Hawaii Travelers Recommend

The island of Oahu, home to the Hawaiian state capital, has it all—turquoise waters, sandy beaches, traditional culture, historic sites, and a buzzing urban vibe. Adventurous types will find plenty of outdoor activities, both on and off the water, while those looking for a more low-key vacation can explore the island’s rural side or dive into its multicultural heritage. With so much to do on this slice of tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on the island’s best experiences. From the sun-kissed beaches and bustling markets of Waikiki to the crashing waves and spectacular sunsets of the North Shore, add these activities to your Oahu must-do list.

As the most-visited of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu offers plenty of evening activities. From sunset cruises and luaus to bar crawls, here are some of Oahu’s top nightlife options.

Luaus

Experience local culture and cuisine at a luau. Sample dishes, such as Kalua pork, lomi-lomi salmon, and poi (taro root paste) while watching music, hula, and knife-fire dancing. Luaus can be found all over the island, and many places put their own unique twist on the experience.

Sunset and Night Cruises

Soak up views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline at sunset on a cruise. Most cruises include dinner and live entertainment, so you can hit the dance floor as you sail beneath the stars. Those cruising on a Friday night will also be treated to the weekly fireworks display off Waikiki Beach. Plus, there’s still plenty of time to hit the town after a cruise.

Live Music and Bar and Club Hopping

Once the sun goes down, head to Waikiki Beach for the island’s best nightlife options. Enjoy drinks with a view of the ocean or listen to live music that ranges from Hawaiian and jazz to popular hits—you can even sing along at karaoke. Waikiki is also home to swanky nightclubs with popular DJs.

Night Sightseeing

Get a different perspective of top Oahu attractions on an evening tour, which let you escape the heat and crowds. Catch the sunset from Diamond Head; hike down to Waimea Valley in the moonlight; take a twilight tour of Honolulu Zoo; experience ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Museum of Art; or go on a ghost tour of Waikiki.

Spring in Maui is a magical time, when the weather is gorgeous and the crowds thin. Travelers visiting between March and May will find plenty of outdoor activities, including whale watching. Here’s how to best enjoy the island this spring.

• Join a whale watching cruise through April to look for migrating humpback whales.
• Travel the Road to Hana to chase waterfalls and rainbows along the scenic drive.
• Go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Take a hike and look for blooming jacarandas, plumerias, lilies, and hydrangeas.
• Soar over the island on a helicopter tour.
• Explore Haleakala National Park, and watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Go ziplining over lush rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys.
• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau.

Start married life in the Hawaiian Islands, where turquoise bays, white- and black-sand beaches, waterfalls, ocean sunsets, tropical flowers, and lava sparks provide the ultimate romantic experience. Here are a few ways to bond in paradise.  

• Take a catamaran cruise from Maui to crescent-shaped Molokini Crater to snorkel with Hawaiian marine life.

• Head up Diamond Head State Monument on a guided Oahu hike to the summit of the volcanic cone, where you’ll find Waikiki and Pacific Ocean views.

• Admire Kauai’s Na Pali Coast from the water on a sunset dinner cruise with mai tais and wine.

• On the Big Island of Hawaii, visit the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak, for the sunset and stargazing.

• Treat yourself to a helicopter tour for aerial views of Oahu, Kauai, or the volcanoes of the Big Island.

• No matter what island you’re on, you should spend one evening at a luau for a bit of Hawaiian food, culture, and entertainment.

With plenty of sunshine and more than 30 miles (50 kilometers) of white, black, and red sand beaches, Maui is a great place to spend spring break. Whether you’re looking to relax, go on an adventure, or spot wildlife, Maui has a range of activities for families, groups, and solo travelers. Here are some of the best spring break activities on the Valley Isle.

• Catch the tail end of whale watching season and look for migrating humpback whales frolicking offshore on a boat tour.
• Go on an epic road trip via the Road to Hana, and chase waterfalls and rainbows along the way—tours let someone else drive so that you can enjoy the scenery.
• Hang ten and catch some waves by learning to surf. For a more relaxed experience, try standup paddleboarding.
• Get out on the water and go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Explore Haleakala National Park and watch a sunrise or sunset on a trekking tour.
• Go on an adventure tour and hike, zipline, drive an ATV, or ride horses through the jungle.
• Experience local culture and cuisine plus performances involving knives and fire, at a traditional luau.

