The Hawaiian Islands are undoubtedly home to some of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, as well as cultural events, unforgettable excursions, and more. Though it may not be possible to experience all the Aloha State has to offer, we have made it our resolution to explore this island paradise as much as possible, and as such, we’ve created an incredible list of the best day trips to take in Hawaii — one for each month of the year. From natural wonders and state parks to famous festivals, these day trips are sure to impress. 

  1. January: Enjoy chilly weather at the summit of Mauna Kea.

Aaron Smith/Flickr Mauna Kea, or Mauna a Wakea in Hawaiian culture, is Hawaii’s tallest peak, but also one of the most fascinating mountains in the Pacific. Standing tall at 13,796 feet above sea level, the average temperature in January is 41 degrees and depending on when you visit, you might even see snow. This Mauna Kea, Hawaii 96720, USA

  1. February: Go whale watching aboard one of Hawaii’s phenomenal cruises.

Curt Smith/Flickr Each year, from December through April, majestic humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves. In fact, the Hawaiian Islands are considered to be one of the best destinations in the world for spotting these giant creatures, and a whale-watching cruise is the best way to spot them. If you’re looking for Hawaii, USA

  1. March: Hang out in Hanalei, one of the Aloha State’s most charming small towns.

throgers/Flickr With a population of little more than 470, Hanalei has got it all: a charming small-town vibe, pristine white sand beaches, magnificent, lush surroundings, a plethora of shopping and restaurant options, as well as an impressive dedication to the spirit of Hawaii and cultural preservation. If you’re in Hanalei and looking for Hanalei, HI, USA

  1. April: Embrace the Aloha Spirit by attending the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Allanbcool/Wikipedia Held one week every April in Hilo, the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is perhaps one of the most well-known celebrations in all of Hawaii. The week-long event honors King David Kalakaua — who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his patronage of the arts and for restoring many native cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. One of the Merrie Monarch Festival, 865 Piilani St, Hilo, HI 96720, USAMerrie Monarch Festival

  1. May: Honor loved ones on Memorial Day with Honolulu’s Lantern Floating Festival.

Steven Worster/Flickr Held every Memorial Day on Oahu’s southern shore, this event brings together more than 50,000 people at Ala Moana Beach Park for a magical evening that honors loved ones, creates a sense of community, and generates a collective hope for the future. Put this Honolulu, HI, USA

  1. June: Spend the day exploring the upcountry region of Maui.

blese/Flickr On the slopes of Mount Haleakala is the area known as upcountry Maui, and it’s 100 percent worth a visit. With fabulous farms, remarkable restaurants, botanical gardens, charming towns, and some of the best views we’ve ever seen, this region is one of our favorite destinations in all of Hawaii. This charming Maui, Hawaii, USA

  1. July: Head underwater with a snorkeling trip on Oahu’s north shore.

tdlucas5000/Flickr Winter may bring massive waves to Oahu’s north shore, but the summer months are made for snorkeling. With crystalline water, abundant sea life, and several stunning beaches, this stretch of shoreline is a snorkeler’s paradise — whether you’re a beginner or not. One of the O‘ahu, Hawaii, USA

  1. August: Take in the beauty of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Andrew Baerst/Flickr Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and though the expansive canyon is not as big – or as old – as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls. This Waimea Canyon, Hawaii 96796, USA

  1. September: Learn about history on a tour of Molokai’s famous Kalaupapa Leper Colony.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr In order to prevent the transmission of leprosy, the Kingdom of Hawaii passed a law in 1965 to send leprosy patients to an isolation settlement on Molokai. At its peak occupation in 1890, approximately 1,100 individuals who suffered from leprosy lived in the colony. Operations seized in 1969, and in 1980, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established in order to preserve the culture and physical settings of this former leper colony. This historic and Moloka‘i, Hawaii, USA

  1. October: Enjoy a road trip along Maui’s famous Hana Highway.

Tim Lumley/Flickr This infamous 64.4-mile highway stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there. Along the way, you’ll cross 59 one-lane bridges, drive around 620 curves, and pass by plenty of stunning waterfalls, ocean views, and points of interest. This Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA

  1. November: Get your caffeine fix at the Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival/Facebook If there’s one beverage Hawaii is known for, it’s coffee. After all, Hawaii is the only American state with land able to grow coffee. Grown in a small section of fertile volcanic soil on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast, Kona coffee is definitely a cut above any coffee you can find, well, pretty much anywhere. Coffee lovers will want to head to Hawaii Island for this annual festival, taking place each November, so keep an eye on that calendar! This is one of the best Kailua-Kona, HI, USA

  1. December: Reflect on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor at the USS Arizona Memorial.

Prayitno/Flickr December 7, 1941: A day that lives in infamy as one of the most tragic attacks on United States soil, and the event that launched our great country into World War II, in both European and Pacific theaters. Today, Pearl Harbor is one of two main bases for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, as well as a living piece of history, with several museums and memorials open to the public. A somber memorial, this Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA

How many of these destinations, events, and excursions have you experienced for yourself? Which ones of the best day trips in Hawaii are you adding to your bucket list? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments below!

