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Hawaii is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. There are A LOT of thrilling activities to do when you’re in paradise, so I compiled the ultimate list of adventurous things to do in Hawaii.
101 Things To Do in Hawaii
I’ve grouped these activities by island so you can plan an epic Hawaii itinerary, whether you’re going to one island or all four.
Here are the best adventurous things to do in Hawaii!
Know Before You Go
A car is essential on all four of the main Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Renting cars saves you money because rideshares and hired drivers are expensive. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.
I drove all over the Hawaiian Islands, but I only had to fill up my tank once on each island because the islands are so small.
Oahu
Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
Do a UTV raptor tour at Kualoa Ranch
Go skydiving
Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Go parasailing
Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
Scuba Dive
Hike the Moanalua Valley Trail. This is the only legal way to get to the ‘Stairway To Heaven,’ and climbing down the stairs is prohibited.
Sail and snorkel along the coast
Go outrigger canoe surfing
Hike to the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
Ride on the Waikiki Atlantis Submarine
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
Hike to Manoa Falls
Swim with sharks
Go on a no-doors helicopter ride
Kauai
Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
Go snorkeling or diving
Hike the Sleeping Giant Trail
Visit Secret Falls – you have to paddle 3 miles (round-trip) and hike 2.5 miles (round trip) in the mud through the jungle and over several stream crossings
Sail along the Nā Pali Coast
Visit Kōkeʻe State Park
Do a helicopter tour
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
Hike to Hanakapki’ai Falls
Do a zipline tour
Hike the Canyon Trail to Waipo‘o Falls
Go tubing in the sugar plantation canals
Take an off-road jeep tour
Go night diving
Maui
Drive The Road To Hāna
Swim at Hanawi Falls
Snorkel at the Molokini Crater
Hike Waihee Ridge Trail
Sail along the coast
Explore Wai’anapanapa State Park
Go diving
Do a zipline tour
Hike the Pīpīwai Trail
Drive to the summit of Haleakalā National Park
Do a helicopter tour (my favorite is a no-doors helicopter ride that includes the island of Molokai)
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
Whale-watch
Horseback ride through the pineapple plantation at Ironwood Ranch
Hike the Haleakalā crater
The Big Island of Hawai’i
Sail along the coastline
Do a sunset and stargazing tour
Swim with manta rays
Go parasailing
Go snorkeling or diving
Hike to Akaka Falls
Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube
Do a helicopter tour
Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Drive the Chain of Craters Road
Hike through the Pu’u Loa petroglyph field
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
See lava glow at night – you’ll need to check with park rangers for where to view lava
Drive the scenic route along the Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy. 19) from east to west
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What would you add to this list of adventurous things to do in Hawaii? Share with us in the comments!
Recommended Tours in Hawaii
For Planning The Rest Of Your Hawaii Trip
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Adventurous Things To Do in Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most adventurous Hawaiian island?
All four of Hawaii’s main islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are epic adventure destinations. I highly recommend you visit all of them for a truly thrilling trip.
What is the most fun thing to do in Hawaii?
The Most Fun Things To Do in Hawaii:
1. Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
2. Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
3. Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
4. See a luau
5. Sail along the Nā Pali Coast
6. Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
7. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
8. Go surfing or take a surf lesson
9. Snorkel or dive
10. Do a no-doors helicopter tour
What people in Hawaii do for fun?
The Top Adventure Activities To Do in Hawaii:
1. Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
2. Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
3. Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
4. See a luau
5. Sail along the Nā Pali Coast
6. Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
7. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
8. Go surfing or take a surf lesson
9. Snorkel or dive
10. Do a no-doors helicopter tour
What are some outdoor activities you can do in Hawaii?
The Top Outdoor Activities To Do in Hawaii:
1. Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
2. Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
3. Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
4. See a luau
5. Sail along the Nā Pali Coast
6. Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
7. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
8. Go surfing or take a surf lesson
9. Snorkel or dive
10. Do a no-doors helicopter tour
What should I avoid in Hawaii?
Things To Avoid When You’re in Hawaii:
1. Using non-reef-safe sunscreen
2. Touching or getting too close to seals and turtles
3. Underestimating the tide
4. Hiking on illegal trails or private land
5. Parking in non-parking spots
6. Stepping on coral
7. Bringing back lava rocks as souvenirs
Is 1 week in Hawaii enough?
I’d give yourself at least 3-4 days per Hawaiian island. So a week would be enough time to visit two islands, but if you want to visit all the main Hawaiian islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island – you’ll need two weeks.
Where should I go in Hawaii for the first time?
Most people visit Oahu on their first trip to Hawaii. Oahu is incredible, but Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island are also worth a visit. I highly recommend you visit all four!
What is the coolest thing in Hawaii?
The Coolest Things To Do in Hawaii:
1. Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
2. Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
3. Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
4. See a luau
5. Sail along the Nā Pali Coast
6. Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
7. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
8. Go surfing or take a surf lesson
9. Snorkel or dive
10. Do a no-doors helicopter tour
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This list of adventurous things to do in Hawaii is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this list of adventurous things to do in Hawaii are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this list of adventurous things to do in Hawaii.
