Hawaii is the vacation paradise that has something for everyone. Sun-drenched beaches, nightlife, traditional luas, golf, tennis, swimming, shopping, surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and nature journeys. There are also many creative things to do in Hawaii that you might not have heard about. We have come up with a list of creative places to visit for your upcoming trip.
When planning a vacation to Hawaii, check travel brochures, the internet, and with a travel agent in order to book the Hawaiian vacation that is right for you; plus any special bargains as well. It is very important that you check out hotel reviews before booking. After all, you want to stay at clean, comfortable, and attractive hotel. You don’t want your Hawaiian vacation to be ruined. A travel agent can also help with planning a stopover and to suggest some of the best places to visit in Hawaii.
Stopovers
If you live either on the East Coast or in the Midwest, I would really suggest that you stop off on the West Coast just to break up the flying time. Most Hawaii packages offer stopovers in either San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas for a few days, with hotel packages included. For example, you can stop off in San Francisco first, and then after Hawaii, you can stop off in Los Angeles. You’re getting two vacations in one; so why not take advantage of it.
Best Places to visit in Hawaii
The best cities in Hawaii to visit, if you’re a city and a beach person like me, are Honolulu and Waikiki. You can go shopping at the Ala Moana Center and the International Market Place. You can take a tour of the city of Honolulu, go down to the Arizona Memorial and take the Pearl Harbor cruise. After sunset, Honolulu becomes nightlife and party city. Polynesian dance revues, the Society of Seven show, and nightclubs; just to name a few.
However, if you want a peaceful quiet Hawaiian vacation, go to the other islands. The best places in Hawaii to vacation with the family are on Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Molokai, and Lanai. You can lie on the beach, watch the sunrise over Haleakala, play golf or tennis, or go snorkeling.
If you’re a movie buff, I believe that there is a tour on Kauai that takes you to see where South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Donovan’s Reef, and Blue Hawaii were filmed.
Nature lovers will not only like seeing the sunrise over Haleakala, but also to go hiking, and visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (just watch out for the Kiluea active volcano).
Even if you’re only going to stay on Oahu, you can go visit Sea Life Park, the Polynesian Cultural Center, take a circle island tour, and if your a surfing buff, the North Shore of Oahu, featuring the huge-crashing waves.
Creative THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII
Are you looking for creative things to do in Hawaii? And, to visit the gems of Hawaii the way the locals do! These are some of the best places to visit in Hawaii for families that will bring out everyone’s creativity!
1. Shop at craft fairs
One of the best creative things to do in Hawaii is to shop at craft fairs. You can find listings for craft fairs in the local magazines or online, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be in town for a big one such as the Made in Hawaii Festival. You can find locally handcrafted items ranging from jewelry, to clothing, to lamps carved out of gourds and delectable island edibles. A far cry from the amusingly “Made in China” products, craft fair vendors often supply handmade items to high end Hawaiian gift shops. This means quality is not compromised while prices are usually significantly below retail. Keep in mind that some vendors are cash only.
2. Hang from a cliff
Few people, even locals, are aware of Honolulu’s climbing company Climb Aloha. A trained instructor will take you and your friends out to a cliff on the coast, teach you how to struggle your way to the top, control the ropes to ensure your safety, and reward you with a cold one (beer or water, your preference) at the days end. Also included are some digital photos so you may prove you are daring to the world. With levels from beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone and if the climbing bug bites? All technical gear are provided.
3. Find hidden talents
A look at local community event listings will provide you with the location and time of lessons that will broaden your horizons. Choose from island specialties like ukulele, hula, and lauhala weaving or experience Tai Chi, yoga, salsa and even cooking classes. Go home with the satisfaction that not only did you relax and play, but you also learned something in paradise.
4. Rent a beach house for part of your trip
You can rent a beach house in Hawaii. This then enables you to go on a fishing charter, reel in your prize mahimahi, then take it home and cook it in your kitchen. It doesn’t get fresher than that. You can also have BBQs with newfound local friends. If you have a Jacuzzi, do the favourite of a friend of mine: Boil in the Jacuzzi then jump into the ocean. Repeat. While many find this exhilarating, I find this excruciating, but you may enjoy it.
5. Go on an unofficial food tour in Hawaii
Collect eatery suggestions from locals (specifically ask what they eat there), get a map and a car, drive to those places, and eat. You may spread this over your entire vacation. You will more than likely be directed out of tourist areas to places you would otherwise have no idea existed. Food is a huge part of Hawaiian culture, to truly experience the islands you must experience their food. Until you’ve been served by a local “auntie” in a place where you feel out of place, you haven’t eaten in Hawaii.
6. Events at the University of Hawaii
You can check out events at the University of Hawaii. Offerings can range from graduate piano recitals to non-tourist hula shows to eclectic late night theatre. Due to Hawaii’s cultural diversity, there are often options with an international flair including professionals from around the world.
7. Spend a Friday evening mingling with the artsy locals
One of the many creative things to do in Hawaii is to take part in Honolulu’s “First Friday” where downtown Honolulu (Chinatown area) becomes alive from 5:30 pm to 10 pm with late-night exhibits and free entertainment. While the locals rarely mingle in downtown Waikiki, we do show up for First Friday and newcomers are welcome. Other islands have similar offerings with Kauai’s Hanapepe Friday art night every week and Maui’s “Friday Night is art night” in Lahaina.
8. Hawaii Luau
Most people have said that your Hawaiian vacation is not complete unless you attend the traditional luau. The most popular ones in Hawaii are the Paradise Cove, Germaine’s Luau, and the Old Lahaina Luau. You will sit down to an all-you-can-eat buffet, have plenty of drinks, and watch a Polynesian dance show.
9. Check out community nightlife
Check out the “Honolulu Magazine” and “Maui Time” to look for local event listings. Find out what the residents are doing, where they party, and join them!
Once you exhaust the offerings of travel guides, you’ll find that simply talking to a few residents opens another side for you to explore and enjoy creative things to do in Hawaii. So seize the day, wander from the tried and true, and revel in Hawaii the way the locals do. You won’t regret it!
Fun list! Thanks for sharing.