You can read a hundred of the “10 Best Activities Hawaii has to Offer” and find as many lists with differing information. This is not because the lists are wrong, it is simply because there are so many amazing activities to do in Hawaii that each list maker can only include their top 10 favorites, which is why there are so many differences. Here are 10 more of the best activities in Hawaii, but they are generalizations that appeal to the general population and tourists heading to the islands for vacation. So, the best thing to do is read this list and rank the activities you like most and call and make reservations before your vacation begins. Then, when you reach the islands you can look around, check out other activities, and either choose more on this list or some of your own. Remember, there are several islands that make up Hawaii and all of them have special activities. The goal is for you to have the most fun possible and enjoy your Hawaiian vacation.
Hawaii Activity #1 Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu, boasts an amazing coral reef that is simply out of this world. There are many fish species that call Hanauma Bay and the coral reef their home, which makes for incredible snorkeling. In fact, so many people snorkel at Hanauma Bay that it often gets quite crowded. So, if you want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay you should get there early or find out which days are the slowest in order to enjoy this fabulous experience.
Hawaii Activity #2 Hawaii Volcanoes
The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii is out of this world. When you visit this park you will encounter 330,000 acres preserved for hiking and the like, as well as Mona Lau volcano that is dormant and the active, lava flowing Kilauea volcano. You will be impressed to see the red, hot glow of lava oozing out of this volcano. Spend a few hours or even a few days in The Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii Activity #3 Maui Drive
Take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana and you will pass over countless bridges, enjoy the beautiful landscape where you will see pineapples growing and proceed through the tropical rainforest where other amazing fruits grow in addition to eucalyptus trees. It takes several hours to make this short drive, but near the end you will be blessed with the vision of black sand beaches that are simply astonishing in their beauty. When you finally end up in Hana you can enjoy excursions to waterfalls as well as great hikes.
Hawaii Activity #4 Waimea Canyon
On the island of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon which is simply a breathtaking experience. The canyon is so large and colorful that Mark Twain dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You will love the adventure and scenery at Waimea Canyon so you must include this on your vacation “to do” list.
Hawaii Activity # 5 Waikiki Beach
If you are looking for a luxurious resort and a relaxing beach, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. In fact, the majority of the resorts are located on Waikiki which was made popular in the 1800s by Hawaiian royalty who frequented the area for its beautiful beaches. This area is certainly not economical, but every type of luxury you can imagine is available to you.
Hawaii Activity #6 Kona
The Kona coast is also a great resort location and its beaches are fabulous for sun bathing and other beach activities, as well as fishing and even snorkeling. As a result, many people vacation at Kona because there are so many activities available in one place. There are also coffee plantations that produce the natural and organic Kona coffee so you could always take a tour to see how coffee is grown, processed, and ultimately packaged and sold. Whatever you decide to do, Kona has a lot of options.
Hawaii Activity # 7 Na’Pali Coast
The island of Kauai boasts the Na’Pali Coast which is one of nature’s wonders. The towering cliffs originate on the ocean’s floor and ascend from the water to create amazing gorges created by waterfalls streaming down over centuries and eroding the stone. You can hike to the Na’Pali coast, but this might take all day. There are other options like boat tours and helicopter rides that will also allow you to reach Na’Pali without so much effort if you are not in the best physical condition to walk 11 miles or don’t have that much time to spare.
Hawaii Activity #8 Iao Valley
This cloud covered valley on the island of Maui provides a historical lesson for tourists because this flourishing valley was the home to the agricultural god, Lono, and during feast week the Hawaiians all joined together in the Iao Valley to honor Lono. You will be amazed at the shape of the valley and the general feeling you have of history when you visit this amazing place on Maui.
Hawaii Activity #9 Go Whale Watching
Whale watching can be a spectacular experience so you should definitely include this in your itinerary. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. You should book in advance, however, because these tours can get filled up quickly and don’t happen year round!
Hawaii Activity #10 Luau
When people think of Hawaii the first thing that comes to their mind is the luau. As a result, when you visit the islands you absolutely must attend a Polynesian luau to top off your vacation. You will enjoy the food, music, dance, and sites of the luau and it will be an experience that will stay with you long after your vacation ends and you return to your real life.
When you visit the islands you will not have enough time to do all the amazing activities waiting for you. However, you should pick the ones you find most interesting and save the rest for subsequent vacations. When you visit Hawaii, you are sure to be enchanted and engaged.
About The Author
Stephanie Coburn is the Marketing Director for Wailua Bay View, an oceanfront Kauai vacation rental. She has personally researched and experienced many of the activities and destinations graced with Hawaiian culture as described above. Learn more at http://www.wailuabay.com.
Here’s several 4-Star Hawaiian hotels that offer first-class accommodations and beach front views.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider – This historic hotel has been lovingly restored and maintains it’s circa 1901 charm. Located on Waikiki beach, it offers high tea and sunset buffets.
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa – Located right across the street from Waikiki beach. It’s also within walking distance to attractions such as: Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium. Features a restaurant with live Hawaiian music and a health spa.
The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach – Right in the middle of Waikiki Beach, it’s close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment activities. Has high-speed Internet access and art by Hawaiian artists.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa – Beachfront hotel featuring lush tropical gardens, ponds, waterfalls, health spa, restaurants, an underwater exploration submarine, Friday fireworks, and a variety of nightly entertainment.
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki – Features rooms with floor to ceiling windows and overlooks the boats of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Stroll to Ala Moana Beach Park. Shuttle to 27 hole championship golf course.
