Top Tourist Attractions in Hawaii USA
Plan your trip with the best places to see in Hawaii, everything from attractions, things to do in Hawaii, things to do in Oahu, activities, and adventures.
Hawaii is an idyllic location with gorgeous natural scenery and epic waterfalls. Whether you want to sunbathe on Waikiki Beach or go on a romantic helicopter tour over Molokai, there is something here for everyone.
We list the top attractions if you’re looking for the best things to do in Hawaii. We’ve covered you, from the best beaches on Maui to Lanai’s secluded beaches and Oahu’s spectacular snorkeling spots to the best things to do on Kauai and Big Island.
10 best places to visit in Hawaii for your next vacation
- Dole Plantation
- Ala Moana Center
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Duke’s Waikiki
- Kualoa Ranch
- Hawai Volcanoes National Park
- Kailua Beach Park
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
- Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
Although Hawaii is a popular vacation destination, many tourists miss its best attractions. Here’s how to experience the best things to do in Hawaii.
Eat Poi
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root. The root is pounded and mashed into a thick paste served with fish, meat, or fowl. Although it looks disgusting, it tastes beautiful and is one of the best foods you will ever eat.
Visit Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a marvelous place with a rich history of marine biology. It is also a metaphor for how humans have changed their environment and how it has changed them.
The bay’s name comes from the Hawaiian word “Hana,” meaning “fragrant.” One of the first Europeans to see Hanauma Bay was John Young, sailing back to England in 1778 when they came upon what they thought was a small island. Young named it after his daughter Hana.
Hanauma Bay offers stunning beauty and exciting adventures under the sea. This crescent-shaped bay is home to hundreds of fish species, marine life, corals, sponges, and other sea creatures. Take an underwater tour for up-close viewing of this great area.
Waikiki Aquarium
This beautiful aquarium displays colorful native Hawaiian fish and many exotic species. There is a 100,000-gallon tank with sharks and other large reef fish and an outdoor show with tide pools where you can reach out and touch some friendly sea creatures.
In addition to the fish, there are displays of sea anemones, corals, and other sea life in the Pacific Ocean. The Waikiki Aquarium also offers many educational programs on marine life and ocean conservation for children and adults.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916. The park allows visitors to view volcanic eruptions and walk through lava tubes. The park also has a diverse range of plant life, including many endangered species.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, where some of the world’s most active volcanoes can be found. The park is open all year round; however, certain areas may be closed with high volcanic activity.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a fantastic place to see nature at its most magnificent. This park is home to the Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth. There are several hiking trails where you can see various volcanic formations up.
Hawaii is a godsend for outdoorsy types.
Hiking through the fern-covered jungle trails of Maui’s Haleakala National Park is an otherworldly experience, from lava-strewn beaches and 10,000-foot volcanoes to lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls.
You can also spend your days surfing some of the world’s best waves on the Big Island, snorkeling the turquoise waters off Kauai, or kayaking over coral reefs on Oahu.
Hawaii’s art scene and cultural heritage
The islands are awash with natural wonders, but there’s more to Hawaii than its dramatic landscapes: If you’re looking to get under these islands’ skin, seek out authenticity.
Hawaiian experiences like attending a ukulele concert at Honolulu’s East-West Center or hiking Diamond Head Crater at sunrise.
The Aloha State is also home to a thriving arts scene and rich cultural heritage. From historic plantation towns to quirky art galleries in sleepy beach towns, Hawaii has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore off the beaten path.
Conclusion
Hawaii has many activities – from hiking past giant bamboo forests, watching humpback whales breach from a boat, and snorkeling with turtles. There are endless Hawaii activities and excursions to choose from.
You’ll love visiting Oahu’s Pearl Harbor or taking an ATV tour through Hana Haleakala Crater on Maui. Enjoy island hopping by ferry or fly up for a day trip to look at volcanoes on Big Island’s Kilauea volcano by helicopter.