What to do in Hawaii?

Soon departing for Hawaii and unsure of what activities to do? Besides the white sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, and surfing sessions, Hawaii is full of wonderful things to do... !

Indeed, the archipelago boasts numerous national parks like Na Pali and Haleakalā, allowing you to discover the local flora and fauna... You can also walk through lava fields to get up close to the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, considered the most dangerous in the world, or simply be surprised by the beauty of the red sand beach of Kaihalulu on Maui... Want to know more? Let's go!

The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a stunning metropolis nestled on the island of Oahu. It's a must-visit when vacationing in Hawaii, renowned for its paradise-like setting. Known for its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and waves attracting surfers from around the world, Honolulu is also rich in cultural heritage with its hula dance festivals and celebrations... ✨

Among the activities available in Honolulu, a visit to the Waikiki neighborhood is a great starting point! This area is highly sought after by tourists for its restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Honolulu also hosts historical sites such as the Iolani Palace, the former royal residence, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Among the most beautiful hikes to take during a trip to Hawaii, nearby lies the Diamond Head crater which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the city; it's a must-see.

Are you about to go on vacation to the paradise islands of Hawaii? This destination dreams of every traveler seeking total immersion, pristine nature, and relaxation at the other end of the world. The fine sandy beaches stretch for hundreds of miles... An immense playground for relaxing activities on the sand, as well as water sports like diving and of course surfing! The opportunities for fun in Hawaii are numerous, but book your activities in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon arrival

Waikiki Beach is iconic for its beauty with its golden sand stretching along the translucent waters dominated by the Waianae and Koolau mountains in the background. Ideal for surfing, even for novices, Waikiki Beach delights tourists looking for relaxation and joggers...

If you are unsure where to stay in Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is lined with numerous upscale hotels offering stunning ocean views. You will also find plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, as well as the statue of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a surfing legend. Ideally, stay until sunset, which is definitely worth it, so you can enjoy an exceptional panorama!

What to do in Hawaii? A visit to Na Pali State Park, located on the northwest coast of Kauai, is a must-do activity! This state park is a natural wonder of breathtaking beauty, with its spectacular cliffs seemingly diving into the Pacific Ocean.

Na Pali Park is teeming with lush wild valleys and secluded beaches that can be explored on foot or during an excursion. The endemic flora and fauna contribute to this preserved ecosystem, with rare species like the Kauai monarch and the wild mountain goat.

During a visit to Na Pali Park, visitors can follow the Kalalau Trail, one of the most legendary routes. It stretches over 11 miles and offers extraordinary views along the way! Kayak excursions are also organized around Na Pali. Finally, the sunsets on Na Pali Coast are famous for their striking and almost unreal beauty!

Access to the park is paid, so head to the official online ticketing site to book your entry ️

Located on the island of Oahu, Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a true beauty to discover when traveling to Hawaii. It covers about 400 acres and is home to a stunning diversity of native and exotic plants such as palms, tropical flowers, and fruit trees...

This botanical garden was created in 1982 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control and protect the site from flooding. It is now a refuge for the conservation of Hawaiian biodiversity, brimming with scenic trails, ponds inhabited by aquatic birds, and colorful fish...

Nestled on the northeast coast of Maui, Kaihalulu Beach is highly sought after by tourists eager to discover its unique feature... If you have the chance to visit this beach during your trip to Hawaii, you will be surprised to admire the scarlet color of Kaihalulu Beach's sand!

This stunning deep color offers a beautiful contrast with the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding lava cliffs. To reach this small beach with its own characteristics, visitors must take the Hata road with its 617 twists through lush mountains... Once in Hana, a steep trail leads to Kaihalulu Beach in just a few minutes, a true hidden gem!

Perfect for recharging and enjoying a few hours of tranquility, this hidden beach in Hawaii offers the perfect setting for observing seabirds and endemic flora... So add this spot to your itinerary!

A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is one of the popular activities to do during a trip to Hawaii. This memorial honors the American soldiers who fell during the Pearl Harbor attack by Japanese forces in December 1941, which led to the USA's entry into World War II!

Although this significant historical episode is recounted in numerous films and books, visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial is an experience in itself. It rests above the wreck of the USS Arizona where more than 1,100 sailors lost their lives. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is a must-visit for its exhibits recounting the history of this conflict, and other highlights of the memorial such as the USS Missouri and the USS Oklahoma.

