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Hawaii is one of the dreamiest destinations in the world, and it’s the perfect place for a mother-daughter trip. There’s A LOT to do and see when you’re in paradise, so I created a list of the top things to do on a mother-daughter Hawaii trip.
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 things to do on a mother-daughter Hawaii trip!
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 food and cocktail tour
See a luau
Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Do a UTV raptor tour at Kualoa Ranch
Go ziplining at Kualoa Ranch
Get shave ice at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
Eat at Maui Brewing
Spend some time at Halona Beach Cove
Sail and snorkel along the coast
Eat at The Hideout
Stay at one of the best hotels on Oahu
Go outrigger canoe surfing
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
See the Byodo-In Temple
Hike to Manoa Falls
Try paddleboard yoga
Enjoy the views at Pali Lookout
Kauai
Visit the Wailua Falls Overlook
Hike a portion of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park
Visit the Opaeka‘a Falls Overlook
Eat at Keoki’s Paradise
Go snorkeling or diving
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
See seals and turtles on Poipu Beach
Shop at Warehouse 3540
Eat at Red Salt at Koa Kea
Visit the Kilauea Lighthouse
Stay at one of these incredible Airbnbs
Eat at one of the food trucks in Po’ipu
Go surfing or take a surf lesson
Enjoy the views at Hanalei Valley Lookout
Go tubing in the sugar plantation canals
Maui
Stay at the Hana-Maui Resort
Drive The Road To Hāna
Sail along the coast on a catamaran
Swim at Hanawi Falls
Snorkel at the Molokini Crater
See the views at the Wailua Valley State Wayside overlook
Stay at the Andaz Maui
Spend a few hours exploring Wai’anapanapa State Park
Hike the Pīpīwai Trail
Have a beach day
Do a helicopter tour (my favorite is a no-doors helicopter ride that includes the island of Molokai)
Eat at Hāna Harvest
Do a wine tasting at Ulupalakua Ranch and Vineyards
Eat at Hāna Ranch Restaurant
Whale-watch
Spot sea turtles at Maluaka Beach
Horseback ride through the pineapple plantation at Ironwood Ranch
Watch the sunset at Makena Cove
Drive to the summit of Haleakalā National Park
The Big Island of Hawai’i
See Rainbow Falls
Do a sunset and stargazing tour
Swim with manta rays
See a luau
Eat at Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine
Eat at The Rim at Volcano House
Hike to Akaka Falls
Spend some time at Hapuna Beach
Marvel at the views from the Waipi’o Valley Lookout
Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hike through the Pu’u Loa petroglyph field
Stay at one of the best hotels on the Big Island
Go outrigger canoe surfing
Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube
Do a helicopter tour
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
Go parasailing
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What would you add to this guide for planning a mother-daughter Hawaii trip? Share with us in the comments!
Recommended Tours in Hawaii
For Planning The Rest Of Your Hawaii Trip
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Plan a Mother-Daughter Hawaii Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I spend my birthday in Hawaii?
The Top Activities To Celebrate Your Birthday 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
Where can I get free stuff on my birthday in Hawaii?
Some restaurants will give you a free appetizer or dessert on your birthday, and some hotels will give you a complimentary gift, perk, or discount for your birthday.
How much money do you need per day in Hawaii?
The average price of a one-week trip to Hawaii is around $2000 for a solo traveler, $3000 for a couple, and $4500 for a family of four.
What activities can I do for my birthday?
The Best Birthday Activities 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 is the number one attraction in Hawaii?
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are the most-visited places in Hawaii.
Is Hawaii expensive?
Yes. Hawaii is a relatively expensive destination. You can save some money by doing free activities, cooking your own meals, traveling on weekdays, and visiting during the shoulder months.
What is the most beautiful part of Hawaii?
All four of the major Hawaiian islands – Oahu, Kauai, Big Island, and Maui – are stunning! I couldn’t choose the pretties because they all have unique and breathtaking landscapes.
When should I go to Hawaii?
Hawaii is made up of micro-climates, so the weather varies significantly from island to island and from one side of an island to the other. The year-round warm weather (rarely going below the mid-70s or above the mid-80s) means Hawaii is a great destination any time of the year. So Hawaii doesn’t have an off-season.
April – September is the most popular time to visit Hawaii because these are the warmest and driest months. The ocean is calmer, giving you access to more water activities with better sailing conditions. Be prepared to pay the highest prices during these months. The islands will also be crowded, so book accommodation, tours, and rental cars in advance.
The weather in Hawaii is marginally cooler from October – March, and these are the wettest months of the year. Pro Tip: the islands’ west coasts are significantly drier than their east coasts.
October – March is whale-watching season, and the crowds and prices will be lower (though not significantly). These months have some of the largest swells of the year, so surfers will swarm the beaches.
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This list of things to do on a mother-daughter Hawaii trip 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 things to do on a mother-daughter Hawaii trip are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this list of things to do on a mother-daughter Hawaii trip.
