35 Memorable Activities to do in Hawaii

So you got there, the sun is warm, the beach is amazing…but seriously how much time can you spend doing that with friends and family in tow. Or if you’re like me, as a solo traveller. I’m all for getting a tan, but the older I get the shorter my patience for sun worship.

To keep your group moving, here are things you can DO while in Hawaii, no matter what Island you’re on, so unless it’s specific to that Island (and I’ll mention that), it can be assumed that whether you’re on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu or Kauai you’re good to go.

Water sports
Snorkeling – this is great for the entire family, there are even beginner/children’s classes, as well as equipment rentals. If you’re new to it, I suggest a guided session.
Kayaking – single kayaks or dual person are available, lessons are always offered. Guided or self directed.
Swim with Dolphins – an experience not to be forgotten
Parasailing – for those looking for a thrill
Outrigger canoes – for a unique experience that maybe requires a little less coordination than kayaking.
Extreme speed boat jet rides – I think this speaks for itself!
Night swim with the Manta Rays – wet suits needed, the night air is chilly.
Open water or Shark cage diving – I had it booked, but a huge storm blew in.
Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventures – climb aboard your own tube and glide down the flumes and tunnels of the Old Lihue Sugar Plantation.
Scuba diving – lessons and or equipment rentals. There are of course rules to the whole scuba diving thing, but this is a great place to learn.

Surfing – synonymous with Hawaii, if this appeals, take a lessons, and get out there, again this can be fun for the whole family.
Jet skis – for the rush and adventure of it all.
Jet pack flight experience – feel like you’re flying, but over water if you “crash”, so that landing won’t be quite as painful.
Water Skiing – if you’ve always wanted to try, now’s the time.
Boogie boarding – catch some serious sun, while you let the kids play.
Wind Surfing – this classic never goes out of style.
Paddle board / Stand up Paddle – learning this sport, means you spend a lot of time getting in and out of the water, this may be the place to learn!
Kite-boarding – here’s another challenging, but unique experience.
Underwater scooter adventures – climb into a breathing observation bubble (aka BOB), then scoot yourself around the reef, taking it all in!

Luau
Personally, I feel that a Luau is a must, it really encompasses the Hawaiian culture & its foods, plus it’s fun for the whole family. When you’re booking your reservation (paying), just be aware that they tend to include the lei, which adds around $20 USD per ticket, so make sure to ask them. I didn’t realize this, and while I have no regrets, if there are 10 of you, that adds up.

Sea & Air Adventures
Catamarans / Sailing – they are often sitting on the beach accepting walk-on’s. However, if you’re a large group, plan this in advance, you can probably rent the entire boat/crew for an exclusive afternoon.
Dinner cruises – sail the waters of Hawaii, have a romantic dinner and watch the sun set.
Helicopter tours – these come in all kinds of packages, and the island you’re on will dictate what you see.
Airplane tours – again it depends on your island of choice, and is an alternative to helicopters.
Zodiac/Raft adventures & Whale Watching – you and the sea are sure to meet, these adventures often leave you a bit soggy.
Glass bottom boat – sail over the reef in one of these and avoid getting wet.
Maui or Big Island Atlantis Submarine – A 48 passenger submarine, goes to 100 feet, you’ll get to see it all.
Deep sea fishing – check to see which are catch and release and which ones are dinner!

Land Adventures
ATV rentals and tours – if hiking isn’t your thing, and everyone wants some tame adventure.
Big Island – Maunakea Summit Observatory – where you’ll find worlds largest telescopes. Check the weather and access before you go. Parking is limited.
Hiking – just about everywhere, beautiful waterfalls, tropical rainforests, lava fields, beaches and summits like Diamond Head.
Horseback Riding – forests, beaches, most places that it’s safe for the horse!
Zipline Adventures – take it all in, at high speed.
Big Island – Waipio Valley Mule Drawn Wagon Rides – this difficult to access valley, offers waterfalls, taro wet-land fields and wild horses.
Mountain biking – bikes can be rented and can be self guided or via tour.
Guided Jeep tours – go off roading surrounded by spectacular scenery
Big Island – Volcanoes National Park – I took a guided bus tour, and it was fantastic
Scooter or bicycle Rentals – you can find and rent bikes or scooters in most cities. I enjoyed picking up a bike to get across Honolulu and then dropping it off at my destination.
Oahu – Circle Island Tour – you’ll get history, food, swimming with turtles and a great sense of what the Island looks like in one tour!