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a peek at one of nature’s great ocean creatures. Swimming alongside a fully grown manta is akin to flying with a massive, underwater bird, and here are the best way to experience it on a manta ray snorkeling tour. 

Highlights

• Swim alongside rays with wingspans of up to 16 feet (five meters).

• Watch a Hawaiian sunset before hopping in the water for an unforgettable swim.

• Experience Hawaii’s underwater world and marine life at night, when mantas come to feed on plankton that accumulates just off the Kona coast.

• Learn about manta rays, their habits, and the environment in which they live.

• Combine your manta ray night snorkel with a sunset cruise on Keauhou Bay or a guided kayaking tour.

Things to Know

• Most manta ray night and sunset snorkeling tours depart Kailua-Kona or Puako.

• All necessary snorkeling equipment is included.

• Depending on which manta ray tour you choose, amenities might include warm water for rinsing off, drinks, snacks, and souvenir photos of the experience.

• Snorkeling tours can last anywhere from 60 minutes to four hours, depending on the selected experience.

• Snorkel tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off.

With two full days on Oahu, you can spend one day discovering the natural and cultural attractions of the greater Hawaiian island, and another day taking part in island activities in and around Honolulu and Waikiki. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable 48-hour itinerary that suits your—and your family’s—interests.

Day 1: Explore the Island

**Morning:**To see as much of Oahu as possible in one day with the least amount of hassle, embark on a full-day circle island tour, which provides an island overview and covers top attractions including the North Shore beaches, Diamond Head, the Dole Plantation, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, rise early to dive with sharks off the North Shore. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re not on a circle island tour, opt for a helicopter tour and get the ultimate perspective on Oahu’s beaches, bays, and mountains. Or check out one of the island’s most scenic locations—Kualoa Ranch—where you can ride ATVs, zipline, and see Jurassic Park filming locations.

**Night:**Enjoy a traditional luau and other Polynesian activities with an evening visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s northeast coast. The luau package includes dinner and a captivating hula, music, and fire-knives performance.

Day 2: Enjoy Local Experiences

**Morning:**Before the heat sets in, see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour or head up to Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour of the crater. To visit Pearl Harbor as efficiently as possible, opt for a half-day tour.  

**Afternoon:**For independent sightseeing with convenient transportation, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley or check out Honolulu’s culinary scene on a foodie bike tour. If you prefer to be in the water, a snorkeling catamaran cruise can’t be beat.

**Night:**Head out to sea on a dinner cruise to enjoy the evening air, watch the sunset, and look back at Oahu from the boat deck. Music lovers might want to check out the Rock-a-Hula show for a Vegas–style performance.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki by exploring Oahu’s Technicolor underwater landscape. Commune with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish while listening to humpback whales’ songs echo along the reef. Whether you snorkel, dive, paddle, or otherwise get into the water, here are some of Oahu’s best underwater adventures.

Take a Snorkeling Cruise by Catamaran to Turtle Canyon

Soak up the sun while sipping cocktails and cruising aboard a catamaran off Waikiki Beach, then don your snorkel and mask for an adventure at Turtle Canyon. The reef site, within view of the downtown skyscrapers and iconic Diamond Head Crater, teems with green sea turtles.

Try Scuba Diving, Snuba, or Underwater Scooters

Itching for a more immersive underwater experience? Certified divers can take a 2-tank boat ride to sites with sunken WWII-era airplanes and shipwrecks. First-timers can breathe underwater too in a “discover scuba” or snuba adventure (where your air is supplied from the surface)—both allow you to stay down long enough to navigate coral pinnacles and befriend colorful fish. In Maunalua Bay, near Hawaii Kai, leave the strenuous kicking up to machines while taking a tour of the seafloor in a self-propelled underwater scooter.

Stay Dry in a Submarine or Glass-Bottom Boat

Search for dolphins and spouting whales at the surface while monitoring the underwater world below in a 2-hour glass-bottom boat tour from Honolulu’s Kewalo Basin Harbor. To go deeper and still stay dry, take a submarine tour through coral reefs with local naturalist guides. Unlike with snuba or scuba, you’ll be able to hear all the commentary and ask questions as you survey the underwater scene.

