While it may seem silly to create a summer-specific Hawaii bucket list when we live on remote tropical islands with endless summer, there are some activities that are so awesome, you just have to try them as soon as possible. From parasailing and visiting rainforest zoos to taking a submarine tour and completing full moon hikes, here are 17 of the best things to do in Hawaii you should really think about trying this summer.

1. Go for a sunset dinner cruise.
Gordon/Flickr
2. Try something new – like windsurfing!
Cold Hawaii/Flickr
Who knows, maybe you'll find your new favorite water sport? Windsurfing is one of the most exciting things to do in Hawaii, and once you've tried it we are sure you'll agree!
3. Hang out with exotic animals at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo.
Donna Wilson/Flickr
4. Go for a hike in the middle of the night, by the light of the full moon.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
This is definitely something that I want to try this summer!
5. Try acai bowls and smoothies from across the islands – and find your favorite.
Annie/Flickr
I'm still working on finding my favorite acai bowl on Oahu - and it's quite the fun challenge!
6. Take a day to drive around the entire island, stopping anywhere that sounds cool.
John M/Flickr
Spontaneous drives are the best, aren't they? They are also one of the coolest things to do for free in Hawaii. There are gorgeous sights everywhere, and you can't go wrong in checking out any of them!
7. Head underwater with a submarine tour.
Ian Kennedy/Flickr
See the Pacific from a whole different angle! Going underwater is one of the best places to go in Hawaii!
8. Hang out under a cascading waterfall.
Basheer Tome/Flickr
Is there anything more Hawaiian? If you're visiting and looking for classic places to go in Hawaii, gazing at a stunning waterfall is one great answer.

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9. Have a barbeque at the beach with all of your closest friends.
Sgtgary/Flickr
There's nothing better than good food, great friends, and a beautiful beach.
10. Take to the skies and go parasailing.
Luke H. Gordon/Flickr
The freedom you'll feel combined with the amazing vistas you will see below will make this one experience you will certainly never forget.
11. Visit a local farmer’s market.
brewbooks/Flickr
Checking out a farmer's market in a local neighborhood is an excellent activity choice because fresh Hawaiian produce is simply amazing.
12. Hike through a bamboo forest.
Max Delaquis/Flickr
We suggest the bamboo forest on Maui's Pipiwai Trail. You'll feel like you've entered another world.
13. Go to a luau, or listen to live Hawaiian music.
Kalanz/Flickr
If you want that classic Hawaiian vacation experience, you'll find it at one of these fun places.
14. Check out the sea life at the Maui Ocean Center or the Waikiki Aquarium.
James Darpinian/Flickr
This way, you will get to see what's under that majestic water you'll be looking at the whole time you're here.
15. Enjoy dinner at one of Hawaii’s many exceptional waterfront restaurants.
L B/Flickr
This particular view is from the Kona Inn Restaurant. Good food, incredible views- what could be better?
16. Head underground, and explore any of Hawaii’s magnificent caves.
Sarah-Rose/Flickr
We suggest Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube or Maui’s Waianapanapa Caves, located off Hana Highway.
17. And finally, relax. Spend an entire day on the beach – from sunrise to sunset.
Rafael Castillo/Flickr
Because everyone needs a day to relax every once in a while.

What’s on your summer bucket list? Have you gotten to experience any of these fun things to do in Hawaii? Let us know which ones were your favorites in the comments. We would love to hear all about your vacation.

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