Top Activities on the Ground in Hawaii

Get a new perspective on Kauai as you soar through lush forests and over the Waita Reservoir on the island’s longest ziplines. While cruising across the 8-track course near Koloa, hang on to the handlebars or try some more daring acrobatic stunts with the hands-free ‘Flyin' Kauai'an’ harness. It's an intimate, small-group experience capped at 12 people.

If you’re looking for a grand adventure while in Kauai, book this Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kayaking and Hiking Half-Day Tour. First, follow a guide who knows the area well on the Wailua River by kayak for a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) paddle adventure. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of the falls.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a car? Boring. On a guided fat-tire e-bike tour, experience this wild landscape sustainably and in the open air, and your guide shares captivating insights into the park's geology, history, and ecosystem. Most experience this park from behind a windshield—explore the world’s most active volcano with pedal assist, a throttle, and torque sensors for a smooth ride along the park's paths and roads.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring from the top of Oahu’s longest ziplines on this guided tour. Start with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu's famous North Shore from long, high and extra-quiet ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way.

Explore the world’s most active volcano on this private eco-tour around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You'll experience the highlights of Kilauea’s summit area and hike to hidden and highlight areas of the park. This half- or full-day, education-based exploration focuses on the native flora and fauna, the area's geology, and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives in the area today.

Experience Diamond Head Crater, one of Oahu’s most-loved hikes, on a self guided tour with a map, water, park entrance fees and round-trip transportation provided. The tour is fully customizable, so take your time or challenge yourself, and enjoy the stunning views from the 760-foot summit. Hotel departures are early in the morning  to insure you avoid the big crowds later in the day. This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a bit of adventure and exercise and wanting to see one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks.

FUV stands for Fun Utility Vehicle, and this compact, three-wheeled, open-air, easy-to-maneuver rental vehicle will let you explore the island on your own time. You’ll love how simple it is to drive and the feel of the island breeze coming through the open doors. The suggested route takes you to explore the endearing towns of Kapa’a and Old Koloa, Poipu and Lawa’i beaches, and Wailua and Opaekaa Falls, making it easy to see a lot in one half-day.

Experience a traditional Hawaiian Luau in a scenic location. The evening begins with a variety of cultural activities ideal for all ages. Learn how to make a coconut headband, string flower lei, or dance hula, and then sit down for a buffet dinner with a large selection of Hawaiian specialties like Kalua pork and Huli Huli chicken. Then settle in for the main event: an award-winning Polynesian fire dance performance.

Soar through a Hawaiian rainforest with a zipline experience in a lushly preserved setting. Enjoy the security of the Big Island’s longest-operating zipline destination, and follow a series of eight exciting ziplines from tree to tree. Travel through the jungle with knowledgeable guides, and learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this unique environment. After finishing the zipline experience, explore the scenic property at your own pace, from the delicate Kamaee Falls to a rainforest trail and living maze.

Experience some of Maui’s best views on this guided Kaanapali zipline adventure. Start by leaving the sandy shoreline behind and driving off-road high into the West Maui Mountains. The ziplines span deep, eroded ravines. From the course, admire views of Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina, and the entire West Maui coastline. Learn about the island’s history and native plants and wildlife from your guide as you go.

Discover a side of the Big Island of Hawaii that very few other travelers get to see on this one-of-a-kind submarine tour. Choose from multiple start times, head to the Kona coastline, and board the submarine. As you descend towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes and spot fish and other marine life. Along the way, your on-board naturalist guide provides in-depth commentary about the aquatic sights.

Spend an afternoon immersed in Hawaiian culture with dance performances, dinner, and entrance to Waimea Valley. Hike to Waimea Falls and swim in the pool at the bottom (life jackets provided). Explore lush botanical gardens and see the colorful blooms that make your flower lei. Sit down for dinner and be dazzled with traditional Polynesian dancing and cultural performances while you taste Hawaiian specialties and sip tropical cocktails.

See the Big Island from a different angle on this 9-line zipline adventure that takes you over treetops, waterfalls, and rivers. With four dual lines, you can race a friend. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from every platform on this guided course. Entrance fees and all required equipment are included.

Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales.

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.

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.

Discover Kauai’s natural beauty on a hike and swim on private property near Lihue that you can only access through this tour. You’ll embark on a guided hike to two hidden waterfalls: The 30-foot Bamboo Falls and the 60-foot Papakolea Falls, which you’ll have time swim in. You can even climb behind the cascading falls for amazing photos.

Soar through a lush landscape of tropical flowers and passion fruit trees on a jungle zipline tour in Maui. Located on a family-owned farm and plant nursery conveniently located just off the Hana Highway, the 5-line zipline course features state-of-the-art braking and easy takeoff ramps for a safe flight through Maui’s rain forest. Feel the thrill of flying between banyan and mango trees, and slow down to appreciate the sights and smells of the forest while crossing a rope bridge on this eco adventure.

Combine seamless access to Diamond Head with the freedom to explore independently. This Diamond Head shuttle service provides round-trip transportation from Waikiki with hotel pickup, saving you time and energy, as well as entry tickets. Once you arrive at the trailhead, all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the hike, snap stunning photos, and create lasting memories.

Get a different perspective on Oahu by riding your own self-propelled electric submarine scooter through Maunalua Bay. Cruise past Diamond Head Crater, Koolau Mountain Range, and Koko Crater on a comfortable catamaran before an underwater adventure spotting green sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs. After diving, relax on the boat with snacks and drinks while enjoying island stories.

Embark on a Garden Isle adventure with a half-day kayak trip on Kauai’s legendary Wailua River. Paddle through lush tropical landscape with a guide, passing a traditional Hawaiian village and learning about the river’s ancient, sacred history along the way. Feel like an island explorer as you hike to a sparkling waterfall.

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.

Soar over the sparkling waters of Oahu, and check off a major Hawaii bucket-list item, on this small-group parasailing excursion in Waikiki. Hop aboard your boat; when it's your turn, soar up into the skies with one or two other people for five to eight minutes. Then, spend the rest of your time on the water admiring the scenery, and looking out for dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife.