Hawaii Things To Do

This impressive astronomy center connects the dots between the ancient Hawaiian art of navigating by the stars and the dozen world-class telescopes that reside on the summit of Mauna Kea. The café and gift shop are worth a peek too.

Hear the colorful history of the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S., beginning with the first Parker from Massachusetts who married a granddaughter of King Kemehameha, to the last heir – a Broadway actor who collected French Impressionist paintings.

This musical dinner show is like a Broadway-produced luau. Enjoy dramatic tales about Hawaiian legends and the ancient Polynesians who settled the Pacific, while you feast on cuisine from Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

The island is famous for its world renowned Kona Coffee, but this certified organic grower is raising the bar with award-winning beans. Tour the estate, now open to the public.

Big Island has some of the best spas in the state and Mauna Lani is one of its finest. Unwind in the black lava rock sauna, meditation garden and watsu pool.

Big Island is also known for having some of the top greens in the state, including the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course, with its sweeping panoramic views 700 feet above sea level.

Helicopter tours like “The Big Island Spectacular” aren’t cheap, but there really is no other way to get a bird’s eye view of otherwise inaccessible areas of sea cliff coastline, lush green valleys, and boiling volcanic lava pits.

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.

Although the hike to the top of this iconic peak is just under two miles long, you’ll climb nearly 550 feet to reach the breezy summit that offers stunning views of Waikiki and the Pacific.

‘Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. It was home to King Kalakaua, who oversaw its construction in 1882, and his successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani, who was imprisoned within the palace walls for nine months following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Fascinating docent-led tours, offered Tuesday through Saturday, take visitors back in time through the palace corridors and into the state rooms, the private quarters, the galleries and the basement, for a peek at what palace life was like. Reserve at least one day in advance. The fee is $20 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. Alternatively, pay $12 ($5 for kids) and take a self-guided audio tour.