With a total area of more than 6,400 square miles, the eight main islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago may be small, but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of incredibly unique experiences to be had. From swimming with sea turtles and learning to surf to hiking Maui’s stunning Pipiwai Trail and witnessing the beauty that is Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, here are 25 things every Hawaii local should definitely add to their Aloha State bucket list as soon as possible.
- Witness the beauty that is Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Christian Arballo/Flickr
- Go stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain peak.
Charles/Flickr
- Drive Maui’s famous Hana Highway, a 64-mile trek full of twists, turns and stunning natural beauty.
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
- Watch professional surfers catch waves on Oahu’s north shore.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
- Go kayaking on the Pacific Ocean.
Todd Wiggins/Flickr
- Hike the Kalalau Trail or take a boat tour of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
- Visit as many of Hawaii’s colored sand beaches as possible.
Jenny/Flickr
- Take a mule ride to the Kalaupapa Leper Colony.
Cameron Wears/Flickr
- Go scuba diving at the awe-inspiring Lanai Cathedrals.
Amy Truter/Flickr
- Watch lava flow into the sea on Hawaii Island.
Kelly/Flickr
- Savor some incredible noodles at Honolulu’s Marukame Udon.
John L./Yelp
- Witness a sunrise (or sunset) at the summit of Mount Haleakala.
Conor Dupre-Neary/Flickr
- Learn to surf - or at least take a lesson or two.
Jim Larrison/Flickr
- Get a killer workout by hiking Oahu’s breathtaking Koko Head Stairs.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
- Take a helicopter tour of Molokai and view the world’s tallest sea cliffs.
Versello/Flickr
- Head to the striking Waipio Valley + Beach for incredible views, an awesome hike, and a secluded beach.
Rob Lee/Flickr
- Hang out at the iconic Hanalei Bay, on Kauai’s northern coast.
Tom Bridge/Flickr
- Get a history lesson at Pearl Harbor.
Albert de Bruijn/Flickr
- Jump out of an airplane - our favorite spot is along Oahu’s north shore.
Tyler S. Miller/Flickr
- Taste some of the best poke you’ll ever find at Kailua-Kona’s Da Poke Shack.
Radley J Phoenix/Flickr
- Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, one of the best beaches in America.
Jenly Chen/Flickr
- Hike the stunning Pipiwai Trail, which leads hikers on a journey through a bamboo forest to two stunning waterfalls.
Andym5855/Flickr
- Indulge in a scrumptious Dole Whip from the famous Dole Plantation.
Megan Shute/Only In Your State
- Hang out at the Kaneohe Sandbar, a true natural wonder on Oahu’s windward coast.
Kashif Pathan/Flickr
- Swim with sea turtles.
Josshua Barnett/Flickr
How many of these bucket list items have you checked off? For more bucket list inspiration, check out our Hawaii dining bucket list, this Hawaii hiking bucket list, and the ultimate Hawaiian bucket list for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Charles/Flickr
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Todd Wiggins/Flickr
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Jenny/Flickr
Cameron Wears/Flickr
Amy Truter/Flickr
Kelly/Flickr
John L./Yelp
Conor Dupre-Neary/Flickr
Jim Larrison/Flickr
Versello/Flickr
Rob Lee/Flickr
Tom Bridge/Flickr
Albert de Bruijn/Flickr
Tyler S. Miller/Flickr
Radley J Phoenix/Flickr
Jenly Chen/Flickr
Andym5855/Flickr
Megan Shute/Only In Your State
Kashif Pathan/Flickr
Josshua Barnett/Flickr
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