There is no debating that Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The islands are home to some jaw-dropping landscapes, amazing activities, and stellar attractions, but not all of the places you will find in guidebooks get the local stamp of approval. These 15 spots and activities, however, are popular among locals and tourists alike.

1) Snorkel with tropical fish at Hanauma Bay.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Formed within a volcanic cone, Hanauma Bay is a magnificent, diverse marine ecosystem, and offers some of the best snorkeling in the state. While it can get pretty crowded, an early morning snorkel session can’t be beat.
2) Explore Kauai’s Na Pali State Wilderness Park.
Patrickmoos/Flickr
The Na Pali coast encompasses 16 miles of rugged coastline along northwestern Kauai, and is completely awe-inspiring, whether you’ve been there once, or a hundred times.
3) Check out a local farmer’s market.
Blueant808/Flickr
Fruits and vegetables are best when purchased from your local farmer’s market, and nowhere is that more true than in Hawaii.
4) Watch the waves crash against the shore during the winter.
Dannebrog/Flickr
There is nothing like watching huge waves beat the shoreline to remind you of how powerful the ocean is.
5) Tour a Kona coffee farm on the Big Island.
Kyle Mahan/Flickr
If you like coffee at all, you are sure to absolutely adore Kona coffee.
6) Listen to live Hawaiian music.
Rob Bertholf/Flickr
Live music is food for the soul, and live Hawaiian music is even better.
7) Hike to a waterfall.
Cardon Fry/Flickr
The first waterfall that comes to mind is Oahu’s Manoa Falls, though locals on any island love a good waterfall hike as much as the average tourist.

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8) Check out the seven sacred pools.
Sebastian Vogelsang/Flickr
Also know as Oheo Gulch, these magnificent natural swimming pools are popular amongst tourists and locals alike. Tourists should be warned that the water conditions are not always ideal for swimming.
9) Relax at Bellows Beach Park.
Letta Page/Flickr
Often considered to be one of the best beaches on Oahu, Bellows features crystal blue water and fine, white sand – so basically, what everyone pictures when they think of Hawaii.
10) Drink Hawaii beer.
Nan Palmero?Flickr
While there are several options, Kona Brewing Company is by far the most popular Hawaiian beer.
11) Visit Waimea Canyon, and hike through Koke’e State Park.
Brian/Flickr
12) Learn to surf.
Caitlin Marr/Flickr
While many Hawaii residents know how to surf and do so on a regular basis, the ones that don’t have usually taken at least a lesson or two.
13) Grab some shave ice.
_e.t/Flickr
After an afternoon spent on the water or a strenuous hike, there’s little better than some good shave ice.
14) Drive up Mount Tantalus.
Michelle/Flickr
Looking out over Honolulu, the Mount Tantalus lookout is often ditched for the more popular Nu’uanu Pali lookout, but I would have to say that the views here are second to none.
15) Watch a sunset on the beach.
Chris Chabot/Flickr
What better way to end a stellar day in paradise than to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean?

What activities, attractions or destinations would you add to this list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.

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