The 14 things to do in Hawaii

Visit Hawaii: What are the best things to do and see on the Aloha State's Paradise Islands?

Are you ready to spend a holiday of madness on heavenly islands in the heart of the Pacific Ocean? You want to party, a necklace of flowers in your neck and a cocktail in your hand? Do you dream of discovering all the secrets of Honolulu, Oahu or Maui? Take a ticket to Hawaii and prepare for a stay that will remain forever engraved in your memory.

American Archipelago with more than 1.4 million inhabitants, Hawaii has a total of 137 islands and covers more than 28,000 km2. Boasted with dream landscapes, volcanoes still awake, perfect blue water for surfing, waterfalls and hot springs, Hawaii attracts thousands of tourists every year, from all over the world.

Hawaii has many points of interest to please you, from the new place to the tourist spot. You will need about two weeks if you want to make the most of it. If you have already booked your ticket, let yourself be transported by this guide of the 10 things to do in Hawaii!

1. Big Island

Rightly known as Big Island, Hawaii Island south of the archipelago is known for its still active volcanoes. Its important flow of tourists is justified by the many treasures it reserves, from its cultural heritage to its landscapes.

2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

One of the first things to do when you arrive on this island is to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . You can see the Kilauea volcano and its almost uninterrupted eruption since 1983. Usually quiet, this one has been quite capricious in recent times and has well earned some fears to the inhabitants...

Other volcanoes are also worth the detour, such as volcano Mauna Kea . Gravir’s summit is one of the activities to be done in Hawaii. Perched at 4,207 m, this hike will suit the most sporting as well as walking enthusiasts. During your walk, enjoy the view on the Lake Wai’au located at 3,968 m above sea level. A tip for this type of exit at altitude: think about warm clothes!

3. Punentuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Another must on Hawaii Island is Punentuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park a former Hawaiian village preserved. Here, tradition and authenticity promise you a cultural parenthesis out of time...

4. The beaches of Kailua Kona

Among the most famous cities in Hawaii, Kailua Kona. The main city of the island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, from its coast to the North:

- Magic Sands Beach : located on La’aloa Bay in Kailua Kona, Magic Sands Beach and its fine and white sand banks is a popular rendezvous. Because of its proximity to the city, it attracts local tourists who like to find themselves there, observe the sunset or test its wave very appreciated by surf lovers. - Hapuna Beach : we don't present it anymore. Number 1 of Big Island beaches, it is the largest but also and especially the most popular. More touristic, Hapuna Beach doesn’t really have the profile of a quiet little cove. However, in addition to the world, its beauty does not pass and the panorama it offers is worth the detour. - Mauna Kea Beach : near Hipuna, Mauna Kea offers a quieter setting. Less popular than Hipuna, perhaps more discreet because nestled in the hollow of the bay, it is still just as splendid with its blue waters and its white sand.

5. Oahu Island

Oahu is the most inhabited island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Nicknamed "The meeting point", it is particularly popular for its famous and unmissable places: visiting Hawaii is therefore necessarily laughing with Oahu! Here are the main points of passage not to be missed during your trip:

6. Honolulu

For the city diners, go to Honolulu! The capital of Hawaii’s state, Honolulu has what to do with everyone. For the history ferus, go to the site of Pearl Harbor , unfortunately made famous with the attack of the Japanese during the Second World War. If its name is no longer to be presented, its places they invite you to dive into the history of the event, the time of a historic visit . From museums to reconstructions, to various exhibitions on the site, Pearl Harbor will have no secret for you.

Honolulu is also its famous beaches and its many activities. At the turn of a cultural visit, direction the district Wakiki . Predilection place of premises as visitors, Waikiki seduced by its rhythm of life. Literal and seaside, it houses many shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, building a neighbourhood above all dynamic and trendy. Her famous beach she, makes wave lovers dream like fierce lovers! Between two naps on the hot sand and feet in the water, one can take one surf lessons , opt for one cocktail cruise or to leave observe turtles and whales . You will have understood, in Waikiki, there will be for all tastes!

7. Diamond Head

In Hawaii, nature is queen. Luxuriant, it hosts many treasures that undoubtedly promise to discover one of the most incredible facets of the archipelago. Among them, Diamond Head : integrating the most famous craters of Hawaii, it offers a breathtaking view of Honolulu and the Ocean, especially at sunrise. To access it, many excursions are organized from parts and others. The best is to opt for one Morning hiking fresh: the exercise being fairly sporty (take 3 hours walking), leaving early will allow you to enjoy the trip in better conditions.

8. Hanauma Bay

Beautiful protected bay located southeast of the island of Oahu, Hanauma Bay nests in a former volcanic cone. Its waves attract many surf enthusiasts every year and its fauna and marine flora seduce the funrus of diving and snorkeling which, the time of a session accompanied by an instructor , go to discover this place that hosts more than 400 marine species. It also comes to admire its breathtaking setting while sleeping the pill. As the Bay of Hyanauma is a protected reserve, you should know that its entry is paid to raise awareness of the environment and to continue to preserve its location.

