23 Experiences for the Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List
From breathtaking hikes to delicious Hawaiian staples, here is what you need to do when you visit Hawaii.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From cruising through windy roads to Hana in Maui or feasting on shrimp plates in Haleiwa, here are 23 experiences you don't want to miss on your
Hawaii
bucket list. Hawaii is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations thanks to the diverse experiences it has to offer. From breathtaking hikes and mystical dives to a wide variety of local delicacies, there is something for everyone on this cluster of tropical islands. The
car insurance
comparison app Jerry
is here to help you plan your next adventure, Check out our ultimate Hawaii bucket list to find the best outdoor activities, places to eat, and experiences unique to Hawaii! Outdoor activities for your Hawaii bucket list
1. Climb to the top of Diamond Head in Oahu
Where: Honolulu, Oahu
When: 6am to 4pm daily, gates close at 6pm
Why: The 1.8-mile
Diamond Head Summit Trail
is an easy route that will take about 55 minutes to complete. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Honolulu. Check to see if there are any restrictions or advanced registration
required to see the Diamond Head State Monument. How much? $5-$10 entrance fee
2. Hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in Maui
Where: Hana, Maui
When: 9am to 5pm
Why: The
Pipiwai Trail
is 3.8 miles long and takes about two hours to finish. This easy to moderate trail will bring you through a musical bamboo forest and you’ll be greeted by the magnificent Waimoku Falls at the end.How much? $15-$30 entrance fee
3. Snorkel at Tunnels Beach, Kauai
When: Year-round
Why: Tunnels, also known as
Makua Beach
, is one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii. This deceptively large snorkeling area is filled with tunnels to see a medley of large and small tropical fish and coral. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see sea turtles!How much? Free shore access, rental fee for snorkeling equipment
4. Night-dive or snorkel with manta rays, Big Island
Where: Keauhou Bay, Big Island
When: September through February
Why: The only place to snorkel with manta rays is on Big Island. The night snorkeling tour is one of the most popular adventures. Swim alongside these majestic creatures while basking in the moonlight.
How much? $100+/person
5. Hike the Kalalau Trail in Nāpali Coast State Park, Kauai
Where: Nāpali Coast State Park, Kauai
When: Year-round
Why: The
Kalalau Trail
is a backpacker’s dream. This 11-mile trail stretches along the Nāpali Coast, greeting hikers with astonishing coastline views. Visitors will need to make a reservation
up to 30 days ahead. A permit is required
to camp overnight.How much? $1-$5/one-day visit, $30-$100/night for overnight camping
6. Zipline at sunrise through Haleakala National Park, Maui
Where: Haleakala National Park, Maui
When: Subject to availability
Why: Join Skyline Hawaii to go on a
Haleakala sunrise and zipline tour
. Not only will you experience the Maui sunrise, but your adventure will continue with a 5-line zipline tour that will give you 360-degree views 9,740 ft over sea level.How much? $289.95/person
7. Visit the Pohoiki warm/hot springs in the Puna district, Big Island
Where: Puna District, Big Island
When: Year-round
Why: The
Pohoiki warm springs
are part of the Isaac Hale Beach Park and are the last accessible hot pond on Big Island. Enjoy the five warm to hot springs that are naturally volcanically heated on the island!How much? Free
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The meals that should be on your Hawaii bucket list
8. Dole whip from the Dole Plantation of Oahu
Where: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786
When: 9:30am to 5:30pm daily
Why: Visit the
Dole Plantation
for ‘Hawaii’s complete pineapple experience’. Take the Pineapple Express Train Tour to learn more about the plantation and try the world-famous Dole whip ice cream. 9. Kau Kau tins at Tin Roof, Maui
Where: 360 Papa Place, Suite 116, Kahului, HI 96732
When: 10am to 8pm Tuesday-Saturday
Why: Tin Roof is a modern mom-and-pop eatery serving Hawaiian comfort food with a twist. Try their pork belly Kau Kau tin, and don’t forget to add the famous 6-minute egg.
