Here Are 11 Overrated Tourist Activities To Avoid In Hawaii

When visiting Hawaii – whether you are from the mainland, or simply exploring a neighbor island – you might want to avoid what many would call "tourist traps." You know, the attractions the guide books boast about, but are actually just overrun with so many tourists that you leave slightly disappointed and confused as to why everyone talks about how amazing it is? Well, these 11 Hawaii tourist traps are, quite frankly, overrated.

I understand that I may have previously touted these activities as mandatory for island residents, but this is meant to be a fun piece that offers memorable alternatives to those activities that are a little too "safe" for anyone planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. After all, you only have so much time in paradise and you want to experience the best of the best, don’t you?

1. Hiking Diamond Head.

Diamond Head is overrated: crowded, noisy, and full of too many people to really enjoy the journey – or the view from the top. The trail is half-paved, and really not an accurate portrayal of hiking in Hawaii. Instead, head to Koko Head, the Lanikai Pillboxes, or even Makapu’u Lighthouse.

This Hawaii tourist trap should be a miss if you’re looking for solitude.

2. Visiting the Waipio Valley Lookout.

Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on the Big Island – and it definitely is, but if you don’t plan on adventuring past the lookout point, Polulu Valley Lookout, on the other side of the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, offers some pretty stellar views as well, as well as access to a stunning black sand beach via steep hiking trail.

One of the top places to see in Hawaii, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, save this one for later!

3. Hanging out at a luau.

Let’s get one thing straight: Luaus can be pretty cool, but they cater almost exclusively to tourists who don’t know any better, and often cost far more than the average person can afford for mediocre Hawaiian food. Sure, the entertainment is pretty neat, but not worth the cost, at least to me.

4. Hanging out at Ka'anapali Beach.

Ka’anapali is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches, but it is often far too crowded to truly relax and enjoy your beach day. For a more memorable beach experience, head down the road to Hanakao’o Beach Park, a beautiful 4.8-acre oasis with a canoe clubhouse, lifeguards on duty, and picnic area.

While a fun thing to do in Hawaii, Ka'anapali Beach is definitely busy.

5. Staying in Waikiki.

Waikiki is literally the biggest tourist trap there is in Hawaii. If you venture out of this area saturated with expensive food and luxury hotels, you are sure to find breathtaking waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, and incredible, panoramic views - some just miles away.

This super busy attraction in Hawaii should be skipped if you don’t want the crowds.

6. Taking a surf lesson.

If you’re an adult and have never been surfing before - or don’t plan to commit a substantial portion of your life to learning the sport - a surf lesson could ultimately be a waste of both time and money that might be better spent snorkeling, kayaking, or enjoying the ocean in a much easier manner.

7. Getting Shave Ice from Matsumoto's.

Located on Oahu’s north shore in the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, Matsumoto’s is famous, and the shop makes more than 1,000 shave ices on any given day, and is, unfortunately, inconsistent at best. I’ll be honest: I much prefer the shave ice from Anahulu’s down the road.

Matsumoto's is one of the top things to do in Hawaii, so head to a small local spot if you want a quieter option.

8. Touring the Mauna Loa Factory.

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory tour might be an excellent stop for a rainy day on the Big Island, but that’s about it. You can buy their products anywhere, and I’m personally not terribly interested in the farming of macadamia nuts. Instead, consider checking out any of the Big Island’s beautiful botanical gardens or coffee farms.

This Hawaii tourist trap can be a pass unless it’s raining out.

9. Going to Pearl Harbor only for the USS Arizona Memorial.

The USS Arizona is a breathtaking piece of American history, and it is entirely worth the trip, but I can guarantee you will enjoy exploring the USS Battleship Missouri more. And you won’t need to get to Pearl Harbor by 7 a.m. to reserve those free Arizona tickets.

One of the top tourist attractions in Hawaii, make sure you spread out a bit and learn more!

10. Eating at Zippy's.

Can I be honest with you for a second? I don’t like Zippy’s, nor do I think it is representative of the amazing Hawaiian food available throughout the islands. I can see how it would be an excellent hangover food, but I’d rather eat elsewhere.

There’s plenty of other places to eat instead of this tourist trap in Hawaii.

11. Visting Maui's Ohea Gulch.

Maui’s "seven sacred pools" are heralded as being one of Maui’s greatest gems, and while the pools are beautiful, I think that the nearby Pipiwai Trail - which leads to two gorgeous waterfalls through a stunning bamboo forest is clearly the better attraction.

A top attraction in Hawaii that might be better to pass on if you’d rather have a secluded experience.

Have you gotten stuck in any of these Hawaii tourist traps? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below!

Now that you know what tourist attractions to avoid, please check out these 15 tourist activities locals love, as well as the 13 lies the guidebooks tell you about Hawaii.