Hawaii: Things To Do

Bishop Museum From mythology to monarchy, the Bishop Museum offers an excellent introduction to Hawaii’s natural and cultural history. The planetarium points out what you’ll see in Hawaii’s night sky. Oahu, 1525 Bernice St.; 808-847-3511; www.bishopmuseum.org
family | culture | history

Hanalei Bay This two-mile-long crescent-shaped bay on the north shore of Kauai is a beautiful place to swim, surf, fish, kayak, or just take in the sunset. A 300-foot pier juts into the ocean, where yachts anchor in summer. Kauai, Hanalei; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches/hanalei_bay.php
beach | family

Hapuna Beach There’s a reason the Big Island’s Hapuna Beach is frequently voted the best beach in the U.S. Half a mile long and 200 feet wide, with golden sand and gentle blue waters, it’s a perfect place to frolic. Bodyboarders delight in the forgiving breaks. Big Island, Kohala Coast; www.bigisland.org/beaches/242/hapuna-beach-state-park
beach | family

Ka‘anapali Beach For people who like to stroll, the sand stretches for three miles at this upscale Maui resort, with a mile-long paved path between the Sheraton and the Hyatt. Swim and snorkel at the craggy black rock point, Pu ‘u Keka‘a. Maui, Ka'anapali Beach; www.kaanapaliresort.com
beach | family | snorkel

Kalalau Trail This rugged 11-mile hike hugs Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali Coast, accessible only by foot or by boat. Even the first two-mile segment to Hanakapiai Beach is enormously rewarding to day hikers. Kauai, Kalalau Trail, trailhead at Ke‘e Beach, North Shore; www.kalalautrail.com
hiking | outdoors

Pearl Harbor More than 2,300 soldiers were killed in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, triggering the U.S. engagement into WWII. Pay homage at the site of the sunken USS Arizona. Oahu, Pearl Harbor; 808-422-2771; www.nps.gov/usar
museum | national park | history

Punalu'u Beach Located in the Big Island’s lush Ka‘u district, this black sand beach was formed by hot lava flowing into the ocean and shattering upon contact. The sea continued to erode the hardened lava chunks into rich, black sand. Big Island, Ka‘u district; www.bigisland.org/beaches/311/punaluu-beach-park
beach | family

Road to Hana Maui’s winding Hana Highway is more about the journey than the destination. Discover countless waterfalls along this breathtaking 35-mile coastal drive, which deposits you in rustic Hana town. Maui, Hana Hwy.; www.gohawaii.com/maui
family | drive | views

Surf Waikiki It’s the quintessential Hawaii daydream – swaying palms, seaside mai tais, and turquoise water, with picturesque Diamond Head as the backdrop. Learn how to catch a wave from the charismatic “beach boys,” who first started teaching visitors how to surf in the '20s. Check in at one of their booths on the beach for a 1.5-hour lesson ($60). Oahu, Kuhio Beach; 808-352-2882; www.waikikibeachservices.com
beach | surfing | smart splurge | trendy

The Old Lahaina Luau No trip to Hawaii is complete until you’ve tried poi at a traditional luau. The pounded taro paste is accompanied by other Hawaiian favorites: kalua pig, lomi salmon, haupia. The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most authentic, with live hula performances. Maui, 1251 Front St.; 808-667-1998; www.oldlahainaluau.com
culture | culinary | live entertainment

Volcanoes National Park Walk through a lava tube, peer into steam-hissing craters, and marvel at how the Hawaiian islands were created. Go at dawn or dusk to see the glow of the surface flows. Big Island, Volcanoes National Park; 808-985-6000; www.nps.gov/havo
family | national park | outdoors | volcano

Waimea Bay During the biggest winter swells, the best surfing shows are at Oahu’s Waimea Bay, where wave-catchers drop into 40-feet faces. It’s often frequented by dolphins in the summer. Oahu, North Shore; www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/waimea.html
beach | family | surfing