How much? Kau Kau tins, $12+
10. Shrimp plates at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Haleiwa
Where:
Multiple locations
When: Depends on location
Why:
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
first opened in 1953 and has since become the most well-known food truck in Maui. Enjoy their shrimp scampi plate to find out why this truck is so famous worldwide!How much? Shrimp scampi plate, $15
11. Loco Moco at Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
Where: 360 Papa Place, Suite 116, Kahului, HI 96732
When: 7am to 9pm daily
Why: Loco Moco is a scoop of rice topped with a burger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. Visit the historic
Rainbow Drive-In
for an authentic Loco Moco experience.How much? Fruit kolaches, $1.19 each; $13.09 a dozen
12. Poke at Hibachi, Kailua
Where: 515 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734
When: 11am to 5:30pm Mon-Thu, 11am to 6:30pm Fri-Sun
Why: Experience Hawaiian poke at
Hibachi
made from fresh local fish that you won’t get to try in other places. There are many flavors to choose from and you can mix and match your bowl.How much? $10-$18 average price
13. Japanese noodles and tempura at Marugame Udon, Waikiki
Where: 2310 Kuhio Ave, Suite 124, Honolulu, HI 96815
When: 11am to 10pm daily
Why:
Marugame Udon
is famous for its made-to-order handmade Japanese noodles and freshly fried tempura. The curry udon is their signature dish. Choose from a list of 40 flavors and make your unique combination.How much? Curry udon, $7.25 regular, $8.25 large
14. Mochi donuts at Liliha Bakery, Honolulu
Where: 515 N. Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817
When: 6am to 10pm daily
Why:
Liliha Bakery
has been in service since 1950. Their Poi mochi donuts are addictively chewy and a must-try! How much? Poi mochi donuts, $2.39 for one, $13.30 half dozen, $26.50 dozen
15. Shaved ice at Matsumoto, Oahu
Where: 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 605, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712
When: September-October
Why: Established in 1951,
Matsumoto
is one of the most well-known shaved ice stores in Oahu. Choose from a list of 40 flavors to create your unique shave ice.How much? $3.50-$7.00
16. Spam musubi at Cafe Iyasume, Waikiki
Where:
Multiple locations
When: Depends on the location
Why: Cafe Iyasume specializes in rice balls—specifically spam musubi. Their unique toppings make their musubis a must-try when you visit Hawaii!
How much? Spam musubi, $2+
MORE:
Best Hawaiian road trips
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17. Swing off the rope at Waimano Falls in Oahu
Where: Waimano Falls, Oahu
When: Year-round
Why: The hike to
Waimano Falls
will lead you to a natural pool area with a deep pool and big ropes you can swing off. Take the plunge from multiple marked areas while surrounded by the beautiful view of waterfalls.How much? Free!
18. Take in the views at Waimea Canyon Lookout in Kauai
Where: Waimea Canyon, Kauai
When: Year-round
Why: The Waimea Canyon is considered the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and offers spectacular views of the island. You can drive to the summit if you don’t want to hike! You may need to
make reservations in advance
.How much? $5/person, $10 parking for non-Hawaii residents
19. Drive the road to Hana in Maui
Where: Hana Highway
When: Year-round
Why: Enjoy the scenic drive along the northeast coastline of Maui. The windy and narrow Hana Highway can be quite exhilarating to drive. You can make multiple stops along the way to appreciate all the different sceneries.
How much? Free!
20. Giant green sea turtle and monk seal viewing at Poipu Beach, Kauai
Where: Poipu Beach, Kauai
When: Every Wednesday and Friday
Why: Poipu Beach is the most popular beach on the South Shore, and not just for the golden sand and spectacular views. You can often see giant green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals lounging on the beach as well.
How much? Free!
21. Visit a Kona coffee farm, Big Island
Where:
Multiple coffee farms
When: Depends on the farm
Why: Touring a Kona coffee farm is a must for coffee lovers. Many coffee farms organize tours on their property so that you can see how the coffee beans are grown and processed. The different farms are located in Kona, Ka’u, and close to Hilo.
How much? Depends on the tour
22. Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Oahu
Where: Pearl Harbor, Oahu
When: 7am to 5pm daily, except Thanksgiving, Dec 25, and Jan 1. Programs run from 8am to 3:30pm
Why: Visit the
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
to learn about a pivotal point in US history. You will need to make a reservation
for the USS Arizona Memorial Program which includes the boat ride to the memorial.How much? Free!
23. Visit Costco in Hawaii
When: 10am-8:30pm Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun
Why: Did you know that Costco memberships are valid worldwide? Take this opportunity to visit Costco in Hawaii to discover exclusive food items like poke, sushi bake, kakimochi (rice crackers), and macadamia nuts!
How much? Depends on what you buy!
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