Dive with Sharks

Thrill-seekers should head to Haleiwa on the island’s North Shore, where boat charters head for the deep blue. Bold guests slide into protective metal cages and drop into the ocean for eye-to-eye views of cruising grey reef sharks, sandbar sharks, and hammerheads.

Kayak to Remote Beaches to Snorkel with Tropical Fish

On the Windward Coast of Oahu, rent kayaks to explore hidden pockets of white sand and offshore seabird sanctuaries; their remote locations make them prime snorkeling spots. From this vantage point you’re also in a prime spot for whale watching (in season, November through March).

A full Hawaiian experience can be yours even with just a 3-day trip thanks to our activity-filled itinerary that combines Oahu’s sights, culture, and adventures—and even two Hawaiian islands. Here are some top ways to maximize your 72 hours in Honolulu, Waikiki, and beyond. 

Day 1: In and Around Waikiki

Spend the morning taking part in outdoor activities—you won’t get too hot as you climb up Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour or see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour. Then, maximize your time at Pearl Harbor by taking a half-day tour that starts at the monument. If you’re a serious history buff, however, you’ll want to opt for a private Pearl Harbor day tour for a longer in-depth experience. In the afternoon, a snorkeling catamaran cruise is an ideal way to cool off and enjoy the water, while a Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley experience offers the opportunity for some independent sightseeing. End the day with a sunset dinner cruise or the Rock-a-Hula show, a Hawaiian take on Las Vegas–style entertainment.

Day 2: Greater Oahu

To see as much of Oahu as you can in one day with the least amount of hassle, take a full-day circle island tour. You’ll get out of the city for an overview of the island with visits to top attractions such as the Dole Plantation, North Shore beaches, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, marvel at Oahu from above on a helicopter tour, or check out Kualoa Ranch, one of the island’s most scenic locations, to zipline, ride ATVs, or see filming locations from movies such as Jurassic Park. Then, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, on Oahu’s northeast coast, for a traditional luau and a captivating music and dance performance.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Hawaii’s islands are diverse and unique, each boasting its own natural environment, whether lush or covered in lava. Once you’ve explored Waikiki and the rest of Oahu, you can take an easy day trip via a short interisland flight to find out how the isles compare. On the Garden Isle of Kauai, see the stunning Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon by helicopter; on Maui, journey along the Road to Hana and go swimming in tropical waters; on the Big Island, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hike to thundering waterfalls. No matter which island you choose to explore, end your long but adventurous day with a brief return flight to Oahu.

With one day on Oahu, you might want to spend all your time on the beach and in the water. But if the history, culture, and natural attractions in and around Honolulu also appeal, there are several ways to explore—and still have some time for fun in the Hawaiian sun. Here are our favorite options for one day in Oahu.

Morning: Explore

During the cooler morning hours, head up to the top of Diamond Head crater on a guided tour for prime views of Waikiki and the Pacific from this state monument on Oahu’s southern tip. Alternatively, join a leisurely bike tour of Honolulu that includes stops in Chinatown and at Aloha Tower. Both are morning tours, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day how you wish. If you’re set on visiting Pearl Harbor as quickly as possible during your one day, take a half-day tour that starts at the monument.

Afternoon: Beach Time

After lunch, when you’re ready to relax and cool off, Oahu’s white sands and blue waters beckon. Waikiki and other island beaches offer a variety of water activities that will keep you and the family entertained. Fly high above the ocean on a parasailing ride, try out a submarine scooter, experience a water-powered jetpack, or take a snorkeling catamaran cruise to look for Hawaiian marine life. If you’d rather skip the beach, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley to do some sightseeing at your own pace with easy transportation.

Night: Set Sail

Take advantage of the idyllic tropical island setting on a dinner cruise. You’ll have a prime location to watch the sunset, sip a beverage on the boat deck, and enjoy a unique perspective on Oahu: from the water. Alternatively, for something specifically Hawaiian, opt for a luau experience, where you can watch the sunset from the beach; dine on local fare like kalua pig, poi, and pineapple slaw; and enjoy Polynesian-style cultural performances by hula and fire-knife dancers. Convenient pickup and drop-off in Waikiki make it easy to attend a luau.

