10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Hawaii
Just a short drive north of Hilo on the Big Island, Akaka Falls State Park offers one of Hawaii’s most iconic waterfall experiences. The park’s easy 0.4-mile loop trail meanders through lush tropical rainforest, leading to the breathtaking 442-foot Akaka Falls and the nearby smaller Kahuna Falls. The vibrant greenery, dripping ferns, and colorful wild ginger flowers create an immersive sense of being in a living tropical cathedral. What sets Akaka Falls apart is its accessibility combined with dramatic height—few waterfalls in the state rival its vertical plunge framed by dense jungle. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the misty atmosphere, making those times perfect for photography or quiet reflection.
On Maui’s west coast, just outside the bustling town of Lahaina, the Nakalele Blowhole is a natural spectacle that demands a visit. A rugged 15-minute hike from the parking area brings you to the jagged lava coastline where ocean waves force water through a natural lava tube, shooting geyser-like sprays up to 100 feet high. The raw power of the Pacific here, combined with the eerie sounds of the wind and waves, creates an elemental experience unique to this spot. Because the blowhole’s force depends on wave conditions, visiting during high surf in winter months amplifies the drama, though caution is essential due to slippery rocks and unpredictable sprays.
The summit area of Haleakalā National Park, roughly an hour and a half from Kahului on Maui, transports visitors to a lunar-like volcanic landscape at over 10,000 feet elevation. Sunrise at Haleakalā Crater is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle where vast clouds roll below you, and the sun’s first light bathes cinder cones and rocky spires in gold and crimson hues. Hiking the Sliding Sands Trail from the summit offers an otherworldly trek across volcanic terrain, with views stretching across the island and beyond on clear days. Visiting in the cooler early morning hours ensures a comfortable ascent and a front-row seat to one of Hawaii’s most dramatic natural performances.
On Kauai, the Kalalau Trail begins at Ke’e Beach, about a 45-minute drive northwest from Lihue, and is widely considered one of the most breathtaking hikes in the state. This rugged 11-mile trail traces the Napali Coast, winding through lush valleys and along towering sea cliffs that plunge into the turquoise Pacific below. The trail’s reward is the secluded Kalalau Beach, where the only access is on foot or by sea. The dramatic coastline features sea caves, waterfalls like Hanakapiai Falls (a 4-mile detour from the trail), and abundant native plants and seabirds. Hiking here in the spring or early summer brings blooming wildflowers and manageable trail conditions, though even in drier months the views remain spectacular.
In Honolulu on Oahu, the historic Iolani Palace stands as a singular reminder of Hawaii’s royal past. Located in downtown Honolulu, about 15 minutes from Waikiki Beach, this beautifully restored palace was the official residence of Hawaiian monarchs until the overthrow of the monarchy in the late 19th century. Guided tours reveal intricate furnishings, royal artifacts, and stories of the island’s last kings and queens, weaving history and culture into a tangible experience. Visiting on a clear day allows you to also appreciate the palace’s unique Florentine architecture and its lush courtyard gardens, which contrast with the surrounding urban sprawl.
The Big Island’s Mauna Kea summit offers an adventure for stargazers that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world. Located roughly 90 minutes from Kailua-Kona, the summit at 13,796 feet is home to world-class observatories under some of the clearest, darkest skies on Earth. Visitors can experience guided sunset tours that ascend above the clouds, watching twilight fade into a galaxy-studded night. The altitude and remote location create an unparalleled vantage point for viewing constellations and meteor showers. Winter months bring crisp, clear nights ideal for astronomy, though layered clothing is essential due to the summit’s chilly conditions.
On Oahu’s windward side, the town of Kailua is a laid-back beach community about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu. Kailua Beach Park boasts powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along the scenic coastline. Nearby, Lanikai Pillbox Hike offers a short but moderately steep 1.5-mile trail with sweeping views of the Mokulua Islands offshore. This combination of ocean recreation and panoramic lookout is a quintessential Hawaiian experience, distinguished by the town’s relaxed vibe and relatively uncrowded beaches compared to Waikiki. Early morning hikes avoid midday heat and reward visitors with soft sunlight illuminating the islands.
In the heart of Kona on the Big Island, the Mokuaikaua Church offers a window into Hawaii’s missionary history. Established in 1820, this is the oldest Christian church in the state, built with lava rock and native woods. Visiting here provides a sense of the cultural shifts and early Western influences that shaped modern Hawaii. The church’s location just minutes from downtown Kona also allows visitors to explore nearby historic sites and sample local Kona coffee, grown in volcanic soil that lends a distinctive rich flavor to the world-famous brew. Morning tours followed by a coffee tasting in town create a nicely paced cultural outing.
On Kauai, the Wailua River State Park lies about 20 minutes east of Lihue and invites visitors to explore Hawaii’s lush interior by kayak or boat. Gliding along the calm river, you pass tropical vegetation, ancient Hawaiian temples, and waterfalls such as the dramatic Opaekaa Falls. The park’s unique combination of river, forest, and sacred sites makes it unlike many other outdoor spots in the state, where coastal and mountain experiences dominate. Dawn or early morning trips are best, when the jungle is alive with bird calls and the light filters softly through the canopy, enhancing the sense of being deep in a tropical sanctuary.
Finally, in the town of Waimea on the Big Island’s north shore, the Parker Ranch offers a distinctively Hawaiian ranching experience. Founded in the 19th century, it’s one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States and reflects a unique blending of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture with island traditions. Visitors can tour the ranch grounds, learn about cattle herding history, and experience local rodeo events or horseback rides. The cool, dry climate of Waimea contrasts with Hawaii’s tropical image, adding another layer to the state’s rich diversity. Visiting during annual events or on clear weekends makes for an engaging glimpse into a less-visited but vital part of Hawaiian heritage.