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Aloha!
Hawaii is truly “Paradise on Earth”. Next to going to Clearwaterbeach, it is one of my best vacations ever! There are so many things to do there not only on the “Big Island” but also the surrounding islands. The way to make the best of your trip to the Islands is to “Island Hop”. Island hopping means you get on a plane and travel to the other islands and come back to home base later that evening. I am going to list 5 of my favorite things to do in Hawaii.
Beware!
One thing I have to warn you about. Depending on where you are coming from to get to Hawaii, the trip can be very long! So settle in and get some good seats on that flight! Our flight over was amazing! We had so much food and got to watch movies and just relax. And the time difference! Whew! Our flight landed at 3 PM local time… which for us was 9 PM! Of course, that is not as bad as crossing the International Date Line but it can cause a bit of jet lag when you return.
Time for Fun!
Now that I have the formalities out of the way, I can get down to the fun stuff! What to do while you are in Hawaii. Most of the hotels have a concierge area that will help you plan your visit and even get tickets together for you. I highly recommend using this service. It helped us plan our itinerary for the week and made it much easier to enjoy ourselves.
Beaches
No visit to Hawaii is complete without spending time on Waikiki Beach, the iconic crescent-shaped shoreline located on the island of Oahu. This world-renowned beach offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or vibrant nightlife. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the soft, golden sand, or try your hand at surfing on the gentle waves that attract beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Waikiki is also lined with an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, ensuring there is never a dull moment during your visit.
We stayed in Waikiki. If we had known before we went there, we would have stayed in a hotel on the beach. With that said, most of the hotels are within 2 to 3 blocks of the beach. I just like the convenience of being able to walk out of my hotel to the beach!
Diamond Head is located here. It is an iconic landmark that captures the imagination of visitors from around the world. Located on the island of Oahu, Diamond Head is an ancient volcanic crater that stands proudly against the backdrop of the azure Pacific Ocean. This majestic natural formation not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also serves as a symbol of Hawaii’s geologic history and cultural significance. It is a must-visit destination.
You can get there by bus. Not only is the beach here, but you can also hike the up the volcano. Yep, that’s right. Diamond Head is a volcano. It also offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. And even better than that – you can hike a trail that takes you to the edge of the 300,000-year old crater.
It is a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip trail takes visitors through a series of switchbacks, tunnels, and stairs, culminating in an awe-inspiring vista at the top. As you ascend the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki Beach, and the surrounding landscape. The trail can be challenging in some sections, but the reward is well worth the effort. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes to fully enjoy this invigorating cardio adventure.
Polynesian Cultural Center
This is a real treat! The Polynesian Cultural Center has so many things to see and do. We spent the whole day here. It is 42-acre theme park in Lā‘ie that introduces you to the cultures of the island nations of Polynesia. You will take a canoe ride to get to the main entrance of the park.
We were able to explore the six distinct cultural villages, each representing a different Polynesian island group. These villages included Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, and Aotearoa (New Zealand). We had fun interacting with the native performers who share their traditions, crafts, music, and dances. From learning the art of coconut husking to trying your hand at traditional weaving, each village provides an immersive and hands-on experience that offers a deeper understanding of the unique customs and way of life in Polynesia.
A MUST do is the Ali’i Luau Buffet and Dinner Show. Ali’i means ‘royalty’ in Hawaiian. And you are definitely treated like royalty! The feast includes many traditional island foods. And I must admit, the roasted pig was the BEST I have ever tasted.
As the sun sets over the Polynesian Cultural Center, prepare to be transported into a mesmerizing world of storytelling and theatrical brilliance with the Ha: Breath of Life show. This evening performance weaves together Polynesian mythology, song, dance, and fire effects to create a captivating spectacle that explores the themes of birth, life, and renewal. With its stunning choreography, dynamic performances, and state-of-the-art special effects, the Ha show is a truly breathtaking experience that will leave you in awe.
Everything at the Polynesian Cultural Center is educational and fun!
The Big Island – Hawaii Island Hop
Kilauea Volcano
Where to start? This Island is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Not to downplay Oahu or the other islands in this chain but… WOW! The first place we visited was the Kīlauea Volcano.
It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with a continuous eruption that began in 1983. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is an awe-inspiring experience. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can observe the red-hot lava flows as they cascade down the slopes of the volcano, creating new land and reshaping the landscape. As you stand before the immense power of the Earth, you gain a profound appreciation for the dynamic nature of our planet.
For the Hawaiian people, Kilauea holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to Hawaiian mythology, the volcano is the home of Pele, the goddess of fire and creation. Visiting Kilauea allows you to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the islands and gain insight into the spiritual beliefs that have shaped Hawaiian culture. Respect and reverence for the land and its sacred sites are essential when exploring Kilauea, as it is a place where mythology, natural forces, and human connection converge.
It is said that Madame Pele “shapes the sacred land” and determines when and where the lava flows. Many people leave gifts for Madame Pele such as flowers. It is also bad luck to take any of the volcanic rock from here. So take pictures not the rock!
Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u beach is the most famous black sand beach of Hawaii. The sand is black because it is made of small pitch-black fragments of lava. If you look off to the distance, at times you can see the lava flowing into the ocean. It is an amazing site to see!
We stayed until evening and saw the lava as it hit the ocean. That is something you will never forget. Truly God’s handiwork! Not only that but you may even see turtles that are found feeding in the water or basking in the sun on the beach .
Back to Oahu
Pearl Harbor
No trip to the Hawaiian Islands would be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. This was, by far, the most sobering attraction we visited. There are several things you can do while here. We watched a short video on the history of Pearl Harbor before we visited the USS Arizona Memorial.
To say that we left there changed is an understatement. I will warn you, this is a very emotional tour but well worth visiting. You will never forget the site – it will be etched in your memory.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Islands are most definitely a “bucket list” vacation spot to add to your list. There are ways you can save on your trip. I collect “miles” from my travels. I apply these to flights so I can upgrade to a better seat or get my tickets for a fraction of normal costs. I said it before, but I will say it again – use the concierge services at your hotel. It will make your life a lot nicer! And last but not least – ENJOY!
Aloha and Mahalo!!!
