Gorgeous beaches are the main attraction for travelers who are going to Hawaii. Perhaps you also imagine yourself lying on the soft sands of Waikiki and enjoying the turquoise waves of this tropical paradise. However, don’t forget that outdoor activities are much more useful and interesting than just lying on the beach.
Want to try some unique ways to spend time in Hawaii? We have several exciting ideas! However, you need to rent a car first to check them out. Car rental will allow you to get to places inaccessible to buses, which means you will find even more worthy spots to see and things to do. What’s more, the minimum Hawaii car rental age is 21, so even young travelers can use this transportation option for easy getting around.
Yes, Hawaii is not only about the beaches. Let’s dive into the abyss of adventure with gorgeous waterfalls, hot lava rivers, scenic peaks, and lush tropics. Here are some great ideas for your Hawaii vacation!
Feel like a cowboy
Do you think cowboys are only in Texas? Think twice! The Hawaiian Islands are home to the Paniolo, descendants of the Mexican Vaqueros who arrived to explore the islands in the 1800s. You can become a paniolo too. For this, visit the Ponoholo Ranch on Mount Kohala and go horseback riding.
Ride at your leisure, take in the beauty of the coastline, and watch cattle graze as you explore the ancient ruins – it’s a great way to spend time on the ranch. Also, don’t forget to have an evening picnic. Experienced riders should try out the Wrangler Ride, while beginners will love the City Slicker Ride route.
Go down into the crater of the volcano
When it comes to sunrise in Hawaii, there is no better place to watch it than the top of Maui’s Haleakala volcano. This is a must-have adventure for island visitors! However, you’ll find another stunning activity for extreme lovers – a sandy track leading from the top to the bottom of the crater.
The landscape inside the crater resembles the surface of Mars with sharp cones, bloody rocks, colored sands, silvery, and platinum layers. Not everyone will easily overcome the rise to the top, but the descent compensates for all your efforts.
Go Snorkeling
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their excellent diving and snorkeling spots, but only on Maui, you can try out a new kind of underwater entertainment – swimming inside the crater of a volcano.
Snorkeling tours start at Maalaea Harbour and offer two points for underwater adventure – the crystal waters of the Molokini crater and another, a shallower spot where sea turtles live. You will remember this experience for a long time!
Take a lava tour
The name of the active 1,247-meter-high Kilauea volcano on the Big Island means “eruption, big scattering.” Indeed, this volcano lives up to its name – it produces from 300,000 to 600,000 cubic meters of lava daily. If you love fireworks, then you shouldn’t miss the show hosted by Kilauea.
The best way to admire the fire-breathing dragon is through Hawaiian boat tours. However, please note that there are restrictions on height, age, and fitness level. Kilauea has been growing steadily since 1983, but only in 2016 did its hot lava eruptions begin to reach the ocean.
Ride the cable car
What can compare with soaring over tropical thickets? So, on the east coast of Oahu, you’ll find the Kualoa Ranch and Private Nature Reserve. This is an invaluable find for fans of adventure, as it offers an exciting cable car with eight stations, three suspension bridges, and four different hiking sections.
You can go to conquer the heights with the whole family because there everyone will find something to do according to their age. By the way, Kauai also has a kind of cable car called the Skyline. These are extreme swings that carry daredevils through three picturesque valleys.
Hit the Waves
Some people like to feel the ocean winds and waves, and especially surfers and windsurfers who have chosen Ho’okipa Beach on Maui to have some fun.
A windward coastline, big winter waves, and mighty trade winds make the island’s north coast the perfect place to hit the waves. The most popular location is Kanaha Beach Park, catering to surfers of all skill levels. Meanwhile, professionals can try their hand at Ho’okipa Beach Park. Remember that the strongest winds and the biggest waves are available between December and February.
Visit the site of Captain Cook’s death
A white obelisk on the beach 11 miles south of the village of Kailua is where Captain James Cook died during a conflict between his crew and the natives. They say that the natives used the tenderest parts of Cook’s body for food. Yes, this is a very sad fate for the famous navigator!
Therefore, you should honor the memory of the captain by going to the beach in a kayak. In addition, this is a great opportunity to spend time in the Kealakekua Bay Historical Park. However, be careful, as the ocean can show its temper at any moment.
Dive with manta rays
Another adventure that the Big Island can offer is diving with manta rays. When these huge creatures glide silently through the water, their fins spread and move smoothly, like the wings of strange birds.
Decorated with the light of plankton, every night manta rays graze at natural feeders on the coast of the Big Island. In order not to be late for an amazing feast, remember that Keauhou Bay Adventures picks up divers every evening at 7, 8:15, and 9:30 p.m. Individual tours are also available.
As you can see, Hawaii has prepared a lot of unique activities for you. Therefore, you have at least eight new reasons to set off there. However, you need to rent a car for your trip because all the places mentioned above are not accessible by bus. Also, don’t forget to make sure you meet the allowable car rental age before you go.