Now that you've booked your airfare and lodging and arranged for your inter-island transportation and rental car, it's time to start thinking about those activities in Hawaii - all of the things that you're going to do while you're in Hawaii. Hawaii has a virtually endless number of experiences awaiting you on land, on the ocean and in the air.
Many people think of Hawaii solely as a tropical beach paradise, and it is that. In addition, Hawaii has an amazingly diverse ecology which includes remote canyons, coral reefs, desert-like terrain, lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, active and dormant volcanoes and countless waterfalls.
The types of activities and attractions that you can experience in Hawaii vary from island to island. You'll soon learn that while all of the Hawaiian islands were born from Madame Pele, each is quite different from the others and each has its own unique charm. But wherever you go, there are plenty of Hawaii activities to choose from.
Air Activities in Hawaii
One of the most exciting and unique Hawaii activities is to see Hawaii is from the air. Nothing can compare to seeing the Na Pali coast of Kauai or the North Shore of Molokai from a helicopter or small plane. On Maui you can fly over the mysterious West Maui Mountains or over the immense crater of Haleakala. You'll never forget the experience of seeing the earth growing before your eyes as you fly over Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Check out our Aerial Photos of Kauai that we took on a Jack Harter Helicopter Tour.
Whether from a small plane or helicopter, air flight remains one of the safest forms of transportation available. It is important, however, that you check into the safety record of any carrier that you are considering and get recommendations from others who have been there before. Keep in mind, however, that even the best carriers can have accidents. It is important to examine their track record over many years and not be swayed by any recent event.
A unique experience that you can also consider is parasailing. Parasailing is a combined air and ocean activity. Most popular on Maui where several companies depart from the Lahaina and Ka'anapali areas, you can get a truly bird's eye view of Hawaii from up to 900 feet in the air. Check out our photos taken during a UFO Parasail off of Ka'anapali Beach, Maui.
Beaches
Hawaii has the best beaches in the world - period. In fact, eleven times in the past eighteen years, Dr. Beach, aka Stephen Leatherman, has named a beach in Hawaii to be the best beach in America!
Be sure to check out our Hawaii Beach Guide and our picks for best beaches in Hawaii.
All beaches in Hawaii are public beaches. Even those on the most elegant resorts must provide public access.
Keep in mind, if going to the beach and getting a great Hawaiian suntan is your aim, the sun in Hawaii is very, very hot. You can get a severe sunburn if you do not take proper precautions. We recommend that you check out our tips on How to Avoid a Sunburn. You don't want to ruin your vacation by getting a severe burn on your first full day in Hawaii.
Cycling
Biking in Hawaii is very popular. Whether you just rent a bike and decide to explore the islands or go with an organized group such as the tours that bike down Haleakala on Maui, Hawaii is an excellent place to enjoy cycling.
You'll find the most cyclists and bike shops on Oahu but you'll also find the most traffic, so be very careful.
If you decide to bike while in Hawaii be sure to bring a bike lock, a repair kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. A backpack is a necessity.
An excellent resource for biking enthusiasts interested in cycling in Hawaii is the book Short Bike Rides in Hawaii by William L. Walters.
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