It’s easy to find unique things to do in Hawaii! After all, this is a one-of-a-kind destination, full of adventures you can’t find anywhere else.
Still, you might be looking for something extra unique. We’re talking about hidden gems, out-of-this-world sights, and spots that don’t show up on every itinerary.
We love sharing our favorite and most unique things to do in Hawaii! This list is perfect for repeat visitors or anyone who wants something wow-worthy on their travel bucket lists.
Come along as we travel through Hawaii and find the most unique activities and adventures across the islands.
Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Unique Things to Do in Hawaii
Sure, luau and beach days are fun. But you want something more unique than that! Check out our list below:
See the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Kauai
Have you ever heard of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? Waimea Canyon certainly lives up to its nickname! This natural wonder is located on Kauai, within two state parks that offer hiking, scenic drives, and the ultimate overlook.
Head to Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park for this unique thing to do in Hawaii. Just looking out over the canyon is a memorable adventure. But if you’re an experienced hiker up for a trek, you can head toward the canyon floor.
Kukui Trail is a 5-mile, out-and-back hike that takes you on a 2,000 elevation drop. Camp by permit at the canyon floor or return back uphill for a one-day hike.
Swim with Manta Rays
Hawaii Island
Are you looking for a unique snorkeling adventure in Hawaii? Head over to Kona on the Big Island, where you can swim with manta rays at night. This is a nighttime snorkel, making it even more unique. And the manta rays are so much bigger than you expect.
If you’ve done a typical snorkel trip in Hawaii or other destinations, a Kona Manta Ray Snorkel could be perfect for you.
Visit a Crack Seed Store
Oahu
Some of the most unique things to do in Hawaii aren’t BIG adventures. Some are simple and quick, yet oh-so memorable. One example: Honolulu crack seed stores. These unique candy shops offer a plethora of local treats, including li hing mui, dried fruits, and arare.
Check out this guide to crack seed stores in Honolulu and get ready to try your new favorite snack. The best part? This easy and cheap activity also makes for unique souvenirs you can bring home for friends and family (or, keep it all for yourself – we aren’t judging over here!).
Hike to a Green Sand Beach
Hawaii Island
How’s this for unique: Hawaii Island is home to one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Here, green olivine sand lines glistening blue water, making for a truly spectacular sight. But getting to Papakolea Beach isn’t easy.
You’ll need to hike nearly 3 miles each way to access this shoreline, and swimming here isn’t usually safe. But the beautiful scenery and Instagram-worthy photos are certainly worth it.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is located at the southern end of Hawaii’s Big Island, in the Kaʻu district.
Tour a Pineapple Farm
Maui
When you think about Hawaii pineapples, you may imagine the Dole Plantation on Oahu. But that tourist hotspot is more of a botanical garden these days. Worth visiting? Sure. A true picture of how pineapples are farmed? Not really.
So if you’re a pineapple aficionado, you’re much better off on the island of Maui, where a sprawling pineapple plantation sits along the slopes of Haleakala. During a Maui Pineapple Tour, you’ll learn how these sweet, tropical fruits are commercially grown and harvested.
It’s a truly unique experience to stand in a field surrounded by acres and acres of pineapples. You’ll taste pineapples pulled right from the ground, see how they’re processed for sale, and get to bring pineapples home with you, too.
I took the Maui Pineapple Tour a couple of years ago and it really felt special to be amid such a huge and sweet operation. Plus, now I know how to pick the best pineapple at the grocery store (however, none taste as good as Maui Gold Pineapples!).
Float Through Irrigation Ditches
Kauai
Have you seen the videos of people floating through the irrigation canals on Kauai? This adventure is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its promotion across social media, but it still counts as one of the most unique things to do in Hawaii. After all, only one company offers it, and you can only do it on Kauai.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures will take you on an unforgettable trip through ditches and tunnels – a system that once supplied water to vast plantations across Kauai. Cane tubing doesn’t require much athleticism, and it’s not a high-octane thrill. But it’s certainly a fan-favorite for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Hawaii.
