Are you planning a vacation in Hawaii? In this travel guide we share our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII to help you have the perfect holiday.
Hawaii is one of those bucket list destinations I had dreamed of since I was in my teens, so to finally have the opportunity to head to the island of Oahu was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment! On arrival we were greeted with a warm welcome and given a traditional hawaiian lai, then transported to our hotel by a private car transfer.
I was fortunate enough to visit Hawaii as a perk of working in the Travel Industry, with heavily discounted accommodation and entry tickets…however Hawaii is not a cheap place to visit if you are not as fortunate to have these perks.
“This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, however my use of affiliate links in no way impacts my reviews, endorsments or recommendations, nor does it affect the cost of a product for the reader. I will only ever link to something I genuinely recommend”.
Accommodation in Waikiki is at a premium, especially if you are wanting a beach front hotel with ocean views from your room. We stayed at the Hilton Waikiki Beach, which is about two blocks back from the beachfront. We still had an ocean view although slightly obstructed.
The first thing we did was head down to Waikiki to explore the shopping strip before heading to the beach for a stroll and swim, whilst waiting to watch our first Hawaiian sunset.
So after spending 7 nights on the island of Oahu, eating way too much pineapple (you’ll know what I mean when you go!) and exploring some stunning natural and man-made locations, here are my top 10 things to do in Hawaii…
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
1. WATCH THE SUNSET ON WAIKIKI BEACH
One of my favourite things in the world is to sit and watch the sunset, so to be able to experience the most magnificent sunset sitting on Waikiki Beach was definitely something I will never forget.
The reflection of the sunburnt orange sky glistening over the waters of the South Pacific was just spectacular and something you will never forget! I recommend getting down to the beach early to choose your spot as it soon gets busy.
As the sun started to set we could hear drums beating so we went to explore where the sound was coming from. It didn’t take us long as we came across a Hula performance from some traditional Hawaiian Dancers near the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
2. HIKE TO THE TOP OF DIAMOND HEAD
There is no missing Diamond Head when you are sitting on Waikiki Beach. It is almost as iconic as Hawaii itself.
Diamond Head is a Volcanic Crater thousands of years old. It got it’s name from British soldiers who visited the area in the 19th century, who decoded that the sparkling calcite crystals on the neighboring beach were diamonds. At it’s highest point Diamond Head Crater is 762 feet above sea level.
There are not many places in the world you can hike to the top of a crater, so we just had to experience this ourselves.
We made our way there as part of our hop on/hop off trolley tour of the Big Island, which drove us into the centre of the crater. If you are hiring a car, you can park in the centre of the crater for about USD$5.
It cost us USD $1 to hike the trail and when we got to the top we were given a souvenir stamp.
The walk can be challenging for those with health or mobility issues. As I have some health conditions that I had to take into consideration, we took the walk to the top at a much slower pace than most. I think it took us almost 90mins to get to the top, with rest breaks. Coming down was much quicker!
After the first rest stop you’ll make your way through tunnels and stairs. Climb 99 steps to get to the second lookout point where you’ll find a WW II bunker.
A further 54 steps from there will bring you to the crater’s summit. The 360 degree views from the top is definitely worth the hike! Views across the South Pacific, over Waikiki and Honolulu and inland towards the mountains. Just WOW!
I highly suggest wearing comfortable and stirdy walking shoes, suncream (I got sunburnt…as you can see in the photo!), a hat and don’t forget to pack your own snacks and plenty of water.
You can also take a Narrated Hiking Tour of Diamond Head if you prefer a guide.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
3. VISIT PEARL HARBOR
Pearl Harbor was the site of an event that changed not only the United States but the world. December 7th, 1941 marks the fateful day the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting base on the island of Oahu.
The shocking offensive left 2,403 dead and over 1,000 wounded. The Japanese onslaught also forced America out of its stance of isolation and into war production, eventually shifting the tide of history in favor of the United States and her allies.
We booked a Circle Tour which included a half day visit to Pearl Harbour. The tour picked us up in Waikiki.
Arriving at Pearl Harbor, here was a respectful quietness and it did feel rather sombre. We saw the exhibits of the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, then just before we took a boat over to view the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, we watched a 20 minute documentary, briefly telling the historical story of what happened on that fateful day.
We then headed over to the the memorial, where the USS Arizona can be clearly seen as you stand on the viewing platform above. Incredibly even all these years later the ship is still leaking oil to the waters surface.
We also saw the Kaiten Suicide Torpedo, which was used by the Japanese.
Next to it the plaque reads:
“The name “Kaiten” means “to make reverse in the course of events”. The Japanese hoped that this new secret weapon would have just such an effect on the course of the Pacific War in 1944.Kaiten was basically an enlarged torpedo with a small cockpit, a periscope, and manual controls for steering, speed and depth. It had a pure oxygen-fed, kerosene burning 550 horsepower engine and huge 3,000 – pound explosive warhead, which could be detonated on impact or by an electrical switch controlled by the pilot. At top speed, Kaiten would travel 75 feet in just under one second.”
Visiting Pearl Harbor is educational whilst emotionally moving. I highly recommend this for those who have an interest in WWII History.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
4. VISIT THE DOLE PLANTATION
Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
We visited the Dole Plantation as part of our Circle Tour and I am so glad we did! If you love pineapple then you will not be disappointed as the Hawaiian pineapple is seriously the best I have ever tasted!
