Top Hawaii Bucket List Tours and Activities
Tips on how to check as many bucket list tours and activities in Hawaii as possible. Weʻll cover from Na Pali to Pearl Harbor and Haleakala to Kilauea. Make sure to read these this post before you travel to the islands.
Top 10 (plus) Hawaii bucket list tour questions
While you can take a flight, the Pride of America is the easiest option between the Hawaiian Islands.
Hard to choose. The island is massive, so a helicopter is a good bet for sightseeing.
There are various great ways to visit Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii.
Depends on personal preference, but most would say Haleakala on the Valley Isle of Maui.
The Wailua River is an excellent place to try a paddleboard or kayak.
We always recommend private tours so you can customize the day for your family.
Thatʻs got to be the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial on Oahu.
Definitely Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum near Downtown Honolulu.
Undoubtedly subjective, but we love the view of the breathtaking Na Pali Coastline on the island of Kauai.
You canʻt get much more extreme than swimming with sharks.
Read more about our favorite family activity for a Hawaiian vacation.
Schedule your bucket list activities early.
You donʻt want to miss out on the things you were most looking forward to experiencing. Thatʻs why once you know you want to do something, you should book it. Things tend to sell out quickly. Especially if you are traveling to Hawaii during the Summer or Holidays. But for those who want help planning your vacation, check out the rest of our itinerary ideas.
That way, you can relax and hang loose.
Weʻve all forgotten to book that crucial activity or transportation. That is never fun. Who needs that extra stress on vacation? Nobody, thatʻs who.
While there are activities like Manoa Falls that donʻt require reservations, most places do nowadays. So, anything you really want to do, book early.
Hawaii tips based on where you stay
What you can check off your Hawaii vacation bucket list depends on what island or part of it you are staying in. If you are visiting anywhere other than Oahu, youʻll probably want a rental car, but weʻll get into that shortly. In addition, each island in Hawaii is different and unique from the rest. So some activities can only be found in certain places.
For those families staying in Waikiki
Most of this wish list can be easy for you to accomplish. You can even achieve the neighbor island activities on a day trip from Honolulu.
But donʻt worry if you arenʻt staying on Oahu. Itʻs pretty easy to fly in for the day from almost any Hawaiian Island. Not to mention, you can typically squeeze a lot in during that time.
Whatʻs the best way to get around?
This question has only two answers on the island of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai. That is to either rent a car or take a tour. While there are public transportation options, they are much different than all the options on Oahu. Being a big City and a relatively small island, itʻs relatively easy to get around.
Getting around the island of Oahu
Of course, you can take a tour or rent a car. If you choose the latter, we have some GPS-guided driving tours to make the trip easier and more fun. They are all handicap accessible and completely customizable.
You can even use them in a taxi or rideshare, which are easy to find, at least in Honolulu. We also have an excellent bus system and brand-new light rail. But the further out of the City you get, the longer you may have to wait.
Can you travel between islands in Hawaii?
While there are plenty of flights between the islands, especially from Oahu, that can add up quickly. Both your time and money are even more precious on vacation. However, plenty of people visit more than one island in Hawaii, so donʻt let us discourage you. Whether itʻs a 1-day trip or you have a little longer to stay, itʻs typically worth it, but there is an easier way.
Honorable Mention: Pride of America Cruise
This is virtually the only option to travel between the Hawaiian Islands by boat. We briefly had a ferry service, but that didnʻt last very long. The food certainly wasnʻt as good as on the Pride of America by Norwegian.
The seven-day itinerary starts and ends in Honolulu. From there, it typically goes to Kahului, Kona, Hilo, and then Kauai. Since they travel at night, there are no sea days.
Bucket list Hawaii island activities
The activity options on Hawaii island are as seemingly endless as lava flowing from Kilauea. There are waterfalls, beaches of different colors, turtles, coffee, and much more. You can even find Cowpolks or Paniolo, and even snow on Mauna Kea. Which is the biggest mountain on Earth if you measure from the sea floor.
10. Helicopter tour of Hawaii Island
In addition, the island boasts the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, along with Hualalai. But you canʻt forget Kohala up North, either. Not to mention the breathtaking valleys and waterfalls.
Thatʻs one of the reasons that if you are ever going to do a helicopter tour, consider Hawaii island. Cover in a few hours what would take about 14 to do in a rental car.
Will I see lava on my trip to Hawaii?
We certainly hope so, at least at Halemaumau. But as you know, thatʻs up to the volcano. While eruptions from Kilauea can last hours or decades, Mauna Loa typically only flows for a couple of weeks. So, if you are lucky enough to be here when they are active, make the time to view it from a safe and far distance.
9. Trip to Volcanoes National Park
You can visit this incredible National Park with a rental car or on a tour. It doesnʻt matter if you start in Hilo or Kona. However, the Windward drive is a little shorter, and you can stop at Panaewa.
But given the choice, we prefer driving the Kona side. Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau, see coffee farms and Kealakekua Bay. Either way, donʻt forget Punaluu black sand beach.
Our favorite Maui activities and tours
Maui is obviously still hurting after the devastating firestorm that ripped through the historic town. We are not advocating for you go to Lahaina right or not. Some people there arenʻt ready for visitors yet. But if you were already scheduled, wanting to support the Economy, or just volunteering, we hope you will contribute to the relief efforts in any way you can.
8. Sunrise or Sunset on top of Haleakala
Our favorite place is on the other end of the island, up on top of Haleakala. It doesnʻt matter if you go during the daytime, sunrise, or sunset. This place is special.
You do need to make reservations for the sunrise trip up the mountains, regardless of whether you drive or take a tour. But not the rest of the day.