Hawaii is a vast tropical paradise spread across eight main islands. From beautiful beaches and world-class waves to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes, the Hawaiian Islands are full of natural wonders that can be explored, by air, land, or sea. Whether you enjoy taking it slow or live for thrills—or consider yourself somewhere in between—you’re sure to be spoiled for choice in Hawaii, which also boasts its own unique culture and history. See below for our list of must-do activities and experiences in the Aloha State.

With warm weather and minimal rainfall all year round, Oahu is beautiful any time you choose to visit. That said, a summertime visit ensures not only the tropical beach days that Hawaiian vacations are made of but also plenty of water sports, outdoor adventures, and cultural events. Here are a few activities for your visit to the island.

• Watch hula dancing and try traditional Hawaiian dishes at a luau.
• Circle the island and see all the highlights on a guided coach tour.
• Get unobstructed views of the island on an open-door helicopter tour.
• Swim with green sea turtles on a snorkeling trip to Turtle Canyon.
• Delve into the past at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
• Honor history on a skip-the-line tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
• Explore Ka’a’awa Valley on a horseback ride or ATV tour.
• Indulge in a buffet of fresh local food while listening to live music on a sunset dinner cruise.
• Enjoy the views and the adrenaline rush of a zipline tour through the Ka’a’awa Valley.
• See sharks up close from the security of a cage on a shark cage–diving adventure.

Springtime in Hawaii means especially green jungles and full-force waterfalls after a season of heavy rain, plus the added perk of off-season hotel and airfare deals. Plan plenty of time in the tropical sun, from whale watching and snorkeling to inland activities such as ziplining and luaus. Here are our top picks for a Hawaiian spring fling.

• Swim and snorkel against the backdrop of Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali Coast.
• Test your bravery cage diving with sharks on Oahu.
• Pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor memorials.
• Kayak down Kauai’s serene Wailua River, considered sacred by native islanders.
• Explore the ocean floor without getting wet on a Maui submarine tour.
• Marvel at active volcanoes from above on a Big Island helicopter tour.
• Fly superhero-style on a Koloa zipline adventure on Kauai.
• Look for migrating humpback whales on a cruise through Maui’s Lahaina Harbor.
• Feast on kalua pork and watch traditional dancers at a Paradise Cove luau on Oahu.
• Catch a sunset from atop Mt. Haleakala, Maui’s tallest peak.
• Snorkel with manta rays after dark on the Big Island.

Oahu may be best known for its sunshine and beaches, but the island also has plenty of cultural offerings. Whether you’re a passionate food lover or more into art and museums, here’s how to soak up some of Oahu’s culture.

Attend a Luau

To truly experience Hawaiian culture, attend a luau, a traditional feast that combines dishes such as Kalua pork and poi (taro root paste) with fire-knife dancing and hula. Luaus can be found all over the island, including at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Polynesia, which is also home to cultural exhibits and interactive activities.

Check out the Museums

Oahu is home to a number of interesting museums and galleries. Must-visits include the Bishop Museum, noted for its colossal collection of artefacts, photos, and documents about Hawaii; Iolani Palace, the former residence of the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom; and the Honolulu Museum of Art, with more than 30,000 works of art.

Learn to Surf

Surfing was said to have originated on Oahu. Today, it’s still plays a big part in local culture and is a way of life for many residents. Learn to surf on beginner waves at Waikiki and then learn more about surfing history and Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, at Duke’s Waikiki. Alternatively, stay dry and watch the pros tackle huge waves on the North Shore.

Go on a Food Tour

Oahu’s cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of flavors, with influences from Polynesia, the Philippines, Portugal, China, and Japan. Take a food tasting tour to sample the range of flavors and learn more about the island’s culinary history. Or, sample local fruits such as pineapple and mango at their source on a plantation tour.

Imagine coming face-to-face with a wild, Hawaiian green sea turtle, feeling firsthand the awesome power of a breaching humpback whale, snorkeling with dolphins... or is that shark?! Here are some of the best ways to encounter sea life on Oahu.