Royal Hawaiian – This hotel’s nickname is the Pink Palace of the Pacific for it’s pink color scheme. Enjoy a private beach and the Royal Hawaiian shopping center nearby. Features boating, surfing and an oceanfront luau.
Kahala Mandarin Oriental – Tucked away on a secluded beach, this resort is popular with celebrities. Features spa rooms, soaking baths, private gardens and lots of pampering.
About The Author
© Donna Monday
Cruise the beautiful Hawaiian Islands – even if you’re on a budget
Making vacation plans for Hawaii probably has you searching all your favorite stores for the best tropical inspired clothing of the season, however packing for a Hawaiian vacation requires more than simply picking out tropical themed clothing. In fact, to properly pack for Hawaii you need to consider not only the weather, but the activities you will be participating in while you are there. This is where pre-planning comes into the picture. If you pre-plan activities you will have a better idea of what your vacation will entail and what you should pack than if you wait and decide when you arrive in Hawaii. Deciding to plan activities when you arrive in the islands will mean that you will over-pack and have a difficult time managing your bags not to mention deciding what to wear because you have too many options. Plan ahead, and follow these tips for packing for Hawaii.
Make a List
You have heard time and time again that making a list is the most productive way to accomplish anything because you keep track of what you need done as well as what has been done. The same goes with packing for Hawaii. You may have saved past lists from other vacations, and this is great because you can review the list for items you will need to pack for Hawaii. For example, the toiletries, medicines, and personal care items you need will be the same for most all vacations, just make sure sunscreen makes it onto the list. Once you have those items taken care of, then you should consider what you will be doing in Hawaii. Since the majority of Hawaii’s most amazing attractions from the beach to the gardens and canyons are outside, you will want to make sure you pack adequate comfortable clothing that will keep you cool in the warm climate, and that is also comfortable for walking, cycling and other physical activities.
Casual clothing like shorts, lightweight pants, skirts, tank tops, cotton polo shirts and the like are suitable for Hawaii because they are cool, comfortable and lightweight. Another tip for your clothing is to make sure it fits. If you pack ultra tight clothing or clothing that is simply too small you will be uncomfortable throughout the trip and if you sweat, which is very possible under the Hawaiian sun, you could end up with a bad rash. So, focus on comfortable, lightweight, fitting clothes for your daytime attire. If you plan on visiting the volcanoes or are cold natured you should include some light sweaters or jackets just in case it is cool.
You will also be visiting the beach, swimming pools, and waterfalls while you are in Hawaii, maybe even on a daily basis. Because of this, you also need to pack several bathing suits so that you can wash one a day and wear a different one. Nobody wants to wear wet bathing suits, or dirty bathing suits, so pack at least two. A cover up for women is essential as well, and men might choose to pack extra t-shirts if they need to cover up.
The sun is strong in Hawaii so be sure to pack several strengths of sunscreen even if you are planning on getting a great tan. The first few days apply a higher strength SPF and then after you have a base tan you can tone down the level of sunscreen you are using. The point of this is that if you avoid sunscreen you will more than likely get burned your first day out, which will ruin the rest of the week for tanning, be very painful, and negatively impact your vacation. By using sunscreen you will get a great tan, avoid the sunburn, and truly enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. Also, since the sun is bright you will want to make sure you pack sunglasses and a hat. Squinting is no way to enjoy your vacation, and a great pair of shades will help you relax and enjoy your beautiful Hawaiian vacation.
Consider the nightlife in Hawaii. Will you be attending a luau, an upscale restaurant, dances or parties? These are all considerations and will require different modes of dress. It is a lot easier to shop for your clothing before your vacation than spend precious vacation hours shopping in overpriced stores. If you need formal wear for several occasions, be sure to pack it properly to avoid wrinkles. You will be relieved to have just what you need to wear to every nightly function you attend. Remember, however, the islands are more laid back and the word “formal” is not taken in the same way as “formal” might be understood on the mainland. As a result, semi-formal will most likely work for the majority of Hawaiian events.
Shoes, what a difficult thing to pack! Everyone wants to pack a different pair of shoes for every outfit, and this simply will not work when trying to fill a small suitcase. As a result, choose one pair of shoes for water activities, one for athletic activities, and one or two for casual or dressed up activities. That way, you save space in your luggage and won’t be overburdened with choices.
Jewelry is another topic that you should consider before traveling to Hawaii. Many activities on the islands will require you leave your jewelry in the hotel, and in fact the hot weather simply is not conducive to a lot of jewelry. In addition, when you wear fine jewelry you will make yourself a target for theft and will need to increase security options. As a result, decide on some basic pieces of jewelry that will flatter all of your clothing and travel with those. You will feel more secure knowing your jewelry is safe at home than locked in a hotel safe.
Remember, this is not a comprehensive list of things to pack, just some simple suggestions to keep in mind when you pull out your suitcases and start trying to fill them with your entire closet. Be conservative and keep in mind that most condos and hotels have laundry services in case you need to do a load of laundry on vacation. Also, you will want to make a comprehensive list before you begin packing and review it for things that are truly unnecessary. Then, begin packing and rest easy knowing you will pack everything you need, but not over pack for the first time in your life. You will really enjoy Hawaii when you have the right clothes for every occasion, but not so many that it is a burden traveling.
About The Author
Stephanie Coburn is the Marketing Director for Wailua Bay View, an oceanfront Kauai vacation rental. She has personally researched and experienced many of the activities and destinations graced with Hawaiian culture as described above. Learn more at http://www.wailuabay.com.