Hawaii Holidays

Things to do in Hawaii

One of the top attractions in Hawaii is the atmosphere itself, and a holiday spent relaxing on the beach with a cocktail in hand certainly wouldn’t be wasted! But there’s lots of other things to do in Hawaii, too:

• Waikiki Beach in the state capital of Honolulu is perhaps the most famous oceanfront attraction in Hawaii. However, this is just one of the 6 amazing beaches in the Waikiki neighbourhood, so if you’re coming to relax, unwind, and enjoy everything the sun, sea, and sand has to offer, this is the place to be.
• While Waikiki Beach is known for its lively, energetic scene, travellers looking for a quieter, more secluded beach experience should check out Hulopoe Beach on the island of Lanai. Named as one of America’s best beaches, Hulopoe is one of the best places in Hawaii for swimming and snorkelling.

Discover Hawaii

• If you’re holidaying on the island of Maui, you can’t afford to miss the incredible Haleakala National Park. One of the more adventurous things to do in Hawaii, it’s here you can scramble across volcanic landscapes, trek through sub-tropical rainforests, and catch a glimpse of Hawaii’s endemic species.
• The Polynesian Cultural Centre is a theme park celebrating all aspects of Polynesian life. Located on the island of Oahu, you can visit some authentic Polynesian villages, enjoy a typical Luau, and take in one of the centre’s colourful evening shows featuring song, dance, cultural performances… and fire!
• If you’re thinking of renting a car in Hawaii, a drive along the dramatic scenic highway known as Hana Road is a must. Following the curves of the rugged Maui coastline all the way to the remote town of Hana, this journey will take you away from Hawaii’s main tourist spots to a stunning historical haven.

Places to eat

Food is a big part of Hawaiian culture, and Hawaiian cuisine is unlike anything you’ve tasted before. Known for its blend of Pacific seafood, meats, and foraged veggies, you won’t go hungry here!

• You’ll find many restaurants serving up the popular native dish of Laulau, which is pork (or sometimes chicken or fish) wrapped in a luau leaf and steamed. Places often serve this up as a lunchtime speciality with a side of rice and macaroni. You can eat the inner leaves, but to eat like a local, toss the outer ones.
• If you like sashimi, you’ll love Poke; a dish consisting of fresh raw fish marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s normally made with octopus or tuna, although salmon and pineapple options are becoming increasingly popular in Hawaii. These versions are less authentic, but no less delicious!
• For traditional Hawaiian cuisine (in a somewhat less than traditional setting), try Alan Wong’s in the capital, Honolulu. Focusing on Hawaiian regional cuisine with other aspects of Pacific cooking, Chef Alan makes use of local ingredients, such as Waipoli Lettuce from the town of Kula on Maui island.
• If you’re looking for a more typical Hawaiian setting, Brown’s Beach House located right on the Kohala Coast on Hawaii island is a top choice. Here, you can relax overlooking the ocean and listen to the live Hawaiian music while sampling the homemade Poke and the rest of the island-inspired menu.
• Mama’s Fish House on Maui’s north shore is a fantastic family-friendly eatery, perfect if you’re travelling with little ones. With fresh fish delivered daily by local fishermen, your kids can enjoy some healthy, delicious seafood, and for adults there’s an extensive cocktail menu featuring the famous Mai Tai.

Hawaii Nightlife

Hawaii’s nightlife is rich and varied, with much of the action taking place in the capital of Honolulu. Nightlife in Honolulu is a blend of waterfront cocktail bars, USA sports bars, and live music all around.

• For live jazz in Honolulu, head to Lewers Lounge where there’s a mix of both classic Hawaiian cocktails and contemporary drinks with a twist. This is a great place to go for more of a ‘dress to impress’ experience; a place where typical Hawaiian beachwear is replaced with smart evening fashion.
• For something a little more casual, try the Mai Tai bar located just moments from the popular Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. During the day, this is the perfect place to watch the waves and sip cocktails out of pineapples, while at night it transforms into one of the best local places for live entertainment.
• In the mood for some fun? Wang Chung’s Waikiki karaoke bar should be just what you’re looking for. A dark, cosy space with Asian-influenced decor, this is a place where you can sing your heart out, experience the true vibrancy of Honolulu, and really enjoy an energetic fun filled Hawaiian night out.
• If you prefer a simpler, down-to-earth nightlife experience, the Maui Brewing Company Brewpub is the answer. There are 4 Brewpubs in total — two in Maui and two in Oahu — and the beer menu is massive, with Hawaiian-inspired brews with tropical citrus hops, hand toasted coconut, and hints of mocha.

