Travel Tips
When you think of warm water, lots of sun and seemingly endless beaches, what comes to mind? For many, it's Hawaii. But there is more to do in Hawaii than sunbathe. Learn about the countless Hawaii adventures that you can have on your next visit to this beautiful paradise destination.
You can explore Hawaii on land, air or sea and take advantage of all the state has to offer.
For hikers, there are fabulous nature trails on every Hawaiian island, including treks for beginners and experts. On Maui, Haleakala is revered as one of the state’s best hiking spots. A favorite hike on Oahu is the 45-minute climb to the top of Diamond Head, where visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. On the Big Island, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take on the Kilauea Iki Trail, a five-mile adventure that begins at the Thurston Lava Tube.
If hiking is not your thing and you would rather pedal your way through Hawaii, you will not be left out. Haleakala offers a downhill ride that is very enjoyable in both exercise and scenery. Then there is the Garden of the Gods on Lanai. This looks like the surface of the moon with very colorful rocks.
Another very popular way to see the islands is horseback riding. The big island is home to Parker Ranch. Weighing in at 175,000 acres, it is the largest ranches in the entire United States.
Skiing? In Hawaii? Yes, indeed. The summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island is usually blanketed with snow from late November through April. Only advanced skiers should attempt to brave these slopes, however.
And, of course, there is the ocean. This is an area that should not be overlooked. Believe it or not, some people have gone to the island and never stepped foot in the water! Gentle waves along with the shallow water make learning how to surf at Waikiki Beach perfect. Hanauma bay offers snorkeling while off Lanai’s south shore are the Cathedrals, which is a wonderful SCUBA diving location. Deep Sea fishing can be found off Kailua-Kona and the Tuna and Marlin are ready to be caught. If you would like to kayak, head on over to Kauai and go along the Napali Coast for some breath taking views.
Take to the skies and get a bird’s-eye view of paradise. You’ll find numerous hang-gliding and helicopter adventures on just about every Hawaiian island. You can even go skydiving on Oahu, where a licensed professional will join you on a tandem jump at 13,000 feet. Imagine the adrenaline rush of free-falling 5,000 feet before your parachute opens!
But that’s still not all. You can also enjoy camping, windsurfing, whale watching and more. This list just goes on and on. So when you are planning your next Hawaiian vacation, plan on doing something, rather than nothing.
