I’ve never met anyone who has been to Hawaii and not liked Hawaii. But, I’ve met people who say they are not interested in Hawaii because they are are not “beach people”. I get it. Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches. But, Hawaii has a lot to offer without going to the beaches. Here are my favorite non-beach activities. (Also see my earlier post about how to earn miles and points to fly to Hawaii for free!)
Hiking Diamond Head (Oahu)
Hiking the Diamond Head crater is not terribly difficult, and the views are spectacular! Hawaii is filled with hikes of all different levels.
Dole Plantation (Oahu)
Some folks think it’s cheesy, but my family enjoyed visiting the Dole Plantation on Oahu. The train ride was educational, and the grounds were fun to explore.
Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)
Kualoa Ranch is a fantastic destination. This place has views, views and more views! Plus, the movie sites are interesting. We learned a lot about Hawaiian vegetation on the Jungle Tour.
Fish Trucks and Shopping at the North Shore (Oahu)
I’ve never tasted any fish fresher than in Hawaii! The food trucks on the North Shore of Oahu are worth the drive. Plus, the funky art shops are fun to explore.
Kipu Ranch (Kauai)
Our ATV ride at Kipu Ranch was memorable! The views, the river swing, the waterfall….take me back!
Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
Waimea Canyon is like the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Whether you drive there or see it from a helicopter/airplane, it’s a site worth seeing.
Chocolate and Coffee Farms (multiple islands)
Hawaii has some great chocolate and coffee farm tours! I enjoyed learning about chocolate at Lydgate Farms in Kauai, and my husband and I liked our tour of a coffee plantation on the Big Island.
Luau (multiple islands)
While some folks think a luau is too touristy, I liked the food, crafts and entertainment.
Helicopter/Airplane Ride
Hawaii is beautiful from the sky! We booked an airplane ride in Kauai because it was less expensive than a helicopter ride. It’s a great way to see waterfalls and beaches that are not accessible by roads.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea (Hawaii, Big Island)
This activity was my absolute favorite. The view from the top of Mauna Kea at sunset was spectacular. Then, the stars we saw at night were incredible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not a beach person, don’t write off Hawaii. There is so much else to see and do!
Readers, what is your favorite non-beach activity in Hawaii?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
This is really a great article about the beauty of Hawaii…
@Alvin Thank you.
This is a really wonderful article, and I enjoy all of the information you’ve offered in it.
Very nice article and I like all images.
Eating, walking around taking in the sights, the spas. There is also the Maui Ocean Center. I do know one person that hated it my former coworker, rained his entire honeymoon and said he wouldn’t go back!
Gotta try something more difficult than Diamond Head. 😉
HIKING!! We’ve been on beautiful hikes on Maui, Big Island, and Kauai. Leisurely walks to strenuous treks, rain or shine, these are the best hikes in the world. There’s no better way to feel the diversity and love of the lands of Hawaii.
Awesome blog..
Loved the HAWAII: 10 AWESOME NON-BEACH ACTIVITIES blog! 🌺🌴 Great insights beyond the beach. A must-read for adventurers! #HawaiiExplore 😍👏
Fiji paradise cove Cloud 9 stands out not only for the unparalleled experience it offers but also for its commitment to environmental preservation, and the Fijian tradition.