Being in the all-inclusive Hawaii travel business means we get asked a lot of questions about Hawaii. So, when someone asks me, “what are the bucket list things to do in Hawaii?” I always start with this list. By no means exhaustive, but this is a good start, especially if this is your first time to the islands, or you think this may be your only visit to Hawaii.

Because each island has its own distinct “personality,” I have itemized the bucket list things to do in Hawaii by island, and how to get started. 

Bucket List Things to do in Hawaii by island:

Oahu

Pearl Harbor

When speaking about the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt famously said “…a date that will live in infamy”. It is rare that you can visit a site that had such worldwide, historical significance while you are on vacation, but at Pearl Harbor you can. With over 1.8 million visitors per year, Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is a testament to the past’s importance to the future. 

Diamond Head

Perhaps the most recognizable volcano in the world, Diamond Head should be on everyone’s bucket list of things to do in Hawaii! No photo of Waikiki Beach is complete without capturing Diamond Head, or Le’ahi as it is known to Hawaiians, but Diamond Head is more than just a kodak moment!

If getting a workout is part of your vacation itinerary, hiking Diamond Head is the perfect way to do it! The hike is suitable for hikers of any level. But, because you are hiking up to the summit, it can be strenuous. However, the payoff at the top is well worth it!

If hiking isn’t your thing, drive or walk Diamond Head Road, on the makai (ocean) side of Diamond Head and take in the expansive ocean view from the three lookouts located there. You can also walk down a steep path located along this road to Diamond Head Beach, a famous spot for wind surfers. The Diamond Head Lighthouse is beside the first lookout. You can get a glimpse from the road or from the summit of Le’ahi. 

The North Shore

The northern shore of Oahu is a surfing mecca. Comprised of several small towns, with Haleiwa being the largest and most popular, and several beaches such as Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay, you can escape the glamour and excitement of Waikiki for the sleepy charm of Oahu’s North Shore.

In the winter months, huge swells draw some of the top surfers in the world, and this sleepy part of the island is transformed into the place to see and be seen. Be sure to add this to your bucket list of things to do in Hawaii!

Lanikai

This beach on Oahu’s eastern shore has been included in world’s most beautiful beaches many times over! It’s powdery white sand and crystal blue water is perfect for sunbathing, swimming (this beach is not guarded, so exercise caution) and walking, or you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and paddle to the Mokulua Islands, located just offshore. Only 40 short minutes away from Waikiki, a day here will surely be a vacation highlight!

Maui

Hana Highway

The Road to Hana should be on everyone’s bucket list of things to do in Hawaii! This stunningly scenic 64-mile road winds its way through the lush rainforests of east Maui. With over 600 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges, you will need to take your time and make a day out of it.

If driving is not your thing, both of our Maui All-inclusive Packages include a full day tour of the Road to Hana, so you can focus on soaking up the views and not the road. Cascading waterfalls, expansive ocean vistas, lush rainforests, hiking trails and historical sites are some of the treasures you can explore on Hana Highway.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala translates to “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy this dormant volcano is to watch the sunrise from the crater, however the sunset views are spectacular too. Our Maui All-Inclusive Packages also include a Bike Down Haleakala tour, another fun way to enjoy this Maui icon.

Molokini Snorkeling

Spend a day snorkeling in an extinct, flooded volcano crater and cross that off your bucket list of things to do in Hawaii! Exotic fish and colorful coral inhabit this underwater paradise. As you sail out to Molokini, you may even see friendly spinner dolphins and honu, Hawaiian sea turtles. This activity is also included in our Maui packages!

Kauai

Na Pali

Unless you are a serious, highly experienced hiker; the coastline and valleys of Na Pali can only be accessed via air or sea. While a helicopter tour is a beautiful way to enjoy Na Pali, we think the seeing it from the ocean is the way to go! In the morning venture out on a snorkeling tour and see the majestic cliffs and waterfalls of Na Pali from the blue Pacific, also while you explore the underwater world beneath the boat. In the afternoon, take a sunset sail along the Na Pali coast for a truly unforgettable journey off the coast of Kauai. 

Waimea Canyon State Park

After his first visit to Waimea Canyon, Mark Twain famously nicknamed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Stunning canyons and cliffs in shades of terracotta and green spread out before you. There are hiking trails for novice and advanced hikers, plentiful lookouts and cascading waterfalls in this state park. Take your time on the drive, and stop at some of the eclectic, artsy towns on the way too. Definitely a bucket list thing to do in Hawaii!

Wailua River

Over 4 miles long, and one of the largest rivers in Kauai, add this to your Hawaii bucket list. Take a charming riverboat cruise to the Fern Grotto, billed as one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii. You can also kayak and hike to Secret Falls. 

Big Island of Hawaii

Volcanoes National Park

No visit to the Big Island is complete without a visit to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park! I have written about it in more detail here, but this is certainly a bucket list thing to do in Hawaii. 

Punalu’u Beach

There are many black sand beaches in Hawaii, but this one is the best! The deep onyx sand framed by lush coconut groves and the azure Pacific make a stunning scene! Rainbows make frequent appearances, to add to the color buffet. If you don’t make it to this beach, at least try to see one black sand beach in Hawaii.

Stargazing

Hawaii Island has phenomenal stargazing options. Atop Mauna Kea, the heavens are aglow, and the world below is silent. You can pull off on Saddle Road (in designated areas) or take one of the many tour options to the Mauna Kea Observatory. There are also excellent star gazing opportunities at Volcanoes National Park.

Honorable Mentions:

Pineapple Farm

Dole Plantation on Oahu is perhaps the most popular pineapple farm to visit. There is also an authentic, working pineapple farm on Maui as well. See how these Hawaiian treats are grown and ship some home as a tasty souvenir.

Kona Coffee Plantation and Farm

Located in the mountainous Captain Cook region of Hawaii Island, there are many coffee farms available for you to visit, tour and shop. 

Hawaiian Luau

The Hawaiian luau is a Polynesian feast, usually followed by entertainment such as dancing. Whether you are at one of the popular luaus designed for visitors, or a local celebrating a milestone such as a baby shower, birthday, graduation or retirement, the luau is synonymous with Hawaii.

No matter which island you are on, you can find a luau. Each of our all-inclusive Hawaii Packages has a luau included, so rest assured you can cross that off your Hawaii bucket list!

For Decades, We’ve Provided the Best in All-Inclusive Hawaiian Experiences

Now that we have our bucket list things to do in Hawaii, you may be asking “how do I get started?”. The best place to start (and end) is with one of our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages!

With Lanikai being the only exception, every one of the above-mentioned bucket list items are included as choices in our Hawaii all-inclusive packages.

Let our friendly Hawaii specialists assist you in choosing the package that includes the things you want to experience most in Hawaii, and then sit back and let us do the heavy lifting for you! Contact us to get started!