Travel has been on all of our minds since the COVID-19 global pandemic. Stay-at-home orders forced travel plans to be put on the back burner for almost a full year. But thankfully, as the world begins to slowly open up, the travel and hospitality industries are back in business.

One dream destination for many is among the islands of Hawaii. It’s no wonder tourism makes up most of the state’s annual income at 21%. This beautiful place has so much to do aside from sitting beachside to soak up the sun.

Take a look at some of the top things to do on your Hawaiin vacation.

As one of the number one site-seeing destinations on the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcano National Park is an absolute must on your vacation. Where else can you go see active volcanos and witness the lava firsthand?

The drive up to the top is eleven miles long and takes you around the Kilauea caldera. While you’re there, you can stop for a hike through one of the many paths the park offers.

Surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding. You name it, you can do it. The islands of Hawaii offer countless watersports to partake in, no matter if you’re experienced or a beginner. Take a lesson on waterskiing or rent a paddleboard to take out on the open water. You can even slow it down by taking a charter boat to sit back and fish among the Pacific Blue Marlin and Mahimahi. 

No trip to Hawaii is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiin luau. It’s a festive tradition where you get to enjoy a delicious feast with live entertainment filled with Hawaiin and Polynesian culture. Enjoy custom dishes like Poi, Kalua Pig, or Poke. There are dozens of luaus available on every island, so you’ll never have a reason not to go.

I don’t know about you, but snorkeling with the sea turtles is one of my absolute dreams. One of the best places in Hawaii to do this is on the island of Kauai along Tunnels Beach. It’s filled with lava tubes beneath the water, which is where the name of the beach originated. It’s a prime location to find various sea critters, including the majestic sea turtle. They’ll come right up and swim with you in the wild. Don’t forget your waterproof camera because you won’t want to miss this shot.

Hawaii is home to around one hundred waterfalls, and those are the ones that have been documented. One very special place you’ll want to explore is a secret waterfall in Wailua Canyon. Rent a kayak to take you along the Wailua River. Then you’ll take a relatively easy hike through the jungle. You don’t have to try and navigate this alone. Tour guides are available who can take you through and will teach you more about the history of the land along the way.

What better way to see the island than seeing it all from a bird’s eye view. Taking a helicopter ride is an intimate and exhilarating way to see more of the island, especially if you’re limited on time. 

Make sure to do your homework to find a safe and reliable tour with friendly guides and an impeccable safety record. We promise you won’t want to miss out on your chance to see the islands like this.

Taking a vacation to one or more of the eight islands of Hawaii doesn’t have to be just a bucket-list dream. Make it a reality and go see some of these iconic places in person. Life is short, and Hawaii is waiting for you.