Things to Do

Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii In 2023

Tourists enjoy a shared moment with each other at a forest canopy of Kohala Zipline
Source : facebook

Top 10 things to do in Hawaii in 2023 include 1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kona 2. Helicopter Tour from Hilo 3. Horseback Riding in Maui and more.

Hawaii is a go-to destination for anyone looking to enjoy their vacation among the lush and beauty of nature. The chain of Hawaiian islands have diverse landscapes, flora and fauna, beaches and more that makes for a wonderful adventure.

You have multiple options when it comes to ways to spend your time in Hawaii. Here is the list of 10 activities you should definitely try during your vacation to Hawaii this year.

1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour In Kona

Things to do in Hawaii in 2023 is an adventurous Manta Ray night snorkel tour in Kona. You will go 30 to 35 feet deep in the water to feed the sea creatures.

Embark on an adventurous tour with Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides and feel the thrill of interacting with the giant mantas. Travelers are also provided free hot drinks on board. 

The 1 hour and 30 minutes long Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona guarantees the sightseeing of the Rays. You can book a place for $138.95 per person.

Divers using a customized lightboard to spot the Manta Rays during the night time
Source : instagram

You will meet the guides at Kaleiopapa Street in Kailua Kona 30 minutes prior to your departure. After a few minutes of sailing under the moonlight, you will reach the natural habitat of the Rays.

Snorkeling gears are provided onboard so, just put on and jump into the water to watch the giant sea creatures. Later on board, enjoy the homemade soup, bread rolls and hot drinks.

  • Departure Location: 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
  • Phone: 855 275-5071
  • No. of Travelers: 26 per group (at max)
  • Flexible time of departure

2. Helicopter Tour From Hilo

Things to do in Hawaii 2023 is a helicopter ride above the Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Book a seat with Safari Helicopters at $319 per person.

The chopper will take off from Hilo Airport for a 55-minute aerial adventure ride. You will travel into the world of volcanoes, waterfalls and rainbows.

The captain will also be your guide as you explore the national park and lava flow. This is perfect for a family trip since up to 6 people are allowed at a time.

  • Departure Location: 2220 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
  • Phone: +1 855 275-5071
  • All fees and taxes included

A chopper from Safari Helicopters flying above the beautiful landscape of Hawaii
Source : facebook

The Big Island has features a number of helicopter tour providers that you can choose from. Some popular tours are list is provided below with prices.

  1. Big Island Spectacular HT by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - $689 (2 hours)
  2. Big Island Volcano Deluxe HT by Sunshine Helicopters Big Island - $639 (1-2 hours)
  3. Kohala Coast & Waterfalls HT from Kona on Hawaii Island by Paradise Helicopters - $465.08 (1 hour)
  4. Kohala Waterfalls & Valleys HT by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - $379 (45 minutes)
  5. Kohala/Hamakua Coast Flight by Sunshine Helicopters Big Island - $324 ( 40-45 minutes)

3. Horseback Riding In Maui

Hawaii things to do in 2023 includes horseback riding with your family on the beach in Maui. thing to do in Hawaii. Circle M Ranch offers a 30-minutes ride for $120.

Horseback riding is a fun-filled and thrilling experience for kids and grownups alike. Circle M Ranch provides just that to make your trip to Maui memorable.

A tourist joyfully riding a horse by the beach
Source : tripadvisor

Most of the stables offer a riding experience to kids from the age of 7 or 8 years old. The service providers also have tame and spook-free horses for novice riders. 

Maui is famous for horseback riding because of its beautiful beaches and magnificent views. The mountain elevations offer a scenic view that will temp you to click multiple photos.

  • Address: 3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
  • Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm (Mon-Sat)
  • Morning and Afternoon Rides available
  • Phone: 808-871-5222
  • Google Rating: 4.8/5 based on 380 reviews

4. Luau Festival in Honolulu

Hawaii things to do 2023 is watching the traditional Paradise Cove Luau in Honolulu. The seaside luau features performances from hula and fire dancers.

You will get a chance to witness the cultural diversity, food, dance, live shows, and the pure Aloha spirit. The Cove Luau is located at the beautiful Ko Olina Resort.

An evening pickup at the Waikiki Hotel is arranged if demanded by the guests. The staff on site will greet you with a traditional Hawaiian lei and a Mai tai cocktail.

Hawaiian artists perform traditional dance during Luau Festival in Honolulu
Source : facebook

Take some time and watch the arts and crafts at the Hawaiian Village. Then after you can participate in the Hukilau on the beach and learn fishing techniques.

Enjoy traditional Hawaiian dishes, roasted in an underground oven. After dinner, enjoy live music performances across Polynesia as you witness the Paradise Cove Extravaganza.

  • Price: $140 per person
  • Total No. of Visitors: 648 per group
  • Entry and Admission are included
  • Hotel drop-off on request

5. Turtle Canyon Snorkel In Oahu

Top things to do in Hawaii is to journey off for a thrilling turtle canyon snorkel in Oahu. Book a tour with the Blue Ocean Snorkeling for just $75 per person

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour is a luxurious catamaran journey of two hours. This package offers a unique experience in Waikiki's picturesque waters.

Tourists snorkeling and posing while taking pictures with the sea turtle
Source : facebook

While swimming, travelers can also catch sight of marine wildlife including dolphins and seasonal whales. The passionate and knowledgeable guides will help you throughout. 

Children under the age of three can travel for free with their parents. Since, not every one necessarily take a dip into the water. Furthermore, the travelers are provided snacks and beverages on board.

