While Hawaii’s islands may seem like a haven for sun-lovers, there are many other things to see and do. If you are not a beach person, you may prefer the less crowded Hilo region, which is famous for its rainforests and hidden waterfalls. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is massive and features two active volcanoes surrounded by lush rainforest.
Oahu
If you are not into beaches, there is still plenty to do in Hawaii. If you are not into surfing, you can go on an excursion to the nearby Waipio Valley. The natural formation is stunning and offers a transcendent experience. If you are into diving, try your luck with a manta ray encounter at Kona Diving EcoAdventures. This is an unforgettable experience and one of the safest Hawaii activities because manta rays do not pose a threat to humans.
There are also several baths and pools in Hawaii. For example, Maui has Olivine Pools, a series of natural tide pools that have been the scene of several drownings. On Kauai, there is Queen’s Bath, a natural tide pool near the small town of Princeville. Although both are beautiful, these places are dangerous for the unprepared.
You can visit the Halona Blowhole, renowned for its sunrise views. On Oahu, you can also see the Lanikai Pillbox, which offers spectacular views of the Kailua Bay and Ko’olau Mountains. The hike is relatively easy, although it is a steep one. Alternatively, you can stay in a luxurious hotel near Waikiki Beach. You’ll be close to everything, including luxury shops.
Molokai
You can visit a Kona coffee farm if you don’t enjoy the sand. While there, don’t forget to grab some iced coffee from a local stand. Hawaii is a popular spot for coffee, so there are many places to stop for a cup. The best way to taste the local brew is by taking a Kona coffee farm tour.
If you’re not into surfing and sunbathing, you can try a tour in an outrigger canoe. Experience the rich Polynesian traditions of the islands, as well as see the wildlife. Dolphins are especially abundant on Lanai Island, and you can experience up-close encounters with dolphins during a snorkeling tour or cruise.
If you don’t love the beach, you can visit the nearby waterfalls. Rainbow Falls is less crowded, but it’s worth the five-minute walk. And don’t miss the stunning sand at Manini’owali Beach. It’s just a few miles from Hilo and has beautiful views. But if you can’t stand the beach crowds, head to Molokai instead. The island isn’t as crowded as other islands so you can enjoy the quiet and solitude.
If you’re not into beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Hawaii besides the beaches. Some countless hikes and trails will make you want to explore these natural wonders. You’ll find the perfect place for hiking or a picnic. If you want a more laid-back vacation, you can take a road trip to Lanai. Just be prepared to get lost as there are no paved roads.
Volcanoes National Park
The Big Island is home to Volcanoes National Park, about 45 minutes from Hilo Airport and 2 hours from Kona Airport. This area is notable for two active volcanoes. Though you probably won’t experience a volcanic eruption or see lava flowing, you’ll still get to see fantastic views and learn a lot.
You’ll want to visit Volcanoes National Park if you’re not into beaches. Its landscape is constantly changing, and the park’s trails and roads have been destroyed due to volcanic activity. The 1983 quake closed Crater Rim Drive and collapsed a section of it. You’ll have to plan your day based on how long you have.
Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is an excellent alternative if you’re not into beaches. If you’re not into beach activities, you can go hiking, scenic driving, or even spend the night in a cabin on the side of a volcano. The park hosts a weekly lecture series if you’re not a big fan of volcanoes.
If you’re not into beaches, Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer if you aren’t a beach person. If you don’t mind hiking, there are lava tubes on the Big Island. A one-mile out-and-back trail will take you through the lava tubes. You can also go on a lava tube hike to see a different side of Hawaii.
Diamond Head crater
You can hike the crater trail on Diamond Head, one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii. Located just outside Waikiki, this trail offers panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, the Koolau Mountains, and Molokai. The idea of Diamond Head is also spectacular, particularly in the afternoon when the clouds are over the crater.
The crater trail starts at the bottom of the crater, which has 761 steps. After you complete this climb, you will pass through a tunnel and come out on a viewing platform. The views from the top are stunning, but you must plan some time to hike them. After your hike, you can return to the main trail, which is more scenic and offers more opportunities for photo ops.
There are numerous lookouts along the way and on the coast. You can choose to hike the trail from the left or the right side of the crater, but make sure you bring your hiking shoes as this trail is steep and requires some climbing. You should get a flashlight if you dislike hiking in the dark. You can also go back from the summit to explore the area if you’re not into beaches.
