Article - Hawaii Travel - Hawaii-Haven.com

When in Hawaii, Indulge yourself the Hawaiian Way - Hawaii Activities

Putting together a list of the “10 best activities in Hawaii” is one of the easiest tasks in the world, given that there are hundreds of options on each particular island. However when deciding which ones to indulge in while planning a trip try and stick to only a few of these so as to avoid being overwhelmed. Make necessary reservations for the activities that you decide to check out during your trip well in advance, since most of them ride high on popularity and are booked for months on. The following list is not exhaustive, but can give you a fair idea of few of the more popular activities for tourists in Hawaii. Once you are there however explore the possibilities offered by the island and add your own personal discoveries to the options listed below.

1.   Hanauma Bay – On the island of Oahu. One of the best snorkeling destinations in the world, it is the proud home of a fantastic coral reef  and boasts of hundreds of fish species. However, snorkeling here can often become tedious, given the large number of tourists who indulge in it. To avoid the crowd therefore get there early or enquire as to which days see lesser number of snorkelers.

2.   Volcanoes -   The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii preserves 330,000 acres of land just for the purpose of hiking and related activities. However it’s main attraction is most definitely the volcanoes themselves, be it the dormant Mona Lau, or the active , lava flowing Kilauea. To enjoy the Park to its full extent spend at least a few hours if not a few days soaking in its awe inspiring natural surrounding.

3.   Maui Drive – Allot yourself a few well deserved hours for this. Pack a lunch and take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana. On your way you will be passing over countless bridges, beautiful sceneries spotted with pineapple groves, tropical forests filled with eucalyptus and fruit trees and in the end you will be blessed with the vision of divine black sand beaches. When in Hana make the all essential excursions to the various waterfalls in and around it.

4.   Waimea Canyon - On the island of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” it is a breathtaking and colourful experience which cannot be missed.

5.   Waikiki Beach -  Before briefing it let us mention that Wakiki Beach is NOT for the meagre budget strung tourists. This is royal stuff folks, the area was officially made popular by the Hawaiian royalty who frequented these beaches early in the 1800’s. Today the beach is studded with resorts which drip with luxury. So if you are looking for a luxurios resort, relaxing beach, a hideout away from the regular crowd Wakiki is THE place for you.

6.   Kona – Sun Bathing, Fishing, Snorkeling, Guided tours through coffee plantations; you name it, Kona has it all. Packed with fantastic resorts, beautiful beaches and activies aplenty, Kona has everything to make your vacation a roaring success.

7.   Luau – Luau has become synonymous with the island of Hawaii and to have a complete Hawaiian vacation you just have to have to attend a Polynesian Luau. Not only will you enjoy its music, dance and food you will also carry back with you an experience you won’t forget.

8.   Go Whale Watching – You need not be an animal lover to experience the pleasures of whale watching. Go along with your loved one to share the peaceful sight of watching a whale gently glide past you, or shoot a spring of water, or take your kids along and watch them go ballistic over these giant mammals, but either way don’t miss it. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui, however, book well in advance since they tend to fill up easily and aren’t available throughout the year.

9.   Iao Valley – Iao Valley on Maui, is believed to be the home to agricultural god Lono. During the feast week it is a popular Hawaiian tradition to join together at this location in order to honor Him. Apart from this obvious mysticism surrounding it the Valley also has a spell binding view to boast of.

10. Na’Pali Coast – a natural wonder the Na’Pali Coast is located on the island of Kauai. It’s towering cliffs originate at the ocean floor from where they ascend so as to rip the water surface and emerge only to create fantastic gorges given shape by waterfalls which have in the thousands of years they have flown managed to erode the rocks into their present forms. If you have time enough to spare or the caliber to take an 11 mile long hike to reach the location go ahead by all means, but in case you don’t, then look out for helicopter rides and boat tours to the location.