Few destinations give you the array of awe-inspiring experiences as Hawai’i. From deep cultural traditions to breathtaking coastal views to diverse outdoor adventures, the hardest part of your trip will be choosing which experiences you want to check off your list.
So, while it was a tough exercise to narrow down the options, here are our ten experiences worth building an itinerary around.
One thing to keep in mind as you plan: Hawai’i encourages visitors to travel with the spirit of mālama or caring for and giving back to the places you visit. That can mean supporting local businesses, respecting wildlife and culturally significant places, staying on designated trails or even spending part of your trip volunteering.
Now, onto the bucket list.
1. Learn to surf in Waikīkī, Oʻahu
If learning to surf has been sitting on your bucket list, Waikīkī is a pretty great place to finally do it.
The beach is one of Oʻahu’s most famous, and there are plenty of surf schools where beginners can book a lesson and learn the basics with an instructor. You’ll also get a pretty unbeatable backdrop, with Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) visible from the water.
In addition to beach fun, Waikīkī is also known for its dining, shopping, cultural activities and, of course, world-class resorts.
It’s this mix of experiences that makes Oʻahu especially good for a first Hawai’i trip. You don’t have to choose between a beach vacation and a city break.
2. Hike Lēʻahi (Diamond Head)
You’ve seen it from Waikīkī. Now see Waikiki from the top.
The hike up Lēʻahi is relatively short, but expect a proper climb, including stairs and tunnels along the way. At the summit, you’ll get wide-open views over Honolulu, the coastline and the Pacific.
It’s one of the most popular things to do in Hawai’i, so some planning helps. Heading out earlier in the day can help you avoid hiking during the hottest hours.
Bring water, wear proper shoes and stick to the designated trail. Then give yourself a few minutes at the top before immediately reaching for your phone.
3. Make a day of the North Shore, Oʻahu
You could head to the North Shore just to see the beaches. But it’s much better as a full-day outing.
Start with the drive out of Honolulu, spend some time exploring the coastline and stop in Haleʻiwa for lunch, shopping or a wander around town. During the winter months, the North Shore is known for the huge swells that attract some of the world’s best surfers. Watch from the shore or, during calmer conditions, enjoy the beaches and water too.
For a first-time visitor staying in Honolulu or Waikīkī, it’s an easy way to see a very different side of Oʻahu without changing hotels.
4. Soak in the sights of the Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i
Known as the “Garden Island”, Kaua’i features stunning natural landmarks such as the Waimea Canyon. Stretching almost 14 miles long and over 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon is the most famous attraction on the west side and often considered the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Its many hiking trails, which range from beginner to expert, allow you to enjoy its panoramic views of Kaua’i’s breathtaking interior.
5. Kayak the Wailua River, Kaua’i
Kauaʻi isn’t all rugged coastlines. Head inland and you’ll find the Wailua River winding through the island’s green East Side.
It’s the largest navigable river in Kauaʻi, and you can explore it by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, outrigger canoe or boat. For something more active, choose a guided kayaking excursion. If your vacation pace is decidedly slower, a boat tour works too.
Either way, it’s a chance to experience another side of Kauaʻi and break up days spent hiking or beach hopping.
For anyone putting together a nature-heavy Hawai’i bucket list, this is an easy addition.
6. Drive the Road to Hāna, Maui
The Road to Hāna is popular for a reason.
The route winds along Maui’s eastern coastline past rainforest, waterfalls, ocean views, gardens and local farms. But trying to stop at every pin you saved before the trip is a quick way to make the day feel like a checklist. Be sure to leave unscheduled time to enjoy the vistas and local cuisine.
This is one of those days where a rental car earns its keep. You set the pace, choose your stops and get to see a part of Maui that feels very different from its resort areas.
Find a car for your Hawai’i adventure.
7. Stay for sunset at Haleakalā, Maui Island
Sunrise at Haleakalā gets a lot of attention. But if a pre-dawn alarm doesn’t sound like your idea of a vacation, there’s another option: go for sunset.
At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, the summit offers expansive views across Maui and a landscape unlike what you’ll see down at the beach. As the sun goes down, stick around a little longer. On a clear night, the elevation and dark skies can make for excellent stargazing.
If sunrise is non-negotiable for you, you’ll need to reserve ahead for pre-dawn entry.
Either way, pack layers. Even when it’s hot by the ocean, it can be surprisingly cold at the summit.
8. Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Island of Hawai’i
If you picture Hawai’i as long stretches of golden sand, Punaluʻu will change the picture.
Located on the Island of Hawai’i, the beach is known for its striking black sand. It’s an easy stop to add to an island road trip and a good example of just how varied the landscapes can be here.
You may also see Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, resting in the area. Give them plenty of space and enjoy them from a distance.
9. Go stargazing on the Island of Hawai’i
You don’t need much for this one. Just a clear night and somewhere away from bright lights.
The Island of Hawai’i is known for its night skies, and stargazing is a great addition to a trip that might otherwise be filled with beaches, hiking, waterfalls and drives around the island.
Maunakea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin and considered a hub of astronomical observation. While its observatories aren’t open to the public, you can take guided stargazing tours, which provide transportation, warm parkas and access to the public.
Prefer to observe stars from sea level? The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo offers daily planetarium shows and astronomy talks.
10. Snorkel with marine life at Molokini Crater, Maui
If you’re a scuba or snorkel enthusiast, a visit to this small, moon-shaped island, just 3 miles from Maui’s southwestern coast, is a must. A pristine reserve full of world-class coral and more than 250 species of tropical fish, Molokini is best explored in the morning (and well worth the early wake-up time). The opportunity to spot humpback whales is an extra reason to visit during winter months.
So, which island is right for you?
If it’s your first time in Hawai’i and you want a bit of everything, Oʻahu is an easy place to start. You’ll have beaches and outdoor activities alongside Honolulu’s restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Choose Kauaʻi if the scenery is the main event. It’s especially well-suited to hiking, paddling, boat trips and travelers looking for a quieter pace. Consider a boat tour of the Nãpali Coast to take in its steep green cliffs, valleys, waterfalls and stretches of shoreline that aren’t accessible by road.
Maui works well if you want to split your time between relaxing and exploring. Beaches and resorts can be paired with the Road to Hāna, Haleakalā and plenty of time on the water.
And consider the Island of Hawai’i if you like the idea of renting a car and exploring. Black-sand beaches, waterfalls, coffee farms and dramatically different landscapes give you plenty of reasons to get on the road.
Whichever island you choose, you’ll discover a rich history steeped in Native Hawaiian traditions, the Hawaiian language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘I, and, of course, the warm hospitality which the state is known for.
Ready to start planning?
Once you’ve figured out what belongs on your Hawai’i bucket list, you can start planning your vacation—including every activity you can imagine—with Blue Rewards Travel. As your one-stop travel shop, choose from flexible booking options—use Points, your credit card or any combination of the two. Plus, earn Points towards your next reward!
Whether you’re planning to explore a single Island or piecing together a multi-island vacation, book flights, hotel stays, resorts, car rentals and experiences all in one place. Looking for extra space and the convenience of a kitchen? You can also book condos, apartments and vacation rentals.
With flight connectivity from major Canadian cities, including the East Coast, your bucket-list trip might be closer than you think.
Start planning your Hawai’i vacation with Blue Rewards Travel.
