When you live on an island, day trips can be difficult unless you are able to island hop to explore another beautiful slice of paradise. So, because any given Hawaiian island is only so big, you have to get a little bit creative. Check out these 10 unique day trips near me in Hawaii, and be prepared to be blown away!

1) Drive around the island.
Kamehameha Highway, Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, USA
Brian Johnson & Dane Kantner/Flickr
Some islands are smaller than others but you will get to enjoy beautiful scenery and, let's be honest, it's as close to a road trip as you can get. Bring your beach gear and walking shoes so you can stop anywhere that catches your eye. Start on Oahu by driving the Kamehameha Highway. A great spot to stop is Keneke's Grill for roadside barbeque.
2) Check out a new beach.
Hanalei Beach, Hawaii 96714, USA
Jenna Rose Robbins/Flickr
With the beautiful Pacific Ocean surrounding you, a new beach is never too far away. Go out of your comfort zone and try somewhere different. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite. Check out beautiful Hanalei Beach on Kauai. Take a break from the water for delicious tacos at Pat's Taqueria.
3) Explore a new city or town.
Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Keoni Cabral/Flickr
If you are on Oahu, try the sleepy surfer town of Haleiwa, located on the north shore. This adorable small town has great shopping, food and killer beaches. And if you aren't on Oahu, there is always another new town to explore. One of the best things to do in Haleiwa, of course, is to go surfing! Check out North beach Surf Shop.
4) Rent kayaks.
N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA
Kailua Beach, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Todd Wiggins/Flickr
What better way to explore paradise than by the ocean? Paddle from Kailua Beach on Oahu to the small island off the coast - there's a secluded beach and you can even hike to the top or explore the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. It’s one of the best beaches in Hawaii! Winning awards from ational Geographic, Na Pali Kayak offers a number of great ways to get out on the water.
5) Go outdoors.
Waianapanapa State Park, Hana, HI 96713, USA
Batschmidt/Flickr
If you have time for an overnight trip, check out one of the many stellar campsites throughout the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation in Hawaii, this is the place to go. With a beautiful black sand beach, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is an excellent place to pitch your tent. For reservations, visit their website.

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6) Become a Paniolo.
Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Puakea Ranch, 56-2864 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719, USA
Mendes Ranch and Trail Rides, Inc., 3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
KTesh/Flickr
A paniolo refers to a Hawaiian cowboy. Saddle up and check out Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Puakea Ranch on the Big Island, or Mendes Ranch on Kauai. You’ll love all of them!
7) Take a hike.
Lanai, Hawaii 96763, USA
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
With amazing mountain ranges, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of America’s best hiking. Choose a longer trail, pack up your gear and some lunch and head out for the day. Try this beautiful Pu'upehe Trail (Sweetheart Rock) for your next hike!
8) Get cultured.
Polynesian Cultural Center, Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI, USA
d.monyak/Flickr
Enjoy a luau, and learn about Polynesian culture and history. Or visit one of Hawaii’s many cultural institutions or museums. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. For more information, visit =their website for showtimes and admission.
9) Experience the exotic.
Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, 75-809 Keolani Sbd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Sharium/Flickr
Consider visiting the Honolulu Zoo or the Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary on the Big Island. You’ll have a great time!
10) Try a new sport.
Ko Olina Golf Club, 92-1220 Ali'inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Maui SUP/Flickr
From surfing and stand up paddle boarding to beach volleyball and golf, Hawaii has got it all – drive an hour or two to the best beach around and take a chance. Practice your swing at Ko Olina Golf Club.

Day trips are difficult when you can’t go too far from home but with a little creativity you can enjoy the perfect day on the island. Make sure you check out these day trips near me in Hawaii for a great day under the sun!

If you get hungry while you’re out and about, check out these 14 Famous Restaurants In Hawaii That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For.

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Day Trips Near Me In Hawaii

Megan McDonald | August 29, 2021

Which Hawaiian island has the most things to do?

All of the islands has something to love! If you’re looking for a wide variety of weather and things to do, the Big Island can help you out there. With Volcanoes National Park, green, black, and white sand beaches, and lush rainforest, there’s a wide array of things to see on this magical island.

Which Hawaiian island has the best day trips?

Oahu is great for short day trips. You can drive the circumference of the island in around 4 hours, depending on traffic, so nothing is too far away. This makes it a wonderful way to explore the whole island on your trip.

out and about, check out these 14 Famous Restaurants In Hawaii That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For.

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