What to See and Do in Hawaii
By John Fischer, About.com Guides to Hawaii / South Pacific Travel
There is so much to see and do in Hawaii 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.
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.
- Top Big Island Family Activities
- Cowboys of Hawaii at Parker Ranch
- Exploring Big Island's North Kohala
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Hilo Area Attractions
- Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
- Pololu Valley Hike
- Pu`uhonua O Honaunau - City of Refuge
- Saddle Road and Mauna Kea Summit Drive
- Waipio Valley
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.
- Sightseeing Tips for a First Time Visitor to Kauai
- Best Things to Do on Kauai
- Captain Zodiac's Raft Expeditions on Kauai
- Exploring Kauai's North Shore
- Exploring the Southern Shore of Kauai
- Exploring Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park
- Hawaii Movie Tours 4x4 Tour of Kauai
- Helicopter Tour of Kauai with Jack Harter Helicopters
- Kauai's Golf Courses
- Princeville Ranch Horseback Adventures
- Princeville Luau
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.
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.
- Top Things to Do on Maui
- Maui Attractions
- 5 Star Scuba on Maui
- Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui
- Drive Around West Maui's Rugged North Shore
- Drive to Upcountry Maui
- Explore Lahaina, Maui
- Feast at Lele
- Flea Markets, Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs
- Haleakala National Park - Summit Area
- Haleakala National Park Kipahulu Area - Oheo Gulch
- The Road to Hana and Beyond
- Humpback Whales
- Iao Valley State Park
- Kaanapali Beach
- Old Lahaina Luau
- Sugar Cane Train
- Teralani Sailing Adventures
- UFO Parasail on Maui
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.
- Daytrip to Molokai
- East Molokai Along the Kamehameha V Highway
- South Shore of Molokai and the Town of Kaunakakai
- Visiting Kalaupapa Today
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.
- Top Things to Do on Oahu
- Oahu Attractions
- 101 Free Things to Do on Oahu (or under $10)
- 15 Fun Things to do in Oahu
- What's New With Oahu's Activities, Entertainment and Events
- Atlantis Submarine Tour Waikiki
- Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Exploring Kualoa Ranch and the Ka'a'awa Valley
- Exploring the Manoa Valley
- Hawaii Food Tours
- In Search of Filming Locations for ABC's Lost
- Pacific Aviation Museum
- Paradise Cove Luau at the Ko Olina Resort
- Paradise Helicopters, Turtle Bay Resort Helipad
- Shopping on Oahu
- Tantalus and Round Top Drive
- Visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
- Walking Tour of Honolulu's Historic District
- Wild Side Specialty Tours
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.
