Unique things to do in Hawaii (2025)
Hawaii is unlike any other place I’ve ever been. From the moment I set foot on the islands, I was captivated by the raw beauty of its volcanic craters, the lushness of its rainforests, and the deep cultural roots that shape everyday life. Whether it was paddling out to a secluded islet, soaring above the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, or hiking through an active volcanic landscape, every experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. These adventures left me with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the magic that makes Hawaii so special, and I hope they do the same for you.
I have not only visited all four main Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai) but I also spent a month working remotely from Oahu and the Big Island. This gave me the incredible opportunity to explore these islands while embracing the true essence of the Aloha spirit. After personally experiencing most of these adventures and carefully curated this list of unique things to do in Hawaii to help you make the most of your trip.
8 unique things to do in the Hawaii
Kayaking to Mokoli’i (Chinaman’s Hat) in Oahu
Chinaman’s Hat is one of Oahu’s most iconic offshore islets. We set out early in the morning, renting a kayak from a nearby shop, and launched into the waters from Kualoa Regional Park. The paddle across was both peaceful and scenic, with the Ko’olau Mountains creating an epic backdrop.
Once we reached the island, we pulled the kayak onto the shore and started the short but steep hike to the summit. The view from the top was breathtaking, offering panoramic sights of Kaneohe Bay and the surrounding coastline. The way down was trickier, so we took our time navigating the rocky terrain. This was the most fun and unique adventure in Hawaii we had done so far.
Best Time to Go: Morning (7 AM – 10 AM) when the waters are calmer and the sun isn’t too harsh.
Duration: About 3 hours (45-minute paddle each way + time for hiking and relaxing).
Reservations: You can rent a kayak with Active Oahu Tours. Ensure that you specify drop off at Kualoa Regional Park.
Tips:
- Bring plenty of water! The hike is exposed, and it gets hot quickly.
- Wear reef shoes or water sandals with good grip since the hike can be slippery.
- Check the tides and wind forecast before heading out, as strong winds can make the return paddle challenging.
Submarine Scooter Snorkeling in Oahu
One of the most exciting and unique activities we did in Oahu was submarine scooter snorkeling at Maunalua Bay. Unlike regular snorkeling, you ride a small underwater scooter with a clear dome that supplies air, allowing you to breathe normally while exploring marine life.
After a quick safety briefing, we took a boat out to a dive spot where we were lowered into the water on our scooters. The sensation of cruising underwater without a snorkel or tank was surreal! We glided past schools of colorful fish, vibrant coral, and even a few sea turtles.
Best Time to Go: Late morning to early afternoon (10 AM – 2 PM) when visibility is best underwater.
Duration: 2 hours (including boat ride and prep time).
Reservations: Book your Submarine Scooter Tour with Island Watersports.
Tips:
- Wear a rash guard or a swimsuit with good coverage—there’s no wetsuit provided.
- Don’t touch the coral! It’s delicate and essential for marine life.
UTV Tour at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu
Kualoa Ranch is famous for its stunning landscapes and movie history (Jurassic Park, anyone?). Taking a guided UTV tour here was one of my favorite activities in Oahu. We got to drive our own rugged UTV through massive valleys, jungle trails, and scenic ridges.
The tour included stops at famous filming locations (like Jurassic Park, Lost, etc.) and historical sites, where our guide shared fascinating insights about Hawaiian history and legends. Seeing the lush valleys from an open-air vehicle made the experience feel even more immersive.
Best Time to Go: Mid-morning (8 AM – 11 AM) to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Duration: 2 hours.
Reservations: Book your UTV Raptor Tour with Kualoa Ranch Tours. Book in advance! Tours fill up fast, especially on the weekends.
Tips:
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty—the trails can be dusty and muddy.
- Sunglasses and a bandana will help keep dust out of your eyes and mouth.
- Make sure you have your driver’s licence.