On Oahu – I think I need to give special mention to Kualoa Ranch – it has so much to offer. It’s where they film Jurassic Park & Jurassic World, so the kids will love the movie set tour. You can also ATV, zip line, get married, go sailing, horseback riding, picnic, ride electric mountain bikes, go on a mini-ocean voyage to a “secret” beach, take jungle Jeep tours, kayak, ride a trolly and eat amazing farm to table food.

So there you have it, there’s no way you’ll be bored while in Hawaii! You don’t NEED to book all of these things in advance, however, I do recommend planning some of them before you go. Especially if you are going during peak season. It would be a huge let-down if everything was booked when you got there. All of these amazing adventures are there to be found on most Islands. Check out Hawaii Activities or Viator to book your adventure.

And if you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message at maria @ theeventfultraveller. com and I’ll get to it asap.

Please consider sharing and pinning because each share truly helps me out! Thanks – Maria

Surfing - synonymous with Hawaii, if this appeals, take a lessons, and get out there, again this can be fun for the whole family.
Jet skis - for the rush and adventure of it all.
Jet pack flight experience - feel like you're flying, but over water if you "crash", so that landing won't be quite as painful.
Water Skiing - if you've always wanted to try, now's the time.
Boogie boarding - catch some serious sun, while you let the kids play.
Wind Surfing - this classic never goes out of style.
Paddle board / Stand up Paddle - learning this sport, means you spend a lot of time getting in and out of the water, this may be the place to learn!
Kite-boarding - here's another challenging, but unique experience.
Underwater scooter adventures - climb into a breathing observation bubble (aka BOB), then scoot yourself around the reef, taking it all in!

Luau
Personally, I feel that a Luau is a must, it really encompasses the Hawaiian culture & its foods, plus it's fun for the whole family. When you're booking your reservation (paying), just be aware that they tend to include the lei, which adds around $20 USD per ticket, so make sure to ask them. I didn't realize this, and while I have no regrets, if there are 10 of you, that adds up.

Sea & Air Adventures
Catamarans / Sailing - they are often sitting on the beach accepting walk-on's. However, if you're a large group, plan this in advance, you can probably rent the entire boat/crew for an exclusive afternoon.
Dinner cruises - sail the waters of Hawaii, have a romantic dinner and watch the sun set.
Helicopter tours - these come in all kinds of packages, and the island you're on will dictate what you see.
Airplane tours - again it depends on your island of choice, and is an alternative to helicopters.
Zodiac/Raft adventures & Whale Watching - you and the sea are sure to meet, these adventures often leave you a bit soggy.
Glass bottom boat - sail over the reef in one of these and avoid getting wet.
Maui or Big Island Atlantis Submarine - A 48 passenger submarine, goes to 100 feet, you'll get to see it all.
Deep sea fishing - check to see which are catch and release and which ones are dinner!

Land Adventures
ATV rentals and tours - if hiking isn't your thing, and everyone wants some tame adventure.
Big Island - Maunakea Summit Observatory - where you'll find worlds largest telescopes. Check the weather and access before you go. Parking is limited.
Hiking - just about everywhere, beautiful waterfalls, tropical rainforests, lava fields, beaches and summits like Diamond Head.
Horseback Riding - forests, beaches, most places that it's safe for the horse!
Zipline Adventures - take it all in, at high speed.
Big Island - Waipio Valley Mule Drawn Wagon Rides - this difficult to access valley, offers waterfalls, taro wet-land fields and wild horses.
Mountain biking - bikes can be rented and can be self guided or via tour.
Guided Jeep tours - go off roading surrounded by spectacular scenery
Big Island - Volcanoes National Park - I took a guided bus tour, and it was fantastic
Scooter or bicycle Rentals - you can find and rent bikes or scooters in most cities. I enjoyed picking up a bike to get across Honolulu and then dropping it off at my destination.
Oahu - Circle Island Tour - you'll get history, food, swimming with turtles and a great sense of what the Island looks like in one tour!

On Oahu - I think I need to give special mention to Kualoa Ranch - it has so much to offer. It's where they film Jurassic Park & Jurassic World, so the kids will love the movie set tour. You can also ATV, zip line, get married, go sailing, horseback riding, picnic, ride electric mountain bikes, go on a mini-ocean voyage to a "secret" beach, take jungle Jeep tours, kayak, ride a trolly and eat amazing farm to table food.

So there you have it, there's no way you'll be bored while in Hawaii! You don't NEED to book all of these things in advance, however, I do recommend planning some of them before you go. Especially if you are going during peak season. It would be a huge let-down if everything was booked when you got there. All of these amazing adventures are there to be found on most Islands. Check out Hawaii Activities or Viator to book your adventure.