Every Weekend Feels Different in Hawaii
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Hawaii? If you like the idea of diving coral reefs, relaxing at the beach, exploring lava fields, and stargazing on Mauna Kea, Hawaii is calling you home! This list of fun activities will take you from lava tubes to waterfall hikes, and give you a taste of Hawaii's culture, nature, and history.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Hawaii?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Get outside and hike
Climb Diamond Head crater in Honolulu for sweeping views of Waikiki.
Spend time on the water cooling off
Snorkel Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu's southeast shore; surf the north side during winter.
An iconic road trip:
Maui's road to Hana, with frequent waterfall stops.
A scenic ride in the car or on a bike
Honolulu's Tantalus to Round Top for rainforest switchbacks.
World-class stargazing
Get above Hilo's clouds at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, near some of the world's most productive telescopes.
Don't stop chasing waterfalls
Hike through lush rainforest to Akaka Falls near Hilo or Maunawili Falls on Oahu.
Underground adventure
Walk Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Local weekend vibes
Beach BBQ plans? Claim a picnic grill at Ala Moana Beach Park or Magic Island.
For the sports fan
Watch the world's best surfers at Pipeline and Waimea Bay; UH Rainbows football games at Aloha Stadium.
Winter highlights
Set out from Maui's Lahaina Harbor for a humpback whale watching excursion.
Hidden Gem Spotlight
Sunrise over Makapuu Lighthouse—but don't leave any valuables in your car.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Hawaii Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Hawaii guide for the bigger picture.