Mauna Kea Stargazing on the Big Island
If there’s one place in Hawaii that truly transports you to another world, it’s Mauna Kea. Standing at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, it’s known for offering one of the most breathtaking stargazing experiences on the planet. While we didn’t get the chance to visit ourselves due to bad weather, but we’ve heard countless stories from friends who have, and they all say the same thing—it’s absolutely magical.
They described arriving before sunset to witness the sky bursting into fiery shades of orange and pink above the clouds, a sight so surreal it felt like being on top of the world. As night fell, the sky transformed into a dazzling canvas of stars, with the Milky Way stretching across the horizon in crystal-clear detail. Those who joined guided stargazing tours raved about using high-powered telescopes to spot distant planets, galaxies, and constellations. Every person we’ve spoken to swears that Mauna Kea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s at the top of our list for our next visit!
Best Time to Go: Sunset (arrive by 6 PM) and stay for stargazing.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Reservations: Once a month, Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station hosts free telescope stargazing events (reservations required). For a summit experience, you can book the guided tours here.
Tips:
- Bring warm clothes! It gets freezing at the summit (below freezing at night).
- Acclimate at the visitor center (9,200 feet) before heading to the summit to avoid altitude sickness.
- Do not try to drive on your own, unless you have a 4×4 Jeep. And if you are renting make sure to check your rental agreement as sometimes its prohibited.
- Check the weather forecast—clouds can obscure the views.
Hiking in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
Volcanoes National Park is unlike any other place I’ve hiked before. It’s a landscape constantly in motion, shaped by active lava flows, steaming vents, and vast volcanic craters. The park offers a variety of trails, each showcasing a different side of this powerful natural wonder. The most unforgettable experience was at night, when we saw the active lava glowing in the distance. There’s nothing like standing in complete darkness, watching the earth’s fiery energy bubbling beneath the surface—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
Best Hikes
- Kīlauea Iki Trail, a four-mile loop that takes you through a lush rainforest before descending into a solidified lava lake from a 1959 eruption.
- Devastation Trail, an easy one-mile walk through an eerie, barren landscape covered in volcanic cinder from past eruptions.
- Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), a short 20-minute walk that takes you through a tunnel carved out by flowing lava over 500 years ago. Walking through this naturally formed tube gave me chills.
- Pu‘u Huluhulu Trail, 5.2 miles round trip offers panoramic views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and takes you through lava fields from past eruptions.
- Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Overlook, reachable by a short 1.5-mile hike, is another must-see, offering a view of the crater that once held a lava lake.
Best Time to Go: Early morning (start 7 AM – 9 AM) before it gets too hot.
Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the trails you choose.
Reservations: You can book your tour with Blue Hawaiian. A quick note about the tours that take you to the actual volcano – based on other peoples’ experiences, the helicopter has to stay pretty far away from the volcano, so don’t get your hopes up about peeking inside the crater.
Tips:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes—the terrain is uneven and sharp in some areas.
- Bring a flashlight if you plan to stay past sunset to see lava flows.
- Stop by the visitor center for updates on active eruptions.
Driving the Road to Hana in Maui
The Road to Hana is not just a drive—it’s an adventure. This scenic route winds through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, lava rock coastlines, and black sand beaches. Some of my favorite stops included the Twin Falls, the Ke’anae Peninsula, and Wai’anapanapa State Park (home to a breathtaking black sand beach).
Must-see Stops along the way
- Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2) – The first notable waterfall stop, Twin Falls is a great place to stretch your legs and take a refreshing dip in a natural pool.
- Wailua Valley State Wayside (Mile Marker 18) – A quick roadside pull-off with a short staircase leading to breathtaking views of Wailua Valley, taro fields, and the ocean.
- Waiʻanapanapa State Park & Black Sand Beach (Mile Marker 32) – This is one of the crown jewels of the Road to Hana. The jet-black sand beach, formed by volcanic activity, contrasts beautifully with the deep blue ocean and lush greenery.
- Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45) – One of the most photographed waterfalls on the island, Wailua Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into a lovely pool.
- Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker 50) – A beautiful crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and turquoise waters. This is the place to unwind and relax.
Best Time to Go: Start early (by 7 AM) to avoid traffic and have enough time for stops.
