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Hawaii Bucket List

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NPS Photo/Janice Wei

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the Big Island. Come watch an active volcano! With 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes you will be sure to see some action. In addition to the active volcanoes, they also have a very rare ecosystem. With hiking or just driving there is something for everyone of every activity level here.

Dive with Manta Rays

Diving with Manta Rays is an awesome adventure! Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii is located in Kailua-Kona, HI. There is much more here than just diving with them. You can also do different types of snorkeling, they have scuba diving , private charters and even whale watching. With so much to do and marking diving with manta rays off the bucket list this is a must do.

Visit National Tropical Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical Garden has 4 different locations in Hawaii and 1 in Florida. Come see what Hawaii is all about with these gardens that show how amazing Hawaii gets. This says Hawaii all over it!

Sail the Nā Pali Coast

Come sail the Na Pali Coast. The Na Pali Coast often referred as the eighth wonder of the world is a must see on your Hawaii Bucket list. The coast offers amazing views of the worlds largest waterfalls. There is no wonder why this is on the list!

Take a Scenic Drive through Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is located on the South shore of Kauai, Hawaii. There are stopping point to take in the vire along the way. This is a beautiful scenic drive that you shouldn’t miss.

Hike Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is not for everyone! This is a 11 mile in 11 mile out trail and offers some of the best rewarding views if you do choose to do the hike. This has shown up on some most dangerous trails in America. So if you are a seasoned hiker this is going to be one of the most rewarding hikes you will do.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is one of the best places to snorkel on kauai Island. You can see Moray Eels, trumpet fish, wrasse, Green sea turtles, if you are lucky you could see a monk seal, humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or an Hawaiian Trigger Fish. Being in Hawaii you should definitely do some snorkeling.

Kayak to a Secret Waterfall and Hike Wailua Canyon

If kayaking upriver to go on a hike thru lush rainforest sounds perfect then this is for you! You can also swim under the waterfall and then have a picnic lunch next to the water. This sounds like the perfect day in Hawaii!

Drive the Road to Hana

Driving the curvy (more than 600 curves) bridge filled (almost 60 bridges and more than 45 being 1 lane) road to Hana also called the Divorce Highway is 1 of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. With awesome beaches, lush forest, and beaches this is the best of the best. The road does not end in Hana and either does the natural beauty.

Take a Helicopter Tour

Taking a Helicopter Tour over any of the islands is going to provide you with some amazing views of natural beauty. This is a must do when going to Hawaii.

Snorkel Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination. The crater is home to more than 250 species of fish. There is no wonder why it made it to out Hawaii Bucket List.

See Humpback Whales

You can see this amazing creature from shore! Yes that’s right take your time relax and watch the humpback whales. You can see them from almost everywhere but Maui is the best island to see them from.

Visit the Leper Colony Kalaupapa National Historic Site

While you will need a permit to visit the Kalaupapa National Historical Park this will be a unforgettable trip. When leprosy came to the islands the King sent the infected to be isolated on the North shore of Molokai. This is a definite must do in Hawaii.

Hike Diamond Head

If you love great views and dont mind a hike then this is for you. With this being one of the best hikes in Honolulu it is also no surprise it comes with one of the best views. If you are a sunrise freak then this is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise.

Visit the Polynesian Culture Center

The Polynesian Culture Center has been voted one of the best attractions in Hawaii. With 6 different Pacific cultures to learn from, This will keep you busy all day. You can play ancient games and watch warrior dances. Then you can do the Luau & Dinner. This is a must to if you want the full Hawaiian experience.

Snorkel Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay has the best snorkeling in Oahu. Home to more than 450 kinds of tropical fish. You might even get to see the state fish the humuhumunukuapua’a. Many fish that you will see can only be found in Hawaii. Hanauma Bay was rated America’s Top Beach in 2016. Not hard to see why it made it to our Hawaii Bucket List.

Skydive on the North Shore

Rather it’s your first time skydiving or you a regular, skydiving in Hawaii is a must do. This is on eof the most beautiful places to skydive. The views you get from the island are amazing.

Tour Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited places in all of the Hawaiian Islands. With so much to offer we dont wonder why. You don’t need to love history to enjoy this tour. Come honor the memory of the fallen, as you imagine what the attack on Pearl Harbor must have been like.

Watch the Sunrise at Lanikai Beach

You can’t hardly go to Hawaii and not watch a sunrise. The only thing better than watching the sunrise is watching the sunrise in Hawaii.

See the Big Wave Riders

You can’t experience all of Hawaii without watching the Big Wave Riders Surf. This is awesome just to watch.

 Visit the Cat Sanctuary

A cat paradise. Come to the cat sanctuary on Lanai Island. With more than 600 cats this must be on every cat lovers list.

Pay your Respects at Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is located in Kaneohe in the Valley of Temples. Come and check out the wild peacocks and beautiful gardens. While taking in the calming vibes.

Chill on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the more famous beaches in the world. Come enjoy this white sand beach and relax in Hawaii!

Walk in the Thurston Lava Tube

Walk thru Thurston Lava Tube. Yes you can walk thru a 500 year old lava tube. You can hear birds and walk where lava once flowed.

Shop at the Hawaiian Trading Post

Located in Kola, HI on Kauai Island. This is a great souvenir shop with great photo options. Don’t forget to get a picture of you surfing!

Experience Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. This is a dormant volcano and is also the highest point in the state of Hawai’i. This is the 2nd highest point of an island on earth. The atmosphere above the volcano is so dry that it makes it a cloud free area. So you can imagine how clear of a view you can get from here.

