14 Things To Do In Hawaii When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
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Megan Shute
Author
While there are countless adventures to be had across the breathtaking Hawaiian Islands, after you’ve spent enough time exploring, it can feel as though you’ve done it all. Luckily for you, there is always another trail or attraction to discover – even when island fever sets in and you feel like there is nothing new to explore. From gorgeous gardens to wonderful waterfalls, here are 14 unique things to do in Hawaii when you think you’ve done everything Hawaii has to offer. Because although the Hawaiian Islands are small, they are chock-full of magnificent adventures just waiting to be had.
Kalapana - Kapoho Road, Kalapana - Kapoho Rd, Hawaii 96778, USA
Kapoho Kalapana Road, also known as Highway 137 and more affectionately referred to as "red road," is perhaps the best country road the Aloha State has to offer, even though it is an extremely short stretch of road. The entire 17-mile drive stretches from Kalapana - where you’ll bike or hike to the ocean’s lava entry for sunrise - to the Kapoho Tide Pools, where you can relax the afternoon away.
Enjoy a drive on the scenic Kapoho Kalapana Road in Hawaii to see some of the most unique places in Hawaii in this video from Katarina Herzer:
Enjoy a drive on the scenic Kapoho Kalapana Road in Hawaii to see some of the most unique places in Hawaii in this video from Katarina Herzer:
Kula, HI 96790, USA
On the slopes of Mount Haleakala, you will find Kula, a gorgeous little town in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The word Kula translates from Hawaiian to "open meadows," and is a perfect description of the serene natural beauty you’ll find in this area. The area is also home to countless epic attractions - from an organic vodka distillery to charming gardens and everything in between. Read more about this charming Kula, HI in our featured article.
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Red Dirt Waterfall, State Hwy 550, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold — and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest.
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Star of Honolulu, Pier 8, Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Is there really any better way to end a perfect day in paradise than with a signature Hawaiian sunset? Of course, there is - you could be watching the sun slip behind the horizon on one of the many magnificent sunset sails offered across the Hawaiian Islands while you enjoy the ocean breeze, live entertainment, Hawaiian cocktails, and some mouthwatering food. While this all may sound too good to be true, it’s not: you can find all this and more aboard the Star of Honolulu.
Mo‘omomi, Mo‘Omomi, HI 96757, USA
Located on the isolated northeast corner of Molokai, the sprawling 921-acre Mo’omomi Preserve protects one of the state’s last intact coastal regions, a holdover from an ancient era. Steady and strong northeast trade winds have shaped the linear sand dunes, which measure nearly a mile long and hundreds of feet wide. It is within these seemingly barren dunes that native grasses and shrubs flourish. In fact, here you will find more rare coastal species than any other single location in the main Hawaiian Islands.
Big Island Bees, 82-1140 Meli Rd #102, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
Located on Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast in Captain Cook is this stunning bee farm known for making the best single-source artisanal honey around. Founded in 1971 with just a few beehives, Big Island Bees has since grown to encompass more than 3,800 hives and 190 million bees. The farm produces several varieties of pure and organic honey, with no heating, filtering or blending, and is a truly remarkable spot worthy of a spot on your Hawaiian bucket list - as long as you aren’t deathly allergic, or terrified, of bees.
Battleship Missouri Memorial, 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
While there are still countless naval ships and submarines found throughout the United States, the last remaining battleship in America can be found right here in Hawaii, floating off the coast of Ford Island. The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, is a stunning piece of military history, and is definitely worthy of a visit. The "Mighty Mo," as it is affectionately referred to, the USS Missouri is an awe-inspiring behemoth of a ship, weighing more than 58,000 tons and measuring in at approximately 900 feet from bow to stern.
Take a tour of the USS Missouri battleship in Pearl harbor in this video from Yes to Hawaii:
Take a tour of the USS Missouri battleship in Pearl harbor in this video from Yes to Hawaii:
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Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA
There is something so inherently serene about lighthouses, and this enchanting lighthouse in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is no different. Plus, its surroundings are absolutely magical. This picturesque Kauai lighthouse stands amongst rocky sea cliffs that tower above the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, home to the endangered monk seals, humpback whales in the winter, and honu.
