Are you looking for a tropical vacation at one of the top destinations in the world? Hawaii is a series of islands filled with stunning landscapes, incredible weather, and great culture. If you’re a senior looking for a winter getaway or to discover the wonders of this archipelago, you’re in the right spot. Our guide of things to do in Hawaii for seniors will provide the best recommendations for exploring these islands. Keep reading below to find the top Hawaiian attractions for seniors.
1. Sunset Cruise
No matter the Hawaiian island you’re on, you can find a sunset cruise tour from a wide range of companies. The main islands in Hawaii include Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii.
While each island has its own distinct features, sunset cruises allow you to traverse the deep blue waters of the Pacific, spot marine life, and capture stunning views of the islands from afar. Sunset cruises are one of the top things to do in Hawaii for older adults, as they’re exciting and relaxing at the same time. You can even find sunset dinner cruises to enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious meal while out at sea.
2. Pearl Harbor
One of the top Hawaiian attractions for seniors is Pearl Harbor, the landmark naval base that was caught in a surprise bombing orchestrated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on December 7, 1941. When visiting Pearl Harbor, you can visit several memorials and museums, with notable attractions including:
- The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial
- The U.S.S Bowfin Submarine
- The U.S.S. Missouri
- The U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial
At the end of your visit, you can stop by the book store and find dozens of books covering the Pacific War effort, as well as souvenirs, audio recordings, and other mementos.
3. Volcanoes National Park
At Volcanoes National Park, you can take a Chain of Craters road tour and view the slopes of Kīlauea drop down into the sea or go on leisurely day hikes to view the volcanic terrain and get an up-close look at lava formations. Other popular activities include Crater Rim Drive, exploring the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, and catching a glimpse of the Holei Sea Arch.
4. Snorkeling
Another top thing to do in Hawaii for seniors is plunge into the warm waters to snorkel and view the reefs. Hawaii is home to a wide range of coral reefs, including Fringing Reef, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Poipu Beach Park, and Turtle Town. No matter the reef or beach you decide to snorkel, you’re sure to catch glimpses of amazing wildlife, including century-old sea turtles, dolphins, monk seals, and manta rays.
5. Beach Days
You can’t visit Hawaii without spending a day relaxing on the beach. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, which is why this is one of the top things to do in Hawaii for older adults. As stated, there are several Hawaiian Islands you can visit. Some of our top beach recommendations for each island include:
- Kauai: Hanalei Beach Park & Bay, Shipwreck Beach, and Anini Beach
- Maui: Wai’anapanapa State Park, Ka’anapali Beach, and Baldwin Beach Park
- Molokai: Murphy’s Beach, Moomomi Beach, and Papohaku Beach Park
- Oahu: Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Lanai: Hulopoʻe Beach Park, Polihua Beach, and Lopa Beach
- Island of Hawaii: Manini’owali Beach, Punalu’u Beach, and Hapuna State Beach
No matter the Hawaiian beach you find yourself on, you can rest assured knowing you’ll find peace and tranquility. To ensure the perfect beach day, make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, and activities.
6. Coffee Farms
If you’re vacationing on the Island of Hawaii and enjoy a morning cup of Joe, book a tour of one of the many coffee farms. When visiting any of the coffee farms on the big island, you’ll be able to learn about the harvesting and production process, converse with workers to learn about the history and practice of coffee farming, and even get a sample of their homegrown coffee. Some of the most popular coffee farms include Greenwell Farms, Hala Tree Coffee, and Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm.
7. Helicopter Ride
Helicopter sightseeing tours are one of the top things to do in Hawaii for seniors, and for good reason. It can be hard exploring the rugged landscape of some of the Hawaiian Islands, even for the experts. Bypass the brush and steep inclines by taking a helicopter ride. The top island for helicopter tours is Kauai, where you can view the canopy of the rainforest and steep sea cliffs from above.
8. Wine Tasting
If you’re in Maui, visit Maui Wine located on the Ulupalakua Ranch. Here, you can get a taste of your favorite reds or whites while taking in the stunning views of lush greenery and beautiful gardens. Or, you can visit the resort town of Kapalua on the West Coast of Maui and visit Merriman’s, where you can watch the sunset over the ocean while not only enjoying a glass of wine, but feasting on one of Merriman’s quality dinner plates.
Explore Hawaii with Road Scholar
Hawaii is filled with adventure and excitement. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii for seniors, Road Scholar has you covered. Our top Hawaii tours for seniors will bring you all across these beautiful islands. When booking an island tour for seniors through Road Scholar, you’ll join a diverse cohort of like-minded adventurers looking to learn more about the world around them.
From learning about the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Hawaiian islands to discovering unique wildlife and tasting mouth-watering cuisine, Hawaii has something for everyone. Visit Hawaii and the Pacific Coast with Road Scholar today.