Duration: Full-day trip (8-10 hours).
Reservations: Make sure you book a car rental in advance of your Hawaii trip, most of the times they are all booked making it difficult to find any last minute cars rentals.
Tips:
- Fill up your gas tank before starting—there are no gas stations on the way.
- Pack snacks and drinks—food options are limited. Also pack a swimwear and towel if you feel like taking a dip in the water along the way.
- Drive slow! The road has over 600 curves and 59 bridges.
Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakalā in Maui
Watching the sunrise from Haleakalā’s summit at 10,000 feet above sea level was one of the most magical experiences of my life. On a clear day, the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a scene that looks straight out of a painting. Even on cloudy days, you might find yourself above the clouds, which feels surreal. If you aren’t a morning person, go for the sunset and it is as magical as the sunrise, and you can also stay longer for stargazing on a clear night.
Best Time to Go: Sunrise (arrive by 5 AM) or Sunset (arrive by 5:30 PM).
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Reservations: Reservations are required for sunrise, make sure book in advance here!
Tips:
- Make sure you dress in layers—it’s freezing at the top.
- Bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea to enjoy while waiting for the sun.
- You can also book a sunrise tour with Skyline Hawaii if you don’t have a car and if interested combine it with Ziplining.
- Another tour you may be interested in the sunset and stargazing tour with Maui Stargazing.
Exploring the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai
The Nā Pali Coast is one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the world. Located on the north shore of Kauai, it stretches for 17 miles, boasting towering sea cliffs (pali), deep emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and remote beaches that can only be accessed by boat, air, or a challenging hike. This dramatic coastline is one of the most iconic and untouched parts of Hawaii, offering an adventure that feels straight out of a dream. This is my favourite unique activity in Hawaii.
Ways to explore the Nā Pali Coast
🚁 Helicopter Tour / Fixed-wing flight – A helicopter tour or a fixed-wing flight gives you an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the towering cliffs, lush valleys, and waterfalls that plunge into the ocean. We did the fixed wing flight and we were able to appreciate all the beauty of the Nā Pali Coast from the air.
🛥️ Boat Tour – If you want to get up close and personal with the Nā Pali Coast while enjoying the ocean breeze, a boat tour is the way to go. It gives you the chance to explore sea caves, spot dolphins, and even snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
🥾 Hiking the Kalalau Trail – For those seeking a challenge, hiking the Kalalau Trail is an unforgettable way to experience the raw beauty of the Nā Pali Coast. This 11-mile (one-way) trail is one of the most famous and difficult hikes in Hawaii, leading from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach.
Best Time to Go: Morning (8 AM – 11 AM) for the best lighting and typically calmer winds.
Duration: 60-90 minutes.
Reservations: You can book your tour with Blue Hawaiian for the helicopter tour or the fixed wing flight tour with Wings Over Kauai. Book your boat tour with Capt Andy’s here.
Tips:
- The fixed-wing planes won’t go as low as the helicopters, but are a budget friendly option.
- If you get motion sickness, take Dramamine before your flight/boat tour.
- Wear dark clothing—lighter colors reflect on the windows.
- If you are hiking make sure you take plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Wear light clothing as it can get hot really fast.
- Book early, as helicopter and boat tours sell out fast.
📌 Read our separate post on which is the best Hawaiian island for you comparing all the 4 main islands!
📌 If you are looking for a perfect itinerary for Oahu, read our separate blog to plan your trip!
📌 Check out our separate post on why Big Island is worth visiting!
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you forever. There are so many unique things to experience in Hawaii where every adventure is a testament to the islands’ breathtaking beauty and deep cultural heritage. Whether exploring lush rainforests, black sand beaches, or ancient lava flows, you can feel the Aloha spirit in every moment—the warmth, respect, and deep connection to nature. During my month-long stay, I realized that Hawaii isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that becomes a part of you. If you ever get the chance, embrace every moment, slow down, and let the magic of the islands leave an imprint on your soul.
Aloha and mahalo! 🌺
