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hawaiian islands | maui | oahu | big island | lanai
Hawaii tourist towns: waikiki | kona
Hawaii oceanfront resort areas: waikiki | west maui | south maui
hawaii national parks | haleakala national park | hawaii volcanoes national park
ALOHA!
So you want to go to Hawaii!
And you want to go to see some stunning views of Hawaii as a part of your time in Hawaii!
Which are the best things to do in Hawaii that will give you some of those amazing Hawaii views?!
What’s the best island to visit in Hawaii?!
Below will show you the very best things to do in the Hawaiian islands, on different islands.
There are affiliate links on this page that will take you to a partner website. You can read reviews for the best Hawaii tours at getyourguide.
What is Hawaii known for?
Hawaii is best known for epic views of the ocean and mountains… and volcanoes!
👆 Hawaii is known for volcanoes, ocean views, and hikes with epic views! One of the best Hawaii hikes that come with amazing views is the Hoapili Trail which is also a hike across Hawaii lava fields!
👆 Hawaii is known for ocean views! One of the best coastal walks in Hawaii that comes with amazing views is in Wailea! If you’re looking for a luxury vacation in Hawaii, Wailea has many oceanfront luxury resorts for you.
Hawaii might be most famous for its beaches.
But there is also so much to do in Hawaii that’s not the beach!
The most famous things to do in Hawaii that’s not the beach include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Road to Hana, and the Napali Coast.
The top 10 things that Hawaii is known for include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Hana Highway, Hanauma Bay, the Napali Coast, Haleakala National Park, Diamond Head, Waimea Canyon, Iolani Palace, Lanikai Beach, and Pearl Harbor.
The top things to do in Hawaii are located on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
These are the main tourist islands of Hawaii.
See below for the clickable interactive version of the Hawaii map! Most icons have pictures and additional info! If you are on your phone, also see tips for using the map on mobile below the interactive map!
Hawaii map (interactive google map)
Click the little icon in the top left corner of the map below to see the list of what you’ll find on this map.
On the map, click on an icon to know what’s there!
Be sure to play around with the map!
👆 How to start using this map: Click the top left icon! Or just zoom in to start looking and clicking around! If you start off by clicking on the gold stars, that will tell you the basics of each of the major islands.
This map may not work very well on this page on mobile, sorry!
In that case, send a link of this page to yourself and try on desktop!
Or…
Tips for using this google map of Hawaii on mobile!
If you are on your phone, you can also have a look at this Hawaii map. (It is the same map as above but it might be easier for use on your phone.)
For this map, in short, in addition to clicking the icons that you see on the map, also click on the names that come up when you click on an icon!
Most icons have pictures and/or info to go along with it so if you are not seeing it, then click around!
Longer version…
If you do look at the map directly on google, start off by clicking the text at the bottom of the screen (the text that says “hawaii map”) to see the different categories.
Then you can start clicking around on this list.
Or, you can also just start clicking around on the map.
When you click on an icon on the map, you will see the name of the spot come up at the bottom of the screen.
Click on that name.
Then, you will see a picture of that spot (in most cases!) and also possibly more info!
Phones may have different displays but basically click around on both icons and text!
👆 What is the best island in Hawaii for hiking?! You can find hikes with amazing views on every Hawaiian island (really!), but above are pictures from some of the best hikes on Maui. There are also amazing views to be seen by doing the best hikes on Oahu, the best hikes on the Big Island, and the best hikes on Kauai.
👆 Compare the islands in Hawaii of Maui and the Big Island!
Read below about the top 10 things to do in Hawaii!
Top 10 things to do in Hawaii
The often given advice if you’re going to Hawaii for the first time is to stick with one island if you only have a week in Hawaii.
I tend to agree!
My first trip to Oahu as an adult, I spent 2 weeks on Oahu. My first trip to the Big Island, I spent 3 weeks on the Big Island. My first trip to Maui, I spent 3 weeks on Maui! It was actually one month in Maui County, with 3 weeks on Maui and 1 week on the quiet island of Lanai!
And so, unless you are a “do-it-all” type of person, you may not want to try to do all of the top 10 things to do in Hawaii during one trip to Hawaii.
Because that will require that you visit 4 Hawaiian islands in one trip… which you could if you really want to! It’s easy to fly between the islands because there are regular interisland flights.
But hopefully this will help you narrow down the Hawaiian island you want to go to for your first trip to Hawaii!
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can drive the Chain of Craters Road to see vast lava fields produced by volcanoes. And if you’re lucky, you might even see active lava flows!
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See more about top Hawaii activities:
- Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Where to see lava fields in Hawaii
- Can you see lava flowing in Hawaii right now?
- Best hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2. Road to Hana, Maui
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is the Road to Hana where you can see some of the best waterfalls in Hawaii.
The most famous scenic drive in Hawaii is the Road to Hana, which is a drive along the Hana Highway.
