Hawaii Bucket List Experiences 

Discover the best things to do in Hawaii, from volcanic landscapes and golden beaches to authentic island traditions. This curated Hawaii bucket list blends iconic sights, local culture, and hidden gems across the islands. 

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park - Big Island 
Feel the raw pulse of the earth at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Wander through volcanic craters, steamy vents, and blackened lava fields that tell stories of creation and destruction. As dusk falls, the glowing magma’s crimson light paints the horizon - a humbling, unforgettable sight.

  • Insider Tip: Visit the Thurston Lava Tube early to avoid crowds.
    Timing / Best Time: Best viewed at sunset or after dark for lava glow.

Waikiki Beach - O‘ahu 
Golden sands, turquoise waves, and the Diamond Head backdrop make Waikiki the heart of Hawaiian beach life. Learn to surf where the sport was born, then sip a mai tai as palm trees sway to slack-key guitar tunes. Despite its buzz, it’s steeped in deep royal history and aloha spirit.

  • Best Way: Stay in a beachfront hotel and wake early for sunrise surfing.
    Good to Know: Parking is scarce; use public transport or walk from your hotel.

Haleakalā National Park - Maui 
Climb above the clouds to watch sunrise from the “House of the Sun.” As light spills over the volcanic summit, mist drifts across an otherworldly landscape of red cinder cones and ancient lava. By day, trek through alien desert trails that feel like walking on Mars.

  • Insider Tip: Reserve your sunrise slot in advance online.
    Timing / Best Time: Pre-dawn arrival (before 5 a.m.) for the best view.

Nā Pali Coast - Kaua‘i 
Emerald cliffs plunge dramatically into the Pacific, veined with waterfalls and secret beaches only reachable by boat, kayak, or foot. This remote coast feels untouched by time - a cinematic paradise seen in countless films. The Kalalau Trail is demanding but rewards with views you’ll never forget.

  • Best Way: Take a sunset catamaran cruise for breathtaking vistas.
    Good to Know: Hiking permits required beyond Hanakapiai Beach; plan early.

Road to Hāna - Maui 
This serpentine coastal drive threads through lush rainforest, past waterfalls and tiny hamlets frozen in time. Each bend reveals a new postcard view - bamboo forests, rainbow eucalyptus, and black sand coves. It’s a slow, sensory journey, not just a drive.

  • Insider Tip: Download an offline audio guide to narrate along the route.
    Timing / Best Time: Early morning to avoid traffic and maximise daylight stops

Pearl Harbor Memorial - O‘ahu 
A solemn and moving site honouring those lost in the 1941 attack, the memorial floats gently above the USS Arizona. Exhibits and survivor accounts bring history vividly to life, offering deep reflection on courage, tragedy, and peace.

  • Best Way: Join a guided early morning tour to beat the crowds.
    Good to Know: Tickets are free but must be reserved online in advance.

Waimea Canyon - Kaua‘i 
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea’s crimson gorges and emerald ridges stretch for miles. Mist rolls through the valleys while waterfalls glisten in the sun - an awe-inspiring panorama of nature’s artistry.

  • Insider Tip: Drive to the Kalalau Lookout for sunset colours.
    Timing / Best Time: Mid-morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer clouds.

Unique Experiences

Traditional Hula & Hawaiian Music Night 
Beyond performance, hula is a spiritual storytelling form passed through generations. Watching it live, accompanied by ukulele and chanting, connects you deeply to Hawaiian culture and its rhythms of nature.

  • How to Do It: Attend a local lūʻau such as Old Lahaina or Smith’s Family Garden, or join community hula nights in Hilo.

Lei-Making Workshop with Locals 
Learn the sacred art of crafting leis from fragrant plumeria, orchids, or ti leaves - each bloom symbolising love, respect, and welcome. The process is meditative and rich in meaning.

  • Good to Know: Offered at cultural centres and botanical gardens; always ask before picking flowers from public land.
    Timing: Morning workshops offer fresher blooms.

Farm-to-Table Tour in Upcountry Maui 
Stroll through lavender farms, pineapple groves, and goat dairies, tasting Hawaii’s terroir directly from the land. The region’s fertile volcanic soil gives rise to exceptional produce and wine.

  • Timing: Late morning tours avoid clouds and showcase harvest season best.

Snorkelling with Manta Rays - Kona Coast 
Drift under starlit waters as graceful manta rays swoop inches from your mask, illuminated by glowing lights. It’s one of the world’s most surreal encounters with marine life.

  • How to Do It: Book a licensed night snorkel tour from Kailua-Kona; wetsuits are provided.

Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage Experience 
This ancient healing practice blends rhythmic strokes with aloha energy, aligning body and spirit. Each movement feels like ocean waves washing over you.

