There are many activities to do in its 8 islands: Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niʻihau, and Kahoolawe. Because of this, when thinking about traveling to Hawaii, one of the first things you should do is plan your stay there in the best way possible. In this travel blog, we tell you what to do in Hawaii to live the trip of your dreams Aloha!
1. Enjoy the beaches
One of the first reasons to travel to Hawaii is its beaches. Here you can relax under palm trees, swim in crystal clear waters, snorkel, dive or surf, and watch movie sunsets. You must bear in mind that each beach has different characteristics from the others, so once you visit several, you will know which one is your favorite. Among the best known are the Kolekole beach, which is located in the middle of a jungle garden and through its interior runs a stream with rocks created by lava. Within the Volcanoes National Park is the beautiful Punaluu beach. It is characterized by its black sand and is very popular for the large number of sea turtles that come here.
Onekahakaha BeachIt is full of small pools and is one of those chosen by the locals. And Hapuna is one of the most famous, for its long stretch of white sand. In addition, it is very visited by families since it has picnic areas and showers, among other services.
2. Snorkel
Without a doubt, it is the # 1 activity to do in Hawaii, and this is because this destination is a paradise for snorkeling. No matter where you stay, on all the islands you will find fantastic beaches to dive in and enjoy incredible marine biodiversity.
There are two ways to do it: on your own or by hiring a tour. The advantage of this last option is that you will go with professional guides who will take you by boat to more remote places, where the best coral reefs are found. But if you decide to go on your own, you will also find dozens of beaches where you can practise it.
Hanauma Bay on Oahu is one of the most recommended places for snorkeling. In this bay, which is located at the foot of the Coco Head volcano, there are more than 450 kinds of tropical fish, including eels, sea turtles, and the famous Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, the official fish of Hawaii. In addition, it is ideal for all age groups since its waters are not deep.
3. Walkthrough the legendary Na Pali Coast National Park, Kauai
Among the things to do in Hawaii, the Na Pali Coast is one of the almost mandatory activities. "The cliffs", such is their meaning, they constitute 35 kilometers of green valleys with almost vertical walls and waterfalls that start from 1,200 meters high to plunge into the sea. It is the last truly unspoiled area of Hawaii and is protected as the Na Pali Coast State Park. It is inaccessible by car, but you can get there via boats, helicopter, and kayak.
However, the best way to experience this paradise is by walking its steep cliffs and jungle coasts.
For many, it is the most beautiful island in the archipelago and was used as a film set in several famous films. Without going any further, the scene of Jurassic Park that flies over the island by helicopter is none other than the Na Pali Coast.
4. Marvel at whale jumping, Maui
The warm, shallow waters of the island of Maui are the destination of choice for humpback whales that migrate from Alaska each winter to mate and give birth. The whale season runs from December to April, so if you are around this time, the sighting of these magnificent mammals is another of the things to do in Hawaii, really unmissable!
5. Explore the Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reflects 70 million active volcanoes and biological diversity. Inside you can see two active volcanoes, and depending on the conditions, you can even have the opportunity to see active lava flows.
In addition to being able to observe impressive landscapes, your visit is also important to understand how the Hawaiian Islands were born. It can be easily visited by car or on foot, on excursions that range from one hour to five hours in length. Volcano fans can also spend several days exploring, as there are camping areas nearby and even a hotel.
6. Admire the view of the Waimea Grand Canyon, Kauai
The Grand Canyon of Waimea would be like the Canyon of Colorado, but in a slightly smaller version and with the striking characteristic of the reddish color of its walls. It is located on the island of Kauai, it is 900 meters deep, and its walls stain the waters of the Waimea River, which in Hawaiian means "reddish water." You can also see the horizontal marks on its walls, which show the movement of the earth's plates. Waimea Canyon State Park has an overlook, trails, and service infrastructure.
7. Watch surfers ride gigantic waves, Oahu
The first written account of surfing in Hawaii dates from 1779. In that passage, written by Lieutenant James King, Native Hawaiians are described riding wooden planks on the ocean waves of Kealakekua Bay, on the Big Island. In the ancient Hawaiian language, surfing is also known as "Nalu hee," and it was defined as a spiritual practice that connected them with their gods.
Today it is one of the most popular sports, and surfers from all over the world come to these shores to ride the gigantic waves. Waimea Bay, on the island of Oahu, is considered the "cradle of surfing." Banzai Pipeline, Makaha, and Waikiki Beach are also highly recommended. And for those who do not dare to get on one of these tables, Seeing this show from the shore, and being in contact with the culture of surfing, is also a must when in Hawaii.
8. Swimming with Manta Rays
Kona Coast, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its stingrays. These amazing sea creatures can exceed 15 meters in width, and their wings can extend up to 6 meters. Despite being a bit scary, they are friendly and do not have teeth, stingers, or quills.
Although they can be seen during the day, they feed on plankton most actively at night, when it rises to the surface of the water. That's why nighttime stingray snorkeling is one of the must-sees in Hawaii.
9. Attend a luau
For Hawaiians, the luau is a way to celebrate different occasions: successful harvests, birthdays, graduations, etc. These parties are held in family homes or in parks, traditional food is served, games and many traditional activities are held.
So that tourists can also take part and witness the customs of the Hawaiian culture, special luaus are held on all the main islands. In this way, you can enjoy hula dance classes, the making of lei necklaces, the royal court parade, Hawaiian stories, the hukilau on the beach, and the imu ceremony, where a Kalua pig is cooked in an underground oven in the traditional way.
10. Eat authentic Hawaiian food
You also can't stop trying the typical Hawaiian cuisine. Although it is very similar to that of other regions of the South Pacific, the gastronomy of this region was greatly enriched by the recipes and techniques carried out by the sugar cane workers, mostly from China, Japan, Korea, and Portugal. In addition to the great influence of American food.
Some typical dishes that you should not miss are taro, the staple food of Hawaiians, or poi, a puree of the taro root. The Lau Lau prepares a pig wrapped in ti leaves and taro leaves and cooks it slowly in an underground oven with volcanic rocks. The Lomi Lomi Salmon is a preparation where the ingredients are mixed (raw salmon with salt, onion, tomato, and chili peppers) giving them a "Lomi" (massage).
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