What to see and do in Hawai‘i

Fast facts

A chain of 8

The main Hawaiian islands are, from east to west, Hawai‘i (often called “the Big Island”), Maui, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Ni‘ihau. A string of uninhabited isles and atolls form the Northwestern Hawai‘ian Islands to the northwest of Ni‘ihau, including French Frigate Shoals and Midway Atoll.

Hawai‘i's hub

Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu is the capital and biggest city in Hawai‘i, and serves as a popular jumping-off point for explorations of the island chain.

What to see

Diamond Head (O‘ahu)

Lace up your sneakers (or hiking boots) and trek to the 761-foot summit of Diamond Head State Monument, where you'll be treated to spectacular 360-degree vistas of Waikiki. The hike is steep and you'll need to bring water and sun protection, but the breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile, and this is one of the best fun things to do with friends.

Pearl Harbor (O‘ahu)

On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes and submarines attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on the O‘ahu shore—the galvanizing event that ushered America into the Second World War. Today, this fateful lagoon falls within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (formerly part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument), where you can reflect upon the military strike and its repercussions.

“I’d read about it, watched movies depicting it, and heard about it all my life,” Susan says. “But the emotions that come over you when you visit this sacred sight are truly hard to describe.”

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (The Big Island)

One of the standout sites in the U.S. National Park Service, Hawai‘i Volcanoes encompasses a pair of extraordinary “fire mountains”: Mauna Loa, among the largest summits on Earth; and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes. Kilauea, Susan notes, “is seen by millions of tourists each year, which makes it the most visited attraction in Hawai‘i and the most visited volcano in the world.”

From its bleakly beautiful craters to its thriving rainforest, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is spellbinding—famous for the red glow of the lava at night.

Mauna Kea (The Big Island)

It's no secret that this dormant volcano has great night skies—that's why its 13,800-foot summit is home to 13 telescopes, including some of the largest in the world. Since the summit is closed to the public at night, stargazers should head to the parking lot at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet. (The center itself is closed as of Oct. 19.) Nighttime temperatures at this elevation can fall below freezing, so dress warmly.

The Road to Hana (Maui)

Ranking among the world’s all-out beauty drives, the Road to Hana—aka the Hana Highway—runs some 65 miles between Kahului and Hana along Maui's northern coast. On tap is a magnificent distillation of some of Hawai‘i's defining scenery: abundant waterfalls, verdant plant life, postcard-perfect beaches, and ocean vistas: 

“The drive to Hana is definitely worth it,” Susan says. “For those who get carsick, though, you might want to refrain" or take motion-sickness medicine.

Read about the top 7 things to do on a Hana Highway road trip

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

The highest point on Maui, this 10,023-foot shield volcano dominates the island’s east and is the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park. This remarkable terrain stretches from the vast, windswept summit crater to the pounding surf of the Kipahulu coast. As the national park with the most endangered species in the country, Haleakala is teeming with unique beauty.

Read about the top 5 things to do at Haleakala National Park

Waimea Canyon (Kaua‘i)

The awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon in western Kaua'i is a gaping, colorful abyss more than 2,500 feet deep that you can goggle at from Highway 550, or drop into via an extensive trail network.

As Susan puts it: “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific—what more can you say but, ‘Spectacular!’ ”

What to eat

Traditional luau food

Communal cooking and feasting combined with music and dancing makes the luau one of the best-known cultural experiences in Hawai‘i. “This celebration of Hawaiian culture is not to be missed,” Susan says. Dishes at luaus often include kalua pig roasted in an underground oven, the taro-root starch known as poi, and the zestily seasoned raw fish called poke.

Spam

Yes, you read that right: Spam, the humble canned meat brought to Hawai‘i by the U.S. military and enthusiastically adapted into local cuisine.

“Hawai‘i consumes more Spam than any other state,” Susan explains. “It can be found in many dishes, from Spam fried rice to Spam eggs. Hawai‘i even hosts a Spam festival each year.”

Where to stay & how to get around

Stay on O‘ahu

"In O‘ahu, consider iconic Waikiki Beach for surfing, shopping, and easy transportation around the island," Susan says. "If you’re in the mood for a quieter and more peaceful relaxation-focused getaway, Turtle Bay in the north may be more up your alley.”

Stay on Maui

“In Maui,” Susan says, “consider the Wailea area if you’re a golf enthusiast. For great stretches of beach, plentiful restaurants, and nightlife, look into the Ka'anapali area.”

Travel offers and deals