Hawaii is the ideal destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers alike.
There's plenty to do, see and experience, no matter what your budget. Both lovers of luxury and backpackers will find no end of activities to take part in, whether that be scuba diving off the shores of Maui, or hiring a board to go surfing in Oahu.
The sheer amount of Hawaii vacation rentals will ensure that you have a comfortable place to rest up at the end of your day's adventuring.
Here are some Hawaiian adventures that you can't miss out on, on your next visit the 50th State.
1. A Good Old Fashioned Road Trip
A road trip is an excellent way to see a country, in a minimal amount of time.
Most of Hawaii's islands are drivable and worth visiting for different reasons.
A road trip on the Big Island will give you the chance to see the island's lava fields up close. Drive around Molokai's while ogling its palm tree-filled beaches.
The more adventurous can tackle Maui's Route 340, on the side of island's cliffs, driving through steep ravines as the waves crash into the shores below – so long as their car rental agreement allows it.
2. Scuba Diving in Maui
Maui is an ideal place to go diving for a couple of reasons.
You can swim in from the beach and still expect to see a lot, due to the gently sloping shores of the island.
Also – you have a pretty darn good chance of meeting a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The turtles often show a great curiosity in divers and may approach you to check you out. What a fantastic photo opportunity that would be.
Remember not to touch the turtles, as they are a threatened species. Simply take the time to enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.
3. Hike the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast in Kauai
A trek along the Kalalau Trai in Kauai is a must-do for serious hikers. Featuring mud, raging streams and scrambles up rocky inclines – what more could you ask for?
Remember to bring plenty of water and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, along with a good pair of hiking boots.
Less experienced trekkers would do best to spread the hike out over two days. That way you won't be rushing to finish it and can take in the scenery along the way.
After completing the hike, you can reward yourself by coming home to one of the Kauai beach villas, where you can put your hopefully not too blistered feet up and enjoy the views.
4. Hang ten on a surfboard in Oahu
You can't go to Oahu and not try your hand (or foot, as it were) at surfing.
Oahu's coastline is dotted with surf breaks – some friendly, making them ideal for beginners. Others are fierce, to be tackled by only the very experienced surfers.
Waikiki Beach is home to surf schools and locals offering lessons. This would be a good place to start if you're new to the surfing scene.
5. Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
There's plenty to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, but top of the list is a visit to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
This park is one of the places in the world where you can go trekking through fields of lava. Imagine how cool that would be!
The Big Island was formed through the eruption of five separate volcanoes, two of which are still active. Kilauea, in particular, has erupted continuously for the last 30 years.
There are more than 150 miles worth of pathes in the park that are open to daring hikers.
Have you been to Hawaii? What adventures would you recommend to visitors to the islands?
_________
This story was brought to you in partnership with Luxury Retreats.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
I would defiantly come with you to dive in Maui. :-)
How much fun would it be?!
HI LC, I heard you can go skydiving in Hawaii. I’d add that to an adventure worth having in Hawaii. I definitely want to visit that volcano national park too
Haha John, that would personally terrify me (not a fan of heights) but I agree that it’s an adventure many others could get behind!
The five must-do adventures while in Hawaii. Nice post! Thank you for sharing it to everyone!