Hiking the crater is one of the most popular activities on Oahu. The trail is easy enough for novice hikers, but it’s not for the faint of heart. A 3km out-and-back trail is popular among visitors. It also offers panoramic views of Waikiki and the southern shore. If you don’t want to spend your entire vacation at the beach, Diamond Head is one of the best ways to experience the island’s natural beauty and history.
Volcano Town
If you are not a beach person, you might want to check out Volcano Town in Hawaii if you want to see a natural wonder. An active volcano formed this town, so swimming isn’t a great idea. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the volcanic scenery in this town. It is damp and gets dark quickly, so bring a headlamp to illuminate your path.
If you aren’t into beaches, you can also head to Kilauea and explore the area’s lava-filled history. After erupting in August 2018, the lava covered the town with centuries-old jungle. A community came together to rescue the Painted Church and relocate it to the city. It is now an exciting pit stop when you’re in Hilo.
This town has panoramic crater views and a restaurant with full meals. There are also many beers on tap and some tasty cocktails made fresh in-house. The restaurant is inside Hawaii Volcanoes Park, so you will have to pay a little extra to enjoy the view. If you’re not into beaches, you may want to take a day trip to the area.
If you don’t like the beaches and don’t want to be stuck in a crowd, you can take a scenic drive up the east side of the Big Island. Puna is recovering from the 2011 Kilauea volcano eruption. While it doesn’t have much in the way of accommodation, Puna offers a natural paradise. The wet roads in Puna make driving to Puna town tricky, but the views are worth it. You can also stop off at Punaluu, a coastal city on the island.
Lanai
If you are not into beach life, you can always go cliff-diving at South Point. This adventure requires a 4WD vehicle. The water slide is 20 feet long! Another great activity is a Kona coffee farm tour. These tours are not cheap, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Hawaiian islands. Listed below are some of the most popular activities in Hawaii.
If you are not into the beach lifestyle, you can take a helicopter ride over the islands. The island of Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is home to a thriving cultural environment. Hikers can enjoy hiking the Na Pali Coastline, taking in the Waimea Canyon, and viewing the ancient taro fields. History lovers can also visit Old Koloa Town to view Hawaii’s rich cultural history.
Turtle Bay is another popular attraction on the North Shore. There are six recreated villages where you can learn about Polynesian culture. You can also catch a live performance of Tahitian drumming and watch a kaiki dance show. Whether you are into historical landmarks or the natural wonders of Hawaii, there is something for everyone on your list.
There are so many things to do on Oahu! From snorkeling to seeing the Hawaiian monk seal, here’s a list of top activities. Whether visiting for the first time or planning a return visit, Oahu has plenty of unique attractions. No matter your tastes, you’ll find a culinary experience on Oahu.
Tantalus lookout
The best way to enjoy the spectacular sunset in Oahu is to visit the Tantalus lookout, which offers unobstructed views of the city, Diamond Head and Manoa Valley. You can combine this scenic view with a hike to a nearby waterfall or a sail on a catamaran. You can also take a driving tour that includes a stop at Tantalus.
If you’re not a fan of the crowds, you can visit the alternative viewpoint of Tantalus. This viewpoint offers similar views and comes with a free hotel-pickup service. Getting to the lookout is straightforward — drive about five or ten minutes. However, the idea is worth the walk! Because of the sheer height of the mountain, it’s not recommended for those with bad knees or a history of knee problems.
Another must-see for Oahu travelers is the Royal Hawaiian Center. This is home to many great restaurants and shops. You can also find live music here. The best place to watch the sunset on Oahu is at Tantalus lookout, a beautiful place with plenty of space to spread out. You can walk to the attention, but most tourists opt for a taxi ride.
Liliha Bakery’s Coco Puffs
A must-do when on Oahu is to visit the Liliha Bakery. This quaint bakery has been a local institution since the 1950s. Its Coco Puff is a classic Hawaiian pastry filled with chocolate pudding and topped with a chantilly frosting. Other items on the menu include loco moco and eggs with Portuguese sausage. Butter rolls served warm with a raspberry jam are also available.
Though the Liliha Bakery does not fall into the casual Hawaiian cuisine category, they have several other dishes worth trying. The malasadas are good, and the fries are delicious, but the bakery’s Coco Puff is the star here. If you’re looking for the best chocolate cream puffs on Oahu, Liliha Bakery is a must-stop.
