Things to do in Hawaii

Big Island · 2 to 2.5 hours · from $94

One of the best things to do in Hawaii. You float at the surface after dark while manta rays feed beneath you.

Big Island · 3.5 hours · from $194

Fair Wind takes you to the Captain Cook monument, the best snorkeling on the island. Morning trips sell out weeks ahead.

Big Island · 8 to 9 hours · from $330

Hawaii Forest & Trail drives you to nearly 14,000 feet for sunset, then sets up telescopes lower down. Warm clothes are provided. Ages 13 and up.

Big Island · 5 hours · from $139

A guided day in Volcanoes National Park with someone who knows where to look. Good if you're short on time or don't want the drive.

Big Island · Free

A working Kona coffee farm that's been run by the same family for generations. Free tours daily, with tastings.

Kauai · 5.5 hours · from $260

A catamaran from Port Allen along the Nā Pali Coast with snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. Calmest from spring to fall.

Kauai · 6 hours · from $292

Bigger, steadier boats, which helps if anyone gets seasick. The longer Niʻihau trip adds a second snorkel spot.

Kauai · About 1 hour · from $460

Most of Kauai can only be seen from the air. Doors off means clear photos of Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon and the waterfalls. Ages 10 and up.

Kauai · 3 hours · from $169

Kauai Backcountry floats you through old plantation irrigation ditches and tunnels. It's fun for teens and adults, and it sells out.

Kauai

A beautiful garden in a valley near Poʻipū, run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Guided only, so reserve ahead.

Maui · 5 hours · from $165

Run by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Morning water at Molokini is the clearest you'll get, and the second stop is usually full of turtles.

Maui · 2 hours · from $84

Naturalists on board and money going to research. Book January to March for the most whales.

Maui · Early morning, half day · from $318

The tour handles the sunrise reservation and the drive up, then you coast down the mountain. Book well ahead.

Maui · About 10 hours · from $210

A small-group tour that does the driving and the Waiʻānapanapa stop. Worth it if nobody in your group wants 10 hours behind the wheel.

Maui · About 50 minutes · from $419

Blue Hawaiian from Kahului. You'll see waterfalls and valleys you can't get to on foot.

Maui · About 3 hours

The most respected luau on Maui, focused on Hawaiian culture and hula rather than fire-knife spectacle. Book 2 to 3 months ahead, more for front seats.

Oahu · Half day · from $55

The memorial program is free but needs a timed ticket. This tour handles the ticket and the driving and adds a short Honolulu stop. Add the Battleship Missouri if you have the time.

Oahu · 2 hours · from $162

Off-road through the valley where Jurassic Park and dozens of other films were shot. It sells out weeks ahead.

Oahu · 2 to 3 hours · from $26

A botanical garden walk that ends with a swim at a lifeguarded waterfall. Pair it with lunch in Haleʻiwa.

Oahu · 3+ hours · from $194

A smaller boat out of Waiʻanae, away from the Waikīkī crowds. Spinner dolphins, turtles and whales in season.

Oahu · Afternoon and evening · from $216

Villages from six Pacific cultures, a luau and the evening show. It's an hour from Waikīkī and closed Sundays.