleaning days.
- Haight Street ends at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, making it easy to explore both in the same day.
How to Get There
Haight-Ashbury is in central San Francisco, tucked between the green spaces of Golden Gate Park, its Panhandle, and Buena Vista Park. MUNI buses 6 and 7 have stops along Haight Street, or take the N light rail to the Cole Street stop and walk four blocks north.
When to Get There
To get the full effect of the bustle of Haight Street, go in the late morning, when the shops typically open and lots of folks are out and about; the neighborhood is particularly popular for brunch. The evening scene is also lively, with many dinner options and a hopping bar scene.
The Painted Ladies
It’s just 1 mile from the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets to Alamo Square, a popular city park that draws visitors looking for the Painted Ladies. This multicolored row of Victorian houses is known for being featured in the intro to the television show Full House and also appeared in the 1978 remake of the horror classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Before or after you explore the Haight, head to Alamo Square to enjoy a view of Postcard Row with downtown San Francisco in the background.
Address: Haight and Ashbury Streets, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Haleakala Crater
Dubbed “House of the Sun” by native Hawaiians, Haleakala Crater is the world’s largest dormant volcano and the highest peak in Maui. Set in Haleakala National Park, here you can see a lunar landscape, admire cinder cones and endangered silversword plants, and trek wild hiking trails.
The Basics
Haleakala sunrise tours are the most popular way to see the crater, offering a unique look amid the orange and red-colored dawn, and saving visitors the hassle of navigating to the volcano’s summit in the dark. Many Haleakala Crater tours include pre-arranged sunrise-viewing passes for Pu’u’ula’ula Summit, the highest point on Mt. Haleakala. Sunrise bike tours typically provide one-way bus transportation to the peak, allowing you to enjoy the view and then cycle down 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) to the ocean.
Aside from early morning visits, other tours dodge the pre-dawn crowds with daytime trips, guided hikes across the crater floor, or full-day excursions to the crater and other destinations within Haleakala National Park. You can also visit Haleakala Crater on a combo tour that also stops at other top Maui sites such as Iao Valley or the Road to Hana.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sunrise tours typically require very early start times, with most tours starting hotel pickup around 2 or 3am.
- The weather can be chilly at Mt. Haleakala’s high elevations, especially before sunrise and after sunset. Bring layers and comfortable shoes, and be prepared for rain.
- There are no gas stations or outlets to purchase food within Haleakala National Park.
- Some facilities at the summit are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, including the Park Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakala Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove picnic area.
How to Get There
Haleakala Crater is located within Haleakala National Park on Maui. The only way to get there is by road, and it takes roughly 2.5 hours to reach the summit from the town of Kahului. From Kahului, take Route 37 to Highway 377, then transfer to Highway 378. Haleakala Crater access is at the end of the road within Haleakala National Park.
When to Get There
Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours per day, year-round. While temperatures in Maui remain fairly constant, winter (December through March) brings the coldest and rainiest weather, with average lows of 42°F (5.6°C) and upwards of seven inches (18 centimeters) of rain per month. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to visit the crater; opt for a daytime visit to avoid crowds.
Exploring Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui, the region around Mt. Haleakala, offers plenty to do after a sunrise crater tour. Head to the town of Kula to walk through lavender fields at Alii Kula Lavender Farm, stop by a Maui winery, or visit Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery, the makers of OCEAN Vodka. You can also seethe western-themed town of Makawao to enjoy some of the region’s best boutique shopping.
Address: Haleakala National Park, State Highway 330, Kula 96790, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: US$12 per person or US$25 per vehicle
From $ 144
Guinness World Records Museum
From the world’s tallest man to the longest jump taken by a human, Guinness has tracked the most significant, interesting, and strange world records year after year. The interactive Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood brings many of those records to life in a way that makes them seem even more real. The facts and figures here range from pop culture and technology to nature, sports, and space. The experience is much like a walk through a fascinating, interactive reference book.
Exhibits are spaced out over two stories and include touchscreen and video, holographs, animation, and other immersive media. There’s a section of the museum dedicated to the records of the entertainment industry, which fittingly includes a theater show. The family-friendly museum even offers visitors the chance to break one of its world records. It is often visited in combination with the Hollywood Wax Museum, which is next door.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the center of Hollywood, not far from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the exhibits. Admission costs $20 for adults and $10 for children. It is open daily from 10 am to midnight.
Address: 6764 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90028, USA
Hours: 10am–12am
Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children
From $ 21
Hanauma Bay
Circular Hanauma Bay is a particularly attractive, sheltered inlet of turquoise water, carved from a submerged volcanic crater east of Diamond Head.
The sandy beach park is popular with families, with its calm waters, lifeguards, and gentle diving and snorkeling. Picnic tables overlook the bay, and you can rent diving equipment.
The area is a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, and when you visit there’s a short film to watch about the marine life before you head down to the beach.
While diving you should spot green turtles, parrotfish and coral.
Practical Info
Buses run here from Waikiki, around 10 miles (16 km) east of Waikiki, just off the Kalanianaole Highway. A shuttle runs from the car park entrance down to the beach.
Address: 7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Hanauma 96801, USA
Hours: Open 6:00am-7:00pm in the Summer, Open 6:00am-6:00pm in the Winter, Always Closed Tuesdays
Admission: $7.50 per person, $1.00 per car
From $ 25
Grgich Hills Estate
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Grgich Hills Estate is a family-oriented winery committed to natural wine growing and sustainability with a history of excellence.
Founder and winemaker Mike Grgich is nearly as famous as his wines, thanks to his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting – thus firmly putting Napa on the map as a wine-making region to contend with (and inspiring the movie Bottle Shock). The legend himself still tours the picturesque landscape daily, so it is possible to run into the kind and spritely gentleman while on a tour of this fabulous estate.
Practical Info
Grgich Hills Estate is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm Tours and tastings are available, as is the signature Grape Stomping event come harvest. Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train tour.
Address: 1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573, USA
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:30pm
From $ 0
Halona Blowhole
Once visitors are aware that hālona means “lookout” in Hawaiian, it becomes quite clear what the Halona Blowhole is about: views, Pacific Ocean and blowhole! The Halona Blowhole is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on O’ahu Island; the more than 1,000-year-old geyser-like rock formation is characterized by a hole which propels incoming surf in a narrow, molten lava tube, shooting sea spray high into the air as a result - sometimes up to 30 feet. This is mostly a summery phenomenon but wintertime also has a big ticket item drawing visitors: humpback whales. The lookout point offers unobstructed views of the O’ahu shoreline as well as glimpses of Lanai and Moloka'I Islands on clear days.
The coast is home to a special type of coral that requires very little light to live, the Sinularia Leather Coral, where it is possible to find various species like echinoderms, slugs, corals, and eels. And although the marine life is quite plentiful and fascinating, divers should proceed with caution because of the strong and sometimes erratic currents, including the colloquially named Moloka'i Express, which can drag divers out to sea without warning. Visitors should know that below the hālona is one of the most dangerous ocean currents in the world, and should always proceed with care.
Practical Info
Halona Blowhole is located on the southeastern tip of O’ahu Island, roughly 14 miles from Honolulu. It can be reached by car via routes H1 and 72. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite lengthy and complex.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 25