Although the town of Hana is the “destination,” this famous Hawaii drive is more so about the Road to Hana stops to make along the way!
There are tons of waterfalls, some of Hawaii’s most unique beaches (black sand and red sand), some of Hawaii’s best hikes (bamboo forest hike and lava field hike), one of Hawaii’s most famous state parks, and just tons of lush greenery!
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is to hike through Hawaii’s famous bamboo forest which starts just off the Hana Highway.
You can also eat some of Hawaii’s most well-known foods!
You can eat famous banana bread and famous huli huli chicken that was approved by Gordon Ramsay.
Gordon Ramsay had a whole episode dedicated to the Hana coast!
Most people will do this scenic drive in Hawaii as a day trip, but if you want to be different and experience quiet Hana after the crowds are gone (and get a chance to do more things on the Road to Hana!), then you can stay overnight at the Hyatt Hana or a Hawaii state park camping cabin!
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See more about top Hawaii activites:
- Road to Hana stops
- Best Hawaii hikes on the Road to Hana
- Where did Gordon Ramsay go in Hawaii?
- Best Hawaii state parks on Maui
- Best Hawaii state parks on the Big Island
3. Hanauma Bay, Oahu
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is to go snorkeling! Hanauma Bay is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the United States!
Among the most famous snorkeling spots in Hawaii is Hanauma Bay on the island of Oahu.
The best island in Hawaii for snorkeling is generally said to be Maui, but you really can go snorkeling on any of the Hawaiian islands for a chance to swim with colorful fish and maybe even turtles!
You also have a chance to see turtles on all of the Hawaiian islands without stepping foot in the water too! I have seen sea turtles from land on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai!
You also have a chance to see Hawaiian monk seals in Hawaii. I have seen seals on Maui and Lanai!
Whether it’s turtles, seals, or fish, there are Hawaii beaches that one or more is known to more frequently be spotted. (So be sure to look up specific beaches when you go to Hawaii!)
Also, it is a big deal in Hawaii to respect the wildlife! (Marine life…)
In this case, respecting the honu (turtle) and seals mean to keep your distance from them! Only LOOK, don’t touch!
Also for more marine life watching… You can see whales in Hawaii!
Generally speaking whale watching season in Hawaii is in the winter.
The best island in Hawaii for whale watching is Maui, but you do have a chance to see whales from other islands too!
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See more about top Hawaii activities:
- Best Hawaii snorkeling on Oahu
- Best Hawaii snorkeling on Maui
- Best Hawaii snorkeling on the Big Island
- Hawaii turtle beach on Oahu
- Hawaii turtle beach on Maui
- Hawaii turtle beach on the Big Island
- Hawaiian monk seal beach on Maui
- Swimming with humuhumunukunukuapuaa 🐠
4. Napali Coast, Kauai
One of the most famous coastlines of Hawaii is the Napali Coast on the island of Hawaii.
You can see the Napali coast by taking a Hawaii boat tour, going for a Hawaii helicopter ride, going for a Hawaii sightseeing flight, hiking in a Hawaii state park on your own, or hike to the Napali cliff tops with a guide!
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See more about this top Hawaii activity:
5. Haleakala National Park, Maui
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is Haleakala National Park where you can drive to the Haleakala volcano summit and then go hiking near Haleakala summit.
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See more about top Hawaii activities:
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Driving to the Haleakala summit at 10,000+ft
- Best hike in Haleakala National Park
- National parks in Hawaii
6. Diamond Head, Oahu
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is Diamond Head. You can see Diamond Head from the most famous beach in Hawaii, Waikiki Beach.
Diamond Head is the famous icon of Hawaii for the island of Oahu.
There are several ways to see Diamond Head, starting with your flight to Hawaii if you are sitting on the land side of the plane when flying into Honolulu Airport!
It’s possible to go swimming with views of Diamond Head from many parts of Waikiki Beach, which is the famous beach in Hawaii on Oahu. This is the main tourist hub of Oahu.
And finally, it is also possible to hike to the top of Diamond Head!
The Diamond Head hike is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii.
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is the Diamond Head hike to see Hawaii’s iconic city skyline.
Best crater hikes in Hawaii:
- Diamond Head crater hike on Oahu
- Haleakala crater hike on Maui
- Kilauea iki crater hike on the Big Island
See more about top Hawaii activities:
- Best Hawaii hikes on Oahu
- Best Hawaii hikes on Maui
- Best Hawaii hikes on the Big Island
- Best Hawaii hikes on Lanai
7. Waimea Canyon, Kauai
Waimea Canyon is said to be the Grand Canyon of Hawaii.
You can get epic views of Waimea Canyon from above by going for a Hawaii helicopter ride or by hiking in a Hawaii state park!
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See more about this top Hawaii activity:
8. Iolani Palace, Oahu
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is the Iolani Palace to experience Hawaiian royal history. The Iolani Palace is a National Historic Landmark.
