“What are the best things to do in Hawaii?” This is one of the most common questions I get asked. As someone who grew up in Hawaii and visits often, I’ve thought of how overwhelming planning might be for someone else who’s never been to Hawaii.
What are the best things a person should do when they go to Hawaii?
I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do in Hawaii that are iconic, memorable, and FUN. These really are the best things to do in Hawaii! They are also things you can do on ANY Hawaiian island, which will really help with planning.
You can fit any of these activities easily into your schedule and they work around any budget. Some of these activities are even FREE! 🙂
So here are the 10 best things to do on any Hawaiian island!
P.S. I made the images like little postcards so you can save them to your Pinterest for later! Or download them to use as a phone background or reminder of your upcoming trip! 🙂 Even better, send them to a friend to share aloha!!
1. Relax at the beach – The #1 best thing to do in Hawaii!
A vacation to Hawaii is never complete without some time at the beach. Pack your favorite snacks, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin, and lie out on the warm beaches of Hawaii.
If relaxing, resting, or taking a nap on the beach isn’t your thing, there’s so much more to do! I’ve seen people doing all kinds of things at the beach, from playing football, throwing frisbees, reading a book, chatting with friends, having a campfire, walking hand-in-hand along the shore, doing a photoshoot, and so forth.
And don’t miss out on activity #3 for all the great things you can do IN the water! 😀
2. Eat shave ice
This is a must try! It gets hot in Hawaii, so cool off with some ‘ono shave ice! Most shave ice places have so many flavors, you might get overwhelmed.
Here are some local flavors from the islands that you might want to consider: guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), lychee, coconut, and pineapple.
All of the islands have places to get shave ice, so keep an eye open or plan ahead where to go! 🙂
3. Try a water activity, such as snorkeling, surfing, boogie-boarding, SUP, or body boarding
Water activities add an extra level of excitement and fun to the beach experience. The ocean is truly a magical place, with so much to learn about, explore, and do.
Trying a water activity is one of the best things to do in Hawaii because they’re great for all levels and ages. Boogie boarding is a great introductory water sport for kids. Teens and adults can enjoy SUP or surfing (kids can do it too!). And snorkeling is great for all ages! There really is something for everyone on the shores of the beautiful Pacific ocean!
4. Attend a luau (or eat luau food)
This is for the cultural experience of Hawaii. Every island has places to attend a luau, and the prices range. If you’re not interested in watching or paying for a luau show, at least try the food.
Many places in Hawaii serve traditional luau food on “luau plates.” The traditional food includes:
- Laulau
- Kalua pig
- Rice
- Lomi salmon
- Poi
- Chicken long rice
- Squid luau
- And poke.
There are always variations on the “luau plate”, but try at least some of these traditional, mouth-watering luau favorites at local restaurants and eateries.
To see traditional hula and performances, you can also find free shows on some of the islands! You just have to be aware of the times, and follow covid guidelines too.
5. Wear a lei (or a flower in your ear)
A fresh flower or leaf lei brightens up any day. If you are with someone, give them a lei, which is a symbol of friendship, honor, celebration, and love.
You can order leis from local vendors. Most grocery stores and road-side stops also sell fresh lei.
For women, a simple flower in the ear is also a fun way to feel and be a part of Hawaii. Wearing the flower in the right ear means she is single. Wearing the flower in the left ear means she has a special someone.
Another thing I love are haku lei, or flower crowns. These lovely crowns make any woman light up, bringing out their natural beauty. They’re fun to wear during the entire trip, and great for pictures!
6. See a waterfall – Don’t miss this best thing to do in Hawaii!
Every island has plenty of beautiful waterfalls. Each one is majestic in its own way, from small waterfalls flowing into different pools, to tall, breathtaking waterfalls.
Each one usually requires hiking, but the great thing is that there are hikes for all ages and levels. Some waterfalls you can literally drive right up to, and some takes a short (or long) hike to see.
7. Try a poke bowl
Cubed, raw ahi tuna fish marinated in the most mouth-watering sauces, poured onto a bed of hot rice.
That’s a poke bowl.
Some people get freaked out by the idea of eating raw fish, but you must give it a try! It might surprise you how delightful and refreshing a poke bowl is! My husband was pretty hesitant about eating it, but once he tried it, he could never go back.
Every island has grocery stores and shops that sell poke bowls. My favorite poke bowls are from Foodland (also known as Sack n’ Save), as they are the freshest, best sized cubes, and most flavorful poke choices. My favorites poke flavors are the traditional shoyu poke, as well as the spicy poke!
8. See marine life, like dolphins, whales, fish, or sea turtles
Your vacation wouldn’t be complete without seeing some kind of marine life. Hawaii is home to hundreds of beautiful sea turtles, as well as dolphins, whales, fish, and, of course, sharks.
Though I will mention shark sightings are SO rare! In all the years I lived in Hawaii (about 10+ years), I only saw a shark once. And it’s because I stayed out in the water past sunset. It was a small shark though.
Go snorkeling to see turtles and fish (this is free if you have your own snorkeling gear too!). Take a whale-watching tour or dolphin excursion to see these magical creatures in the wild (tours usually start at $100/person).
Seeing Hawaii’s unique marine life is an experience you will never forget!
9. Stop at roadside fruit stands or food trucks
Support local businesses by stopping to buy some fruit or food. Fresh fruit tastes AMAZING! And the local food trucks have delightful treats for all ages and tastes!
My favorites are acai bowls. They are a refreshing way to fuel up and get your nutrients in for the day!
10. Feel the Aloha spirit
This is the best thing to do in Hawaii. There’s something about being on the islands that feels safe, light, and peaceful. We call that the aloha spirit. It’s in everything, from the people to the plants to the animals.
Make an effort to see and participate in this kindness. If you want to learn more about the values of Aloha before you go, check out this page!
So there you have it! The top 10 best things to do in Hawaii and on any island!
I hope you enjoy your trip!
If you’re looking for a list of specific things to do on each island, check out my FREE Ultimate Hawaii Bucket Lists!
Aloha!
Lei
What is your favorite thing to do in Hawaii?
Let us know in the comments below!
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