One of the recommended things to try whilst at the plantation is the ‘Dole Whip’ which of course I did…the tangy yet slightly sweet ice cream left me wanting more!
If you are visiting with kids, be sure to check out the Pineapple Garden Maze and the Pineapple Express Train Tour.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
5. KUALOA RANCH
An absolute must when in Hawaii and one that is defintiely in the TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII.
We visited Kualoa Ranch whilst driving our hire car around the island, however you can take this Kualoa Ranch Experience Tour which has plenty of inclusions for a fun and memorable day out.
The main reason we visited was to view the movie set locations from ’50 First Dates’ which is one of my all time favourite romantic movies.
As a side note, we also found the Hukilau Café on google maps and decided to drive there, however we disappointed to find it wasn’t the Hukilau Café from ’50 First Dates’. We later learnt that the cade seen in the movie was a set in Los Angeles…CRY!
If the views around the Kualoa Ranch look familiar, it’s because Kualoa has been the site of over 70 Hollywood movies since the 1950’s. Blockbuster films such as Jumanji, Kong Skull Island, Jurassic World, Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla and Tears of the Sun have all been filmed at Kualoa. TV shows like Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I. and LOST have also used the amazing backdrops of the ranch.
There are so many activities and tours on offer at the ranch, from horseriding, zip lining or quad biking over the jurassic like terrain, as well as tours of the movie locations Kualoa Ranch is famous for.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
6. SPEND A DAY AT THE SEA LIFE CENTER
Once again the main reason we drove out to the Sea Life Center was because it was a filming location for ’50 First Dates’. If you are a fan of the movie you will remember the scenes where Adam Sandler (aka Henry Roth) works at the Sea Life Center taking care of the Walrus, dolphins and penguins.
So I was pretty excited to finally be there myself. I also had the opportunity to swim with the Dolphins, which was the highlight of my trip! I had to include this experience in the TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII
With a focus on education and conservation, the Sea Life Center shows, exhibits and interactive programs offer thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime up-close encounters with dolphins, sharks, and more!
Entry starts at around USD $129 for an adult and you can easily get to the park by car via a very scenci drive along the coast from Waikiki.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
7. STAY AT AULANI DISNEY RESORT
One of the perks of working in the travel industry is getting invited to view hotels such as this one. We met up with the manager and were shown around this stunning Aulani Disney Resort and after seeing all it had to offer we really wish we could have stayed!
From it’s wonderous themed pools, a lazy river, rapids and waterslides , encounters with Disney characters, luxe accommodations with magical Disney touches, activities and entertainment showcasing Disney storytelling, snorkelling in their private rainbow reef lagoon, splashing around in the misty grotto, a fantastic kids club, restaurants with menu choices for adults and children, sunset yoga, ukulele lessons and more…this resort is an experience you will never forget!
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
8. VISIT HANAUMA BAY
Voted Best Beach in the United States in 2016, “Hana” is the Hawaiian word for “Bay” and “Uma” refers to the curves of the indigenous canooes. You may recognise this beach from the Elvis Presley movie ‘Blue Hawaii’ as well as Magnum P.I and Hawaii 5-0.
It is one the most popular destinations in Oahu and a definite must of our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII. It offers snorkeling experiences for beginners right through to the more avid snorkeler. (Please keep in mind when planning your visit that the bay is closed on Monday and Tuesday).
Entry at time of writing this blog is USD $25. Also, tour buses no longer visit this bay. These measures are to help the damaging impact of overuse of this amazing natural resource.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
9. TAKE A TOUR OR DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND
As mentioned we decided to book car hire for 24 hours, so we could head out and explore some of the island in our own time.
Driving on the opposite side of the road to what we are used to here in Australia was a bit hair raising at times (like turning at a set of traffic lights into oncoming traffic…whoops) but other than that, we found driving around the island relatively easy.
We basically headed up through the middle of the island, visited the lookouts as we crossed the hills and then made our way around to North Shore’s famous surf beach known as ‘Pipeline’. We also spotted some turtles along the coastline which was pretty exciting.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII:
10. Shop Until You Drop At Ala Moana Center
The largest shopping precint in Hawaii, the Ala Moana Center offers more than 350 shops and restaurants to explore, including multiple department stores, first-class boutiques and over 160 dining options.
From Bloomingdales, Apple, Gucci and Jimmy Choo…there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t have your own transport, there is a Trolley Tour that will take you there.
I feel like trying to narrow my list of places to visit in Hawaii down to 10, really left some other ‘must do’ places off that you should know about.
So if you have the time be sure to drive to Halona Blow Hole, (one of Hawai‘i’s natural wonders, created thousands of years ago when molten lava tubes were formed from volcanic eruptions) attend a Luau, tour the Polynesian Cultural Center, view Chinaman’s Hat, dine at the famous Hard Rock Cafe and of course be sure to swim in the lagoon pool on Waikiki.
There really is so much to explore on this beautiful Island and I recommend booking at least a week to allow yourself time to explore as well as plenty of time to relax, something Hawaii is known for.
Are you stopping in Hawaii on your way to New York? Be sure to read my TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK blog! Perhaps you are heading to visit us here in Australia and using Hawaii as your stopover? In which case check out my Brisbane and Melbourne Blogs to help plan your trip downunder.
Happy Travels,
Rebecca
“This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, however my use of affiliate links in no way impacts my reviews, endorsments or recommendations, nor does it affect the cost of a product for the reader. I will only ever link to something I genuinely recommend”.