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The Big Island Hawaii Activities

The BIG ISLAND of HAWAII is just that:BIG! It�s 95 miles long and 80 miles wide with a total land area of 4,038 square miles. Hawaii is much larger than the other three major islands combined. It's also the youngest island, at a mere 450,000-800,000 years old, and is still forming today. (Only Lo'ihi, a seamount to the east that hasn't yet broken the surface, is younger than Hawaii). The grandeur of the Big Island includes some of the world's tallest mountains, deep valleys, plunging waterfalls, 266 miles of coastline, dozens of miles of the best beaches in the world, astounding agricultural plantations, picture-perfect tropical waters, and many other breathtaking scenes of natural and man-made beauty. It's also home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, whose name means "The Spewing" in native Hawaiian.

In the northeast, Mauna Kea (the "White Mountain") rises some 13,800 feet above sea level, serving as an excellent platform for a cluster of modern astronomical observatories. Mauna Loa ("Long Mountain"), which lies near the geographic center of the island, reaches 13,680 feet. This mountain alone is 60 miles long and 30 wide, and consists of lava described as "iron-hard," making it the densest and most massive mountain on Earth. Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are among the tallest mountains in the world. In fact, they would likely be considered the tallest, if the submarine portions of their height were taken into account. Don�t forget to visit Volcanoes National Park, the most active volcanic region on the planet.

Perhaps the most famous section of the Big Island is the Kona (western) coast, where world-famous Kona coffee is grown. It's also where the island's luaus are usually held. (If you can do only one thing while in Hawaii, go to a luau; it's the quintessential Polynesian experience). But Kona is more than just coffee plantations and roast pig: you'll find a whole host of things to do there on both land and sea, including scuba diving, snorkeling, snuba (a delightful combination of snorkeling and scuba), and sportfishing. Honokonau and Keauhau Bays are prime locations for all of the above. Water sports can also be enjoyed at Kealakekua Bay, a magnificent marine sanctuary overflowing with marine life. This spot also bears the distinction of being the place where Captain James Cook made his first appearance in Hawaii, and later died -- so it's overflowing with history as well.

Whale spotting, anyone? The great sperm whale of Moby Dick fame, as well as the smaller Hawaiian pilot whale, false killer whale, beaked whales, and melon-headed whales all live full-time in the seas surrounding the Big Island, while Pacific Humpbacks winter in these waters. And then there are the dolphins -- the wildly acrobatic spinners, and the familiar bottlenoses we all know and love.

Hawaii Island offers a wide variety of exciting & unusual excursions. Sightseeing tours will take you to all the best sights and scenes on the island. See majestic waterfalls, take a unique ecotour, hike through rain forests, or even ride a mule or horse into the countryside. You can opt for spectacular helicopter tours to see everything the island has to offer from a bird's-eye view. Or dive deep beneath the sea in a submarine. For water lovers, there are numerous package tours geared to sailing, blue water rafting, kayaking, cruising on a gorgeous catamaran, snorkeling or SCUBA diving.


Maui Activities

Maui�also known as the "Valley Isle"�is the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, after the Big Island itself. It measures 48 miles long and 26 wide, offering some 728 square miles of land area to enjoy. Maui boasts everything you'd expect from Hawaii, including lovely beaches, warm tropical waters, a fascinating history, vertiginous mountains, lush green valleys, fantastic waterfalls, and sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon.

Maui's most prominent feature is Mount Haleakala, the massive "House of the Sun," a dormant volcano more than 10,000 feet high with a base big enough to cover Manhattan. Various activities are focused around Haleakala, including a variety of bicycle tours ranging in length from 10 to 38 miles long. Whether you go escorted or unescorted is your choice. You can even just rent bicycles and head off on your own. Horseback riding into the crater is also available, providing both that unique bond between human and horse and access to places you couldn't easily reach otherwise. Get up early & experience sunrise at the volcano peak. Or witness a majestic volcano sunset that will absolutely take your breath away.

As for water sports, you'll find great locations for snorkeling and scuba in the historic Lahaina area, the historic region was once served as King Kamehameha's capitol and later served as a center of the Hawaiian whaling industry.

Today, Lahaina is Maui's version of Waikiki, a center for culture and tourism that supports diverse entertainment venues and acts as a port for many sea-based industries. It's here, and on nearby Wailea Beach, that you'll find the luaus, those most quintessential of Hawaiian experiences. It's from the Lahaina port that most whale-watching tours are launched. Most tours travel to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary between Maui and Oahu, or to the Lanai and Molokini areas. Most of these tours focus on the Pacific Humpbacks, which visit these waters in the winter, but on occasion you'll also see the great sperm whale of Moby Dick fame, as well as the smaller Hawaiian pilot whale, false killer whale, beaked whales, and melon-headed whales. Then there are the delightful dolphins, who occasionally make a raucous appearance.

In addition to the bicycle tours around Haleakala, you can select a variety of other modes of transportation, from comfortable air-conditioned bus to helicopter. Several different land tours allow you to ride in style across the island, hitting all the highlights in day-long adventures that immerse you in all the best Maui has to offer. If you're in a hurry, take a helicopter ride out of Kahului Airport with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. These exciting air excursions let you see just about everything in only an hour or so & many offer a memorable video to take home with you.

And then there's the sunset dinner cruise, that unique combination of seagoing excursion and fine dining. Maui offers three wonderful cruises aboard luxurious, smooth-sailing yachts, all operating out of the Port of Lahaina. There's nothing quite as relaxing and romantic as enjoying a quiet dinner cruise with that someone special, as you watch the Hawaiian sun sink into an ocean in a blaze of colors.

Be sure to visit the quaint town of Hana. You can rent a car and take a leisurely drive along the picturesque, winding road to charming Hana. Stop for a picnic along the way & watch amazing surfers ride huge waves out in the deep ocean blue.