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Lili?uokalani Gardens, 189 Lihiwai St #151, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Located in the heart of Hilo - Hawaii’s oldest city - near Coconut Island on the breathtaking Banyan Drive, is Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a positively enchanting slice of waterfront paradise. Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields.
Green World Coffee Farm, 71-101 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Tucked between two Hawaii state highways just outside Wahiawa is Green World Coffee Farm, a quirky coffee shop with local coffee, tea, espresso drinks, and a variety of baked goods. With painted green walls full of hilarious coffee signs, prints, and memorabilia, Green World is part coffee shop, part working farm and roastery, part retail store — and 100 percent amazing. After grabbing a cup of coffee, customers can tour the coffee garden out back and see the coffee beans as they are grown.
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Halotherapy - also known as salt therapy - is used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions as well as provide a calming effect, and it has recently become popular across the United States. While Hawaii is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness fads, there are only a few salt caves found across the Hawaiian Islands. The Ho’ola Spa, located in the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, features the state’s first salt room, and certainly worthy of a visit.
Kahana Bay Beach Park, 52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Located on Oahu’s beautiful windward coast between Laie and Kaneohe is Kahana Bay Beach Park, an unspoiled gem worthy of a little attention. Surrounded on three sides by the stunning Ko'olau Mountains, this stunning stretch of sand is backed by ironwood trees and is often overlooked for more accessible - and less remote - spots on the island.
Kula Botanical Garden, 638 Kekaulike Ave, Kula, HI 96790, USA
Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the Kula Botanical Garden is truly something special. Created in 1968 as a native Hawaiian plant reserve by Warren McCord, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden, and is positively enchanting, to say the least. The Kula Botanical Garden features an impressive assortment of colorful flora including collections of protea, orchids, bromeliads, and native Hawaiian plants, as well as native trees like the koa and kukui on 8 acres.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96785, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to hikes recommended only for experienced hikers in top physical shape. When completed together, the Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail and ‘Iliahi (Sandalwood) Trail provides hikers with a magnificent experience unlike any other throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Less than three miles round trip, this hiking trail leads adventurers through a tropical rainforest full of ferns, and through sulfur banks along a paved boardwalk, where steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits abound. To stay on top of all of these hiking trails, check out AllTrails+.
Let's head to Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii to experience this fascinating landscape in this video from The Hawaii Vacation Guide:
Let's head to Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii to experience this fascinating landscape in this video from The Hawaii Vacation Guide:
How many of these places have you experienced? Have you ever experienced island fever before? Share your favorite “cure” on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page. Or, leave a comment with the most unique things to do in Hawaii you have discovered.
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More to Explore
Even more things to do in Hawaii
What are some of the best places to visit in Hawaii?
Simply being in Hawaii itself is a magical experience, but as long as you are here you may as well enjoy some of the unique sights and attractions. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Hawaii:
- Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Hilo, HI: This is the only tropical zoo in the United States so it is pretty special. This Big Island attraction is one of the only places you can see some of these animals. From the endangered White Bengal tiger to dancing spider monkeys, and dozens more fascinating tropical species. Take a walk in the rainforest to enjoy these rare and beautiful creatures.
- Kukaniloko Birthing Stones, Wahiawa, HI: Another fascinating place to visit that you'll only find in Hawaii is the location of the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones. This sacred site was a revered place for Hawaiian royalty to give birth dating back centuries. They are located in the geographic center of Oahu where the life force is strongest.
- Pipiwai Trail, Maui, HI: One of the best things to do in Hawaii if you love the outdoors is to go on a hike. This beautiful bamboo forest is like another world with towering bamboo swaying in the wind with a quiet calmness. Along this four-mile hike, you'll also come across a giant banyan tree and two beautiful waterfalls.
If you love the natural beauty of Hawaii, you'll definitely love visiting some of the state's most beautiful natural attractions. Our ultimate guide to the most incredible natural wonders in Hawaii will give you lots of inspiration to come visit.