9. Wahiawa Botanical Garden

What to do in Hawaii if you want to dive into a postcard decor? Apart from beaches, craters and nature reserve, the island of Oahu is home to its superb botanical garden Wahiawa . Composed of 11 hectares of tropical forests, this garden is a real natural paradise that houses a real tropical forest where many Hawaiian but also Australian and Tasmaniaan varieties are located. During your visit, think to take a waterproof with you because the area is very wet (there is 132 to 200 cm of rain per year).

10. Manoa Falls

What if you try adventure in the Hawaiian jungle? Direction the hiking trail of Manoa which was used as a decor for the Jurassic Park film! In the heart of the mountainous forest to the Koolau valley, in the middle of ferns, streams and other natural gems, leave for a half day trip which will plunge you into a lush setting. The nail of the show? ♪ Manoa waterfalls , the highest waterfall on the island!

11. The island of Kauai

Very little urbanized, the island of Kauai , also known as the garden island, is the oldest of the archipelago. The place is therefore idyllic for nature lovers and athletes, as many outdoor activities are to be done. One of the first sites to be visited is the Waimea Canyon State Park . The famous Kalalau Trail is also a must-see hike when you are in Hawaii. Attention, however, in raintime, because the site can be closed or difficult to access. This walk will allow you to admire the Na Pali Coast after a few kilometers of walking.

For the least athletic, Koke’e State Park allows you to have a car access to this coast. Don’t hesitate to camp on these sites so you can discover them at best! Don't miss too Secret Beach perfect for swimming and diving.

12. The island of Maui

Nicknamed “L’Ile de la vallée” or “L’Ile Magic”, the island of Maui is the second largest island in the archipelago after Big Island. One of the largest craters in the world, the volcano Haleakala . Take off during the night on the volcano hiking trails and go to the aurora to attend a show that will leave you without a voice. The sunrise at the Haleakala is indeed one of the great must-sees to make during a stay in Hawaii. Moreover, if you want to get the big game out, simply for fun or for a special occasion, know that there are, in particular, some helicopter flights over Maui to observe from all up there, the famous sunset!

The beaches of Maui are also part of the pearls of Hawaii. Among them, the black sand beach Blacksand Beach . Born of the Kilauea volcano lava that flows into the ocean, it houses many turtles that you can easily observe throughout the day.

Finally, about 15 minutes north of Lihue, the peaceful river Wailua You're very surprised. If it is considered to be the largest inland water river in the archipelago, it enjoys a rich and dense tropical environment in which there are numerous waterfalls but also the famous cave Fern Grotto , very popular by the walkers.

13. The island of Niihau

The connoisseurs will wonder why we refer to this island in our article. A member of the Robinson family since 1864, Niihau nicknamed " the prohibited island "is a private eldorado and often forgotten west of Kauai, hosting 160 inhabitants speaking the Hawaiian dialect. Totally closed to the public in order to preserve its local culture, Niihau is home to a precious land of fauna and exceptional flora: a land promised arid, perfect for livestock farming. A true little paradise on earth closely monitored in which mass tourism will never have without place.

If the initiative is welcomed, the Robinson family still opens the doors to visitors. Only a few hours, it is now possible to opt for various expeditions. Helicopter, game hunting, snorkeling and diving... All activities are organized on the outskirts or on a beach on the volcanic island, away from the local population. Attention, however, if the experience promises to be unforgettable, spend a few hours on Niihau has its price!

14. See also in Hawaii

• Sunset Beach, popular and wild beach whose swimming is forbidden there. It is a small jewel to be discovered with caution
• The Palace ‘Iolani: former residence of the last Hawaiian rulers on Oahu Island, the palace opens its doors to the time of a guided tour on the royalty of Hawaii
• The peninsula Kalaupapa, on the island of Molokai.
• The Kihola Bay, north of Kona on the Great Island.
• Kukui’ula Village in Kauai.
• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area within the Kula Forest Reserve Maui.
• The Nuuanu Pali Lookout, on Oahu, also offers a superb view.
• Papakōlea Beachon Hawaii Island.

How to go to Hawaii?

To get to Hawaii, you will find several companies and different flights from France. As they are not direct, you will then stop in Los Angeles for example before taking a flight to Honolulu Airport. If you have a little time, I'll give you some advice. visit the city of Los Angeles and leave one or two days later towards Hawaii. Whatever your program, think to take a look at our partner's website Ulysses to find a flight at the best price.

Once on site and to optimize all your trips (the archipelago requires to make the piur route explore it!) while remaining autonomous, you will have to rent a 4×4 .

Finally to sail between the main islands of the archipelago such as Maui or Ohau, think about booking a boat/ferry: they are many to transit and will allow you to visit the archipelago in good shape.

Where to stay in Hawaii?

It is important to choose where to sleep in Hawaii, according to your itinerary, your preferences and especially your budget. Also note that accommodation near the beaches is more expensive than those in the mountains. Some will tell you that it is best to find accommodation for the duration of the stay and to make a little road every day. In any case and to help you plan your trip, do not hesitate to consult our article on the islands where to stay in Hawaii and book your hotel less on this Compare hotels .