29 Hawaiian Experiences Everyone Has To Have On The Islands

There is nothing better than Aloha life, and the incredible opportunities and experiences that come with living in the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you’ve lived in Hawaii for years, just moved to the Aloha State, or are simply visiting on vacation, there are some activities so uniquely Hawaiian that you have to experience them for yourself. While you can do some of these 29 things elsewhere in America, there is no better place to experience these magical activities than in Hawaii.

1. Swim with sea turtles and other sea life.

2. Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

3. Witness the beauty that is a Hawaiian sunset.

4. Learn to surf – or at least take a surfing lesson.

5. Conquer a hike you weren’t quite sure you could manage.

6. Hit up a local farmer’s market.

7. Experience the magic that is a true Hawaiian luau.

8. Splurge and take an exhilarating zip lining tour through the rainforest.

9. Drink cocktails on the beach, with sand between your toes. Bonus points if you’re drinking from a pineapple.

10. See for yourself why Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

11. Watch the monstrous waves on Oahu’s north shore.

12. Hike to one of many beautiful, serene waterfalls across the islands.

13. Go stand up paddle boarding (SUP).

14. Enjoy Hawaii’s favorite treat: shave ice.

15. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

16. Participate in a game of golf at one of Hawaii’s award-winning courses.

17. Watch whales frolicking off the coast.

18. Visit the stunning black-sand beaches of Hawaii Island.

19. Treat yourself to one of life’s greatest pleasures – a massage near the ocean.

20. Walk the halls of the United States only royal palace – Honolulu’s Iolani Palace.

21. Take a horseback riding tour.

22. Hang out in Hawaiian tide pools and pretend you’re a mermaid.

23. Drink a cup of real Kona coffee.

24. Take a drive – we suggest Maui’s Hana Highway or Hawaii Island’s Saddle Road.

25. Go camping on the beach.

26. Go island hopping as often as possible.

27. Fill up on spam musubi, loco moco, and other Hawaiian favorites.

28. View the islands from an entirely different angle – via helicopter tour or skydiving excursion.

29. Take as many photographs as possible, because we all know a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Tell us, how many of these experiences have you had? What other uniquely Hawaiian experiences would you add to this list?