Can you kayak or paddleboard in Kauai?
Kauai is spectacular. That doesnʻt even do it justice. From Hanalei to Waimea, there is nothing like it. Just donʻt expect a City. Things are done differently on the island, and that’s how everyone prefers. Kamehameha never conquered their Kingdom. Oh, and yes, itʻs one of the places where Jurassic Park was filmed.
7. Paddle or kayak up the Wailua River
No matter how often you go up that river, it never gets old. You never know what kind of extraordinary things you will find back there. The scenery and serenity are hard to beat.
You can rent equipment and launch close to the bridge. Just mind how you are parked. But there are also several great guided tours or ferry options.
What is the best way to see Oahu?
Like any other island, you can take a helicopter tour of Oahu. Those are spectacular and perfect if you donʻt have a whole day. On the other hand, we have a plan for that. Just check out more Hawaii tips and advice in the ideal 1 Day Island Itinerary.
6. Your Oahu Private Circle Island Tours
Hereʻs a Hawaii tip, most of the options in that itinerary lead back to an Oahu Circle Island Tour. That way, you get a little taste of what the Gathering Place offers.
You can even visit Pearl Harbor and then tour around the Koolau Mountains. You can even go with public transportation or a GPS-guided tour.
Pearl Harbor Bucket List Hawaii tours
Whether you should go with a guide or on your own depends on you. There are certainly advantages to both. But before you decide, we have some island secrets for the best way to visit Pearl Harbor. It is an (actual) insider guide with tips from over a decade around the Memorial.
5. Visit the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial
While there may be very little we havenʻt seen here, believe it or not, thereʻs still so much waiting. For instance, we had still never been to the Top of the Tower when this was written.
Perhaps even more embarrassing to admit, not even the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour. Youʻd be surprised how often this place changes. But the Arizona Memorial is generally the main reason for the trip.
Some tips for learning more about Hawaii
Honolulu has art, food, museums, statues, and a Palace. This is a great place to start learning about Hawaii. The staff at these places are caring, kind, and incredible at what they do, especially at Iolani. Hopefully, that will be one of your first visits as soon as you leave the resort.
4. Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum
They offer a wide variety of guided and self-guided tours. Plus, they just added the Kalakaua Legacy Tour. Where you will learn more about the Merry Monarch. You may remember him from the Walking Tours by AT.Hi.
After the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, Charles Reed founded the Bishop Museum. It was in honor of his wife and to rescue artifacts from the foreign looters.
Where is the best view in Hawaii?
Donʻt come for us. Itʻs all subjective. Just next door, plenty of people would argue in favor of the Waimea Canyon view. Then, even further next door, some would say itʻs Waimea Bay. Weʻre not saying this is the view to end all of them, and anyone who disagrees is wrong. But weʻre not, not saying that…
3. See the Na Pali Coastline in person
By plane, train, or automobile, see the Na Pali Coast. Actually, itʻs more like foot, boat, or helicopter. But the good news is that it doesnʻt matter. You wonʻt be disappointed.
Whether you go along or with a guide, you will need reservations. But be extra mindful in the wet winter season. People get trapped (or worse) there more often than they should.
Adventurous Hawaii Bucket List tours
Weʻll throw in some more honorable mentions for this one. Probably, skydiving wouldʻve been at the top of the list, but not anymore. Now, there is even a Navy Seal Tour. Yes, you read that right. Did you know Kamehamehameha had to fight a tiger shark and bring back itʻs eye? That was just for training.
2. Swim with the sharks on the North Shore
But donʻt worry, weʻll keep it a little more reasonable. You donʻt have to fight them. Thatʻs if all goes according to plan, at least. However, you can swim with them.
For the slightly more sane, there are the cages on the North Shore. On the other hand, if thatʻs a little tame, you donʻt need the protection. As long as youʻre with the professionals.
The best activity to do in Hawaii…
But our #1 bucket list favorite Hawaii tour or activity and tip is to give back. As cool as this place is, it gets better. There are many ways to learn, pitch in, and have a great time. The secret on the island is we actually do it for fun. The other parts are definitely a bonus. Not to mention, thereʻs almost always food involved.
1. Give back to the islands and Community
The easiest way is a beach or trail cleanup. Just be careful pulling any plants you are unfamiliar with. The time flies by, and kids actually love it, especially if you turn it into a game or competition.
Another great way is by planting native species at the Gunstock Ranch. But there are so many great options. Another is restoring Hawaiian fishponds.
Discount Hawaii bucket list activities
For those kind enough to do something like that, weʻll give you a get a discount with Your Oahu Community Service Tours. Spend just one stop making a positive impact and save hundreds of dollars on the regular price. Everything is custom and private so you can choose from any Oahu tour route.
Save on Your Private Tours of Oahu, Hawaii
Donʻt worry. You donʻt have to work on your vacation. We also have a Buy 2 get the 3rd for half price. Itʻs the best way to knock out the Hawaii bucket list on tour. Or at least the one for Oahu.
We also offer Your Private Oahu Transfer Tours. Save money and time while skipping the hassle entirely. We handle the luggage, show you around, and on to your next destination.
As always, mahalo nui loa for checking out the Things to do on Oahu Blog. Make sure to follow us on social media for updates and ideas for your family vacation to Hawaii. Donʻt forget to share with your family and friends. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or requests you may have.
We hope this post gave you good Hawaii tips and more itinerary ideas for your trip. Hopefully, weʻll get to show you around Oahu. But no matter what, enjoy your vacation, and thank you for reading. If you have more questions, weʻve posted some more answers.
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