Planning a trip to Hawaii comes with a good problem: there is no shortage of things to do. Across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, visitors can choose from ocean adventures, helicopter tours, luaus, sunset cruises, cultural experiences, and full-day island excursions.
The harder part is choosing the right experience for the people you are traveling with, whether that is a family with restless kids, a couple chasing a quiet sunset, or a thrill-seeker who wants the adrenaline turned all the way up.
This guide highlights eight popular Hawaii activities, organized by travel style: families, couples, and thrill-seekers. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii or returning to explore another island, we hope it gives you a few ideas to help build your perfect vacation.
Every experience featured here can be booked through Blue Hawaiian Activities, where you can browse hundreds of tours, compare options, and build your own itinerary online. If you’re not sure where to start or would like personalized recommendations, our Hawaii-based concierge team is always happy to help you choose the right experiences for your trip. Contact us for expert advice or browse our full collection of tours to start building your itinerary today.
Key Highlights
- Eight popular Hawaii activities organized by travel style, with recommendations for families, couples, and thrill-seekers.
- Experiences across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, including helicopter tours, ocean adventures, cultural experiences, and more.
- Browse each activity to view pricing, tour details, and book online through our secure reservation system.
- Select your preferred date and party size during booking. For tours with multiple departure times, a concierge will contact you to confirm the time that works best for your schedule.
- Looking for more ideas? Browse hundreds of activities on Blue Hawaiian Activities or contact our Hawaii-based concierge team for personalized recommendations.
Best Hawaii Activities for Families
Every family travels a little differently. Some are looking for activities young kids and grandparents can enjoy together, while others want something adventurous that’s still easy enough for first-time visitors. These experiences are some of our favorite recommendations because they appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.
1. Atlantis Submarine Adventure
For families looking to experience Hawaii’s underwater world without getting in the water, the Atlantis Submarine Adventure offers a unique perspective. Passengers descend aboard a real submarine to explore colorful reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life through large viewing ports—all from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin.
Because there’s no swimming or snorkeling involved, it’s an excellent choice for multigenerational families, non-swimmers, or anyone who prefers to stay dry while still enjoying Hawaii’s incredible marine environment. It’s one of the few activities where grandparents, parents, and young children can all share the same experience together.
Atlantis Submarine Adventures are available on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, making them a great option no matter which island you’re visiting.
- Best for: All ages, non-swimmers, grandparents to toddlers
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island (Kona)
- Why we recommend it: An unforgettable underwater adventure that everyone can enjoy—no swimming required.
2. Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Attending a Hawaiian luau is one of the most popular ways to experience the islands’ culture, history, and hospitality. Most luaus combine traditional Hawaiian cuisine with live music, hula, Polynesian performances, and storytelling, creating an evening that’s enjoyable for guests of all ages.
With dozens of luaus offered across Hawaii, each experience has its own atmosphere. Some are designed for larger audiences with spectacular productions, while others offer a more intimate setting or highlight the traditions of a specific island. Whether you’re traveling with young children, grandparents, or teenagers, there’s a luau to match your group.
Browse our selection of Hawaiian luaus to compare locations, styles, and show experiences and find the one that’s right for your vacation.
- Best for: Families looking to enjoy an evening of Hawaiian culture, entertainment, and local cuisine
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: A fun, memorable evening that brings together food, music, and Hawaiian traditions for guests of all ages.
3. Snorkeling Adventures
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience Hawaii’s incredible marine life and is a must-do for many visitors. Whether you’re swimming alongside colorful tropical fish, spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles, or exploring vibrant coral reefs, every island offers its own unique underwater experiences.
Blue Hawaiian Activities offers snorkeling tours throughout Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, ranging from calm, beginner-friendly excursions to full-day adventures aboard luxury catamarans. Many tours include snorkel equipment, flotation devices, and experienced crews who help first-time snorkelers feel comfortable in the water.
Browse our snorkeling tours to compare locations, tour styles, and departure options across the Hawaiian Islands.
- Best for: Families, couples, and anyone wanting to experience Hawaii’s underwater world
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: Snorkeling offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Hawaii’s vibrant reefs and marine life, with options for every experience level.
Best Hawaii Activities for Couples
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply enjoying time together, Hawaii offers countless ways to make your trip memorable. From unforgettable sunsets to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, these experiences are some of our favorite recommendations for couples looking to create lasting memories together.
4. Sunset Dinner Cruises
Watching the sun set over the Pacific is one of Hawaii’s most memorable experiences, and a sunset dinner cruise offers a relaxing way to enjoy it. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply spending an evening together, dining on the water while taking in Hawaii’s coastline creates a memorable end to the day.
Sunset cruises are available on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, with options ranging from casual cocktail sails to elegant dinner cruises. Depending on the experience you choose, you may enjoy live entertainment, local cuisine, breathtaking coastal scenery, and, during the winter months, even seasonal whale watching.
Browse our sunset dinner cruises to compare experiences and find the perfect evening on the water for your Hawaii vacation.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a relaxing evening on the water
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: Beautiful ocean views, spectacular sunsets, and a relaxing atmosphere make sunset cruises one of Hawaii’s most popular evening experiences.
5. Helicopter Tours
Few experiences showcase the beauty and diversity of Hawaii quite like a helicopter tour. From dramatic sea cliffs and lush valleys to waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and remote coastlines, seeing the islands from above offers a perspective that’s impossible to experience any other way.
Helicopter tours are available on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, with each island offering something unique. Fly above the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, explore the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Island, discover Maui’s hidden waterfalls, or take in Oahu’s breathtaking coastline from the air.
