Whether you want a road trip, a chill on the beach, a thrilling adventure, a close encounter with wildlife, or merely an admirer of nature, the Hawaiian Islands can give it all to you. We have listed eight places and activities in Hawaii that will make your holidays more memorable. Pack your bags as we are sure that the next destination you will spend your luxury vacation in is Hawaii!
North Shore Road Trip
When we speak of North Shore, we are talking about big wave surfing with some reaching up to ten meters high, and experiencing this is one of the most recommended things to do in Oahu. If perfect waves are what you are in Hawaii for, you are up for a treat on Oahu’s North Shore. For surf junkies, our advice is to set your vacation on the big wave season, which is from November up to February of the following year. Visiting the island of Hawaii for the waves in March can be a little too late. An addition to the famous North Shore beaches includes Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea Bay. Guests will find all these on a road trip around Oahu. Note that, unlike the North Shore waves, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea Bay have no season. So guests can enjoy these all year round.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is considered Hawaii Island’s most famous waterfall and is a must-visit attraction of the Big Island. Did you know? The Akaka Falls was featured in one scene of Jurassic Park, where at the start of the movie, a helicopter can be seen descending in front of the falls. It is a 135-meter plunge into a stream-eroded gorge located inside the Akaka Falls State Park. In addition, there’s around walk here where you can see the 30 meter Kahuna Falls – but sometimes, the local authorities in the area close the place when storms cause damage. The suggested time to visit the falls is early in the morning, as the sun is positioned behind the falls in the afternoon, making it terrible for your photo ops.
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa
Another feature of the island that travelers should never miss and can easily become one of your favorites is Volcanoes National Park. If it’s your first time to witness an active volcano – Kīlauea – it will probably be the highlight of your visit. Start at the Visitors Center, then check out the Jaggar Museum – named after the M.I.T. geologist Thomas A. Jaggar, the watch outside of the museum offers a captivating panoramic view of the Kīlauea accompanied by the actual bubbling lava at in the crater, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Cannot get enough of this spectacle? Take a drive through the Chain of Craters Road; it is a 29-kilometer drive that takes you from the visitors’ center to the coastline, where a show of lava pouring and eventually meeting the ocean can be seen. Once in a while, you can pull off the road to see the craters and massive fields of lava rock with varying textures and shapes. Wanting to get closer to where the lava flows into the ocean? Try a 13-kilometer return hike or on a boat tour!
Punalu’u, Black Sand Beach
Among all the beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Punaluu Beach – Black Sand Beach – is one of the unique places to visit in this Island chain. But The jet-come from rain, come from the falls themselves. When sunlight hits the droplets, it forms a permanent rainbow from the falls. The best place to view the rainbow from the falls is coming from the East. In addition, you have to come in the morning if you want to have the sun on your back while you look at the falls. Just get the right timing in visiting the falls to see the reason for its name. While strolling through the same walk, an exquisite forest of amazing trees will be there to greet you! Also, a short trail from the parking space offers views of the waterfall’s summit.
Discover Kona Town
Kona’s town is really just one stretch of a way that runs along the land’s brink, but it has an exciting feel to it because of the sprawling bars, plenty of cafes, and restaurants to choose from. Kona is a quiet historical town where major events are held – the Ironman World Championship triathlon, the annual Kona Coffee Festival, and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. The Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church situated in this town is proof that even though it is small, its wealth in history should never be overseen. It is also a splendid place for stand-up paddleboarding.
Swim with Manta Rays at Keauhou
One of the most amazing and unique things you can ever do while traveling in Hawaii is to swim with the manta rays! It seems scary at first, but what is a better feeling than overcoming fear, right? Set out on a traditional Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled sailing canoe before dusk. Once out in the bay, slip into the water and hold onto the side of a floating surfboard. Once you lower your head under the water, you will be surprised by the incredible sight as Manta-Ray after Manta-Ray will be swimming around you. They will even be happy to get close as their fins brush you. If you want to experience Hawaii with a bit of wildlife encounter on the side, be sure to include this in your checklist!
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
The bay is an underwater marine sanctuary and is famous for both snorkeling and kayaking. It is said to be where Captain Cook lost his life – this is notable for Australian visitors in Hawaii.