Snorkeling

Whether it’s swimming in Hanauma Bay amid schools of colorful reef fish or searching for honu, Hawaiian for green sea turtle, on a catamaran cruise off the coast, snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to experience Oahu’s sea life. Choose from guided North Shore snorkel trips to kayaking off Kaneohe, where you can beach your boat and explore the underwater world.

Scuba Diving

Beat the snorkeling crowds by strapping on a tank, jumping in the water, and going deeper than everyone else. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can explore shipwrecks and underwater caves, and search for nudibranchs, garden eels, and sharks that frequent the tropical deep. If you’ve never gone diving but want to try, sign up for introductory dives, where a professional instructor is right by your side to teach you basic scuba skills.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises

It’s possible to encounter dolphins or whales on a sailing or snorkeling trip, but you can far increase your chances by going on a boat tour that focuses on finding these creatures. From December to April, Oahu’s waters are teeming with migrating humpback whales, which swim from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth just offshore. Spinner dolphins, on the other hand, are local Hawaii residents, as are bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin and whale-watching cruises depart from various spots across the island.

Shark Diving

As death-defying and scary as it sounds, shark diving off Oahu’s North Shore is actually one of the island’s most popular and unforgettable activities. From inside a safe, underwater cage, watch as Galapagos, hammerhead, and gray reef sharks emerge from the blue depths and swim curiously around your cage with a powerful sense of grace. You’ll also likely hear whales in the winter months—and because it’s out in the big blue, there’s really no telling what you might see once your cage slips under the surface.

Submarine Adventures

If you want to experience the underwater world without getting your hair wet, consider a submarine ride off Oahu’s southern coast. These adventures are perfect for families with young kids or those who aren’t strong swimmers, as you can view reef fish and corals right from your porthole window. Though a bit counterintuitive, it’s also the perfect water activity when it’s too rainy to go snorkeling or diving.

Once the sun goes down, Maui offers a range of ways to celebrate Hawaii’s island culture. Whether you want to watch sunset from the water or dance the night away, here’s how to have a memorable night on Maui.

Traditional Luaus

A traditional luau is a great way to experience local culture and cuisine. Sample delicacies such as Kalua pig, which is roasted in an underground oven called an imu ; lomi-lomi salmon; and poi (taro root paste), and watch a performance that combines music, hula, and knife-fire dancing. Luaus can be found all over the island, and many places put their own unique twist on the experience.

Sunset Cruises

Sip cocktails as you watch the sun set over Maui, Molokai, Lanai, or Kahoolawe on a cruise. Some cruises include snacks, dinner, and live entertainment, so you can hit the dance floor as you sail beneath the stars. Boats depart from all around the island, including Ma’alaea Harbor, Lahaina Harbor, and Ka’anapali Beach.

Bar Hopping and Live Music

The majority of Maui bars come in the form of laid-back tiki lounges and beachside bars, many of which offer live music and entertainment; there are also a few nightclubs with DJs and dance floors on the island. Find the largest concentration of bars in Kihei, Lahaina, and Paia.

Arts and Culture After Dark

Enjoy an evening show at the Maui Theater or the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. On Friday nights, get cultured and browse art at Friday Night Art Light in Lahaina. The Maui Friday Town Parties also occur every Friday, and are held in a different town each week; here, you can sample local delicacies while you shop for arts and crafts, and enjoy live music.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise boasting everything from picturesque beaches and vibrant jungles to jagged coastlines and an active volcano. The impressive diversity of the island means that you can have very different experiences of the island depending on which region you visit, the activities take part in, and your mode of travel. You can see stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, and tropical gardens on a small-group tour that maximizes your time on the island by taking you to all the highlights in one day. Alternatively, you can slow things down and focus on the details during a hike, bicycle ride, snorkeling tour, or sailing excursion. For a bird’s-eye view of the scenery, take a helicopter tour of the island. To make the most of your vacation, check out our top activities, listed below. 

The warm, shallow waters around Hawaii are perfect for those who crave speed and out-of-your-comfort-zone thrills. Water sport rentals and guided experiences are available to take you to the ocean’s best spots. Here are some of our favorite extreme water sports in Oahu.

• Climb into a submerged cage and swim with sharks off the North Shore.

