What to do in Hawaii: the must-sees of the archipelago

Lost in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaii archipelago is one of those destinations that stay etched in memory long after returning. Active volcanoes, lush tropical forests, beaches with multicolored sands and vibrant Polynesian culture: each island has its own character, its own landscapes and its treasures to discover. The Hawaii archipelago lends itself just as well to sporting adventure as to absolute relaxation, to cultural explorations as to moments of pure contemplation facing the ocean. Here is a guide to places and experiences not to be missed to fully enjoy your stay in Hawaii.

What experiences to have on Oahu and Kauai?

Between the energy of an American capital and the wild landscapes of a garden island, Oahu and Kauai embody two radically different faces of the Hawaii archipelago. Yet each deserves a place of choice in your itinerary, as they offer varied and complementary experiences for all kinds of travelers.

Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor: the heart and soul of Oahu

The island of Oahu is often the gateway for travelers to Hawaii, and for good reason. The famous Waikiki Beach, with its golden sand and generous waves, is the perfect place to learn to surf or simply watch locals tame the ocean. Around this iconic beach, shops, restaurants and bars enliven the evenings in a neighborhood that lives to the rhythm of the sea. A few kilometers away, Diamond Head rises 232 meters above Honolulu. The hike to the edge of this volcanic crater, accessible in about two hours round trip, offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunrise.

The island of Oahu is also a must-see chapter of Hawaii's history. Pearl Harbor, located to the west of Honolulu, is a memorial site charged with emotion, dedicated to the victims of the attack of December 7, 1941. A minimum half-day visit is recommended to explore the USS Arizona Memorial and understand this event that deeply marked world history. Plan to visit early in the morning to enjoy the atmosphere in relative calm.

Our tip: spend at least five days on Oahu to visit Honolulu at a relaxed pace, hike Diamond Head, and take the time to soak up the local life around Waikiki Beach.

The island of Kauai, between the Nā Pali coast and Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kauai is arguably the most spectacular island in the Hawaiian archipelago in terms of natural landscapes. Its dense tropical forests, dizzying cliffs and secret beaches make it a destination apart, highly sought after by nature lovers and hikers. The Nā Pali coast, accessible only on foot, by boat or by helicopter, is one of the most breathtaking features of the archipelago. For seasoned walkers, the Kalalau Trail offers a total immersion in wild and preserved nature, with breathtaking views of the cliffs that plunge directly into the ocean. Plan ahead, as a permit is required to access the most remote sections.

Inside the island, Waimea Canyon stands as another marvel. Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this canyon one kilometer deep with ochre and green hues is best discovered from several viewpoints accessible by car or on foot. Plan a full day to explore its trails and enjoy the panoramas changing according to the light and the time of day.

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What to see and do on the Big Island and Maui?

Big Island and Maui alone boast a geological and natural diversity rare in the world. One of them confronts you with the raw power of the volcanoes and landscapes from another planet, the other invites you to contemplation and gentle adventure along the coastal roads.

Big Island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and black sand beaches

The island of Hawai'i, commonly called the Big Island, is the largest in the archipelago and certainly the most fascinating for nature and geology enthusiasts. Its main attraction, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can discover Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, whose eruptions have shaped lunar landscapes of rare beauty. Several trails allow you to get as close as possible to this living geology, notably the Kilauea Iki Trail which descends into an ancient crater. Plan at least a full day to explore the national park in its different facets.

Beyond the volcanoes, the Big Island surprises with the diversity of its beaches. Punalu'u Beach, with its basalt black sand, is one of the most photographed beaches in the Hawaiian archipelago. Green sea turtles regularly come ashore to rest on the shore, offering a precious natural spectacle. For the bold, the ascent of Mauna Kea to more than 4,200 meters above sea level offers a unique experience, especially at sunset, when the clouds stretch as far as the eye can see beneath your feet.

The smart move: night snorkeling excursions with manta rays off Kona are a rare experience that only the Big Island makes possible year-round. A moment of sharing with marine wildlife that leaves a lasting impression.

The island of Maui, between Haleakalā and waterfalls

Second island of the Hawaiian archipelago by area, the island of Maui is captivating with the variety of its landscapes and the gentle pace of life. Haleakalā National Park, whose crater rises to more than 3,000 meters, is the rendezvous for early risers: witnessing the sunrise from the summit is one of the most memorable experiences the island can offer. The descent through the crater's ash cones, during the Sliding Sands Trail hike, traverses a landscape reminiscent of another planet as much as the colors and shapes are unusual.

Maui also features the Hana Highway, a coastal road dotted with waterfalls, tropical forests and panoramas of the Pacific. On this 109-kilometer journey, every stop is an invitation to slow down and soak up the island's wild beauty. The beaches deserve as much of your attention, notably Kaihalulu Beach with its red sand, a true geological curiosity, or the clear waters of Honolua Bay, ideal for snorkeling.

<p>How to plan a tailor-made trip to Hawaii?</p>

The Hawaii archipelago is a destination that requires thoughtful planning: each island has its own attractions and needs time to be savored fully. To help you calibrate your itinerary, here are the ideal durations to devote to each main island:

Oahu: 4 to 5 days, for Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor;
Kauai: 6 to 7 days, for the Nā Pali coast, Waimea Canyon and the Kalalau Trail;
Big Island: 7 to 8 days, for the national park, Mauna Kea and the black-sand beaches;
Maui: 5 to 6 days, for Haleakalā National Park, the Hana Highway and the beaches.

For a Hawaii stay that takes into account your pace, your desires and your travel profile, a tailored trip makes all the difference. Every detail is designed for you: accommodations, activities, transitions between the islands. Whether you are traveling with family, as a couple or with friends, the support of a dedicated Travel Planner allows you to build an itinerary in your image, without constraints, with complete transparency on prices. All you have to do is pack your bags.