Table of Contents
Is there a top 10 honorable mention bucket list activity?
Traveling between islands: While you can take a flight, the Pride of America is the easiest option between the Hawaiian Islands.
Whatʻs the most unforgettable tour of Hawaii island.
Hard to choose. But the island is massive, so a helicopter is a good bet for sightseeing.
Is there a best options for seeing a volcano?
There are various great ways to visit Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii.
Where can you see the best sunrise view in the Islands?
Depends on personal preference, but most would say Haleakala on the Valley Isle of Maui.
What is the best island to try paddle boards or kayaks?
The Wailua River is an excellent place to try a paddle board or kayak.
Do we have a favorite Oahu circle island tour?
We always recommend private tours so you can customize the day for your family.
Whats the most popular Hawaii bucket list tour?
Thatʻs got to be the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial on Oahu.
Who has our favorite historic and cultural tours on Oahu?
Definitely Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum near Downtown Honolulu.
How can you find the tour with the best island views?
Undoubtedly subjective, but we love the view of the breathtaking Na Pali Coastline on the island of Kauai.
What is the best adventure tour in Hawaii?
You canʻt get much more extreme than swimming with sharks.
What is our absolute favorite excursion in the islands?
Read more about our favorite family activity for a Hawaiian vacation.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or a solo adventure, this list will help you check off your Hawaii bucket list with confidence. We even have a variety of itinerary ideas to help you along the way.
Book your bucket list activities early.
The most critical Hawaii travel tip: don’t wait to book. Many tours and activities sell out weeks in advance, especially during summer or the holidays. Missing the one thing you were most excited about can leave a lasting regret, and who wants that on vacation?
Some activities don’t require reservations. But for anything iconic, Pearl Harbor tickets, Haleakala sunrise, or a helicopter tour, secure your spot as soon as you know you want to go. You’ll thank yourself later.
Hawaii tips based on where you stay
Your bucket list will look a little different depending on where you’re based. Staying in Waikiki? You’ll find it easy to knock out several highlights on Oahu, even if you only have one day, and even catch neighbor island experiences with a quick day trip.
Best ways to get around Hawaii
Transportation is one of the most significant factors in how much you can experience.
- Oahu: Car optional. Public buses, the new light rail, taxis, and rideshares make it easy to get around Honolulu. But if you want to explore beyond the city, think North Shore surf breaks, windward coast beaches, or Pearl Harbor, a rental car or guided tour is the way to go.
- Big Island, Maui, and Kauai: Car or tour essential. These islands are bigger, spread out, and less connected by public transit. Driving yourself means flexibility, but guided tours let you relax and just take in the views.
- Guided vs. Self-Guided: Tours provide insider access and storytelling you might otherwise miss. If you’re more independent, GPS audio tours are a fun option. They cue up history, legends, and local tips automatically as you drive.
Can you travel between islands in Hawaii?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as hopping in a car. Interisland flights are frequent, especially from Honolulu, but costs and time add up quickly. If you want a sampler of multiple islands, one unique option is the Pride of America Cruise, which sails round-trip from Honolulu and stops at Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Since the ship moves at night, you wake up ready to explore a new island each day.
Top 10 Hawaii bucket list tours & activities
10. Helicopter tour of Hawaii Island
The Big Island was made for helicopter adventures. In just a couple of hours, you’ll soar above waterfalls that would take all day to hike to.
9. Explore Volcanoes National Park
No trip to Hawaii Island feels complete without exploring Volcanoes National Park. Drive yourself or join a guided tour. Either way, you’ll encounter lava landscapes, steam vents, and the unforgettable Halemaumau Crater.
But given the choice, we prefer driving the Kona side. Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau, see coffee farms and Kealakekua Bay. Either way, don’t miss Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach or a Kona coffee farm.
Will you see lava on Hawaii island?
8. Sunrise or Sunset on Haleakala, Maui
Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakala is a memory you’ll carry forever. Reservations are required for sunrise, and with good reason, it’s breathtaking. Don’t want a 3 am wake-up call? Sunset is just as spectacular and far less crowded.
A quick Maui aside: if you’re visiting after the Lahaina wildfires, know that recovery is ongoing. Respect closures and local guidelines, but don’t skip the island. Maui is still open, welcoming, and full of beauty.
7. Paddle or kayak the Wailua River on Kauai
6. Your Oahu Private Circle Island Tours
Want a classic experience? Book a guided tour. Prefer flexibility? Rent a car and use a GPS driving guide. Either way, it’s like having a buffet of Oahu highlights, complete with roadside shrimp trucks and shave ice.
5. Visit the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial
Whether you should go with a guide or on your own depends on you. 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.
Pearl Harbor remains one of Hawaii’s most moving sites. The USS Arizona Memorial draws most visitors, but there’s so much more: the Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where you can climb into the control tower for a bird’s-eye view.
4. Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum
Honolulu is home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., where you’ll step into the history of Hawaii’s monarchy. 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.
3. See the Na Pali Coastline in person
Few landscapes compare to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, towering green cliffs, hidden valleys, and pristine beaches. Hike, kayak, or take a boat or helicopter tour; each offers a unique angle. But youʻll need reservations before you make the trek on foot now as well.
2. Swim with sharks on the North Shore of Oahu
On a side note, one company even offers a SEAL-style experience. It blends ocean survival skills with real-world training in Hawaiian waters, but hopefully, no sharks on this one.
1. Give back to the islands and Community
Our top bucket list activity isn’t just about what you see. It’s about what you give. Join a beach cleanup, restore a fishpond, or plant native trees. You’ll make memories, connect with the community, and leave Hawaii a little better than you found it.
Some of our tours combine giving back with sightseeing. So you can visit iconic places while supporting the islands. Plus, giving back often comes with perks like discounts on private tours.
Discount Hawaii bucket list activities
If you’re ready to tackle multiple experiences, our Buy 2, Get the 3rd Half Price offer is a simple way to save. We also offer private half-day and transfer tours. Theyʻre perfect if you want to see highlights without the hassle and still make your flight, cruise, or dinner reservation.
