A vibrant list of Hawaii activities
Hawaii’s unique and diverse landscapes are about more than simply taking in sand and surf. If you’re headed to the Hawaiian Islands, make plans to take a walk on its wilder side by taking a break from the tried-and-true beach routine for some adrenaline-pumping alternatives, such as zip lining, hikes through rainforests or across lava fields, and helicopter tours.
- Gaze in awe at the rising and setting of the sun from the summit of Maui's Haleakala volcano, situated 10,023 feet above sea level. Add some trekking to your viewing experience with an invigorating hike into Haleakala’s massive summit crater and find your Zen on the summit’s many trails.
- Indulge in Kauai’s scenic splendor and learn about Hawaii’s royal history on a Kipu Ranch Adventures‘ ATV tour. More than 3,000 acres of ranch land is yours to explore on a Kawasaki 4x4 Mule Pro-6. Stop at one of the ranch’s waterfalls and swing over water at the same spot Indiana Jones did in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- Visit Shangri La, the Diamond Head-area oceanfront home of late tobacco heiress Doris Duke. Designated one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes, the Oahu estate is a homage to Islamic art and culture, showcasing items Duke collected on her world travels. Shangri La is open to the public for guided, small-group tours and educational programs. Decorated in cool blue hues, complemented by meticulously landscaped gardens and panoramic ocean views, Shangri La offers visitors a sense of rejuvenation and tranquility.
- Take in Waimea Canyon – often called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – and be wowed by the 14 mile-long Kauai geological wonder and its breathtaking views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges.
- Explore Kualoa Ranch and participate in its multitude of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, ATV tours, hiking excursions, catamaran boat tours, and even a visit to a secret beach on its Windward Oahu acreage.
- Take a tour of Pearl Harbor and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, a collection of historic sites and museums recognizing the Pacific War and the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on American military installations at the Oahu harbor. The 75th anniversary of the attack will be observed at the monument this year with a number of special events. More information on these can be found at http:pearlharbor75thanniversary.com/home.
- Hike the verdant Oahu rainforest trail that leads to 200-foot Mānoa Falls. Fans of the TV series Lost will recognize sites along the trail that provided natural backdrops for some of the drama’s most-memorable scenes. Situated just outside of bustling Honolulu, the trail is a favorite with residents and visitors.
- Witness the magnitude of nature’s creative forces and the unique beauty of lava flows past and present on a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With hundreds of miles of trails and an ever-changing landscape, the Hawaii Island park leaves most visitors overwhelmed by its vast scenic wonder. Watch scolding steam and gas escape from a crater lava lake at the summit of Kïlauea volcano by day, and molten lava set that same steam and gas aglow by night.
- View one of Kauai’s most stunning wonders of nature from the sky on a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast. Air tours explore the 15-mile-long coast’s narrow valleys, steep sea cliffs, pinnacle formations and sweeping landscapes; dip and dive into its lush terrain; and reveal its most famous natural landmarks including Honopu Beach and Arch.
