What to do in Hawaii

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Hawaii

Types of activities

Where to stay

Hawaii travel guide

Hawaii featuring landscape views, general coastal views and views

Waikiki Beach featuring night scenes, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Top places to visit

1. Waikiki Beach

You know that you’re in Hawaii when you step onto the pristine white sand of world-famous Waikiki Beach. Dip your toes into the warm Pacific waters and watch the surfers show off their moves on the waves, or sit back in the shade of a palm tree and gaze up at the green slopes of Diamond Head.

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Pack your shorts or bikini and surf, swim, or just sit back under a palm tree and enjoy the Aloha spirit at Hawaii’s most famous beach.

2. Kaanapali Beach

Hawaiian kings once favored Kaanapali Beach, and now the whole world is in love with it. Kaanapali was the first planned resort in Hawaii and, because of its success, its formula has been copied around the world. Kaanapali has many comforts, and just over a decade ago it was voted “America’s Best Beach.” Come here to laze on the palm-fringed sand and bathe in the warm Pacific waters.

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Kaanapali Beach showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and a hotel

3. Pearl Harbor

One of the most infamous dates in American history is the December 7, 1941. At 7.55 a.m. Japanese aircraft made a surprise attack on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet that led directly to America’s entry into World War II. Visit the memorials and museums of the naval base and see where the war with Japan started and ended.

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Discover where America's involvement in World War II started and ended amid the moving memorials and battleship museums of this historic harbor.

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, including the most active in the world, Kīlauea. Covering 333,000 acres (1,335 square kilometers) of Hawaii’s Big Island this national park is unlike any other in America. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii for its scenic drives, stunning views and fascinating natural history and science museum.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showing tranquil scenes

5. Wailea Beach

The luxury Wailea resort community occupies 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of land. The area is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Wailea Beach is a wide stretch of sand, perfect for an afternoon of sunbathing or building sandcastles. It’s surrounded by four smaller beaches and has a broad range of shops. Rent a kayak or snorkeling gear, or book a guided scuba dive to see the green turtles up-close. This popular, family-friendly beach has many facilities.

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Wailea Beach featuring swimming, a beach and tropical scenes

What to do in Hawaii

Popular places to visit

Waikiki Beach

4/5(37 reviews)

Pack your shorts or bikini and surf, swim, or just sit back under a palm tree and enjoy the Aloha spirit at Hawaii’s most famous beach.

Kaanapali Beach

4.5/5(13 reviews)

As one of the highest-ranking luxury beaches in the U.S., this stunning stretch of sand with crystal-clear water is lined with high-end hotels and shops.

Ala Moana Center

4.5/5(25 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home with a trip to Ala Moana Center, a popular shopping spot in Honolulu. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets or seek out its surfing spots.

Honolulu Harbor

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Honolulu with a trip to Honolulu Harbor. Amble around the area's beaches or visit its shops.

Royal Hawaiian Center

4.5/5(15 reviews)

You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Royal Hawaiian Center, a favourite shopping spot in Honolulu. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

5/5(10 reviews)

Drive around the crater of an erupting volcano and learn about the cultural importance of lava to the ancient Hawaiians.

Pearl Harbor

Discover where America's involvement in World War II started and ended amid the moving memorials and battleship museums of this historic harbor.

Turtle Bay Beach

3/5(1 review)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Turtle Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Kawela Bay.

Wailea Beach

4.5/5(7 reviews)

This stretch of powdery sand is part of an upscale resort community and is an ideal place to sunbathe, snorkel, and dive with Hawaiian green turtles and manta rays.

Explore areas of Hawaii

Waikiki

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, this neighborhood is known internationally for its great surfing and beautiful beaches.

Maluaka Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Wailea

5/5(1 area review)

Indulge in Hawai’i’s high life with a stay in this beautiful coastal area known for its luxury accommodation and secluded beaches.

Poipu

4/5(1 area review)

Hawaii’s “sunny side of paradise” balances adventure with relaxation, offering world-class waves and outdoor activities amid a serene tropical setting.