Hawaii is a magical place on the Pacific Ocean where every day offers a different adventure. With so many beautiful destinations, it is hard to pick which is the best island in Hawaii. Though you’ll want to reserve plenty of time for soaking up the sun with no place to be, there are several Hawaiian island experiences you’ll want to add to the list.
When choosing what to do on a Hawaii island, it’s no surprise that many of them focus on taking in the scenery. With lush greenery and ocean views at every turn, you can’t go wrong when taking in the beauty of the islands. Not sure where to get started? Here are 10 things to do in Hawaii to help you create those picture-perfect big island memories.
#1 Visit the Haleakala Summit at Sunrise
Haleakala means “house of the sun.” As Maui’s highest peak, it rises over 10,000 feet above sea level and is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii. It’s a dormant volcano crater where visitors reserve a time through the National Park system to bike (or drive) to the summit and see the sunrise above the clouds.
With such an awe-inspiring view, it’s quite popular, which means slots at the Haleakala national park fill up fast. Once you’ve picked your travel dates, make sure to pick a date or choose a tour company that’ll take you up there. Clothing-wise, you’ll want to wear layers to this park. Even in summer months, the elevation and pre-dawn hours can make it colder than one might think.
Outfit Idea:
Don’t know what to wear in Hawaii? Start with the Black Firenze Corsage One Piece as the base, then pair with jeans, and a thick cardigan or denim jacket for extra coverage. Pack socks and tennis shoes for this part of the day, and pack a sarong and flip flops to change into later when you hit the sand beach.
#2 Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of the most picturesque drives in the world. Start early and take your time, as the winding road around the big island will take all day, since no one is in a hurry. It’s the perfect way to take in the scenery, chase waterfalls, and view sea turtles on the sand beach. There are endless roadside stands, open-air markets, and secret gardens tucked around every corner. Whatever catches your eye on the way, take time to explore the beautiful island of West Maui.
Outfit Idea:
For a day trip that combines splashing in waterfalls and possibly hiking, the Kiwi Firenze Chain Tri Bikini and Nora Detail Mini Jumper are a fun combination. The play on different shades of green keeps the look stylish and carefree, and the ease of the one-piece outfit makes it convenient to slip on and off, as needed. For extra protection from the sun, the lightweight linen blend of the Off White Laura Blouse covers the arms, back, and chest but keeps the look breezy.
These wardrobe pieces will keep you cool in sultry temperatures and be easy to explore when walking trails down to waterfalls or stopping by roadside stands for shaved ice. Water shoes are the way to go for footwear to have more grip, but have tennis shoes or sandals in the car as well when you’re ready to eat or shop local.
#3 Attend an Authentic Luau
The luau ceremony is one of the best things to do in Hawaii and shouldn’t be missed even if you’ve experienced one before. With traditional dancers, fire throwers, music, and delicious island food, it’s the ideal way to relax and be entertained on a Hawaiian island. Most resorts host their own version on a rotating basis, one of them being at the Hilton hawaiian village. Make sure to sign up as soon as you arrive to secure a spot for the Hawaii island show.
Outfit Idea:
The Bia Long Skirt is the ideal outfit to wear to this special, yet laid-back event. The contemporary, camouflage-inspired print fits right in with the tropical backdrop and makes for incredible photo opportunities and memories. The linen wrap-style feels good against the skin and works just as well with the matching print top as it does with a crisp white tee or black bodysuit.
#4 Snorkel with Sea Turtles
The clear Pacific Ocean waters of Hawaii make it a snorkeler’s dream. Right off the beach, in shallow waters, you’ll be able to see an array of colorful fish and sea turtle life. However, to see a sea turtle swim by, one of the best places to go is Molokini Crater. There are boats that take travelers to Molokini Crater daily, where you have a chance to jump in and swim among these majestic creatures for a one-of-a-kind experience. Part of the luxury of traveling by boat is you can take in the island from another point of view. Be in awe of the clear, blue waters, learn a little about Hawaii’s history, and enjoy the sea life park, ocean breeze, and sun.
Outfit Idea:
For an activity-based boat excursion, it’s best to limit what you bring. The aqua vibrancy of the Firenze Erin Knot Bikini has a balconette bra fit and fixed back for slightly more coverage, which is ideal for swimming and diving. Plus, the exclusive Firenze opaque crepe texture fabric adds style to the bikini cut with wide strap bottoms for comfort. The matching Emily Caftan is the ideal pairing with flip flops and sunglasses to complete this effortless yet stylish look.
#5 Experience Mountain Tubing
Wondering what to do in Hawaii that you can’t experience anywhere else? How about flowing down historic waterways on a mountain tube for a unique adventure in Kauai? What used to be a sugar plantation’s ditch system is now a series of water canals used recreationally for those who want to glide through these beautiful, remote locations. Combine this relaxing water trip with exhilarating zip-lining through the lushness of the land and end with a casual picnic to satiate your appetite.
