Updated November 2026. Headed to Hawaii to snorkel, surf or jump off a catamaran at Molokini? Pack the right reef safe sunscreen before you go. Hawaii has some of the strictest sunscreen rules in the world. On Maui, Molokai and Lanai, the only sunscreens allowed are mineral ones. That means plenty of popular “reef friendly”…
From world-famous surf spots to breathtaking sunset cruises, to up-close encounters with dolphins, Oahu is like nowhere else in the world. This island has it all, but it can be overwhelming figuring out how to best spend your time here. How do I get to Pearl Harbor? Is it worth it to see the North…
Kailua-Kona, commonly referred to as Kona, is the largest settlement on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. If you’re planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Kona, there are a ton of great options. From ocean snorkeling adventures to breathtaking helicopter tours, and even a trip to…
Maui is one of the most popular destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, known for its beautiful beaches and amazing sunsets, and no visit there is complete without the requisite surf lesson. But Maui’s beaches can get crowded and some can even be treacherous if you don’t know what to look for. The last thing you…
A visit to any Hawaiian island is incomplete without taking a surfing lesson. This sport, once reserved for only Hawaiian kings, is now one of the most popular activities you can do on the water. But before you put on your suit and grab your board, take a moment to learn about the best surf…
When you visit Hawaii, learning how to surf has got to be on the top of your list. But when you’re new to an island, it can be hard to know which surf schools and which surfing lessons are the best. Check out these top Hawaii surf schools by island, great for beginners, advanced surfers,…
Catching a glimpse of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and migrating humpback whales can be life changing, especially when you do so in a safe and responsible way. When it comes to dolphin and whale watching Oahu has a lot of options. It’s easy to spot a spinner dolphin once you’re out on the water. Humpback whales…
Every year between December and April, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and raise their young. If you want to go whale watching Maui is one of the best spots as the humpback whales can often be seen swimming up the Auau channel between Maui and Moloaki. When picking a…
Exploring the Big Island’s active and inactive volcanoes is a must-do while you’re here. These top Hawaii volcano tours hit the major sights, from exploring Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, to visiting Mauna Loa, its neighbor, and exploring Mauna Kea, its inactive counterpart. But each tour is a little bit different–some tours will take…
Get ready to explore the underwater life of Hawaii! There are those that say the Big Island has the best snorkeling of all the Hawaiian islands–and while the off-shore snorkeling on Maui and Kauai is not to be missed, there’s no doubt that the Big Island is gaining prominence with its incredible marine ecosystems at…