Get In The Water For Fun Things To Do In Hawaii!

Hawaii has some of the clearest water on Earth. Dive in and discover the hidden marvels that lie beneath the waves!

Hawaii’s waters are some of the most beautiful in the world. Go a head, jump in and experience all of the fun things to do in Hawaii.

Snorkeling is one of the most fun things to do in Hawaii! The beautiful reefs and colorful fish are unforgettable.

Don’t want to hold your breath? If snorkeling just isn’t enough underwater time for you then go scuba diving with a professional guide. No experience is necessary!

If you’re looking for a hands on experience that the kids will love, jump in and get a kiss from a dolphin! Dolphin encounters can be enjoyed whether you’re on Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island.

For the ultimate thrill, see if you can hold your nerve in an underwater shark encounter. Of course you’ll be inside a protective cage, but to see those big white teeth that close up takes some guts!

Climb Aboard!

If getting wet is not high on your list of fun things to do in Hawaii that’s fine. You can still get close to the water by boat. Board a catamaran and sail the waters off Oahu. You have to see the wonderful Hawaiian sunset! Or, dine aboard a five-star dinner cruise while enjoying live entertainment.

Bike or Hike For Fun Things To Do In Hawaii

Get out on two feet or two wheels for a more personal interaction with Hawaii’s natural wonders. And don’t worry about getting lost, there are many local guides that will get you to those best kept secrets that roads could never reach. Just be sure to drink plenty of water!

Helicopter Tours Are Unforgettable!

Hawaii and helicopter tours go together like peanut-butter and jelly. Even more than a hike, a helicopter tour offers exclusive views of paradise. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture these memories forever. A helicopter tour just might be THE most fun thing to do in Hawaii.

Hit The Road To Visit The Must See Stops

The most popular fun thing to do in Hawaii is a guided tour. And it’s the most popular for a reason! Travel around the island in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.Your guide will offer interesting commentary and stop at all the scenic locations.

A tour is one of the most fun things to do in Hawaii.

What Does Your Mother Enjoy?

Is your mother the adventurous get out and go type, or would she rather spend the day relaxing poolside at a luxury spa? From a mother daughter/son outing to the husband showing his admiration, knowing what mom likes to do is the key. Here are some fun ways to spend Mothers Day in Hawaii.

Enjoy A Meal Together For Mothers Day In Hawaii

Sitting down for a meal offers a moment to connect and converse. Handle the first order of the day by serving the classic breakfast in bed. Hawaii’s Hotels are very accommodating, and any concierge will be more than willing to send room service or arrange delivery from a local breakfast spot.

 If it’s already past the breakfast hour, late-morning is covered by the many delightful beachfront brunch cafes on all of the Islands. In Waikiki you can check out the lux atmosphere of Orchids at The Halekulani Hotel. For a more casual brunch, stop by the Seaside Bar & Grill.

 Dining later in the evening is best when combined with some sort of entertainment. Go to a luau or the famous Legends In Concert show on Oahu  For an intimate scene, set sail on a dinner cruise.

Things To Do For Mothers Day In Hawaii

Take mom on a helicopter tour. They’re offered on all of the islands. On the ground try an eco-tour. These tours are geared towards getting out on foot and learning about Hawaii’s ecology. Eco-tours offer opportunities to swim beneath gorgeous hidden waterfalls! For the thrill seeking mother, head to the north shore where you can dive in a cage surrounded by sharks. If sharks are a bit much, you can swim with dolphins instead! There are more relaxing options as well. Sooth the mind and body at a day spa, or go together to get a manicure and pedicure.

 Gift Certificate For A Full Island Experience

This is the most versatile of all the options, especially if you aren’t joining your mother in Hawaii. Whether she’s coming to Hawaii for Mothers Day or six months from now, you can present a tour gift certificate as your Mothers Day gift for whenever she is here. Guided tours are the easiest and most comfortable way to see what the Islands have to offer. A guided tour will take mom to many spots that she would have never seen without local guide knowledge. Simply call 1-808-737-3700 to find out more about gift certificates.

Quick And Simple Gifts

Sometimes simplicity can go a long way. Back in the mainland you may have bought flowers for Mothers Day. But you’re in Hawaii so get her a lei instead! Other thoughtful gift ideas are: Manoa Chocolates, Maui Soap Company, Honolulu Cookie Company.

What to bring to the beach in Hawaii

One thing on everyone’s vacation to do list is go to the beach in Hawaii. I mean unless you’re allergic to sand (which would be awful if that’s true, I can’t imagine a life without feet in the sand).

