Top Hawaii Culture

Learn more about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time with this authentic lūʻau experience on Kauaʻi. Watch a torch lighting ceremony and a hula dance performance directed by an award-winning Kumu Hula (a master hula teacher), all while you enjoy a feast made with locally-sourced Hawaiian ingredients.

For travelers to Hawaii, experiencing a luau is often at the top of the bucket list. But with so many options to choose from, knowing what to look for is challenging. This evening luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki combines feasting and hula dancing with fire and knife performances to create an unforgettable night beneath the stars. Tailor your experience by choosing a show-only option or upgrading to premier seating.

Experience the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center, featuring tickets, a gateway buffet, and a show. Explore six island villages with hands-on activities and cultural demonstrations, then enjoy island-inspired cuisine at the Gateway Buffet. End the day with HĀ: Breath of Life, a dynamic show featuring over 100 performers. This immersive visit supports a nonprofit committed to preserving culture and funding local education.

Make your arrival in Hawaii a breeze and pre-book a shuttle service to get you to your destination. After clearing the airport bureaucracy at Honolulu International Airport (HNL), meet your driver and head to the shuttle along with the other passengers. Then, enjoy a comfortable ride to your destination in Honolulu, Waikiki, Kahala, or the cruise terminal.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Hawaii with this unforgettable luau experience. Indulge in a delicious Polynesian dinner while witnessing Polynesia's history of wars and warriors through hula and fire dancing, embracing the spirit of aloha. Taking place on the sacred site of the Battle of Kipapa, enjoy music, warm hospitality, and connect with the heart and soul of the islands. The experience typically lasts about 4 hours.

Experience a traditional lu'au at the edge of Wailua Bay with tickets to Wailua Nui Luau—instead of planning separate dinner and entertainment, you can enjoy both with a single booking. The night includes cultural shows and interactive segments, and the buffet dinner features beloved Hawaiian dishes from roast pork to freshly caught seafood.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of Oahu’s North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by.

Marvel at Kauai's lush mountain peaks, dramatic canyons, and unspoiled coastline from the air with unobstructed views on this 60-minute doors-off helicopter tour. Identify major landmarks with the pilot's narration and use your full hour to snap photos of Manawaiopuna and Waipo’o Falls, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali Coast. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Enjoy a traditional lei greeting and experience a luau on Oahu. Hosted by Chief Sielu, Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, this event provides the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in island culture. Watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving before indulging in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork. Upgrade to include priority access and convenient pickup, for a hassle-free experience.

Get great views—and see far more than would be possible from land—by taking to the Kauai skies on this small-group helicopter tour. You'll cover the island's most important attractions as you soar over landscapes made famous by movies; the high sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls and more.

If you are looking for a unique experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, different to the typical sightseeing tours, visit the Hawaiian Islands' only salt farm, which hand harvests Hawaiian salt from the ocean. At the farm's beautiful seven-acre oceanfront site you'll be guided through the salt-making process and learn about the water source and history of the area then sample some of the different salts.

Arrange your round-trip airport transfer in advance and skip the hassle of booking a service in Honolulu. This convenient form of transportation takes you from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to your hotel or cruise terminal, and then back again. Spend more time enjoying your trip and less time puzzling out the logistics. Please note that you must select a drop-off point that coincides with the areas listed in the Itinerary section below.

This full-day guided excursion takes you to 8 of Kauai’s gorgeous spots by air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for a shore excursion. Drive through the south and west sides of the island, taking in a mix of scenic views and an opportunity to try and buy local products. Your guide will share the legends and stories of the places you stop by, including the renowned Waimea Canyon, the powerful Spouting Horn, Kauai Coffee Company, and more. Take the day off from driving and let us show you Kauai through local eyes.

Sort out your entertainment and dinner plans for the night with this popular Hawaii Island luau features shows from around Polynesia, with performances ranging from Fijian war dances to traditional Hawaiian hula. You and the whole family feast on a delicious Hawaiian buffet that pairs beautifully with the event’s open bar. The night is capped off by the thrilling action of a Samoan fire and knife show.

See three of Oahu's most important cultural attractions in just one day with his small-group tour. You'll visit historic Pearl Harbor where you'll learn about WWII history in the US, continuing to the Dole Plantation to learn about the history of the state's pineapple industry. You'll then visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about local traditions in Hawaii and across the Pacific Islands before returning to your hotel.

Take in some of the most spectacular scenery on Kauai with this unique sunset catamaran cruise that covers both the Hulei'a River and Kalapaki Bay. Cruise up the river to take in highlights like the Menehune Fish Pond and the Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge plus admire the Golder Hour sunset Colors from Kalapaki Bay. Relax on board with delicious drinks and learn about the local flora and fauna from your skipper.

Swap the crowds of Waikiki Beach for a relaxed Hawaiian sunset cruise experience. Relax with included snacks, soft drinks, and coolers with ice for any additional beverages you bring as you cruise along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head while the sun dips into the ocean. Look out for pods of dolphins and large Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the surface.

Take the chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Oahu and experience snorkeling alongside wildlife during this luxurious catamaran tour. Keep an eye out for turtles as you explore Waikiki's Turtle Canyon. Then, take a break to relax before going paddleboarding, kayaking, and sea scooter riding. Guided by a passionate and knowledgeable team, embark on a fun adventure in nature with convenient hotel pickup available within Waikiki included.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the South Pacific with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu. Join in activities such as ukulele lessons and canoe rides, and learn traditional customs from villagers spanning Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Hawaii, and more. Feast on a sumptuous Hawaiian buffet dinner while watching live performances.

Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks are included.

Leave the camera phone behind and get high-quality, professional images of your family’s Hawaii vacation taken by a local photographer with over 20 years of experience. Meet at a state park with fantastic views and multiple backdrops for a morning or late afternoon photo shoot. After the session, photos are uploaded to a private website for viewing and purchasing.

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

You already know about the coffee—now it’s time to dive into Kona’s full culinary scene. The city is a true foodie paradise, from mixing craft cocktails to plating some of the world’s freshest seafood. Follow your guide for a little bit of Hawaiian history, too, adding depth to your deliciously whirlwind 7-stop tour.