See more about this top Hawaii activity:
9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is Lanikai Beach. This is one of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the best beach destinations in the United States!
Among the most famous beaches in Hawaii is Lanikai Beach on the island of Oahu.
From this beach you can get the picture-perfect image of the light-colored sand, turquoise-colored water, and twin islands!
You can also do the Lanikai pillbox hike to get a picture-perfect image of the twin islands and amazing water color from above!
Another one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii is also on Oahu, and that is Waikiki Beach.
The best islands in Hawaii for beaches are generally said to be Maui and Oahu, but you really can find amazing beaches on any of the Hawaiian islands!
See more about top Hawaii activities:
- Best Hawaii beaches on Oahu
- Best Hawaii beaches on Maui
- Best beaches in Hawaii
- Black sand beaches in Hawaii
- Red sand beach in Hawaii
- Green sand beach in Hawaii
10. Pearl Harbor, Oahu
👆 One of best things to do in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is the famous national memorial in Hawaii. You can get a better understanding of the United States involvement in World War II, along with an appreciation of the sacrifices made by Americans during the war.
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See more about this top Hawaii activity:
Best Hawaii hotels
👆 The Moana Surfrider is a famous historic hotel in Hawaii. You can join Hawaiian cultural activities like hula lessons and ribbon lei making. Check to see if there will be a historic tour of the hotel while you are in Hawaii. As a beachfront hotel, there is a beach directly in front of the Moana Surfrider.
Hawaii is also known for its beachfront hotels and oceanfront hotels!
The most famous Hawaii hotels include the Aulani Disney Resort, Turtle Bay Resort, Four Seasons Hualalai, Moana Surfrider Westin, Four Seasons Lanai, and Mauna Lani Auberge Resort.
The Disney Aulani, Turtle Bay Resort, and Moana Surfrider Westin are among the best hotels in Hawaii on the island of Oahu.
The Four Seasons Hualalai and Mauna Lani Auberge are among the best hotels in Hawaii on the Big Island.
The Four Seasons Lanai and Sensei Lanai are the best hotels in Hawaii on the island of Lanai. Lanai is the luxury island of Hawaii that fewer tourists visit.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai and Koloa Landing are among the best hotels in Hawaii on the island of Kauai.
The Four Seasons Maui and Ritz Carlton Kapalua are among the best hotels in Hawaii on the island of Maui.
If you are traveling alone to Hawaii, then there are also hostels in Hawaii that you can stay at!
Island hopping in Hawaii?! One island or 2?!
The often-given advice when traveling to Hawaii for the first time is to just stick with one island if you have a week or less.
This is mostly because island hopping in Hawaii can be time consuming, and there is plenty to do on each Hawaiian island to fill your days.
Island hopping in Hawaii is time consuming because most of the Hawaii island hopping is done by plane.
The only 2 islands in Hawaii that you can travel by ferry are between Maui and Lanai.
That said, if you don’t think you will ever be returning to Hawaii, or it’s very unlikely, and there is something you REALLY want to do on 2 islands (or more!) you may have to think hard if you do want to go island hopping in Hawaii with just 1 week in Hawaii!
While it is of course best if you have the opportunity to spend several nights on each island, it can also be considered reasonable to do a day trip to another island.
Although for the record, plenty of people will likely tell you not to!
So, it really depends on your priorities and managing your expectations! A day trip to another island in Hawaii can make for a long day! But, it is possible, and there are people who do it.
You can search for interisland flights through Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
👆 Things to do in Hawaii for VIEWS include the Lanikai pillbox hike (one of the best Oahu hikes), Hoapili Trail (one of the best places to see lava fields on Maui), Pololu Valley (one of the famous valleys on the Big Island), Kekahai Kai State Park (one of the best state parks on the Big Island), Haleakala National Park (one of the national parks in Hawaii), and Waikiki (the biggest tourist hub in Hawaii)! (Pictured above!)
And those are some of the best things in Hawaii to consider for your first trip to Hawaii!
Explore more of the Hawaiian islands:
- Things to do in Oahu (Honolulu)
- Things to do in Maui
- Things to do on the Big Island (Kona)
- Things to do on Lanai
HAPPY FIRST TRIP TO HAWAII!
👇 Explore the Hawaiian islands map on google maps!
There are affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from this.
Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!
The ultimate beach towel for travel?!
Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!The cheapo way to waterproof your phone
You can take underwater pictures with a simple waterproof phone case like this. Touch screen may not work well underwater - try the volume button to snap the pic instead!Wear less sunscreen by wearing a UPF swim shirt!
Wearing a swim shirt means less skin that's exposed to the sun which means less sunscreen you need to apply! See about wearing swim shirts with UV protection like these when you're snorkeling.More for your Hawaii packing list
- How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
- Why wear water shoes for the beach
- Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
- Essentials to pack for Hawaii
- Best shoes for Hawaii
ALOHA!
There are affiliate links on this page. Among others, as an Amazon Associate I may earn from purchases.