  • Good to Know: Seek certified therapists at cultural spas or wellness retreats for authenticity.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Pololū Valley Lookout - Big Island 
A wild northern valley framed by dramatic cliffs and a black sand beach reachable via a steep path. It’s raw, rugged, and rarely crowded - perfect for solitude seekers.

  • Getting There: A short drive from Hawi; descend the 20-minute trail to the shore.
    Timing: Early morning for soft light and cooler hiking temps.

Moloka‘i Island 
Often called “the most Hawaiian island,” Moloka‘i preserves the spirit of old Hawaii - no mega resorts, just open landscapes, friendly locals, and untouched beaches.

  • Good to Know: Limited accommodation; book local stays well ahead.
    Timing: Year-round, though spring offers calm seas for kayaking.

Lanai’s Shipwreck Beach 
Rusting hulls of WWII-era ships lie stranded offshore, surrounded by dunes and whispering winds. It’s eerie, poetic, and strangely beautiful.

  • Getting There: 4WD required from Lanai City via a rough dirt track.
    Good to Know: Swimming not advised due to currents; bring water and sunshade.

Waimanu Valley - Big Island 
Accessible only by a challenging hike or kayak, this secluded valley boasts waterfalls, taro fields, and primal jungle quiet. It’s the Hawaii few ever see.

  • Timing: Dry season (May-October) for safer trail conditions.

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden - O‘ahu 
A tranquil oasis near Kaneohe, with mirrored lakes and mountain views straight out of a painting. Ideal for a reflective walk away from Waikiki bustle.

  • Good to Know: Entry is free; drive the full scenic loop for diverse flora.

Kalaupapa Peninsula - Moloka‘i 
Once a leprosy colony, this peninsula tells a moving story of isolation and compassion. Surrounded by towering sea cliffs, it’s haunting yet hopeful.

  • Getting There: By guided tour via small plane or scenic mule ride.
    Timing: Morning tours for clear skies and cooler temps.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Spouting Horn Blowhole - Kaua‘i 
As waves surge through lava tubes, seawater erupts in towering plumes with thunderous roars and hiss-like sounds of mythical “lizard gods.”

  • Why Go: Nature’s power mixed with legend makes for a mesmerising stop.
    Good to Know: Best seen at high tide; stay behind railings for safety.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach - Big Island 
An inky, shimmering shoreline where sea turtles bask under palm shade. It’s both surreal and sacred to Hawaiians.

  • Why Go: Nowhere else offers such stark volcanic beauty and wildlife together.

Chicken Spotting in Kaua‘i 
Wild chickens roam freely across Kaua‘i, descendants of ancient Polynesian stock. Locals joke they outnumber people!

  • Good to Know: Don’t feed them - they’re protected and perfectly self-sufficient

Postcards from the Edge at Hana Lava Tube 
Explore natural lava caves filled with stalactites and echoes of ancient eruptions, then mail a postcard from the tiny shop above - one of Maui’s quirkiest detours.

  • Why Go: Combines geology, humour, and local character in one stop.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

O‘ahu

• Visit Iolani Palace - the only royal palace in the U.S.
Insider Tip: Go early for guided tours and fewer crowds.

• Hike Diamond Head Crater Trail.
Best Way: Bring water and sun protection; trail opens at 6 a.m.

• Explore Chinatown’s art galleries and food stalls.
Good to Know: Best at night for vibrant nightlife and street eats.

Maui

• Relax on Kaanapali Beach for swimming and sunset.
Insider Tip: Stay for cliff diving at Black Rock.

• Take a helicopter tour over Haleakalā and Hāna coast.
Best Way: Morning flights offer clearer skies.

• Visit Lahaina’s Banyan Tree Park and heritage trail.
Good to Know: Free walking maps available at visitor centres.

Big Island (Hawai‘i Island)

• Explore Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Insider Tip: Go after rainfall for maximum flow.

• Stargaze at Mauna Kea summit.
Best Way: Join a guided 4WD tour for altitude safety.

• Tour Kona coffee farms.
Good to Know: Tastings and tours often include souvenir beans.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities:

• Hike the Kalalau Trail on Kaua‘i.
Tip: Permits required; train fitness beforehand.

• Go whale watching from Maui (Dec-Apr).
Good to Know: Peak sightings in February; bring binoculars.

• Try stand-up paddleboarding in Waikiki.
Tip: Morning sessions offer calmest seas.

• Go diving at Molokini Crater.
Good to Know: Early tours mean clearer visibility.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences:

• Attend a traditional lūʻau feast with music and dance.
Tip: Book reputable venues that honour Hawaiian traditions.

• Sample poke bowls, loco moco, and shave ice.
Good to Know: Local food trucks often serve the best versions.

• Visit local farmers’ markets for tropical fruit tastings.
Tip: Saturdays are busiest; go early for best selection.

• Explore Native Hawaiian art at Bishop Museum.
Good to Know: Exhibits rotate frequently - check before visiting.