Take a Kona Coffee Tour

Do you love coffee? Well like a fine wine Kona Coffee is made to be the best it can be. Made from the volcano mineral rich soil and hand picked by the farmers this is a very hands on made coffee and if you drink coffee you should try it.

Dance at a Luau

What says Hawaii like a luau. Come take part in the celebration. Luau’s have very festive live music, dance and they bring a ton of culture to your dinner. Don’t miss out on this Hawaii Bucket List event.

Cliff Jump at Waimea Falls

Located in Haleiwa, HI on Oahu Island. You hike 3.5 miles thru gardens and historical sites to reach the around 45 foot waterfall. You can jump in or off the cliff if you would rather then take a swim under the waterfall.

Swim under Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a very short hike about 2 minutes. You can come enjoy the view and take in the sounds of nature. How ever you can not swim in the Rainbow falls.

Visit Iolani Palace

Located in Honolulu, HI on the Oahu Island. This is the only royal palace in the United States. Fit for a Queen you should come take a look at this Historical landmark.

Explore Kualoa Ranch

Located in Kaneohe, HI on Oahu Island. A private nature preserve where more than 79 movies were filmed including Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates. They have many tours here including Atv, Horseback,e bike, Jungle Jeep, and a Zip Line plus much more.

Learn to Surf

Hawaii known for Surfing and Big Wave Riding. Take some surf lessons and see if you have what it takes to hang 10.

Taste Poke

Hawaii’s known for Poke. Make sure you try some before you leave. Poke means cut into pieces, so don’t be too scared.

Watch Natures Water Show at the Halona Blowhole

Located near Hanauma Bay on Oahu Island. Stop by this natural wonder and watch it blow! About every 10 minutes give or take this water spout will shoot up 30 feet high.

Hike Lanakai Pillbox

Located on Oahu Island. This is one of the most popular hikes. The views are spectacular.

Stargaze at Haleakala National Park

Located on the Maui Island. This park has a lot of endangered species, including the Hawaiian Geese. This is the highest peak on Maui. Scientist come from all over the world to see the night sky.

Walk in Black Sand at Waianapanapa State Park

Located in Hana, HI on Maui Island. Come spend time on this black sand beach. This is a very popular park and offers swimming, hiking, picture perfect sunrises, camping, and cabin.

Experience History at Hawaii’s Plantation Village

Hawaii’s Plantation Village is located in Waipahu, HI on Oahu Island. This will take you on a recreated tour of the 1900s sugar plantation. Come get a little history while visiting Hawaii.

Get Lost in the Pineapple Garden Maze

Located in Wahiawa, HI on Oahu Island. This use to be the world’s largest hedge maze. It is still a huge hedge maze and the largest in the USA. Definitely worth the stop.

Located in Honokaa, HI on the Big Island. Go for a hike and look over to Waipi’o Valley and look at the scale of farming and fishing that use to be done here. This is a history view like no other.

Cliff-jump at South Point

South Point or Kalae is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. Okay so not only can you jump off a 40 to 60 foot cliff to land in the ocean you get to do this in the southernmost point of the USA. This is a Bucket List jump for sure.

Take a short hike on the Big Island and you will see not only 1 fall but 2 Falls. You will hike thru some amazing tropical vegetation to get to the 442 foot Waterfall.

You can visit a Green Sand Beach on the Big Island in Hawaii. With 4 Green Sand Beaches in the world i’m not sure why you would miss out on this one. This is close to a once in a lifetime experience.

Kehena Beach also known as Dolphin Beach because you guessed it dolphins can be seen here a lot. This is a black sand beach and is located on the Big Island.

Take a Scenic Drive in Pepeekeo

What is there not to love about a small 4 mile drive thru the tropical forest. This is the most famous scenic drive on the Big Island. Check out the old bridges and everything else you can see on this awesome scenic drive.

One of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. Punaluu Beach is located in Naalehu, HI. On Oahu Island. This beach is often visited by Sea Turtles.

Come take a dip in this unique tidal pool. The view from here is amazing! This is summer only and can be dangerous if the tide is over 4 feet.

If you love golfing or even if you don’t, Golfing here is going to let you be in the sun and give you amazing views while you enjoy nature and golfing.

Keahiakawelo or Garden of the Gods is located in
Lanai City, Hawaii. Come get a little Hawaii history. The area up in the sky with the clouds has no trees bushes or grass. It’s all rocks and red dirt. This is an amazing view. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing here also!!!

Scuba Dive the Lanai Cathedrals

For those of you that have a Scuba diving certification this is a perfect place to go. This is a 2 stop 2 tank dive and allows you to see many tropical fish up close.

Mail a Coconut

Stop by one of the vendors and buy a one of a kind coconut postcard and mail it back to your loved ones. What a perfect way to say I miss you and I am thinking of you!

Party at the Allerton Garden

You must go to the Allerton By Fire! This should be very high on your Hawaii Bucket list. This is live music, with live polynesian dancing. A fire and knife performance. This says Hawaii all over it! Plus of course they have an awesome garden tour.

Visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

At Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum you can go up in the tower and get a 360 degree view. There is also the flight simulator. Full access to more than 50 aircrafts. This is a must see for anyone coming to Hawaii.

See the Red Sand of Kaihalulu Beach

Well you have White Sand Beaches, you have Black Sand Beaches, Green Sand Beaches, and now you can visit a Red Sand Beach. Located in Hana, Hi on Maui Island. Visit the closest thing your getting to a pink sand beach in Hawaii.

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