55 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Hawaii - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in Hawaii

Punalu`u Black Sand Beach

This black shoreline is made up of exploded lava particles.

Mauna Kea

Earth's tallest volcano is home to a dozen world-class observatories.

Hana Lava Tube

A tunnel of hardened lava along Maui’s famous Road to Hana.

Lanai City, Hawaii

Lanai Cat Sanctuary

The island of Lanai in Hawaii is a paradise for cats and cat lovers.

Pepeekeo, Hawaii

'Akaka Falls

These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs.

Wahiawa, Hawaii

World's Largest Plant Maze

Race through the maze, get your name on the sign.

Kaumana Lava Tubes

Hide from Hawaii's tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves.

Naalehu, Hawaii

Papakōlea Beach

Semi-precious green sand on Hawaii's big island.

See All 55 Things to Do in Hawaii See All 55 Places

Unique
Food & Drink
in Hawaii

Hala Fruit

It looks like an exploding planet and tastes like sugarcane.

Malasadas

These Portuguese doughnuts have a fervent fanbase in Hawaii.

Sugarloaf Pineapple

Devour this rare variety without fear of post-pineapple mouth irritation.

Guri Guri

Maui's sherbet-ice cream hybrid is a light, fruity, creamy delight.

See all 8 things to eat in Hawaii See all 8 things to eat in Hawaii

Atlas Obscura Trips

Science After Dark: Spotting Squid in the Tides of Oahu

Just beneath the waves off the Hawaiian coast, there are schools of tropical fish, flotillas of sea turtles, and squads of squid. We’re diving in to explore some of their secrets.

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Stories
About Hawaii

A wiliwili flower in full bloom.

Can a War of the Wasps Save Hawai‘i’s Wiliwili Trees?

It's a classic good wasp/bad wasp situation.

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January 15, 2020

Snailer and malacologist Norine Yeung in a field of trampled uluhe.

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Tiny gastropods, huge undertaking.

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November 22, 2019

Andrea Kramer, of the Chicago Botanic Garden, pollinating "cabbage on a stick."

Could a Gene Bank Save Endangered Plants From Extinction?

A "plant studbook" might help botanic gardens bring rare breeds back from the brink.

by Lorraine Boissoneault

November 1, 2019

Fourteen great songs, one iconic shirt.

The Not-So-Chill History of Hawai‘i’s Breeziest Shirt

The aloha shirt has many possible inventors and a long, fraught cultural history.

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August 20, 2019

<em>Lobelia kauaiensis</em>, one of the species of lobelia native to Kanaele, alongside a friend.

One of Hawaiʻi's Rarest Bogs Just Got an 11-Year Makeover

Step 1: Evict all the pigs.

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An exceptional Indian banyan growing in Lahaina Courthouse Square in Maui.

How Hawaiʻi Recognizes Its Best and Brightest … Trees

The state has some strict standards to be named an exceptional tree, and competition is pretty stiff.

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Behold, the <em>Hibiscadelphus woodii</em>.

A Remote Valley, a Drone, And an Extinct Flower That's Not Extinct Anymore

A find from Hawai'i's cliffs.

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Merrie Monarch dancers in 2006.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the ‘Olympics of Hula’

Hawaiʻi's Merrie Monarch Festival is arguably the most prestigious event of its kind.

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