Hawaii is an incredible destination with 137 islands, though only a few are inhabited. In this post we will talk mostly about the most commonly visited. Hawaii offers so much, everything from volcanoes and beaches to history and cultural centers.

1. Whale Watching - Whale watching has definitely been one of my favorite things we’ve done in Hawaii. Whale watching season typically runs November to April but most sightings occur December - March. Maui is the island I have found to be the best for whale watching but you can whale watch from the Big Island, Oahu and Kauai too. You can plan a tour or watch them from the beach and sometimes even your balcony! 
2. Volcano - A visit to the Big Island isn’t complete without exploring the volcano. Witnessing an active eruption during our last trip made the experience even more unforgettable.
3. Beaches - Hawaii is home to some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. Maui is my personal favorite, but the Big Island’s Westin Hapuna Beach is a close second! Keep in mind that the ocean can be rough in some areas, so always check conditions—especially if traveling with kids. There are so many beaches it is too hard to even list my favorites (at least in this post). 
4. Pearl Harbor - Our first mention of Oahu. History. What else can I say? Honestly, I wasn’t initially thrilled about going, but I was blown away by the experience. It’s one of those places you truly can’t fully grasp until you visit in person. Highly recommend making time for this stop.
5. Polynesian Cultural Center - Another Oahu gem. There are cultural presentations from Hawaii, Aotearoa, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. There are games, fun, and treats throughout! It’s an all-day adventure filled with games, performances, and cultural insights, capped off with an unforgettable luau.  Note: Since it’s run by the LDS Church, alcohol is not available.
6. Night Snorkeling with the Manta Rays - Hands down one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had! I was initially terrified—night snorkeling, huge manta rays, and my not-so-great snorkeling skills—but it turned out to be absolutely magical. The rays are harmless and are drawn to the light, creating an up-close encounter like no other.
7. Na Pali Coast boat tour - There are several options on Kauai to do this. The views of the towering sea cliffs, waterfalls, and lush landscapes are breathtaking. Definitely a can’t miss on Kauai.
8. Haleakala - Experiencing the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā is truly breathtaking. As the sun rises above the clouds, the view is nothing short of magical—unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. However, it gets extremely cold at the top, so be sure to bring warm layers—swimsuits and flip-flops won’t cut it! This unforgettable moment is well worth the early wake-up call.
9. Road to Hana - The Road to Hana in Maui is a breathtaking journey filled with stunning stops along the way. You can experience it in several ways—by taking a guided tour with a driver, using an audio guide while driving yourself, or simply exploring at your own pace to see what you discover. We've traveled this road multiple times over the years, and it has become easier each time. On our first trip, the narrow, winding roads felt a bit daunting, but we made it! Today, with more guardrails in place, it’s not quite as intimidating. Even before those improvements, the drive was absolutely worth it to witness incredible sights like the black sand beach and cascading waterfalls. If you're visiting Maui, this adventure is an absolute must!
10. Luau - No Hawaii trip is complete without a trip to a Luau. We always make sure to hit at least one. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food, music, and mesmerizing performances. There are tons of Luau’s available on each island but a couple of the most popular are Old Lahaina Luau on Maui, Luau Kalamaku on Kauai, Germaine’s Luau on Oahu, and Feast & Fire Luau on the Big Island.

With so much to see and do, narrowing it down to just ten was tough! These are some of our personal favorites, but there’s plenty more to discover.

Ready to plan your first—or next—Hawaii getaway? Let me take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making unforgettable memories! 

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