Looking for something truly unforgettable? Private helicopter charters can be customized for special occasions such as proposals, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, photography flights, and other private celebrations. Contact us for more information.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, there’s a helicopter experience to match your vacation. Browse our helicopter tours to compare flight options across all four major Hawaiian Islands.
- Best for: Scenic sightseeing, special occasions, and travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii experience
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: Whether you’re taking in Hawaii’s spectacular scenery from above or celebrating a special milestone, a helicopter tour offers a perspective unlike any other.
6. Manta Ray Night Snorkel
A manta ray night snorkel is one of Hawaii’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Just after sunset, snorkelers float on the surface while gentle manta rays glide gracefully below, feeding on plankton attracted by underwater lights. It’s a remarkable encounter that often becomes the highlight of a trip to Hawaii Island.
Several tours depart from the Kona Coast, offering different boat sizes and experience levels. Most provide snorkel equipment, flotation devices, and experienced guides, making the experience accessible to both first-time and experienced snorkelers.
If you’re visiting Hawaii Island, a manta ray night snorkel is well worth adding to your itinerary. Browse our manta ray tours to compare options and find the experience that’s right for you.
- Best for: Couples, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking for a truly unique Hawaii experience
- Available on: Kona, Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: Few places in the world offer the opportunity to observe wild manta rays this close in their natural habitat.
Best Hawaii Activities for Thrill-Seekers
Hawaii isn’t just about beautiful beaches and sunsets. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, these experiences offer some of the most exciting ways to explore the islands.
7. Shark Cage Diving
For travelers looking for an unforgettable adrenaline rush, shark cage diving offers a rare opportunity to observe sharks in their natural ocean environment. Departing from Oahu’s North Shore, these guided excursions take guests offshore, where they can safely view species such as Galapagos and sandbar sharks from the protection of a submerged viewing cage.
Experienced crews provide all necessary equipment and instruction, making the experience accessible even for first-time participants. It’s an exciting way to learn more about these incredible animals while experiencing one of Hawaii’s most unique ocean adventures.
Learn more about our shark cage diving experiences on Oahu’s North Shore.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind ocean experience
- Available on: North Shore, Oahu
- Why we recommend it: It’s one of Hawaii’s most memorable wildlife encounters and offers a completely different perspective on the ocean and its fascinating marine life.
8. Zipline Adventures
If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your Hawaii vacation, ziplining is a fun way to experience the islands from a completely different perspective. Soar above lush valleys, tropical forests, and scenic landscapes while taking in views you simply can’t appreciate from the ground.
Zipline tours are available on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, with courses ranging from beginner-friendly adventures to longer, faster lines designed for more adventurous travelers. Experienced guides provide instruction and equipment, making ziplining an accessible activity for many first-time participants.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or looking to challenge yourself, ziplining offers an exciting combination of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable views.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, families with older children, and first-time zipliners
- Available on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
- Why we recommend it: It’s an exciting way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty while adding a little adrenaline to your vacation.
How to Choose the Right Activities for Your Hawaii Vacation
The best Hawaii vacations combine experiences that fit your travel style, the island you’re visiting, and the amount of time you have. You might spend one day snorkeling or exploring by helicopter, enjoy a traditional luau in the evening, and set aside another day for a sunset cruise or an exciting outdoor adventure.
With hundreds of activities available across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, deciding what to book can feel overwhelming. That’s where Blue Hawaiian Activities can help. Browse and book online at your own pace, or connect with one of our Hawaii-based concierge specialists for personalized recommendations based on your interests, travel dates, and the island you’re visiting.
Whether you’re planning every detail in advance or just looking for a little inspiration, we’re here to help you create a Hawaii vacation that’s uniquely yours.
You can also explore some of our most popular activity categories:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hawaii activities suitable for children?
Many activities are family-friendly, but age, height, weight, and swimming requirements vary by tour. Luaus, submarines, scenic cruises, and many sightseeing tours are great options for younger children, while activities like snorkeling, ziplining, and shark cage diving may have minimum age or ability requirements. If you’re traveling with young children, our concierge team can help you choose experiences that are the best fit for your family.
Should I book activities before my Hawaii vacation or wait until I arrive?
We recommend booking your must-do activities before you arrive, especially if you’re traveling during holidays, summer, or other peak travel periods. Popular experiences such as helicopter tours, luaus, sunset cruises, and specialty tours can sell out well in advance.
If you prefer to keep your schedule flexible, that’s okay too. Many visitors choose to book a few key experiences before their trip and leave room for additional activities once they’re in Hawaii. Our concierge team is always happy to help with recommendations and availability before or during your vacation.
Can a concierge plan a full Hawaii itinerary for me?
Absolutely. Whether you’ve narrowed it down to a few options or don’t know where to start, our Hawaii-based concierge team is here to help. We can answer your questions, recommend activities based on your interests, travel style, and budget, and help you find experiences that fit your schedule.
Beyond activities, our concierge team can also assist with transportation arrangements and dining reservations, making it easier to plan your vacation in one place.
Our goal is to take the stress out of planning so you can book with confidence and spend more time enjoying your Hawaii vacation.
Plan Your Hawaii Adventure
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii or returning to explore another island, we hope this guide has inspired you to discover something new. From unforgettable helicopter tours and sunset cruises to family-friendly adventures and unique wildlife encounters, there’s an experience for every type of traveler.
Explore activities by island or category, compare options, and book online whenever you’re ready. If you’d like a little extra guidance, our Hawaii-based concierge team is here to answer questions, recommend experiences, arrange transportation, assist with dining reservations, and help you create a vacation that’s uniquely yours.