Hawaii doesn’t just meet your tropical dreams halfway, rather it goes all out by tossing a lei around your neck and enticing you with stunning beaches where you might enjoy a Mai Tai beneath a palm tree. 

But paradise isn’t just about tropical cocktails, Instagrammable beaches, and poolside naps. Hawaii is a destination that continues to surprise, refresh, and occasionally challenge travelers’ notions of what paradise really looks like.

Beneath Hawaii’s beauty is a rich cultural tapestry, dramatic landscapes shaped by fire and sea, and experiences that stay with you long after your tan fades. Let’s dive both figuratively and literally into the top five must-do experiences Hawaii has to offer. 

5 Top Things To Do In Hawaii

Deep Sea Fishing in the Pacific

Whether the nearest lake or beach is hours from where you live or you’re currently looking out your window at a chilly winter wonderland, you need not settle for playing Big Bass Splash Slot on your phone or freezing your rear end trying to ice-fish. 

Hawaii offers deep sea fishing year-round thanks to its tropical climate. Hawaii’s consistently warm climate means there’s always something biting like mahi-mahi, tuna, and marlin, so it’s a great activity whether you’re a seasoned angler or looking to try something new.

Best of all, there’s no need to pack any fishing gear since local guides will provide everything you’ll need and can instruct you on how to land a prize catch. Surrounded by the deep Pacific Ocean just minutes from shore, Hawaii offers some of the most accessible and rewarding big game fishing in the world. 

Each island offers its own unique fishing culture. For instance, Kona, on the Big Island, is world-famous for its calm waters and legendary marlin tournaments, while Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi offer a range of full-day or half-day charters that conveniently depart from many nearby resorts. 

Explore Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

If you thought Hawaii was simply a place you visit to relax, you’d be sadly mistaken. Hawaii’s a tropical getaway where you have the chance to stand at the edge of an ancient crater and witness Mother Nature’s raw power. 

Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island offers up-close views of active volcanoes, steaming craters, and lava tubes you can actually walk through. This isn’t something you’ll find just anywhere, and there are safe walking trails that let you wander at your own pace.

Sometimes, after sunset, you might actually see glowing lava in the distance, a sight that’s hard to forget. Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, sculpts the land in real time through the bubbling cauldrons of Kīlauea and the towering majesty of Mauna Loa which just so happens to be the largest volcano on Earth by volume.

The park is enormous and offers everything from rainforest hikes and lava tubes to panoramic crater views that may make you question if you’re still on planet Earth. Whether you drive the Crater Rim or trek the Kīlauea Iki Trail, it reminds you that the island is still very much a work in progress. 

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

While Hawaii may very well be captivating from the air via scenic helicopter flights, or by land as you embrace one of its many beautiful beaches, it’s equally as impressive from beneath its seas. There’s a hidden magic lying just below the surface, where coral gardens bloom, sea turtles effortlessly glide through currents, and schools of colorful tropical fish shimmer in every direction. 

Snorkeling and scuba diving are part of the islands’ soul. With crystal-clear waters, warm ocean temperatures year-round, and an abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the top dive and snorkel destinations in the world. 

For those new to snorkelling, there are gentle beaches and protected bays where you can enjoy the sea safely, conveniently using equipment from local shops. If you’re after something with a bit more depth, guided scuba dives will introduce you to the deeper parts of the ocean, where you might spot more elusive marine animals. 

Some of the top snorkel and dive spots include Maui’s Molokini Crater and Oʻahu’s Hanauma Bay. You can also book nighttime manta ray dives if visiting the Big Island, whereas Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi are places to enjoy more secluded dives amongst sea caves and lava tubes.

Whether you choose to float gently with a snorkel or go full Jacques Cousteau with tanks and fins, this is an experience that connects you to the more peaceful natural rhythms of Hawaii.

Attend a Traditional Hawaiian Luau

No trip to Hawaii is complete without experiencing a traditional luau. While snorkeling and scuba diving introduce you to Hawaii’s underwater world, a traditional luau brings you face-to-face with its vibrant culture. 

Far more than just a fancy tropical dinner party with tiki torches, leis, and a roasting pig, a luau is a deeply rooted cultural experience. This event brings together local dishes, music, and energetic hula dancing, making it a great night out for both families and couples.

The food, like kalua pork with fresh pineapple, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia, offer you a real taste of the islands. At the same time, skilled performers share stories and traditions through dance and music. Luaus were originally royal Hawaiian feasts that celebrated milestones and brought communities together, and while modern luaus cater mostly to visitors, they still carry the echoes of this rich heritage. 

From the graceful sway of hula to the fierce intensity of the fire knife dance, you’re witnessing more than choreography, rather you’re experiencing a living culture continuing to share its soul.

Hike Through Stunning Landscapes

Don’t do yourself the disservice of only walking the beaches of Hawaii when the islands offer many breathtaking hiking trails. Lacing up the boots and tacking the trails allows you to see firsthand the sheer diversity of landscapes found throughout Hawaii.

There are lush rainforests, lava fields, coastal cliffs, bamboo groves, and waterfalls to explore and each of the six commonly visited islands offers something unique. 

Tackle Oʻahu’s Diamond Head Crater for views over Waikīk, Kauaʻi’s Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast with its staggering cliffs and remote beaches, or Maui’s Pipiwai Trail located in Haleakalā National Park which includes banyan trees, Waimoku Falls, and a surreal bamboo forest.

Be sure to start your hikes early to beat the heat and tourist crowds, adhere to trail closures for your safety, and pack plenty of water. Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints.

A Hui Hou

Incorporate these top 5 activities into your Hawaiian holiday and I assure you the memories will stay with you long after the sand has been shaken from your shoes and suitcase.

Whether you’re casting a line into deep blue Pacific, standing at the edge of a volcanic crater, diving into colorful coral kingdoms, dancing under the stars at a luau, or breaking a sweat on a trail, each of these five experiences offers a different way to connect with the islands. 

So, pack your sense of adventure and a willingness to maybe step outside your comfort zone to turn your tropical getaway into a true adventure.