Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips in Hawaii That Are An Absolute Must-Do
When you live on an island, day trips can be difficult unless you are able to island hop to explore another beautiful slice of paradise. So, because any given Hawaiian island is only so big, you have to get a little bit creative. Check out these 10 unique day trips near me in Hawaii, and be prepared to be blown away!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1) Drive around the island.
Kamehameha Highway, Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, USA
Some islands are smaller than others but you will get to enjoy beautiful scenery and, let's be honest, it's as close to a road trip as you can get. Bring your beach gear and walking shoes so you can stop anywhere that catches your eye.
Start on Oahu by driving the Kamehameha Highway. A great spot to stop is Keneke's Grill for roadside barbeque.
With the beautiful Pacific Ocean surrounding you, a new beach is never too far away. Go out of your comfort zone and try somewhere different. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite.
Check out beautiful Hanalei Beach on Kauai. Take a break from the water for delicious tacos at Pat's Taqueria.
If you are on Oahu, try the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, located on the north shore. This adorable small town has great shopping, food and killer beaches. And if you aren't on Oahu, there is always another new town to explore.
One of the best things to do in Haleiwa, of course, is to go surfing! Check out North beach Surf Shop.
4) Rent kayaks.
N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
What better way to explore paradise than by the ocean? Paddle from Kailua Beach on Oahu to the small island off the coast - there's a secluded beach and you can even hike to the top or explore the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. It’s one of the best beaches in Hawaii!
Winning awards from ational Geographic, Na Pali Kayak offers a number of great ways to get out on the water.
If you have time for an overnight trip, check out one of the many stellar campsites throughout the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation in Hawaii, this is the place to go.
With a beautiful black sand beach, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is an excellent place to pitch your tent. For reservations, visit their website.
6) Become a Paniolo.
Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Puakea Ranch, 56-2864 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719, USA
Mendes Ranch and Trail Rides, Inc., 3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
A paniolo refers to a Hawaiian cowboy. Saddle up and check out Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Puakea Ranch on the Big Island, or Mendes Ranch on Kauai. You’ll love all of them!
With amazing mountain ranges, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of America’s best hiking. Choose a longer trail, pack up your gear and some lunch and head out for the day.
Try this beautiful Pu'upehe Trail (Sweetheart Rock) for your next hike!
8) Get cultured.
Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Enjoy a luau, and learn about Polynesian culture and history. Or visit one of Hawaii’s many cultural institutions or museums.
Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. For more information, visit =their website for showtimes and admission.
9) Experience the exotic.
Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, 75-809 Keolani Sbd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
From surfing and stand up paddle boarding to beach volleyball and golf, Hawaii has got it all – drive an hour or two to the best beach around and take a chance.
Practice your swing at Ko Olina Golf Club.
Day trips are difficult when you can’t go too far from home but with a little creativity you can enjoy the perfect day on the island. Make sure you check out these day trips near me in Hawaii for a great day under the sun!
All of the islands has something to love! If you’re looking for a wide variety of weather and things to do, the Big Island can help you out there. With Volcanoes National Park, green, black, and white sand beaches, and lush rainforest, there’s a wide array of things to see on this magical island.
Which Hawaiian island has the best day trips?
Oahu is great for short day trips. You can drive the circumference of the island in around 4 hours, depending on traffic, so nothing is too far away. This makes it a wonderful way to explore the whole island on your trip.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Love Hawaii?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
