A lush tropical land, Hawaii features beaches, sunsets, volcanoes and activities for visitors of all ages.
The Hawaiian Islands each offer different activities for visitors to enjoy. On the Big Island you'll find an active volcano, Kilauea, still oozing lava. The other islands feature dormant volcanoes, such as Maui's Haleakala, and the accompanying evidence of their great power. Oahu, where most of the state's population resides, offers the big city action and attractions of Honolulu, and Kauai offers a more laid back, less crowded vacation experience. Although each island is unique, there are common experiences to be had all across the state.
Water Activities
Catch a wave off Oahu's North Shore, one of the world's best surfing locales.
The islands of Hawaii offer access to the warm, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. As such, there are myriad water activities and lessons available including swimming, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and interactive excursions with sea turtles, dolphins, or sharks. Beach activities include sunbathing, sand castle building, hula and ukulele lessons, reading, volleyball, and bonfires (in designated locations only).
Hawaiian Culture
Learn make a lei or hula dance at a luau.
If you're visiting Oahu, be sure to check out the Polynesian Cultural Center which features activities for children, a luau, cultural activities and performances, and historical information about the islands of Polynesia. Luaus are offered by hotels and organizations across the islands and give guests a chance to experience Hawaiian culture and food in a beautiful setting. Other activities include instruction in the art of lei making, hula dancing, ukulele playing, and Polynesian cooking. The Royal Hawaiian Center on Oahu offers classes free to the public.
Sightseeing Tours
See the Hawaiian countryside from atop a horse.
Whether you want to see the sights from your own personal convertible, from above in a helicopter, on foot on a hike, on the wheels of a bike or ATV, from the sea on a dinner cruise or glass bottomed boat, or even on horseback or zip line, there is a tour guide or rental agency for you. Since 2001, hawaiiactivities.com has been providing discounted and detailed information about a number of tour guide operations across the islands.
Historical Sites
The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial commemorates those who lost their lives in the Pacific during WWII.
Visitors seeking the U.S.S. Arizona and the Pearl Harbor Memorial need to head to Oahu. Also on Oahu is the Waikiki Historic Trail, a walking tour of some of the island's historical hot spots. Scattered across the islands are also various royal palaces, working ranches, former plantations, and museums that commemorate the many historical figures of Hawaii.
For Kids
The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are next to each other just down the street from Waikiki Beach. The Hawaii Children's Discovery Museum is not far away and there is also a location on Kauai. Maui features the Maui Ocean Center and the Big Island has the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens which is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S., and it's free.
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