Three Days in Hawaii: What You Need to Do

So, you’ve bought the plane ticket to visit Hawaii, but you’re short on time. We often recommend that people take at least a week to explore Hawaii and then hop between the islands, but with busy careers and schedules, this isn’t always possible.

That’s okay! If you have at least three days, you can still cram a week’s worth of experiences into only a few days. Here are the things you must absolutely do if you find yourself in Hawaii for three days.

Eat, Eat and Eat Some More!

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without enjoying some of the local food. Hawaiian food is often imitated, but never duplicated on the mainland. The fruit isn’t quite as fresh, the seafood isn’t right out of the nearby ocean, and the cooks aren’t as experienced. You have plenty of options when it comes to Hawaiian food, from relatively inexpensive street food like Plate Lunches all the way to fancy resort meals and of course, the legendary Luaus. Which is the best one in our opinion? All of them! Make sure you get your fill and come back to the mainland with a full belly.

Lounge on the Beach

Even though you only have three days to spend in Hawaii, we recommend that you spend the majority of one day simply kicking back and relaxing with your toes in the sand. Hawaii has some of the best beaches in not only the United States but the entire world! While you’re here, don’t miss your opportunity to slow down and experience these beaches.

See a Volcano

The islands of Hawaii were formed from underwater volcanos, and there are plenty of active and dormant volcanoes to explore while you’re there. Many of these are easily accessible through a leisurely walk, and the view from the top is worth the trek.

Make Underwater Friends

Apart from simply laying on the beach and soaking up some rays (hopefully you brought sunscreen), you should strap on some snorkel gear and swim out into the water. There are so many different species of colorful fish that you can’t see anywhere else in Hawaii. If you’re lucky, you might also make friends with a sea turtle too!

Visit Pearl Harbor

On Oahu near Honolulu is the memorial for Pearl Harbor. There, you can learn the rich history of the old port and tour through sunken ships and see artifacts. Especially if you’re a U.S. citizen, this is a must see. You’ll be able to learn more history about the historic event from over 70 years ago.

Immerse Yourself in Hawaiian Culture

Finally, you should take the time to learn more about the rich history and culture of Hawaii. Long before it was a U.S. state, Hawaii had a kingdom, and people have lived and thrived on the islands for centuries. There are plenty of museums to explore along with the old palace of the Kingdom of Hawaii on Oahu.