Aaron Smith/Flickr

Mauna Kea, or Mauna a Wakea in Hawaiian culture, is Hawaii’s tallest peak, but also one of the most fascinating mountains in the Pacific. Standing tall at 13,796 feet above sea level, the average temperature in January is 41 degrees and depending on when you visit, you might even see snow. This Mauna Kea, Hawaii 96720, USA

Curt Smith/Flickr

Each year, from December through April, majestic humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves. In fact, the Hawaiian Islands are considered to be one of the best destinations in the world for spotting these giant creatures, and a whale-watching cruise is the best way to spot them. If you’re looking for Hawaii, USA

throgers/Flickr

With a population of little more than 470, Hanalei has got it all: a charming small-town vibe, pristine white sand beaches, magnificent, lush surroundings, a plethora of shopping and restaurant options, as well as an impressive dedication to the spirit of Hawaii and cultural preservation. If you’re in Hanalei and looking for Hanalei, HI, USA

Allanbcool/Wikipedia

Held one week every April in Hilo, the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is perhaps one of the most well-known celebrations in all of Hawaii. The week-long event honors King David Kalakaua — who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his patronage of the arts and for restoring many native cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. One of the Merrie Monarch Festival, 865 Piilani St, Hilo, HI 96720, USAMerrie Monarch Festival

Steven Worster/Flickr

Held every Memorial Day on Oahu’s southern shore, this event brings together more than 50,000 people at Ala Moana Beach Park for a magical evening that honors loved ones, creates a sense of community, and generates a collective hope for the future. Put this Honolulu, HI, USA

blese/Flickr

On the slopes of Mount Haleakala is the area known as upcountry Maui, and it’s 100 percent worth a visit. With fabulous farms, remarkable restaurants, botanical gardens, charming towns, and some of the best views we’ve ever seen, this region is one of our favorite destinations in all of Hawaii. This charming Maui, Hawaii, USA

tdlucas5000/Flickr

Winter may bring massive waves to Oahu’s north shore, but the summer months are made for snorkeling. With crystalline water, abundant sea life, and several stunning beaches, this stretch of shoreline is a snorkeler’s paradise — whether you’re a beginner or not. One of the O‘ahu, Hawaii, USA

Andrew Baerst/Flickr

Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and though the expansive canyon is not as big – or as old – as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls. This Waimea Canyon, Hawaii 96796, USA

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

In order to prevent the transmission of leprosy, the Kingdom of Hawaii passed a law in 1965 to send leprosy patients to an isolation settlement on Molokai. At its peak occupation in 1890, approximately 1,100 individuals who suffered from leprosy lived in the colony. Operations seized in 1969, and in 1980, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established in order to preserve the culture and physical settings of this former leper colony. This historic and Moloka‘i, Hawaii, USA

Tim Lumley/Flickr

This infamous 64.4-mile highway stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there. Along the way, you’ll cross 59 one-lane bridges, drive around 620 curves, and pass by plenty of stunning waterfalls, ocean views, and points of interest. This Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival/Facebook

If there’s one beverage Hawaii is known for, it’s coffee. After all, Hawaii is the only American state with land able to grow coffee. Grown in a small section of fertile volcanic soil on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast, Kona coffee is definitely a cut above any coffee you can find, well, pretty much anywhere. Coffee lovers will want to head to Hawaii Island for this annual festival, taking place each November, so keep an eye on that calendar! This is one of the best Kailua-Kona, HI, USA

Prayitno/Flickr

December 7, 1941: A day that lives in infamy as one of the most tragic attacks on United States soil, and the event that launched our great country into World War II, in both European and Pacific theaters. Today, Pearl Harbor is one of two main bases for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, as well as a living piece of history, with several museums and memorials open to the public. A somber memorial, this Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA

Looking for a great family day trip? We love The Adventure Ranch In Hawaii That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips In Hawaii July 01, 2022 Megan McDonald What are the best things to do in Hawaii? It depends on what you love to do! With plenty of  outdoor things to do, Hawaii is the perfect place to go if you love beautiful scenery. Enjoy the ocean, climb the mountains, or enjoy the great food!  What is the number 1 attraction in Hawaii? The Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial in Oahu is considered one of the top attractions in Hawaii. But it truly depends on what you’re looking to do.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips In Hawaii

July 01, 2022

Megan McDonald

What are the best things to do in Hawaii? It depends on what you love to do! With plenty of  outdoor things to do, Hawaii is the perfect place to go if you love beautiful scenery. Enjoy the ocean, climb the mountains, or enjoy the great food!  What is the number 1 attraction in Hawaii? The Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial in Oahu is considered one of the top attractions in Hawaii. But it truly depends on what you’re looking to do.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

It depends on what you love to do! With plenty of  outdoor things to do, Hawaii is the perfect place to go if you love beautiful scenery. Enjoy the ocean, climb the mountains, or enjoy the great food! 

What is the number 1 attraction in Hawaii?

The Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial in Oahu is considered one of the top attractions in Hawaii. But it truly depends on what you’re looking to do.