Hawaii for families

Hawaii family holidays are great, offering lots of excitement for the kids and plenty of amazing experiences for adults, too. Families will really love the islands, which all have their own personality.

• Oahu, which is home to the state capital of Honolulu, is a top choice if you’re looking for lots of family things to do in Hawaii, and so many of the attractions are based here. Out of all the islands, Oahu perhaps has the healthiest mix of energetic urban metropolis and stunning, serene natural beauty.
• If your family loves to seek out hidden beaches and you’ve got some real water babies on your hands, Maui is the place to be. The beaches on Maui are incredible, and you’ll never tire of strolling along the sands, swimming in the crystal clear blue waters, and trying fun activities like surfing and snorkeling.
• Perhaps you want to show your kids a real volcano? Hawaii island, also known as the ‘Big Island’ is formed from not one but five active volcanoes, with Kilauea being the most active of them all. But there’s more to this island than just lava. If you want to swim with dolphins, you can do it on the Big Island!
  

Hawaii for couples

Couples consider Hawaii to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why! There are lots of romantic things to do in Hawaii, perfect for spending some quality time together.

• Book a meal in one of Hawaii’s stunning oceanfront restaurants where you can dine on freshly caught fish delivered that morning, and gaze out over the waters as the sun begins to disappear beneath the horizon. As an island nation, there really is no shortage of beachfront dining options across Hawaii.
• How about taking a dip in Hawaii’s natural plunge pools, cooling off underneath the cascading waterfalls, swimming in the ocean, or snorkeling hand in hand through the clear turquoise waters? With local marine life so vibrant and colourful, you’ll have a hard time believing that this is actually real life!
• Hawaii’s beaches are second to none, and there are few things more romantic than strolling along the golden sands together, with not a care in the world. Whether you enjoy people watching on Hawaii’s bustling beachfronts, or the seclusion of the hidden bays, there’s romance around every corner here!
  

Beaches in Hawaii

Beaches are what Hawaii is known for. The islands’ remote positions in the Pacific Ocean away from the US mainland offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and total relaxation.

• Waikiki Beach is one of the best beaches in Honolulu. Located on the island of Oahu, this is a lively, energetic beach where there’s lots to do. Whether you want to take surfing lessons, enjoy a Mai Tai cocktail or two, or tuck into the delicious local foods, you’ll never be bored strolling through Waikiki.
• Another place said to be one of the best beaches in Hawaii is the beach at Hanauma Bay; another Oahu hotspot. A top island nature reserve, this beach is more peaceful than vibrant Waikiki, and is home to amazing marine wildlife that you can get up close and personal with when snorkeling in the waters.
• While small, Lanikai Beach is well worth a visit if you’re staying on the island of Oahu, with brilliant white sands and calm blue waters that make this is the ideal family-friendly beachfront. As it lacks the facilities of Waikiki and Hanauma Bay, you’ll find this beach to be a much quieter and more peaceful option.
  

Culture

Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition of Polynesian islanders, yet as one of the United States, there’s a real blend of exotic history and modern American culture that’s truly unique.

• The traditional dance of the Hula is a cultural aspect that unites the 1000+ islands of Polynesia, accompanied by songs and chants that weave together the stories, tales, folklore, and traditions of the islands, which spread all the way from New Zealand in the south up to Hawaii in the north.
• When you arrive in Hawaii, it’s not unusual to be given a Lei; a flower garland worn around the neck that’s often accompanied with a hearty ‘aloha!’ from the locals. Hawaii is a very welcoming, very friendly place to visit, and travellers are encouraged to get involved in tradition and the Hawaiian way of life.
• If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Hawaii in June, you may be just in time for the Kamehameha Festival; an annual public holiday celebrating Hawaii’s first King. This is one of the most exciting times in Hawaii, with chant contests, food and cultural presentations, and local-led craft making sessions.
• An excellent place to learn more about the Hawaiian way of life is at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Oahu. A culture ‘theme park’, this is one of the top attractions in Hawaii and gives you a unique ‘hands on’ cultural experience, allowing you to visit traditional villages and enjoy an authentic Hawaiian luau.