8 Things to Do in Hawaiʻi and the Best Way to Do Them

Hawaiʻi is one of those places that many know as just a tourist destination but is really so much more. It’s a place where the greenery is a little brighter, the ocean a little bluer, and the multiculturalism a little more celebrated.

Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I made it my mission to find all of the worthwhile things to do – the lesser-known hikes, the cute local shops, the underrated restaurants. And what I found was, yes, the gems were worth seeking out, but most of the big attractions were cool enough to make time for as well. And with that mix of both, the list of exciting to-dos never seemed to run out.

Whenever people visit the islands, my recommendations keep the same state of mind – experience the big and the small. So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Hawaiʻi.

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Watch an eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The non-negotiable

There are very few places in the world where you can see a volcano actively erupting, and even fewer where it’s as frequent as at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Home to the very active Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a dream even when there’s no lava shooting through the sky. Instead, there’s piping hot steam vents and hikes winding into craters, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs and an iconic lava tube.

But if Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, deigns to be active, you may get the chance to watch a volcanic eruption with your own eyes! Kilauea has been episodically erupting since December 2024, so the odds are you in your favor.

When to go: Whenever Kīlauea is actively erupting. Stay informed by checking with USGS and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Getting there: You’ll need to drive to the national park from the Hilo side of the island.
Pair with: Pop into Volcano Winery for a tasting.

Snorkel on the Nāpali Coast

The can’t-miss water adventure

Kauaʻi's 17-mile cliff face known as the Nāpali Coast is unlike any other place in the world. Lush with greenery, the deep, craggy crevices house dozens of waterfalls during the rainiest seasons. To top it all off, it’s right on the ocean, making it a gorgeous snorkeling spot.

You’ll have to take a boat tour to snorkel on the Nāpali Coast, and there are countless tour operators to choose from. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a chance to see tropical fish, urchins, turtles and dolphins below the surface.

When to go: The earlier the tour, the better. Mornings bring calmer waters and more animal sightings.
Getting there: Located on Kauaʻi, most Nāpali Coast tours launch from either Hanalei on the North Shore or Kekaha on the South Shore.
Pair with: You’ll likely want a bite to eat after your Napali Coast boat tour. If you have a North Shore docking point, grab poke or sushi from the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market. On the South Shore, Little Fish Coffee is a 15-minute drive away.

Catch the sunrise from the Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail

The best free thing

The Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox Trail) on Oʻahu should have the superlative of the most-popular-but-not-overhyped attraction in Hawaiʻi. It’s about 1.7 miles out-and-back and takes about an hour or so. At the end, you’ll reach a cement bunker – the “pillbox” – that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, Lanikai Beach and the picture-perfect pair of islands known as the Mokulua Islands.

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This relatively easy hike is beautiful at any time of day, but sunrise is by far the most eye-catching hour. The sun rises behind the two islands and paints the whole landscape in the lovely dawn glow. Sunset is sometimes offered as an alternative to beat the crowds, but sunrise is so stunning that it’s worth it to brave the extra people.

When to go: Aim to start the hike an hour before sunrise.
Getting there: Drive along H-3, the Pali Hwy, or Kamehameha Hwy, depending on where you’re coming from.
Pair with: Lanikai Beach, the perfect way to cool off after your hike.

Watch the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout at Pipeline

The peak of Hawaiʻi sports

If there’s one thing that Hawaiʻi is known for, it’s surfing. This traditional Hawaiian sport found its way into the international athletic world, garnering millions of watchers every year. And itʻs no surprise really, considering these pros race down waves up to eight times their height!

While in Hawaiʻi, you can catch these pros in person at a surf competition at the world-class beach, Pipeline, also known as ʻEhukai Beach Park. There are a few different competitions that take place at this North Shore, Oʻahu beach every year, but the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is extra special. With its harder-to-ride surf break and Hawaiʻi Pidgin-speaking commentators, itʻs a local favorite.

When to go: Early! You’ll want to be at Pipeline at or before sunrise, or else you won’t find parking.
Getting there: Driving is the main mode of transportation, although there is also the public bus. Unfortunately, both will get you stuck in quite a bit of traffic if you don’t leave early enough.
Pair with: Haupia (coconut) pie from Ted’s Bakery. Leave your car parked and take the bus one stop over.

Savor Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

The must-do with kids

First thing’s first, it’s “shave ice” not “shaved ice”. And there are two things that make a great shave ice: the syrup and the ice. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice has mastered both. The syrups are made in-house using natural fruit purees and syrups, while the ice is chipped down into a texture that’s unbelievably smooth. Started on Maui, Ululani’s now has locations on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, as well as in California and Texas.

When to go: Ululani’s really hits the spot as a refreshing treat in the afternoon.
Getting there: Some locations are convenient enough to walk to from major attractions, while others require a bit of driving.
Pair with: Many Ululani’s locations are close to the beach, so why not enjoy the sunshine at Waikīkī Beach or Baby Beach while you’re at it.

Make a lei that lasts forever with Tidal Theory

The secret

One of the best ways to spend your time in Hawaiʻi is by embracing Native Hawaiian culture. With the local creator Samantha Hook of Tidal Theory, you can make a new twist on a Native Hawaiian classic: the lei. Lei can be made from a whole bunch of materials – traditionally, fresh flowers, kukui nuts (candlenuts) or shells, but nowadays also candy, ribbon, string and even money. Somehow Tidal Theory found yet another new material for lei: leather.

About once a month, Tidal Theory hosts leather lei-making workshops at Hook and Hide on Oʻahu. String leather-based puakenikeni flowers along a ribbon to create a lei that will last forever.

When to go: Classes are usually held the second Sunday of each month, though there is some variation.
Getting there: From Waikiki, drive (parking can be tricky) or take bus 42, 2 or 13.
Pair with: Continue your Native Hawaiian education day with a stop at ʻIolani Palace, half a mile away.

Eat local treats at the Hanapepe bon dance

The surprise

Hawaiʻi’s small town island celebrations are something special. It’s where community and culture collide, and there may be no better example of this than the Hanapepe bon dance at the Kauaʻi Soto Zen Temple. Rooted in Japanese culture, bon dance celebrations feature taiko drumming, Japanese music and traditional folk dances. And let’s not forget the food! At this specific Hanapepe bon dance, you’ll find both Japanese staples, like andagi (Okinawan donuts), and local inventions, like “flying saucers” – a sort of sloppy joe hot pocket that is only found on Kauaʻi.

When to go: This summer festival usually starts at 5pm and continues for a few hours.
Getting there: Drive along Kaumualiʻi Hwy until reaching Hanapepe.
Pair with: Stop at the neighboring Taro Ko Chips factory for delicious taro chips before heading into the event (and cross your fingers, because opening hours can be inconsistent).

Dive into Hawaiʻi’s sugar history at Kō Hana Rum

Best thing to do on a rainy day

Tucked in a lesser-visited part of Central Oʻahu, Kō Hana Rum is ideal for a rainy day adventure. Simply pop in for a tasting of the locally grown and distilled agricole (sugarcane-based) rums – straight or in cocktails. You can also extend your trip with the 1-hour Kō Hana Distillery tour, which includes visits to the barrel house, distillery and sugarcane garden (should the rain briefly let up). You’ll leave feeling like a rum expert – and with your favorite bottle in hand, of course.

When to go: On a weekday, in hopes of a smaller group.
Getting there: You’ll need to drive to this Oʻahu attraction, heading to Central Oʻahu then veering onto Kunia Rd.
Pair with: A warm bowl of saimin (local noodle soup) from Shige’s Saimin Stand and a stroll through Wahiawā Botanical Garden.

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