Outfit Idea:
A mountain tubing trip offers a mix of adventures and helps keep you cool in the hot, humid temperatures. It’s a fun, memorable way to see the island from a different point of view. The flirty, feminine style of the Piper Block Tri Bikini and Black Bela Short work well together. The red, orange, and pink color blocking of the stunning bikini design is anchored by the neutral of the solid black shorts. It’s just the combination for a wet-and-wild tropical excursion.
#6 Take a Food Tour
For a more relaxing kind of escapade, a Hawaiian food tour allows you to sample many of the local delicacies and learn more about how they’re cultivated. Every island has its own list of popular places to go and is led by a guide who’s familiar with the food scene. You can choose to explore by foot, bike, or boat, depending on the tour.
Eat tasty dishes of local offerings, learn about the history of the islands, as well as iconic people and events that have occurred there, and find new treasures you may not have discovered on your own to visit later. These food experts have created relationships with the best-of-the-best local restaurants and shops to create a curated experience for visitors to enjoy.
Outfit Idea:
The Bel Midi Dress exudes casual elegance with built-in versatility to wear for a variety of events. The bodysuit seamless top provides a sculpted fit, while the asymmetric hem and draped side detailing keep it from feeling restrictive. The cool, blue-grey color is a modern take on the popular cheetah print and looks good belted or layered with a cropped jacket or oversized blazer. Plus, it looks great with comfortable sandals, as it does with chunky heels. Dress it down for the Dole Plantation tour and swap shoes and accessories as you head into the evening.
#7 Schedule a Spa Day
Some days call for nothing more than blissful relaxation. Though there’s a lot to see around the islands, embrace the zen of where you are with a day of pampering at the spa. The chic sophistication of the Prya Black Paula Bikini elevates the classic black-and-white prints with a paisley interpretation. Paired with the matching Prya Black Sarong, it’s a spa-ready outfit that exudes effortless style. Tie it around the waist to wear as a long skirt, cross the edges around the neck for a halter dress, or use it as a beach towel to cover up and to and from spa treatments and the relaxation area.
#8 Catch an Island Sunset
If you are able to witness the sunrise at Haleakala Summit, then you can compare it to the island sunsets, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. Take your tiki drink to the sunset beach and enjoy a quiet moment in the sand, reveling in nature’s beauty. Or head to one of the many oceanside eateries late in the afternoon to view the glory over dinner. No two sunsets will be the same, and as simple as the activity is, it’s a key reason why people keep returning to Hawaii again and again.
Outfit Idea:
The Asha Gisa Midi Dress delivers luxurious appeal with a deep red background and contrasting aqua cashmere print. It’s exotic and modern with a subtle hint of shimmer thanks to the delicate, hand-crafted gold charms and gold-beaded straps. The deep v-neckline and adjustable wrap skirt front create a flattering silhouette for a look that easily transitions from day to night.
#9 Shopping
Shopping on any of the islands is a laid-back way to spend an afternoon. Stroll through the boutiques and unique shops that line the sidewalks. There are also plenty of restaurants and places with ocean views whenever you need a break. Alternating between fun-filled, non-stop adventures and leisurely activities without a set schedule is a wonderful way to spend your vacation days.
Outfit Idea:
To keep cool and chic, the Serena Jumpsuit is an ideal style option. The bandeau style and fitted path create a streamlined silhouette, while the soft and silky Linux fabric keeps you comfortable anywhere you go. Pair with sandals or white sneakers for a casual, daytime look and switch to heels, and accessorize with a statement necklace for an outfit that’s evening-appropriate.
#10 Dining Al Fresco
End the day by dining al fresco at the Hilton Hawaiian village and indulging in the island’s breathtaking atmosphere and hospitable nature. Seafood is abundant wherever you go, but Hawaii also offers fine dining steakhouses, local specialty restaurants, and an array of other types of cuisine. For pure vacation mode, get a paper umbrella in your drink and take in the feeling of aloha that permeates throughout the island.
Outfit Idea:
The Bia Long Dress has a lovely, feminine edge to it with a scalloped hemline and pleats in the front. The functional tie works as an accessory, and the bold color options make each style a showstopper. The Piper print is one of the most popular thanks to its updated take on the color blocking trend. With speckled panels of pink, deep red, and orange, it’s boho chic at its finest.
Fortunately, there’s an endless array of things to do in Hawaii, a vacation wardrobe, and women's swimsuits suited for every adventure. Whether you want to take it easy or soak up as much of the island as possible, you’ll be well-dressed and ready for anything. Learn more about what to pack for a beach vacation.