• Learn to surf on Honolulu’s easy breaks, then head to the North Shore and watch the experts ride giants.

• Zip past the sunbathers on Waikiki Beach atop a personal Jet Ski or grab some friends and get ready to cling for dear life to bumper tubes or a banana boat raft towed behind a speedboat.

• Explore sunken shipwrecks and coral-crusted sites on an scuba diving adventure day trip. Not scuba certified? Relax and ride below the surface in the protective bubble of a self-propelled underwater scooter.

• Embrace technology and get your adrenaline pumping as you soar above the waves east of Honolulu using a water-propelled jetpack.

• Snorkel past octopus, sea turtles, spiny urchins and even reef sharks in the protected preserve at Hanauma Bay.

• Parasail off iconic Waikiki Beach within view of sunbathers and Diamond Head Crater.

As summer vacations end and temperatures dip slightly, you’ll find fewer visitors on Oahu, meaning less-crowded attractions and lower room rates. Add in a bounty of cultural activities and festivals, and you’ll see why fall is a great time to visit. Here are our top suggestions if you’re visiting Oahu in autumn.

• Discover top Honolulu and Waikiki attractions aboard an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley.
• Embark on a hiking tour to Manoa Falls, the island’s tallest accessible waterfall.
• Pedal between historic sites on a bicycle tour.
• Discover why movie directors love filming at Kualoa Ranch on an ATV adventure.
• Head to the North Shore to check out the swells and surf scene.
• Watch a spectacular fireworks display from the deck of a catamaran on a dinner cruise.
• Take a snorkeling tour to explore life under the island’s crystal-clear water.
• Watch Polynesian dancers and indulge in a Hawaiian feast at the Chief’s Luau.
• Get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s beaches, valleys, and mountains on an open-door helicopter ride.

If you see the great outdoors as a playground, then Oahu has got you covered in spades. From taking part in high-intensity water sports and zooming around the landscape on an ATV or zipline to diving beneath the waves to see the ocean’s top predators, here are the top Oahu experiences for thrill-seekers.

• Follow winding dirt two-tracks on an ATV tour through scenery used in filmingJurassic Park, George of the Jungle, and The Hunger Games at Kualoa Ranch.

• Hike to the top of some of Hawaii’s most iconic volcanic remnants for dizzying panoramic views. Try Diamond Head or Koko Head Crater before attempting the ridiculously steep slopes of the Ko’olau Mountains along the island’s windward coast.

• Slip beneath the water’s surface to get a look at the ocean’s top predators on a shark cage dive departing from Haleiwa on the North Shore.

• Soar 700 feet (213 meters) above the sea buoyed by a parachute on a parasailing adventure off Waikiki, or strap on a jet pack for a flying lesson in the waters east of Honolulu.

• Feel the wind whip your hair while getting a bird’s-eye view of the Hawaii scenery — lush valleys, pounding waterfalls, and shallow coral seas — from an open-door helicopter tour.

• Lock in to the 14 tandem zipline cables that thread through the Ka'a'awa Valley.

• Learn to surf the beginner breaks of Waikiki Beach, or, in winter, head to the North Shore to watch the experts ride giant waves topping 50 feet (15 meters).

• Attempt one of the North Shore cliff jumps.

The scenery, weather, accommodations, and atmosphere of the Big Island all vary dramatically depending on location, from the lush rainforests on the west side of the island to sunny white sand beaches on the east. To pick a vacation home base, here's what to know about the island's top towns and what they have to offer.

Kona

Set on the sunny eastern side of Hawaii, Kona is a common entry point to the island. Its proximity to the international airport, picturesque bays, shopping, and historic attractions makes it ideal for those looking for a classic tropical vacation. Enjoy the area’s white sand beaches and historic parks or book a kayaking, snorkeling, or parasailing adventure. 

Hilo

Surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls, Hilo is an adventure lover's paradise. Set on the west side of the island, Hilo is the opposite of Kona when it comes to geography and climate. Plus, it has its own international airport, making it a great spot to stay if you want to explore the alternate side of the island. For spectacular views accompanied by an adrenaline rush, take an open-door helicopter tour or zipline over the region’s many waterfalls. 

