15 Epic Bucket List Things to Do in Hawaii
These 15 bucket list activities across Hawaii’s stunning islands will give you those pinch-me moments you’ve been dreaming about.
Between swimming with gentle giants under starlit skies and chasing secret waterfalls, you’ll discover why millions fall head over heels for these Pacific gems!
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1. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
Kona’s manta ray night snorkel ranks as one of the world’s top must-do activities. Float under the stars while graceful giants with 16-foot wingspans glide inches below you in an underwater ballet.
You don’t need to be a pro swimmer – just hold onto a flotation device and watch nature’s most spectacular nocturnal show unfold.
2. Chase Waterfalls on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a legendary 64-mile adventure along Maui’s northeastern coast that packs more jaw-dropping moments per mile than any other Hawaiian road trip.
Wind past 620 curves and 59 bridges while chasing rainbows through bamboo forests and past thundering waterfalls.
Stop for fresh banana bread at iconic stands, dip in secret pools, and snap photos of the stunning black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park.
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3. Conquer Diamond Head Summit Trail
Channel your inner explorer on this historic trail built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system.
The 1.6-mile round trip climb rewards your effort with panoramic views stretching from Waikiki to Koko Head.
You’ll trek through a 225-foot lighted tunnel and climb spiral staircases to reach World War II bunkers at the summit.
4. Swim with Sea Turtles at Turtle Canyon
Just off Waikiki’s shores lies an underwater hangout where Hawaiian green sea turtles come for their daily spa treatment.
Watch as smaller fish give these gentle giants a “shell cleaning” while you float above the action in crystal-clear waters.
The site sits 20-45 feet deep, but excellent visibility means you’ll spot plenty of turtles cruising up to the shallows.
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5. Explore Volcanoes National Park
Stand in awe before Kilauea, one of Earth’s most active volcanoes, as it continues shaping the Big Island.
The park’s 150 miles of hiking trails take you through rainforests and craters, while the Chain of Craters Road delivers you to where molten rock meets ocean.
Stay after sunset to witness the ethereal glow of lava against the night sky – it’s pure Hawaiian magic.
6. Paddle to the Mokulua Islands
Grab your paddle and glide across crystal-clear waters toward those iconic twin islands off Lanikai Beach.
These postcard-perfect islets, nicknamed “The Mokes,” sit about 2.4 miles from Kailua Beach Park.
Once you reach Moku Nui (the larger island), explore hidden tide pools, spot sea turtles, and chill on a secluded beach.
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7. Trek to Hanakapi’ai Falls
Hanakapi’ai Falls is an 8-mile round-trip adventure along Kauai’s legendary Na Pali Coast that packs serious wow factor.
The trail starts at Ke’e Beach, climbing past dramatic coastal vistas before descending to Hanakapi’ai Beach at mile two.
From there, venture inland through bamboo forests and cross streams until you reach the jaw-dropping 300-foot waterfall.
The path can be muddy and challenging, but the refreshing pool beneath the falls makes an epic lunch spot. Just remember – no swimming at Hanakapi’ai Beach, those currents mean business.
8. Wander Through Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is pure botanical magic along the Hamakua Coast.
This stunning valley sanctuary houses over 2,000 species of tropical plants, creating a living rainbow of orchids, heliconias, and palms.
Follow the boardwalk past trickling streams to discover the three-tiered Onomea Falls, hidden lily ponds, and a dramatic oceanfront overlook.
The mile-long trail leads you through palm jungles and past century-old mango trees to secret spots perfect for those Instagram moments.
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9. Catch Sunrise at Lanikai Pillbox
Lanikai Pillbox is a 1.6-mile round-trip trek that rewards early birds with some of Oahu’s most spectacular dawn views.
Scramble up the steep but short trail to reach two historic military bunkers perched high above Lanikai Beach.
Sure, you’ll need a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb, but those panoramic views of Kailua Bay and the Ko’olau Mountains make the early wake-up totally worth it.
10. Soar Over Umauma Falls
Zip through the air on four heart-pumping lines stretching two miles across the lush Hamakua Coast.
Race past 14 thundering waterfalls, reaching speeds up to 65 mph while taking in sweeping views of the Pacific and Mauna Kea.
Cross a 200-foot suspension bridge dangling above a water-filled lava tube, and pause at exclusive viewing platforms to marvel at the triple-tiered Umauma Falls.
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11. Step Back in Time at Iolani Palace
Walk the same halls where Hawaiian royalty once ruled in America’s only royal palace.
This architectural gem in downtown Honolulu tells an incredible story of Hawaii’s monarchy through its opulent rooms and precious artifacts.
The Grand Hall’s koa wood staircase and crimson-and-gold Throne Room will make your jaw drop.
Insider Tip: Book the Chamberlain’s Tour on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons to peek inside normally restricted areas and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about palace life.
12. Float Above Maui’s Crescent Moon Crater
Slip into crystal-clear waters inside an ancient volcanic crater at Molokini, where visibility often reaches 150 feet.
This crescent-shaped islet hosts over 250 species of tropical fish darting through 38 types of coral.
Morning tours offer the calmest conditions and best chance to spot curious butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even the state fish with the tongue-twisting name – humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
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13. Swim at Hanauma Bay
At Hanauma, you can snorkel in a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. The shallow, protected waters make this spot ideal even for first-time snorkelers.
Glide past colorful parrotfish, tangs, and butterfly fish in waters so clear you can spot turtles cruising below.
14. Marvel at Kauai’s Grand Canyon
Stand in awe before Waimea Canyon‘s dramatic walls splashed with reds, browns and greens stretching 14 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Take the scenic drive up Waimea Canyon Road, stopping at lookouts for jaw-dropping views that’ll have your camera working overtime.
For the adventurous, hiking trails like Canyon Trail lead to hidden waterfalls and epic viewpoints.
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15. Watch Pro Surfers Tackle Pipeline’s Monster Waves
Winter brings massive 20-foot waves to this legendary North Shore surf spot, where the world’s best surfers test their skills on perfect barrel waves breaking over a shallow reef.
The beach offers front-row seats to nature’s most impressive show – just keep a safe distance and leave the surfing to the pros.
