8 Things to Do in Hawaii
Opportunities include Waikiki Beach, USS Arizona Memorial
Ahh, the tropical breezes, warm sunshine, ocean views, white sand beaches and poolside mai tais all help make Hawaii one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and there is certainly plenty to do in The Aloha State:
In This Article
1. Hang Out at Waikiki
Enjoy the white sand shoreline of Waikiki Beach, an Oahu island tourist destination that features an abundance of resort hotels and entertainment opportunities. Besides paddling in the ocean and sipping mai tais on the beach, the immediate area has several restaurants, great nightlife venues and luxury stores like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
2. Tour the USS Arizona Memorial
Revisit one of the most famous events in American history at the USS Arizona Memorial, which honors 2,388 military and civilian personnel killed by Japanese air attacks at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona was one of seven battleships that sank Dec. 7, 1941, and the Oahu memorial attracts 1.5 million visitors a year.
3. Feast at a Luau
Treat yourself to a unique evening of food, music, performers and costumes at luaus presented throughout the year on the island of Kauai. One of the most popular is Luau Kalamaku, a theater-in-the-round that occurs every Tuesday and Friday night. The dinner production portrays a Polynesian family’s inspiring journey across the ocean from Tahiti to Hawaii.
4. Gaze at Humpbacks
Board one of many boats that offer tours to see humpback whales off the coast of Kailua. Most of the tour companies guarantee sightings, with humpback whale numbers peaking from late December through April. The 40-ton mammals rise to the Pacific Ocean surface, and passengers can often easily see them in the clear warm waters.
5. Ride the Road to Hana
Drive over 56 one-lane bridges and around 600 hairpin turns that make the Road to Hana in Maui an exciting adventure and one of the top tourism attractions in Hawaii. The main rule is for motorists to take things slow for both safety and to appreciate all the natural beauty along the way.
6. Shop in Paradise
Head to Oahu and spend some money at Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall. More than 250 stores include major anchors like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Japan’s Shirokiya, and an impressive food court is on the premises. Hula shows and other performances are often featured on a center stage to entertain shoppers.
7. Sample Yellow Guava Wine
Relax and experience amazing views of the famed Mauna Loa volcano at Volcano Winery, located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Unique wines made with tropical fruits such as jaboticaba berry and yellow guava are available by the glass or bottle, and popular selections have names like Macadamia Nut Honey Wine and Specialty Infusion Tea Wine.
8. Eat at Annie’s and Loko
Bring your appetite to the Big Island and enjoy some of the great restaurants that provide Hawaii with a cuisine scene all its own. Two of the most popular eateries are Annie’s Fresh Island Burgers that is known for its south Kona sauté burgers, while Loko Wraps specializes in several kalua pork and shoyu chicken menu items.