The best way to have a great day at the beach in Hawaii is to be prepared! our tips on “What to Bring to the Beach in Hawaii” will help!

Trunks, Towel & Flip Flips

These are the first things to pack in your beach bag. How can you have fun at the beach without them?!

Snorkel Gear

Hawaii’s waters are warm, clear, and great for snorkeling. While some spots are better than others, it’s always fun to swim around and explore. From shell hunting to feeding fish at Hanauma Bay, be sure to experience Hawaii’s underwater wonderland and go snorkeling on your Hawaiian vacation!

Either renting a snorkel set or taking a snorkeling tour is a great way to explore Hawaii’s beautiful reefs. Photo: Smart Destinations on Flickr.

If you’re new to snorkeling be sure to check the beach for advisory signs, and if you’re not sure about something it never hurts to ask a lifeguard. They are experts and can advise you on the safest places to snorkel at.

Boogie Board

For some real fun in the sun, bring a boogie board to the beach! Many of Hawaii’s beaches have rolling playful waves that are great for beginners and young ones alike.

Many of Hawaii’s beaches are great for beginner boogie boarders. Just remember safety first! Photo: StuSeeger on Flickr

Be sure to observe all posted warning signs at the beach, don’t be afraid to talk to a lifeguard if you have a question, and remember “If in doubt, don’t go out!”.

Waterproof Camera

Whether it’s a GoPro, a waterproof iPhone case, or even a disposable camera, a waterproof camera is a great idea for what to bring to the beach in Hawaii. Capture beautiful corals, interesting aquatic wildlife, or even snapping some photos of your special someone playing in the waves is a great way to get incredible vacation photos.

Now that’s what I call a mobile upload! Get the shots you wouldn’t normally be able to get without a waterproof camera!

Check out one of our recent underwater adventures on our YouTube page!

Sunscreen, Hat & Sunglasses

Hawaii’s sun is intense… and it will burn you. Located in the tropics, one souvenir you don’t want from Hawaii is a sunburn. While sunscreen is always helpful, take the extra step and protect your face and eyes from the sun’s rays with a stylish vacation hat and some cheap sunglasses you wouldn’t mind taking in the water.

Putting on sunscreen will literally make or break your vacation!

Don’t spend your trip feeling crispy and hiding from the sun. Protect yourself and you’ll be sure to enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

Umbrella, Chair and Beach Mat

If you really want to set in for the day it’s a good idea to bring a beach chair and umbrella. This way you’re even more protected from the sun, in a comfortable seat, and are easy to find if you have children playing at the beach. Just mind your umbrella if it’s windy!

If you’re looking to work on your tan, a straw beach mat is a good thing to lay on. It’ll keep your towel from getting all sandy and can be found for cheap at nearly any ABC Store in Waikiki.

Snacks & Drinks

Snacks and drinks are a great thing to bring to the beach. You can spend more time enjoying the day without having to leave and get food, and a picnic at the beach is a timeless vacation novelty.

A local style picnic lunch is a great thing to bring to the beach in Hawaii. That way when you get hungry from having so much fun you won’t have to leave!

Something to Read

Whether it’s an iPad, Kindle Fire or a good old fashioned paperback, bringing something to read at the beach is a fulfilling way to spend time relaxing. Just remember to reapply sunscreen every couple of chapters!

“Construction” Equipment

If you have little ones, toys to play in the sand are a must! From fun animal shapes to the most majestic sand castles you can imagine, you’ll feel like a kid again while you enjoy playing in Hawaii’s soft sand.

Bringing toys to to the beach for building sand castles is a great idea if you have little ones.

Did we miss something to bring to the beach in Hawaii?

If you’ve go a good idea for what to bring to the beach in Hawaii leave a comment and let us know! Hopefully this list helps you have the best beach day in Hawaii ever!

Aloha!

Whale watching in Hawaii

From exciting breaches with giant splashes to fin slaps and serene whale songs, going whale watching in Hawaii is a rare treat that can only be enjoyed during part of the year.

They say that to look into the eye of a whale is almost a spiritual experience. Although I haven’t done this myself, I know someone who has and saw them just after doing so and they had an extremely enlightened sense of being.

Seeing a Humpback do a giant breach is one of the highlights of going whale watching in Hawaii.

There is something magical about these gentle giants, and although you can’t swim with them on tour, any experience getting close to them is special and  exciting!

Get your seats before they’re gone!

