Recently updated on July 10th, 2023 at 01:26 pm
Thinking about Hawaii next year? Good choice. With slumbering volcanoes, golden beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the Hawaiian Islands really are paradise. From whale watching tours to sky high helicopter rides, these are the seven best sun-kissed adventures you can only have in Hawaii.
1. The Magic Of Polynesia Show
Experience the Magic of Polynesia Show on the beautiful Waikiki Island. The show is one of the longest-running of its style in the world, jam-packed full of magic, illusions, and plenty of island spirit. The highlight of the show is Merlin Award-Winning (think: Oscars for magicians) Illusionist John Hirokawa, known for his dazzling tricks like levitation. There’s also plenty of Polynesian-influenced dance, lots of jokes and a few surprises.
2. ‘Big Island’ Helicopter Tour
An island of juxtapositions, Hawaii’s ‘Big Island’ is both beautiful and menacing. Undoubtedly, the best way to experience it is from the sky. So take flight and explore “the most geologically active environment on earth” by helicopter. View the famous Kilauea volcano (which has been continuously erupting since 1983), endless lava flows and moody black sand beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for Madame Pele’s lava and volcanic badlands, beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests and remnants of ancient Hawaiian settlements still visible today.
3. Maui Snorkel Adventure
One of our favourite adventures in Hawaii is the Maui Snorkel Adventure. Dive into the island’s crystal clear waters and discover a mesmerising underwater world, home to the Hawaiian green sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs and, if you’re really lucky, humpback whales! In between swimming, enjoy a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch with soft drinks and an open bar, all while taking in the views from the beautiful sail boat.
4. Maui Sunset Cruise
Another great way to experience the Hawaii Islands is by heading off shore. Set sail around the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai for an unforgettable day trip. Molokai is known as the ‘Friendly Isle’, quiet, rural and very Hawaiian. Here you’ll find genuine aloha vibes among its residents. Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii with only around 3000 people living there and is often referred to as ‘The Private Isle’. End your island sailing trip with a world-famous Maui sunset.
Experience all of this on: Hawaiian Explorer
5. Whale Watching in Lahaina
Always wanted to see a humpback whale in the wild? Then whale watching in Lahaina is the Hawaiian adventure for you. This informative two hour whale watch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation’s certified Marine Naturalists. While onboard the team will explain and interpret the social behaviour of humpback whales. You’ll listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different and you never know what you might see!
6. Hanalei Movie Tour
Head out on day trip of Kauai’s most famous movie locations and feel like you’re on the set of a Hollywood blockbuster. Enjoy frequent stops at Kauai’s iconic locations while viewing film clips from some of the most notable movies filmed on the island, like George Clooney’s The Descendants, and Jurassic Park. This fun-filled narrated tour is aboard an air-conditioned minibus.
Experience this on: Hawaii Four Island Adventure
7. Take a deep dive on the Atlantis Submarine
This is one of the most unique adventures in Hawaii. The Atlantis XIV is the world’s largest hi-tech passenger submarine and can hold a whopping 64 passengers. You’ll descend 100 feet underwater and experience marine life up close. You’ll also visit sunken shipwrecks, airplanes and other artificial reefs. The submarine has a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating. If you haven’t been to the bottom of the ocean before, then what are you waiting for?
So there you have it, seven of our favourite sun-kissed adventures in Hawaii. Is this tropical island on your destination bucket list, or have you been before? We’d love to read your thoughts on Hawaii in the comments below.