I highly encourage you to participate in a guided tour of Pearl Harbor. Depending on the length of your stay in Hawaii, I encourage you to book this excursion. The day includes a guided tour of Honolulu and the entire Pearl Harbor memorial. The entry ticket includes transportation and all entrance fees to the park.

Mentioned earlier in this article, Diamond Head is clearly one of the most impressive natural sites in Hawaii! Famous for its distinctive bowl-like shape, this crater offers incredible and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast of Oahu once at its summit... ✨

Diamond Head reaches about 760 feet in elevation and is the subject of many hikes. Though steep, it's considered an easy hike that starts in the middle of the volcanic crater. The climb features lovely scenery ranging from endemic vegetation to rock formations. Once at the top, you can admire the Diamond Head crater measuring 3,900 feet in diameter, as well as the view of Honolulu and Waikiki!

For a perfect experience, this available activity offers a self-guided hike at Diamond Head, the best option! This type of excursion includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a certificate attesting to your ascent to the summit. Once there, the choice of the trail that suits your level is up to you

Among the most beautiful places to see in Hawaii, I encourage you to discover Haleakalā National Park, which spans over 130 square kilometers and is located on the island of Maui. In addition to being a refuge for various animal species that exist only on the Hawaiian archipelago, you can admire the traces of lava flows, be surprised by the vast areas of volcanic ash, and the beauty of waterfalls...

This natural site, classified as a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, boasts remarkable biodiversity and spectacular volcanic landscapes dominated by the Haleakalā volcano, its highest point! The Haleakalā volcano rises to over 10,000 feet, high enough to observe stunning sunsets with dazzling hues from its crater

The Road to Hana offers an exhilarating journey through wild Hawaiian nature, showcasing the most beautiful panoramas and some must-see sites. Starting in Paia, this 51-mile road winds along the northeastern coast of Maui, transitioning from town to town. The Hana Highway features no less than 600 turns and crosses 59 bridges through a landscape dotted with steep cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls!

Along the way, visitors can admire the beauty of the Kahanu Botanical Garden, which is filled with native plants, the Wailua waterfalls, or take a short hiking break in Huelo by following the Waikamoi Nature Trail. Here are other must-see stops on the Road to Hana:

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and inscribed as a World Heritage Site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Mauna Loa and Kilauea, the most active and accessible volcanoes in the world! This natural treasure of exceptional beauty offers spectacular landscapes between lava fields and lush forests over approximately 134,795 acres of endemic biodiversity...

Kilauea is famous for its lava lake and is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, having emerged from the sea around 70,000 years ago! As for Mauna Loa, located next to Kilauea, it is considered the largest volcano in the world in terms of area and volume. Depending on how much time you have, I strongly encourage you to discover this natural wonder during your stay in Hawaii!

The visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is based on a beautiful hike along trails that lead to lava fields, craters, and lush tropical forests! You can also follow the Crater Rim Drive road to quickly access the top of the Kīlauea Caldera. This route provides views of the caldera, leading to hiking trails to admire the phenomenon more closely. You might also participate in a guided hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn more about the island's geology

Although there are no direct flights connecting France and Hawaii, you can opt to fly to reach the archipelago easily. Numerous flights from Paris have layovers in Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles! Several airlines offer flights to Honolulu airport, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Air Canada, and United Airlines. Expect between 19 and 24 hours of travel and a budget of about $2,000 for a round-trip ticket. The best thing to do is to compare prices on a specialized website such as Ulysse ✈️

When to go to Hawaii? On the Hawaiian archipelago, the climate is based on two seasons: summer, from May to October, and winter, from November to April. Throughout the year, temperatures range between 77 and 84 degrees, meaning you can plan a trip to Hawaii at any time!

However, it is highly recommended to travel between June and July, when it is the dry season in Hawaii... Tropical rains are less frequent. For more detailed information on when to visit the United States, I invite you to read my article on the subject

Between Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, you may be wondering where to stay in Hawaii? To get a clear answer and choose accommodation that meets your expectations, I will share two options that really delighted me:

The VIVE Hotel Waikiki is a premium establishment also located in Honolulu, just a 5-minute walk from the beach. It features standard or ocean-view rooms and suites. Beach equipment such as an umbrella or chair can be lent to you. Rooms are available starting at $222 per night for two people including breakfast.

The article on the best activities and the most iconic places to visit in Hawaii has come to an end. I wish you an enjoyable trip! In the meantime, if you are unsure about what to do in Miami or what to do in Boston, I recommend reading my articles that will answer your questions