Hawaii is one of the most sought-after bucket list destinations in the world, but what makes it so irresistible to travelers? We explore the top 10 reasons why Hawaii is a bucket list destination, so keep reading to learn more.

Top 10 Reasons Why is Hawaii a Bucket List Destination

1. Extraordinary Beaches

Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And not just regular, run-of-the-mill “pretty beaches”. Many beaches have sands of different colors such as:

• black
• green
• butterscotch
• red
• golden yellow
• and classic white.

The sand isn’t the only show-off, many beaches have distinctly hued water:

• aqua
• turquoise
• cerulean
• lime green
• and silver.

Some standouts are famous Waikiki Beach, Lanikai, Punalu’u, Kaanapali Beach, Papakolea, Sunset Beach, Makapu’u, Sherwood Beach, Mauna Kea Beach, Hanalei Bay and Lumahai Beach. 

2. Majestic Volcanoes

The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions deep under the sea, and the mix between the active volcanoes at Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and the many dormant volcanoes throughout the Hawaiian Islands is why Hawaii a bucket list destination. Whether you hike a dormant volcano such as Diamond Head, snorkel in an extinct, flooded volcano crater like Molokini, drive the curvy Hana Highway along the slopes of Haleakala or explore lava tubes on the Big Isle, it’s easy to see why volcanic Hawaii is a bucket list destination. 

3. Lush Rainforests

Walking through a Hawaiian rainforest is like journeying into another world. The earthy smells, the Jurassic-like vegetation, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, the songs of the varied tropical birds that live there all make it in once in a lifetime experience. And a main reasons why is Hawaii is a bucket destination.

4. Legendary Surfing

Hawaii is considered the most popular surfing location in the world, another reason why Hawaii is a bucket list destination. Professional surfers flock to Oahu’s North Shore in the winter months to ride the massive swells that occur there, and novice surfers love the gentle swells on Oahu’s South Shore. Also, there are several surfing competitions held annually in Hawaii.

5. Sublime Hiking

Hawaii is a hiker’s dream. There are too many hiking trails to list, and they range from paved trails perfect for beginners, to steep, unmarked treks along mountain ridge lines – only suitable for experienced, serious hikers. Several of our all-inclusive Hawaii vacations have hikes as activity selections – on Oahu choose between the always-popular Diamond Head hike, the Makapu’u Lighthouse hike and the Nature Waterfall hike. On Maui we offer a Rainforest Waterfall hike and on the Big Island there is a Volcano & Forest hike. 

6. Onolicious Food

Food in Hawaii is “broke da mout”, Hawaiian Pidgin slang meaning food so delicious it broke the mouth! Hawaii is a cultural melting pot, and the food that resulted from that is varied and delicious. You can sample traditional Hawaiian food such as kalua pig, lomi-lomi salmon, poi, pipikaula, lau lau, and haupia, or local plate lunch favorites like loco moco, chicken katsu, teri beef and garlic shrimp.

Don’t sleep on Spam

Spam is used widely as a breakfast meat in place of bacon, in plate lunches or in the much-beloved spam musubi. Spam is so popular in Hawaii, there is an annual Spam Jam Festival held in Waikiki.

Some of the freshest seafood in the world

Fresh seafood is abundant, so if poke is your thing – you’re in the right place. Fort Ruger Market, Kahuku Superette and Foodland are poke standouts.

A fusion of food cuisines you won’t believe until you try it yourself

Chefs such as Sam Choy and Roy Yamaguchi are founding fathers of the Hawaii Regional cuisine movement, sometimes referred to as Pacific Rim cuisine. Filipino adobe, Japanese ramen, Vietnamese pho, Hawaii saimin, Portuguese malasadas, Chinese bao (or manapua as they are called in Hawaii) are just a few of the foods that you can enjoy in Hawaii. If food in Hawaii wasn’t on your radar – it should be. Another solid reason why Hawaii is bucket list destination.

7. Fascinating History

Hawaii is rich with history. Learn about the brave Polynesians who first migrated to and settled in Hawaii, and the warriors, kings and princesses of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Deep dive into the history of Father Damien, and the leper colony of Kalaupapa as vividly chronicled in the novel Moloka’i and the intricate process of Hawaii gaining statehood.

Find out about Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian who popularized the sport of surfing.

Visit Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and understand more the role Hawaii played in World War II.

Tour through Iolani Palace – the only royal palace on US soil. If history and culture interest you, Hawaii has more than enough to satisfy.

8. World-Class Shopping

Hawaii is a shopper’s paradise. Glittering Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki boasts designer stores such as:

• Chanel
• Louis Vuitton
• Gucci
• Rolex
• Tory Burch
• Tesla
• Dior
• Sephora
• Cartier
• Guess
• Prada
• And so many more.

Walk around the corner and you will find yourself surrounded by little stalls full of t-shirts, keychains and puka shell necklaces. Duke’s Lane is a bargainer’s delight. Spend time at the revamped International Marketplace. There is certainly something for everyone. Lahaina, Whaler’s Village, Kailua-Kona, Hanalei are great shopping areas on neighbor islands. Just another reason why Hawaii is a bucket list destination!

9. Fabulous Weather

Hawaii experiences beautiful weather year-round, with an average 7-degree fluctuation in temperature all year, with a medium temperature of 82 degrees.

On average, the months of May – December are dry and warm, and January – April are a little cooler and can see more rainfall. Don’t let that deter you, Hawaii doesn’t have a “monsoon season” like some tropical locales experience, and the upside to a little extra rain is this coincides with the lush, blooming season. Typically, brown mountainsides are emerald-green, and the trees and bushes are dripping with plumeria, hibiscus and jasmine. 

10. Aloha Spirit

The final reason why Hawaii is a bucket list destination is because of the people.

Aloha spirit can be described as “the radiating light within”. It is a warm, sincere, generous spirit that embodies so many who call Hawaii home. It is something they give freely to those who visit their beloved islands. Our clients sometimes remark that the people they met in Hawaii was the highlight of their vacation. We hope you can experience it too!

We invite you to start planning your Hawaiian Bucket List Trip today. Give us a call or fill out our request more information form today.