Learn to Kiteboard
Oahu and Maui
Surf lessons are a go-to experience for many Hawaii visitors. But it’s far from the only watersport the islands offer. Did you know that many people move to Hawaii for its amazing kiteboarding conditions?
Now you can get a taste of this thrilling sport with your own kiteboarding lesson. Here’s a fair warning for you: once you start getting the hang of kiteboarding, you may become addicted to it! Good thing you can learn a lot from additional lessons (though it may mean additional trips to Hawaii to get your fix of the sport!).
Fly in a Powered Hang Glider
Oahu
Hang gliding is already a unique thing to do in Hawaii, but it gets even cooler. On Oahu’s North Shore, you can try out powered hang gliding with Paradise Air Hawaii. This cool adventure allows you to soar over Hawaii’s scenery in an open-air, professionally piloted trike.
This is a take-your-breath-away experience and something you’ll be talking about for years and years. Learn more about powered hang gliding on Oahu here, and be sure to let them know that Hawaii Aloha Travel sent you!
Hike the Koko Crater Stairs
Oahu
Koko Head trail isn’t a hidden gem, but it’s still a unique thing to do in Hawaii. This steep trail takes you ¾ miles up a World War II railway and treats you to amazing views at the top.
This is less of a hike and more of a workout. Maybe a bucket-list workout if you’re one to exercise in new and unique places. Check it out for yourself – but be prepared for some serious muscle fatigue if you’re not in tip-top shape.
See a Hawaii Variety Show
Oahu
If you’ve seen the classic luau production in Hawaii, you may want to try a different kind of show. We have a couple of favorites to recommend. One is Rock a Hula, a song-and-dance spectacular that features fire-knife dancing, Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators, and a live band.
Rock a Hula is located right in Waikiki.
Cirque du Soleil also has a fantastic residence in Waikiki. If you’re looking for a great show to sit back and enjoy, consider heading over to OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel for Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana, an immersive production that’s sure to wow and delight.
It can be hard to find things to do after dark in Hawaii, so taking in a show is a great way to see the city after dark and experience a unique performance.
Rappel Down a Waterfall
Maui
If you’ve already ziplined in Hawaii AND hiked to waterfalls, it may be time for a new adventure. How about rappelling down a waterfall? This is an incredible way to surround yourself with nature while completing a thrilling challenge.
It feels SO adventurous, and you’ve never seen a waterfall from this angle before. Get in touch with Hawaii Aloha Travel if you want to book a rappelling tour, a ziplining adventure, a guided waterfall hike, or any other off-the-grid expedition.
Visit Hanapepe
Kauai
We love Hawaii’s small towns, and one of our favorites is Hanapepe on Kauai. This quaint area was the inspiration for the town in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and it claims to be “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.”
Shops and restaurants fill the plantation-style buildings that line the streets. Spend the day or evening shopping, dining, and enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. The best time to visit Hanapepe is Friday evenings for “Art Night.” This is when the town really comes to life with galleries, food, and music.
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal (Right on a Farm)
Hawaii Island
Lots of restaurants boast a farm-to-table menu, but for a unique dining experience in Hawaii, eat on the actual farm.
Starseed Ranch (on Hawaii Island) offers a regular farm-to-table dining experience that includes a farm tour, fresh food, and an unbeatable environment.
Sure, when you think about dining in Hawaii, you may picture a swanky oceanfront dining. But you really can’t beat the lush landscape and true serenity of a farm dinner.
Finding More Unique Things to Do in Hawaii
This is not an all-encompassing list of unique activities in Hawaii. And any list is not one-size-fits-all. So, what do you do if you want a vacation full of adventure, surprises, and lasting memories? Partner with someone who really knows the islands.
At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’ll help you plan a vacation that’s as unique as you. Full of fun things to do for any kind of traveler. So let’s talk – we can’t wait to help plan your next Hawaii vacation.