  • Departure Address: 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
  • Phone: 855 275-5071
  • Two restrooms are available on the ship

6. Waterfall Hike To Moana Fall

Top ten things to do in Hawaii setting off for a waterfall hike to the Moana Fall in Honolulu. The 150-foot-tall fall amidst a lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest in Oahu.

Manoa Falls Trail is an out-and-back hiking path near Honolulu that leads to this enormous waterfall. It is a 1.5-mile round trip that takes roughly an hour or two from the trailhead.

The scenic waterfall is accessible only via a hike through the rainforest. The place has excellent photographic spots that have been featured in movies like Jurrasic Park and Lost.

Hikers gather in front of the beautiful Manoa Falls in Honolulu
Source : co

Once you reach the fall, you can cool off at the pool at the base of the fall. Lay back and grab a bite of the snacks and refreshing smoothies.

Manoa Falls lies amid tropical vegetation and arboretum and it is a celebrated hiking area. Hawaii Running Tours offers Manoa Waterfalls Hike with Local Guide for $40 per person. 

  • Departure Address: 3737 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
  • Phone: 855 275-5071
  • Total Duration: 2 hours
  • Age Limit: Above 8 years
  • No. of People: 20 per group

7. Dolphin Quest Oahu

Things to do in Hawaii with kids have swimming with dolphins on the list of favorite activities. Oahu Dolphin Encounter - Kahala offers an interactive and incredible swim experience.

This unique interactive commotion provides a close-up look and hands-on greetings with the gentle sea creature. Visitors can feed the dolphins, touch them, play with them, and swim with them. 

The encounter with these sea mammals is always unique, different and extraordinary. You will spend 25 minutes with them in the water.

  • Location: 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 (at The Kahala Resort)
  • Price: For $245 one tour per person
  • Total Duration: 30 minutes
  • Tour Times: 9 am, 10 am, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm (Daily)
  • Children from ages 5 to 9 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

A lady interacting with a playful dolphin in Oahu at the Dolphin Quest premise
Source : facebook

The visitors are expected to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled activity time. You are also strongly advised to bring a towel with you.

This close and intimate interaction takes in six people per group at maximum. The pictures of the activity are available for purchase. It is to be noted that visitors are not allowed to bring personal cameras.

Similar interactive programs at Kahala are listed below:

  1. Dolphin Adventure - $329 per person
  2. Family Swim Program - $1,560 per person
  3. Oahu Premier Experience - $1,125 per person
  4. Wee Family, Fins and Fun (for children) - $175 per person

8. Zipline Adventure In Koloa

Best things to do Hawaii is to try an adventurous zipline ride in the Koloa region. Soar above the lush forests over the Waita Reservoir on the 8-track course.

Koloa Zipline offers the adventure tour starting at $166.49 per person for anyone aged seven or above. As you soar high, you will get a new perspective on Kauai.

A lady tries hands-free stunt while ziplining in Koloa
Source : facebook

You can enhance the thrill of ziplining by hanging on to the handlebars. Or try some daring acrobatic stunts with the hands-free 'Flyin Kauaian' harness.

Your Admission Fee to the zipline location is covered in the booking price. Furthermore, the adventure-seekers are greeted with complimentary snacks during the tour.

  • Departure Location: 3477A Weliweli Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
  • Total Duration: 3 hours
  • No. of People: 12 per group (at max)

9. Papohaku National Historical Park Tour

Top things to do Hawaii to take a trip to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The 3.5-mile-long Kalaupapa Pali Trail is the only access to the place by road.

This 1600 feet cliff was an isolation zone in the past for the victim of Hansen's disease. The Kalaupapa Peninsula is one of the most remote locations in Hawaii. 

Kalaupapa in English translates to 'flat leaf,' which accurately describes the lava-slab peninsula. It was created after a low shield volcano poked out of the sea.

People traveling via a trail at Kalaupapa National Park with the magnificent cliffs in the background
Source : facebook

As you ascend the peninsula, you will get a clear view of the dormant Kauhako Crater from the top. The crater also contains an 800-foot-deep lake at a height of 400 feet. 

  • Open Year-Round For Visitors
  • A permit is required to enter the Park
  • ADA Accessible
  • No hike-in required
  • Age Limit: 16 years and above
  • No Dining and medical facility onsite

10. Sunset Dinner Cruise from Lahaina Harbor

Best things to do in Hawaii is enjoy a romantic getaway with a sunset dinner cruise. It is one of the best ways for couples to make their Hawaii vacation memorable.

Sunset Cruises offers Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise starting at $132 per person. Enjoy a romantic evening aboard the Star of Honolulu as you sail on the pristine Hawaiian waters.

Lay on the deck and take a sip of the complimentary Mai Tai. Grab a bite of the 3-course surf and turf dinner, relax, and enjoy a live Hawaiian song and dance performance.

A passenger ship named Star of Honolulu sailing in the Hawaiian waters during the sunset
Source : merch16

  • Departure Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Cruise Duration: 2 hours
  • Flexible time schedule
  • Full refund for cancellation at least 24 hours in advance

Similar cruises on the Waikiki Coast are listed below:

  1. BYOB Sunset Cruise Off the Waikiki Coast by Sunset Cruises - $55.72 per person
  2. Moana's Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu's Waikiki Coast by Catamaran Cruises - $69.99 per person
  3. Sunset and City Light Tour on a Forty-Foot Catamaran by Catamaran Cruises - $75 per person