Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Circle Island Tour — Oahu
Drive around Oahu's full perimeter to experience the island's diverse landscapes — from busy Honolulu to the windward Kailua coast, the famous North Shore surf breaks, and the western Ko Olina resort coast.
Highlights: Lanikai Beach and Kailua town (windward coast) · Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park filming location) · Haleiwa town (North Shore surf culture) · Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach surf breaks · Turtle Beach (Laniakea) sea turtle viewing · Dole Plantation pineapple tour · Matsumoto's Shave Ice
Road to Hana Day Trip
Maui's legendary scenic highway winds through 64 miles of lush rainforest, sea cliffs, bamboo groves, and waterfall-fed valleys to the remote town of Hana. Over 600 curves and 59 bridges make this a memorable driving experience.
Highlights: Twin Falls waterfall · Wailua Falls roadside viewpoint · Ke'anae Peninsula lava rock coastline · Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach · Bamboo Forest (near Oheo Gulch) · Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls · Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast Kauai
Kauai's most dramatic inland scenery: Waimea Canyon (the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific') and the Kokee plateau with views of the Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Valley Lookout.
Highlights: Waimea Canyon overlooks (Puu Ka Pele, Puu Hinahina) · Waipo'o Falls · Kokee Natural History Museum (free) · Kalalau Lookout (Na Pali aerial view) · Puu o Kila Lookout · Waimea town historic area (Captain Cook landing site) · Russian Fort Elizabeth
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Trip
Explore one of the world's most active volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Drive the Chain of Craters Road to the coast, walk through lava tubes, and witness the raw geological power of the Big Island.
Highlights: Kilauea Caldera (drive and walk the rim) · Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) · Chain of Craters Road · Holei Sea Arch · Pu'u Lo'o Petroglyph Field · Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks · Devastation Trail through 1959 cinder field
Lanai Day Trip from Maui
A day trip to the 'Pineapple Island' offers a completely different Hawaii experience — a quiet, uncrowded island with a charming small town, stunning marine reserve at Hulopo'e Beach, and otherworldly lava formations at Garden of the Gods.
Highlights: Hulopo'e Beach (pristine marine reserve) · Spinner dolphin pods in the bay · Snorkeling at Hulopo'e Marine Reserve · Lanai City historic plantation town · Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo lava landscape) · Shipwreck Beach scenic drive
Molokini Snorkel and Turtle Town
A morning boat tour to Molokini Crater — a partially submerged volcanic caldera and marine preserve with 250+ fish species and crystal-clear visibility up to 150 feet — followed by snorkeling at Turtle Town where green sea turtles gather.
Highlights: Molokini Crater snorkeling (150-foot visibility) · Tropical fish (over 250 species) · Green sea turtles at Turtle Town · Spinner dolphins en route · Whale watching December-April · Optional scuba diving
Hana Retreat and Back Road Tour
An extension of the Road to Hana, continuing past Hana town to the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park featuring the stunning Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls.
Highlights: Seven Sacred Pools swimming (Oheo Gulch) · Pipiwai Trail bamboo forest · 400-foot Waimoku Falls · Lindbergh's Grave (Charles Lindbergh) · Remote Kaupo coastal views · Maui's south coast undeveloped landscape
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.