Top Hawaii Unique Experiences - page 2

Switch up sightseeing for an adrenaline rush with this guided zipline experience on Oahu's North Shore. Leave all the planning and organization to someone else, as you enjoy an itinerary of activities that includes a short ATV ride, rappelling, sky bridges, and multiple ziplines. Feel confident under the supervision of your guides, as you take in scenic views of the island that you can't see anywhere else.

Invigorate your mind and body with a 1-hour beach yoga session in Kauai. Practice right on the sand of glorious Kapaa beach with a friendly instructor, letting the gentle ocean waves and balmy island air inspire guided breathing and stretching. Conclude this morning class with a brief meditation for perfect balance. Namaste.

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.

Make the most of your time in the birthplace of surfing by learning to surf, Hawaiian style. In a small group of no more than five people per instructor, you will learn the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety before getting into the water to ride your first wave. Lessons are timed to avoid crowds so you can enjoy plenty of space.

Soar high above the cinder cones of Haleakala Crater, and see hidden waterfalls, valleys, and bays on the rugged East Maui coastline that most visitors never behold on this helicopter tour. Along the way, listen to your pilot provide narration about the island and its top spots, and capture exceptional aerial photos of what you see out the window.

Save time and money when you combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort—you're also guaranteed a manta ray sighting, or your next booking is free.

Waikiki's gentle, rolling waves are about the best place there is to stand up on a board for the first time. Learn the basics with an instructor in a small group at a quieter Waikiki spot, away from the busier breaks. You start on the sand before paddling out to try your first waves, with a choice of lesson times to fit your day.

Surf lessons can sometimes be intimidating when there’s only one instructor for a big group. This group surf lesson on Ka'anapali Beach makes sure only one instructor is assigned to three students tops, so you can get the attention you want and need from a lesson. First, spend time on the beach learning surfing techniques in a safe environment, and then hit the water once you feel confident to tackle waves. All equipment, as well as a 3-hour parking validation are included with this Hawaii surf class.

Experience the natural beauty of Maui from above on this private excursion. After embarking on an aerial journey from Kahului, catch stunning views of lava fields, beaches, and more—views you can't find anywhere else. Learn about the area from an informative guide and pilot with provided headsets you can hear clearly.

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii in your own VW Manx-style buggy with this independent 4- or 8-hour rental. Drive yourself around the island, stopping wherever you like for as long as you like (with the exception of off-road destinations). Stop by historical sites, volcanic sand beaches, and coffee farms; take the soft top off the buggy for unobstructed views and photo ops.

Learn how to surf during your Oahu vacation with this small-group lesson at Waikiki Beach. You'll enjoy a mix of personal attention and a team environment as a professional surfing instructor shows you the basics of this quintessential Hawaiian sport. All equipment provided, along with a complimentary shuttle from Waikiki.

See the entire island of Maui on this private air tour. Get a birds eye view of waterfalls, lava fields, beaches and such landmarks such as the Molokini Crater and Haleakala National Park as you fly over. From the air you'll see natural wonders that you'd never see at ground level.

Soar over hidden waterfalls, and hover above tropical rainforests that are inaccessible by land, on this small-group helicopter tour of West Maui and Molokai. Admire views that few other travelers get to see during a flyby of the nearly 4,000-foot (1,219-meter) Molokai cliffs, which descend straight into the ocean. Plus, make a waterfront landing for an extra thrilling experience.

Perfect your yoga poses on a stand up paddleboard while floating in Hawaii's tropical waters. During this Honolulu class learn to adapt familiar seated, kneeling, and reclining yoga poses for the water. Work on balance and core stability with some standing poses and use free time to work on any poses you like.

Soar above the islands of Maui County on this private air tour. Step into your private cabin, suitable for up to five passengers, and take in views of Honolua Bay, Makena State Park, Molokini Crater, Wailea Beach, and lava fields. Don headsets to listen to live commentary from your pilot and ask questions during the flight. The tour lasts about 80 to 90 minutes, offering an intimate and scenic experience.

An excellent way to start your time in Hawaii, this Kauai private food tour offers options from different locations based on the date you book. With a local guide, sample artisan foods, meet chefs and farmers, and indulge in some of the best cuisine the island had to offer. Locations and dishes vary by season, and dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Don't leave Maui without trying out your surfing skills on the waves of the Pacific. During this lesson in Kihei, learn the basics from an instructor, who also tells you about ocean safety before heading into the water. Instruction is tailored to the skill level of each participant so you can enjoy a worthwhile experience.

Plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this sunset to moonlight tour, slip on the provided wetsuit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided.

Hawaii’s natural wonders aren’t only on land and in the sea—the Big Island is also a prime spot from which to admire the wonders of the solar system. This tour is the only one that includes both afternoon solar viewing and nighttime stargazing, accompanied by astronomy experts. Visit different destinations and use a state-of-the-art solar telescope and Dobsonian telescope to spot solar flares, galaxies, star clusters, and planets.

Set sail with “the original shark boat crew” and learn skills passed down through generations to interact responsibly and safely with sharks and other marine life. Swim and snorkel with native sharks on Oahu’s North Shore. Look out for White Tipped Reef Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Gray Reef Sharks, and Sandbar Sharks, and learn about the local culture of respect for native animals and the natural environment.

For those who prefer to just go cruising down the slopes and switchbacks of the volcano, our Haleakala Express tour is the best bet. Guests begin their bike ride at 6,500 ft. elevation just outside of the national park entrance and ride 15 miles to the North Shore town of Haiku. WHAT’S INCLUDED • NAI Certified Guides • KONA Mountain Bikes • DAKINE Backpacks • Helly Hansen Rain Gear • Bell Helmets WHAT TO BRING • Closed-Toe Shoes • Sweatshirt or Jacket • Sunglasses • Sunscreen • Phone/Camera • Small Snacks • Water RESTRICTIONS ALL BIKE RIDERS' MUST: • Understand and Acknowledge the risks involved • Be 15years old or older • Have recent bike riding experience • Be over 4’10” tall • Be physically capable of enduring this outdoor activity • Be free of any medications that may cause drowsiness • Not be pregnant • Not weigh over 270 lbs. • Wear closed-toe shoes

Learning to surf is one of Maui’s most popular visitor activities, and this Maui surf lesson takes place in the waters off Kihei. Learn the history of surfing in Hawaii and the proper way to paddle your board, before heading out for the chance to stand up and ride your very first wave. With its calm and consistent ocean conditions, this protected spot is perfect for learning at any time of the year, and a local instructor will help you experience the stoke of surfing in Maui.

Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach. Travel to the beach in an air-conditioned vehicle and then participate in a brief safety training to learn the basics of popping up and balancing before jumping in the water. Get 1-on-1 instruction and learn surfing essentials with a team of experienced teachers. This semi-private lesson includes the use of all gear, and the option to purchase professional photos, videos taken during the day, and surfing swag if you choose. Plus, book either a 1-hour or 2-hour session depending on your preference.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat on this boat tour from Kona. Travel offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included.