Oahu Activities

At forty miles long and 26 wide, Oahu's not the biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, but it serves as the seat of government and is home to the state's largest city. You can find a bit of everything on Oahu, ranging from timeless, palm-fringed beaches to the high-tech allure of downtown Honolulu. The third largest of the four major islands (after Hawaii and Maui), Oahu also boasts expansive pineapple fields, majestic mountains, extinct volcanoes, steamy rain forests, historic sites, and an infinity of ocean�and let's not forget magnificent Waikiki Beach! It�s one of the top all-around beaches in the world. Hotels and businesses crowding the waterfront at Waikiki offer cultural activities and entertainment venues unequaled anywhere in the world. The city of Honolulu is itself a tourist mecca, offering exotic historic sites like Iolani Palace and the famous statue of King Kamehameha. Of course, there�s fabulous shopping!

The island is split from northwest to southeast by twin mountain ranges, the Waianae range to the west and the Koolau range to the east, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure on the slopes and in the associated valleys. Between the ranges is a fertile central plain, bracketed by Pearl Harbor on the south and the famous surfing area, North Shore (on the north, oddly enough). The less-developed leeward (western) side of the island hosts the lovely towns of Waianae and Mahaka. Honolulu (which means "protected bay" in native Hawaiian) is on the south end of the island and, if you're like most visitors, that's where you'll begin your Oahu adventure. To access the central plain, or to get from one side of the island to another, you'll have to go through the mountains via the various highway tunnels�or go over them by helicopter.

One of the top sites on the island is historic Pearl Harbor--where World War II began for the United States. Located a few miles west of Honolulu, this is a site no one should miss. For surfing and other water sports, try the incomparable North Shore. There�s ocean kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, and just about any water-based activity you can imagine! The Waikiki area, including fabulous Kewalo Reef near Diamond Head, and the Leeward Coast are the best locations for both snorkeling and scuba diving, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. The Leeward Coast also offers some of the finest golf courses in the world.

As the center of the tourism industry in Hawaii, Oahu offers a wide variety of tour packages. Tour around the entire island or visit neighboring islands for day tours. You can even tool around in a vintage World War II amphibious vehicle called a "Duck," going from land to sea with no trouble at all. Helicopters and seaplanes allow you to view a wide area in minimum time. At sea and during the appropriate season (from December to April), you can even get up close and personal with the largest animals on the planet: whales. The waters between Oahu and Maui have been designated as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Up for real adventure? The island is host to a variety of vendors who'll be glad to give you a taste of the exciting and unusual, from the tame to terrifying! The world-famous Kualoa Ranch offers both horseback and ATV riding into lush mountain valleys well known for their appearances in Hollywood movies like Jurassic Park. The west side of the island is host to the only water park in Hawaii, Hawaiian Waters, where you can choose from three different water sports packages. Dive deep below the sea in Atlantis Submarines, which operates a big 60-passenger boat out of Waikiki. Or head out to sea to frolic with inquisitive spinner dolphins. If you're really brave, take a trip out to the deep waters off Oahu's North Shore with Hawaii Shark Adventures. Then climb into a giant Plexiglas cage while curious sharks press their noses against the windows. And say your prayers!


Kauai Activities

At 33 miles long and 25 wide, Kauai is the smallest and oldest of the four major Hawaiian Islands. However, that doesn't lessen its spectacular beauty or its irrepressible charm one bit! A true tropical paradise, Kauai is also the greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, a fact that has earned it the nickname "the Garden Isle." Kauai's 549 square miles of surface area includes every type of environment you'd expect from any Hawaiian island, including but not limited to breathtaking mountains and valleys, majestic waterfalls, 90 miles of coastline, the best beaches in the world, astounding agricultural plantations, picture-perfect tropical waters ideal for snorkeling and SCUBA experiences. Also worthy of note are two of Hawaii's most famous and spectacular features, Waimea Canyon and Fern Grotto. Described by Mark Twain as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon will astound you with its wild, colorful beauty. Fern Grotto, which you might recognize from Elvis' movie Blue Hawaii, remains one of the most beautiful and exotic locales in Hawaii.

From the seafloor to its highest point, Kauai is about three miles high. The highest point occurs at the top of Kawaikini Peak, some 5,240 feet above sea level; nearby Mount Waialeale, at 5,080 feet, is nearly as tall. The northeastern slopes of Mount Waialeale are among the wettest in the world, receiving an amazing 450 inches of rain per year. These constant showers have eroded a series of deep valleys into the slopes of the mountains, including the impressive Waimea Canyon, which measures nearly 10 miles long and a half-mile deep in places.

Kauai offers two great locations for snorkeling. Not only can you enjoy the warm waters of the Na Pali coast, the "jewel of Kauai" on the island's North Coast, you can venture out to neighboring Ni'ihau, the privately-owned "Forbidden Island." Both locations are also home to pods of wild spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and even resident pilot whales, if you'd prefer communing with cetaceans. Na Pali is also the destination of the island's whale watching tours, which just might bring you into close contact with not just Pacific humpback whales, but also the great sperm whale of Moby Dick fame, as well as the smaller Hawaiian pilot whale, false killer whale, beaked whales, and melon-headed whales.


Molokai Activities

Molokai The Friendly Island: Explore the Friendly Island and discover the real Hawaiian way of life. Laid back and slow moving, Molokai is a step behind the rest of Hawaii. It is best known for the Kalaupapa Leprosy Colony tended by Father Damien. Historic, moving and inspiring is the Island of Molokai.

Discover Molokai and witness the beauty of towering sea cliffs, ancient Hawaiian fish ponds and the true aloha of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai you�ll experience an adventure out of the ordinary.


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