With spring breaks beginning to blossom left and right, tours and activities are being booked and available seats are filling up. Booking travel plans in advance is always a good idea so if whale watching is on your list of things to do in Hawaii, now is the time to make your plans!

You wouldn’t want to miss the boat now would you?

Don’t miss whale watching in Hawaii!

Our Hawaii Photo Scavenger Hunt!

If you can complete this Hawaii photo scavenger hunt pat yourself on the back and give your friend a high-five because you are awesome! You’ll be having a blast as you jet around the island taking beautiful photos and create a great vacation story!

1. Snap one with the Duke - One of the most popular things to do in Waikiki is take a photo with the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. You can’t take photos in Waikiki and not get one of the Duke.

If there’s one thing to do in Waikiki, it’s take a photo with the Duke!

2. Hang loose at the Haleiwa Town sign – You’ll have to head far from Waikiki and up to Haleiwa Town to get a picture of this famed sign that lets everyone know they’ve made it to Oahu’s North Shore.

It’s almost impossible to miss this iconic sign as you head into Haleiwa Town. Make sure you get one to show your friends you went to the home of surfing in Hawaii!

3. Shadows throwin shakas - Grab a shot of you throwing a shaka but this time just get your shadow. Not only is it an interesting shot for your vacation photo album, you’ll probably get a good response from your friends on Instagram!

Snapping a photo of your shadows throwing shakas will be a cool one for you Hawaii vacation album!

4. Capture the moment with your feet in the sand - Nothing compares to that one of a kind feeling of sand between your toes. Capture that moment forever and you’ll have it to reflect on always!

There’s no other feeling like having sand between your toes! (You can to the shadows throwing shakas one while you’re at the beach too).

5. Shoot the sun as it slips into the sea - Hawaii is famous for having the most beautiful sunsets. Don’t miss your chance to get a photo of an stunning tropical sunset!

Don’t miss your chance to get a great shot of the sun slipping into the sea on your Hawaiian vacation!

6. All hands on deck! – Oahu’s Pearl Harbor is home to the two most significant battleships in American history, the USS Arizona and USS Missouri. While one stands guard over her sunken sister, you can experience the most emotional and moving memorials on a day at Pearl Harbor.

Oahu’s Pearl Harbor has a wealth of exciting hands on history, be sure to capture the moment when visiting!

7. Get the shot before it’s gone – Take a photo of a bird. Simple enough? No. There are a couple rules. First, macaws on someone’s shoulder in Waikiki don’t count. Second, pigeons don’t count. Third they can’t be flying around. Hmm… Kinda just got harder didn’t it?

The trick is to make them come to you. Our Circle Island Tour Guide, “Cousin Kev” has this trick down as you can see.

Cousin Kev has the birds eating out of the palm of his hand… Literally.

8. The most scenic point - One of the most scenic lookouts on Oahu is the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. With a view that stretches for miles, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout could very well be the most scenic point on the island, be sure to get your shot!

With a stunning scenery that stretches for miles, a visit to the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout will give you an unforgettable view of Oahu!

If you visit Makapu’u Lookout on a south shore tour you can double your scavenger hunt check-offs with the shaka and island photo too.

9. Say coconut! - This is going to be the most delicious and refreshing challenge! Get a picture of you sipping ice cold coconut water straight from the source! Oh, and you don’t actually have to say “coconut”.

Sampling coconut water straight from the source will probably be your favorite part of our “Hawaii Photo Scavenger Hunt”.

10. The one, the only, The King – Hawaii was once a great sovereign kingdom unified by a mighty warrior, King Kamehameha. He is honored today in front of Ali’iolani Hale, which is where the state senate meets and is headquarters for the Hawaii Five-O team.

Ali’iolani Hale is home not only to the State Senate and King Kamehameha, it’s also headquarters to McGarrett, Danno & crew.

So not only will you complete the list with this challenge, you’ll have visited McGarrett and Danno at work!

Want to earn some bonus points? Snap a photo of a turtle taking a nap on the beach. Why is this one worth bonus points you might ask? You can’t make a turtle take a nap, you can only hope he doesn’t feel like staying awake!

How can we help? Our tours visit many of these popular attractions. You can cross off #’s 6 & 10 on our “Battleships of World War II” tour, and #8 & #9 on a Circle Island tour, and #’s 3 4 7 & 9 on on our Ultimate Oahu Eco Adventure! (you will probably earn those bonus points too…)

The best part is you can share all your Hawaii photo scavenger hunt photos on Instagram with #DiscoverHawaii!!!

Aloha for reading, hope you have fun on our Hawaii photo scavenger hunt!