In addition to the classic coco puffs, you should also try the malasadas, the island’s specialty donuts. Malasadas are Portuguese-style deep-fried desserts with lemon and cinnamon flavors. Alternatively, you can try Liliha Bakery’s Choux pastry, filled with chocolate pudding and topped with Chantilly frosting.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
For a treat that has a genuinely Hawaiian flair, visit Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha in Honolulu. Located in the Aina Haina Shopping Center on Hind Drive, this place is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. The treats at Uncle Clay’s are made with fresh, local ingredients. They even have acai-making kits so you can make your ice cream.
This Honolulu, Hawaii, treat shop uses 100% all-natural ingredients for all of its treats. The menu features more than 14 toppings, and you can customize your creation. With two locations, Uncle Clay’s is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy some sweet treats. Once you visit, you will feel compelled to return.
Kuala Ranch
It would help to visit the famed Kuala Ranch on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. It was the site where the Jurassic Park movie was filmed and offered a lot of unique experiences. You can tour the paleontology museum and eat the famous Kuala burger. Once you’ve eaten your fill of local cuisine, you can experience a different type of food.
Kuala Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in the stunning part of Oahu. The property is approximately 4000 acres and spans from glistening beaches to cliffs covered in lush jungle and valleys. The Hawaiians were the first to settle in this area, and the property had little development. It’s now considered a National Historic site due to its Hawaiian cultural significance.
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is an excellent stop for families in Oahu. It is filled with artifacts from the Polynesian islands and fun interactive exhibits. Families can visit for at least two hours to learn about the history of Hawaii, and younger children can spend around two hours exploring the museum. The Bishop Museum offers a variety of programs throughout the year, and the museum can be an excellent destination for a day out.
For the younger set, the museum offers self-guided audio tours. For families with young children, the museum provides videos and activities for the kids on its website. The museum also offers music lessons for kids. For adults, it is worth a visit for history buffs and art lovers alike. There are four main routes in the city. Tickets start at $9 for a day pass for children and range from $25-$49 for an adult 7-day pass. Visit the Bishop Museum at 1545 Bernice St. If you have time, you can opt for a combo tour with the Iolani Palace, which includes transportation and lunch.
Stop by the Bishop Museum Cafe next to the Highway Inn for a delicious meal. The cafe serves delicious Hawaiian cuisine. If you’re hungry, try the kalua pig and poi plate lunch at the Bishop Museum Cafe. Taking a picnic lunch is a beautiful idea while you’re on the island. The Bishop Museum is a great way to unwind and explore Oahu’s rich history.
Ali’i luau
The Polynesian Cultural Center, home of the famous Ali’i luau, offers a full-service dining experience on Oahu’s lush rooftop garden. The show, which is accompanied by live music, is a spectacular 90-minute production that will captivate your senses. At the Polynesian Cultural Center, you can participate in many activities such as pineapple tossing, hula classes, and more.
The Ali’i luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration held at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the island’s North Shore. It is one of the most authentic luaus in the world, featuring traditional dances and feasts. Hawaii’s royal court performed special activities for US armed forces during the luau. For an unforgettable experience, be sure to attend one.
If you have a full day, you should consider attending the Ali’i luau. The luau begins at 5 pm and features excellent food and entertainment. In addition to traditional Hawaiian fare, you can try kalua pork, baked chicken, and teriyaki braised beef. You can also try the island’s famous pineapple smoothies.
Rainbow Drive-In
If you’re visiting Oahu, make time for lunch at the iconic Rainbow Drive-In. This local favorite has been serving plate lunches in Hawaii since 1961 and has been a favorite of surfers and old-timers alike. Enjoy the plate lunch with two scoops of rice, one scoop of mac salad, and a hearty main dish over a bed of sliced cabbage. And don’t forget to order the shoyu chicken.
There are many ways to order food at the Rainbow Drive-In, including driving down Kapahulu Avenue. This main street in the heart of Waikiki is home to other popular restaurants, including McDonald’s and KFC. Its unique system, which opens several windows simultaneously, makes serving food a breeze. And since the line moves so quickly, many people choose to stand in a side aisle while waiting for their food.
If you’re planning to visit Kapahulu, don’t miss the Rainbow Drive-In. This traditional Hawaiian eatery has been serving up the same dishes since 1961. The menu features a variety of classic plate lunches, including mac and cheese, rice, and spam. You can also purchase bento boxes and mix plates. You can also enjoy a hamburger with slush float or order a breakfast.
