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5 Hawaiian Adventures You Can’t Miss

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 participate in, whether scuba diving off Maui's shores 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 to the 50th State.

Sunset surfing in Oahu (Credit: Anthony Quintano)
Sunset surfing in Oahu (photo: Anthony Quintano)

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 the 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 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. Take the time to enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.

Related: 5 Adrenaline Adventures in Maui

Green Sea Turtle
Here's your chance to see a Green Sea Turtle up close (photo: snorkelingdives.com)

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 their 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 an excellent place to start if you're new to the surfing scene.

Enjoy the endless flow of lava into the sea at the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. (Credit: Matt MacGillivray)
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (photo: Matt MacGillivray)

5. Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island

There's plenty to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, but the top of the list is visiting 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 by 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 paths in the park that are open to daring hikers.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Luxury Retreats.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Hazel

Thursday 20th of April 2017

The five must-do adventures while in Hawaii. Nice post! Thank you for sharing it to everyone!

John

Friday 16th of December 2016

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

LC Haughey

Saturday 17th of December 2016

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!

Roman

Saturday 10th of December 2016

I would defiantly come with you to dive in Maui. :-)

LC Haughey

Saturday 17th of December 2016

How much fun would it be?!

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