Top Hawaii Outdoor Activities - page 4

Experience the secluded, tropical beauty Hawaii is famous for on this self-guided hike to Manoa Falls. A shuttle takes you to the start of the hike, and then you can explore on your own. See tropical plants, streams, and a the rushing waterfall after a moderate .8-mile (1.3 km) hike. There are restrooms, and a snack shop, which you are welcome to visit at the end of the hike.

Learn to scuba dive or refresh your skills with a small group lesson in Honolulu. Start with a comprehensive safety tutorial and gear fitting, then explore the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. Look out for green sea turtles, octopuses, sea stars, and a variety of colorful marine life. Your instructor accompanies you into the water and provides a Go Pro video of your underwater adventure at the end of the session. Ideal for beginners or moderately experienced divers interested in a low key dive to brush up their practice.

Learn all the secrets of the chocolate-making process—and go behind the scenes at Hawaii’s largest chocolate factory—on this decadent, small-group tour. Pick from multiple tour times, make your own way to the Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory, and then drive with your guide to the nearby estate. See cocoa pods growing and learn about the harvesting process before indulging in a delicious and informative tasting of nine different chocolates.

Explore Oahu's waters on this submarine-style ride aboard the Atlantis Submarine. During this family-friendly adventure, learn about the local fish, coral, and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary. Descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet in a vehicle that is quiet and pollution-free, so marine life is undisturbed.

The 13,803-foot (4,207.3-meter) peak of Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest point, and a popular spot for star-gazing. With this tour, travel up to the summit with your guide, stop for dinner at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, then arrive at the summit in time to watch the sunset. As dark sets in, enjoy a guided stargazing experience and marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and razor pointer.

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through unspoiled waters in search of dolphins and whales, then snorkel in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus convenient hotel pickup. Choose from three daily departure times.

A trip to Molokini Crater grants visitors the chance to take in scenic ocean views from a catamaran and discover the world below the surface while snorkeling at the underwater lava formations of Turtle Town. The calm water and bountiful marine life make this an ideal snorkeling spot for everyone from first-timers to long-time snorkeling enthusiasts. Plus, a guide provides security and instruction for beginners.

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's Pacific waters each winter to give birth, making the season one of the few times these animals can be reliably spotted close to shore—but accessing the best viewing areas requires getting out on the water. This whale-watching tour from Honolulu covers the humpback migration window, with the chance to spot dolphins and green sea turtles along the route.

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend around half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

Get a different perspective on Waikiki—and explore the underwater world without getting wet—on a glass-bottom boat cruise from Honolulu. Learn about Hawaii past and present from the crew as you venture onto the ocean in search of dolphins, sea turtles, and (during the season) migrating whales.

Have an evening to remember in Waikiki with this Friday night fireworks catamaran cruise. Ensure a great view of the spectacular fireworks show, which lights up the sky over Waikiki Beach just one night a week. Enjoy great music and drinks from the cash bar as you cruise along the coast and start your weekend with a bang.

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Observe humpback whales in their natural habitat during their return migration to Maui’s waters December–April. This whale watching adventure by high-speed catamaran provides a front row seat to fin slaps, flukes, and breaches. Underwater hydrophones help you hear whale songs, while the captain and crew provide the commentary. Juices and sodas are available on board to keep passengers hydrated.

Soar above the Maui treetops, enjoy unforgettable ocean views, and see the island from a whole new perspective that lots of tourists miss during this zipline adventure tour. At a historic World War ll base, "Camp Maui", you fly across several ziplines, cross the high-altitude suspension bridge, and try other obstacle challenges to put your abilities to the test.

Experience the wonder of Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu’s most-loved sights. The volcanic crater is a protected, marine-life conservation area with an amazing array of tropical fish and coral reefs. This tour takes the stress and hassle out of the experience, with organized transportation and snorkel gear. Because of the sight’s popularity, the parking lot often fills up halting entrance to the beach. Avoid missing out with this professional tour.

Enjoy a traditional lei greeting and experience a luau on Oahu. Hosted by Chief Sielu, Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, this event provides the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in island culture. Watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving before indulging in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork. Upgrade to include priority access and convenient pickup, for a hassle-free experience.

Circle the Island of Oahu by coach, enjoying ocean views, rugged mountains, and fascinating history during this full-day tour. Check out Diamond Head, Nu’uanu Pali lookout, the Halona Blowhole, Waimea Valley and Oahu’s beautiful North Shore. Soak up Hawaiian history and culture with a stop at the Dole Plantation and the serene, Japanese-style Byodo-In Temple. This Oahu circle island tour also includes entrance fees at the temple and round-trip hotel transport.

Experience the Big Island of Hawaii like never before on an ATV tour across lush tropical trails, open pastures, and vibrant fruit groves. The beginner-friendly trails offer the perfect balance of fun and challenge. Along the way, your guide shares the stories of the land, introduces you to friendly farm animals, and gives you a deeper connection to Hawaiian culture and farming traditions.

Embark on an adventure to Turtle Canyon on this catamaran excursion from Waikiki. Board your vessel and spend your time snorkeling in the pristine waters off the coast of Oahu. See green sea turtles being cleaned by fish and finger reefs as well as octopuses and starfish. The reef is quite shallow so snorkelers of all levels are encouraged to join.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Go on a 3-minute boat ride after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made light board with 150,000 lm that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

Enhance your chances of spotting whales in Hawaii. Discover the lives of the magnificent mammals on this whale-watching boat tour departing from Waikiki. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities while traveling along Oahu's coastline and get insights into whale behavior, including their breaches, flukes, and tail slaps, from the crew.

Experience Waikiki like a local with a private surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach. Hit the beach for a short lesson on land followed by further instruction in the water. Learn to paddle out and stand up on the board, or take your surfing skills to the next level if you already know the basics. Hotel pickup is available for added convenience.

Experience the rainbow-colored fish and bright coral beneath the waves without ever getting wet during this glass-bottom boat trip from Kona. Climb aboard a specially designed 36-foot (10-meter) vessel with an expert naturalist and explore the incredible marine landscape of Hawaii. As you cruise, observe Hawaii’s underwater coastline and aquatic life, including colorful fish and—if you’re lucky—turtles or dolphins.