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Best Things to Do and What to See in Hawaii

By , About.com Guide

There is virtually no end to the things to do in Hawaii. There is so much to see and do that you'll want to make some plans before you leave home. The most popular day trips, sails and activities sell out several weeks in advance, so make your plans early.
  1. Best of Hawaii
  2. Best of Maui
  3. More Things to Do and See on Maui
  4. Best of Oahu
  5. More Things to Do and See on Oahu
  6. Kauai
  1. Big Island of Hawaii
  2. Lanai
  3. Molokai
  4. Golfing in Hawaii
  5. Hawaii Festivals & Events
  6. Christmas in Hawaii

Best of Hawaii

Sunrise over Diamond Head as seen from a Deluxe Ocean View Room at the Sheraton Waikiki

While each individual island of Hawaii has so much to see and do, when taken as a whole, the state of Hawaii has some of the best things to offer of any vacation destination.

Best of Maui

There's so much to see and do on Maui, and so many places to stay and eat. I've narrowed the choices down to my personal favorites. I'm sure that you have your own personal favorites, so feel free to use the "Readers Response" area at the bottom of each list, to share your favorites and why they make your list.

More Things to Do and See on Maui

Consistently named as one of the world's best islands, Maui has something for everyone. Beaches of black, gold and red sand, a crater bigger than Manhattan scenic drives, exclusive resorts, historic towns, top snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and tropical rain forests are just some of what you'll find on Maui.

Best of Oahu

There's so much to see and do on Oahu, and so many places to stay and eat. I've narrowed the choices down to my personal favorites. I'm sure that you have your own personal favorites, so feel free to use the "Readers Response" area at the bottom of each list, to share your favorites and why they make your list.

More Things to Do and See on Oahu

Even today where tourists have so many resources to help them plan their trips. so many visitors to Hawaii spend a week in Waikiki, return home and tell folks they've been to Hawaii. They've missed the real Hawaii. Even on Oahu, there is so much to see and do outside of Waikiki that can keep visitors busy for several visits. Be sure to explore this wonderful island.

Kauai

From the awe inspiring Na Pali Coast, to the sunny South Shore, to the secluded areas of the North Shore, and to the crater of Mt. Wai'ale'ale, Kauai is one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Big Island of Hawaii

With 11 of the 14 known climate zones in the world - from desert lavascapes to tropical rain forests to beaches to snow on the peaks of 13,000 foot volcanoes, the Big Island of Hawaii has something for everyone.

Lanai

Where pineapple was king, today Lanai depends on tourism for it's survival. Secluded beaches, tall pine forests, alien-looking lava rock formations and two of the world's top golf courses are just some of what makes the island of Lanai the choice of today's high-end visitor.

Molokai

The most Hawaiian island of all, Molokai, is certainly not for everyone. It's people are private but amazingly friendly. It's land is desert dry on one end and lush and tropical on the other. In between the Kalaupapa Peninsula bears witness to those who suffered there for having an illness caused by no fault of their own.

Golfing in Hawaii

Hawaii is a golfers paradise with courses on each of the major islands. Whether you're a beginner or experienced golfer, you're sure to find a course to meet your level of play.

Hawaii Festivals & Events

Hawaii celebrates the usual mainland holidays, but also many festivals and holidays exclusively its own, many of which derive from annual festivals celebrated by the ancient Hawaiians.

Christmas in Hawaii

Hawaii is a special place at Christmas time. While you won't see snow except on rare occasions on the summit of Mauna Kea, you will still see signs of Christmas across the islands. You may even see Santa arrive somewhere on a surfboard. You may also see Santa and his elves decked out in aloha shirts. Instead of a turkey dinner, many locals plan a luau for family and friends.

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