Turqouise-toned water and white sandy beaches are probably the first images that pop to mind when you think of Hawaii. But did you know there’s a whole lot more to the Aloha State than meets the eye?
If you usually prefer exploring rather than spending days lounging on the beach, you’ll love to know that Hawaii is a haven for a ton of varied activities that range from hiking over volcanoes to chasing waterfalls and walking over Jurassic Park-like settings.
If you’re currently busy planning the places you want to see in Hawaii and find yourself struggling to decide what to see and do, I’ve put together a list of seven of the most amazing things to do in Hawaii, including Hawaiian destinations that absolutely need to be on your bucket list.
Amazing Things to Do in Hawaii
1. See the largest waterfall in Hawaii at Akaka Falls State Park
Set just outside the mesmerizing town of Hilo on the Big Island, Akaka Falls State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at a height of a whopping 442 feet!
In order to reach the falls, you’ll need to follow a short trail for about thirty minutes inside the forest. Even though the trail is short, it doesn’t lack when it comes to beautiful natural encounters. Including wild orchids, groves of bamboo, walls blanketed by ferns, and even a smaller waterfall.
2. Explore the NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park
Located on the beautiful North Shore of the island of Kauai, NaPali is an insanely beautiful stretch of a 16-mile coastline where you will find landscapes that look as though they came straight out of the Jurassic Era.
If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll love spending time exploring inside the park by hiking a few of its many trails. But you can also see its highlights from a distance by joining a boat tour or hopping on a helicopter for a birds-eye view!
3. Experience the nature around Hilo
Being the capital of the Big Island, you would expect Hilo to be filled with hustle and bustle. But this city actually
As you explore the city, you’ll be able to enter a few museums, check out the zoo, or simply stroll through its streets to admire the many historical buildings that dot the town.
Hilo, however, is more of a gateway than a destination. Especially for those keen to experience the lush nature that surrounds this area of the Big Island. From here, you can hop over to a ton of wonderful destinations that guarantee unbeatable outdoor experiences. Which range from trekking volcanoes, hiking to waterfalls, and traversing the lush rainforest.
4. Visit Pearl Harbor
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a sort of rite of passage for any visitor to Hawaii. Especially when you consider it the place
Whether you’re a history buff or not, visiting Pearl Harbor is a wonderful way to step back in time in order to understand the events that took place here during World War II. Moreover, you will also be able to pay homage to the victims of the war.
After learning about Pearl Harbor, you can also hop on a naval boat and visit the USS Arizona Memorial Center. Which was constructed over the remains of the USS Arizona battleship. The memorial was built as a place where visitors can honor the lives of those who perished in battle against the Japanese Naval Forces when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Make sure you check the times the boat is available for the tour. We didn’t and just showed up at Pearl Harbor and the tour was already completed for the day. Even though Pearl Harbor quite some time ago, it was still a sobering experience. And it was nice to be able to take Steve’s mom and Grandma who was born a few years after the bombing took place.
5. See the beauty of Waipio Valley
More commonly nicknamed the “Valley of the Kings”, Waipio Valley is a wonderful place to visit in Hawaii if you
Waipio was once one of the most important centers for political and religious lives in Hawaii. Kings once resided in the valley, which makes it an interesting place to be to get an idea of what life in the Hawaiian monarchy was like back in the day.
6. Polynesian Cultural Center
One of the aspects that make Hawaii stand out from the rest of the United States is that, even though it’s officially
The Polynesian Cultural Center was created in order to keep the heritage and spirit of the Pacific Islands alive. While visiting, you’ll get the chance to learn all about the Polynesian region by strolling through villages, checking out natural areas. And taking part in activities and entertainment with a cultural focus in mind.
Plus, the Polynesian Cultural Center hosts some of the best luaus in Hawaii!
7. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm
The Kona region on the Big Island is world-renowned for its excellent coffee production. And there’s no better way
If you want to learn all about Kona Coffee, you can actually visit the farm it comes from. Where artisan farmers will tell you all about their process, starting from seed to coffee mug! We always go to a coffee farm or get coffee as a souvenir when traveling to any of the Hawaiian Islands. But the coffee farms in Kona are a real treat!
Which of these destinations are you most excited to visit in Hawaii? I’d love to know which one you’re looking forward to visit the most, so tell me all about it in the comment section below!
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