Waikoloa Village

A historic village set on dramatic black lava fields, Waikoloa has blossomed into a hamlet of luxury resorts. History buffs and nature lovers can get a window into ancient Hawaiian culture on a tour that combines historic sites with splashing in waterfalls. Plus, take advantage of the area's sunny weather and vibrant marine life on a cruise and snorkeling adventure along the Kohala Coast.  

Volcano Village

Ideal for those who prefer an intimate vacation rental and mountains over expansive resorts and beach towns, Volcano Village is nestled in the jungle close to the entrance of Volcano National Park. If you want to see the famous volcano, staying in the quaint village saves you time you would otherwise spend traveling there on a tour. Here you can spend the whole day exploring the park on a hiking or biking tour. 

There’s really no bad time to visit Oahu, but spring might be the island’s best season. From March through May, the temperature is warm, but not too hot; there are fewer tourists than in summer and winter; and Honolulu springs to life with a bounty of cultural festivals, including the Honolulu Festival and May Day Lei Celebration. Here are our favorite ways to experience Oahu in spring.

• See Honolulu’s top attractions aboard an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley. 
• Soar over the island’s steep mountains, lush valleys, and shimmering waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour. 
• Thoroughly explore the island on a circle island tour that takes in all of its must-see landmarks.
• Immerse yourself in nature with a hike to Manoa Falls.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay.
• Explore Kualoa Ranch and see where some of your favorite movies were made.
• Eat your way around Honolulu’s Chinatown. 
• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau at Paradise Cove.

The Big Island of Hawaii is world-famous for a long list of attractions—natural landscapes, active volcanoes, lush greenery, and warm blue waters. With three days to spend, you have time for an overview, active adventuring, and a visit a neighboring island. Here are our picks for three days on the Big Island.

Day 1: Around the Island

One way to see the island when you’re pressed for time is a guided circle island tour. Plan for an early start as you head out to see highlights of the Big Island. Soak up views from the Waipio Valley lookout, stop at the spectacular waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast, look for sea turtles on the black sand Punaluu Beach, watch an active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tour a Kona coffee plantation, and learn about the cultural heritage of the island at Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge. If you prefer less time on the road, opt for a helicopter tour above the island to see its highlights, giving you more time in the afternoon to explore Hilo or Kailua-Kona or relax on the beach. End your day with a beachside luau and traditional Polynesian feast.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Now that you’ve seen what the Big Island has to offer, it’s time for an outdoor adventure. There’s an adventure for all thrill levels. Go snorkeling or dolphin-watching on Kealakekua Bay, head beneath the surface of the sea aboard the Atlantis Kona submarine, go on a zipline through the verdant Kohala canopy, cycle around an active volcano, or trek past waterfalls (with a stop for a swim) along the island’s northern coast. No matter what you choose to do by day, plan for an unforgettable evening under the stars with a guided tour to the summit of Mauna Kea, the Big Island’s highest point and a prefered setting for sunsets and stargazing.

Day 3: Off-Island Exploration

You’ve experienced the best of the Big Island on and off the water. On your last day, take the opportunity to visit one of the other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, Oahu. There’s a lot to see on Hawaii’s most populated island. Opt for a day trip to explore downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, where a Japanese attack launched the US into World War II, or choose a circle island tour to see Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head Crater, and the charming town of Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore. With an early departure and a late return to the Big Island, consider a low-key dinner at your resort or in one of the many restaurants in Hilo or Kailua-Kona.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Maui, with cooler and more pleasant weather. Students are back in school, so the island and its most popular attractions are less crowded. Here are a few ways to make the most of the Valley Isle this season.

• Go parasailing before December, when humpback whale season begins.
• Watch a sunrise from Haleakala before temperatures get too cold.
• Head onto the water on an outrigger canoe or rafting tour.
• Take advantage of the cooler weather, and go hiking along Maui’s many miles of trails.
• Learn to surf as the swells pick up, but before they get too big for beginner’s to handle.
• Get a bird’s-eye view of the island on a helicopter tour.
• Travel the iconic Road to Hana with fewer people on the road.
• Enjoy one of the many festivals and festive events during this season, such as the Festivals of Aloha, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Made in Maui Festival.
• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau.