Welcome to our ultimate guide to discovering all the unforgettable things to do in Hawaii! Whether you’re drawn to Hawaii’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, or endless adventure, each island offers something unique for everyone.
Below, you’ll find tailored recommendations to help you make the most of each island, whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or a little bit of both. So dive in, discover Hawaii’s wonders, and start planning your dream getaway with our curated list of must-see sights, top beaches, epic hikes, and exclusive tours for each island.
Hawaii Things to Do
- Select an Island Below -
Across the islands, you’ll find captivating sights, pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a wide range of guided tours that cater to every kind of traveler. From the lush valleys of Kauai and the iconic beaches of Oahu to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island and the serene coastlines of Maui, Hawaii’s diversity ensures that every trip is a memorable one.
Hawaii Tours & Activities
- Select an Island Below -
Hawaii is more than breathtaking beaches—it’s a destination filled with endless opportunities for adventure and discovery; not to mention some amazing Hawaii tours. From thrilling helicopter tours over active volcanoes to serene sunset cruises and cultural luaus, each island offers unique experiences that capture the essence of Hawaii.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cityscapes and iconic landmarks of Oahu, hiking through lush valleys and hidden waterfalls on Maui, uncovering the rugged beauty of Kauai, or immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of the Big Island, Hawaii has something for everyone.
Explore Hawaii Attractions
- Select an Island Below -
Hawaii’s islands are brimming with natural beauty and iconic landmarks waiting to be explored. From world-famous beaches and scenic hiking trails to historic sites and breathtaking vistas, each island offers its unique attractions that showcase the magic of Hawaii.
Whether you’re relaxing on the sun-soaked shores of Oahu, marveling at the cascading waterfalls and winding trails of Maui, uncovering hidden gems amidst the lush landscapes of Kauai, or venturing through the volcanic wonders of the Big Island, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to discover.
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Trade winds are strong right now, with high surf hitting the south shore today. Windward areas are seeing frequent showers through the weekend.
South-facing beaches have dangerous surf today through Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will build rough water by Sunday or Monday. The bigger picture is a tropical system, Fausto, heading our way. It's weakening but should arrive near the islands by Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain. The exact track is still uncertain, so check the forecast daily.
Get your beach time and water activities in today through early next week on the leeward side, where conditions stay calmer. Be ready to shift plans by midweek when conditions turn rough.
0:000:52
Voice
Read the transcript
Windy conditions across Maui right now, with trade winds gusting strong. South-facing shores have high surf today and will see another big swell Saturday and Sunday—the water's dangerous unless you're an experienced ocean swimmer.
Through the weekend, windward areas will get frequent showers while trade winds stay gusty. The bigger picture arrives midweek: Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward the islands and should reach Maui as a tropical storm or weaker system Tuesday or Wednesday. That'll bring rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Hit the leeward beaches and snorkel south Maui coasts today through early next week, but stay out of windward and south-facing waters through Sunday.
0:000:54
Voice
Read the transcript
Windy conditions dominate right now with strong trade winds pushing across the island. South-facing shores have high surf today—dangerous water if you're not an experienced swimmer.
Through the weekend, those south shores see another big swell Saturday and Sunday, and east-facing shores will build dangerous conditions by Sunday or Monday. Windward areas get frequent showers. A tropical system—the remnants of Hurricane Fausto—is weakening and headed toward the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system by Tuesday or Wednesday, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain midweek. Timing and track are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Leeward beaches on the Kona side stay your best bet today through early next week, but avoid the water on the windward and south shores through Sunday.
0:000:57
Voice
Read the transcript
Strong trade winds are pushing showers across windward areas through the weekend. On Kauaʻi, expect frequent showers on the windward side.
High surf is running on south-facing shores today and will build again Saturday and Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will also see dangerous swell by Sunday or Monday. Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward Hawaii. By Tuesday or Wednesday it should reach the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily through midweek.
Beach time on leeward shores works through early next week. Plan water activities for today, but be ready to shift if Fausto's track becomes clearer—conditions will deteriorate by midweek.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out