Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii

Things to do in Hawaii

Shopping in Hawaii

With their special, refreshing fragrances, locally made shower bath & body products like body lotions, oils, and soaps made from Hawaiian ingredients make for great souvenirs from your holiday trip to Hawaii. Also exclusive to Hawaii are sandals, bags and wall ornaments made from Lauhala leaves. Other great finds include the quintessential floral aloha shirts, muumuu (loose cotton dresses with prints), woven hats, handcrafted feather headbands, hand woven cloth, capes and bags with gorgeous Hawaiian applique designs or copies of traditional Hawaiian instruments made from stones, shells, bamboo, gourds, seeds, and lumber.

Shuttle buses from key locations take you to malls like the Royal Hawaiian Centre and Ala Moana Shopping Centre in Waikiki. Suss out interesting buys at markets like the Aloha Tower Marketplace on Honolulu Harbour and the International Market Place, where there are outdoor performances and restaurants. For branded outlet shopping, head down to Waikele Premium Outlets for a wide variety of luxury, fashion, sporting and lifestyle brands.

Places to Visit In Hawaii

Tourism is restricted to the southernmost islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Molokai, and Lanai. Rich in biodiversity and famous for abundant wildlife, tropical fruits, floral and fauna, each island offers something for every tourist.

The populous island of Oahu is perfect for those who want to experience island life while retaining city comforts. Many rainforest and eco trails present Hawaiian hiking opportunities in close proximity to the famous Waikiki Beach. Waikiki snorkel trails and shark snorkel dives are popular, together with other Hawaii dive trips. Take in famous sights like Diamond Head and the Dole Plantation, or revisit history with the famous Pearl Harbour Tours. Cultural activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center also make for a great way to learn more about Hawaiian culture.

For a more relaxing pace, head to the other neighboring islands to really unwind against a backdrop of natural wonders, like Haleakala, a 3000-metre dormant Hawaiian volcano. Take the road to Hana, one of the most scenics on Maui. Journey over bridges, past waterfalls and end up at the majestic Oheo Gulch Pools (“Seven Sacred Pools”). If Hawaii’s hiking trails are your thing, navigating Molokai’s scenic cliff trails on the back of a mule can be a thrilling yet rewarding experience.

Book a Kauai helicopter trip or explore it on foot to take in the true beauty of Waimea Canyon and several magnificent Hawaiian botanical gardens. This unbridled, carefree island has been featured in many films over the past twenty years. The same goes for the Big Island, where you can fly over an enormous volcano while feeling the heat radiating from the center of its core at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Water Sports, Diving & Snorkelling in Hawaii 

Hawaii is synonymous with beach and water sports, with surfing being practiced with an almost religious zeal.

Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling are commonplace in Hawaii tourist areas too. Plunge into the depths of Cathedrals, Lanai’s top diving spot with up to 21-metre deep pinnacles and caverns caused by the coral formations there.

A great snorkeling spot at Maui is the Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic crater. Also, don’t miss Hawaiian humpback whale watching the season from mid-December to mid-April. Perhaps you might spot the giant humpbacks as they migrate to Hawaiian waters for birthing. Embark on a dolphin tour and get the rare chance to swim with live dolphins in their natural habitat at the Big Island.

Sponsors

Get inspired, or browse by interest