Lonely PlanetAug 23, 2026
8 things to do in Hawaiʻi and the best way to do them
Experience the best of Hawaiʻi with this guide to the top things to do on the islands.
23 things in this story
- Hanapepe bon danceFestivalFeatures taiko drumming, Japanese music, and traditional folk dances.
- Kauaʻi Soto Zen TempleSightHosts the Hanapepe bon dance.
- Taro Ko ChipsMarketFactory for delicious taro chips.
- Elsewhere
- Nāpali CoastSightKauaʻi, United States17-mile cliff face with deep crevices and dozens of waterfalls.
- ʻIolani PalaceSightOʻahu, United StatesContinue Native Hawaiian education.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNature reserveHawaiʻi, United StatesHome to the very active Kīlauea volcano, with steam vents and lava tube.
- Volcano WineryRestaurantHawaiʻi, United StatesOffers wine tasting.
- Little Fish CoffeeRestaurantKauaʻi, United StatesLocated on the South Shore.
- Kaʻiwa Ridge TrailTrailOʻahu, United StatesOverlooks the Pacific Ocean, Lanikai Beach, and Mokulua Islands.
- Lanikai BeachSightOʻahu, United StatesPerfect place to cool off after a hike.
- PipelineSightOʻahu, United StatesA pipeline is a system of pipes for long-distance transportation of a liquid or gas, typically to a market area for…
- Da Hui Backdoor ShootoutFestivalOʻahu, United StatesA local favorite surfing competition with Pidgin-speaking commentators.
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave IceIce cream shopHawaiʻi, United StatesMastered shave ice with house-made syrups and smooth ice.
- Tidal TheoryPlaceOʻahu, United StatesOffers leather lei-making workshops.
- Hook and HidePlaceOʻahu, United StatesLocation for leather lei-making workshops.
- Kō Hana RumRestaurantOʻahu, United StatesOffers tasting of sugarcane-based rums and distillery tours.
- Wahiawā Botanical GardenSightOʻahu, United StatesA place for a stroll.
- Hanalei Dolphin Fish MarketRestaurantHanalei, United States
- ʻEhukai Beach ParkSightOʻahu, United States
- Ted’s BakeryRestaurantOʻahu, United States
- Waikīkī BeachSightOʻahu, United States
- Baby BeachSightOʻahu, United States
- Shige’s Saimin StandRestaurantOʻahu, United States
