The 4 Most Adventurous Things to Do in Hawaii

Hit the Highway

Road trips may seem like the less adventurous activity you can do in Hawaii, but don’t be fooled. Driving somewhere you’ve never been before can be just as exciting as the more physical activities.

The road to Hana will test your driving skills but also leave you with a sense of serenity as you realize the beauty around you.

Take on Waimea on the Big Island and you will find yourself getting a history lesson you’ll never forget.

For families, the memories of visiting a real-life working ranch will stay with you until next time.

Staying on the Big Island you can take a trip to Hilo. Here there are an array of things to check out. Historical railways and train museums will keep the kids entertained, but if you must go elsewhere Saddle Road  will teach you what a real road trip is all about.

Naturally, the roads have been made safer these days, but it is still a thrill to experience.

Pack the snacks and take yourselves on an adventure by road.

You won’t regret it

Where: Saddle Road, The Big Island.  The Road to Hana, Maui.  Waimea, The Big Island, The town of Hilo, the Big Island.

Tours: Many guides offer road trip tours. Find the best one for you and your chosen destination.

Go it Alone: Hire a car and head off. Get some road maps or make sure you have a GPS. Why not make a weekend of it. Support the locals by staying and trying the local food.

Swim with the Fishes

Hands up who would love to go swimming with sharks? As it turns out it is one of the most highly-rated adventure activities in Hawaii.

Treacherous, yes, heart-pumping, totally.

The fear of sharks is a real one and for good reason. These creatures are at the top of their food chain.

Make no mistake, they put their needs first.

While some may see them as gentle giants, they are all a wild aspect of our oceans. What makes them adventure-worthy? It’s the unpredictability of wildlife that ensures we are kept on our toes.

Manta rays are quite peaceful, and pose no real harm to humans unless of course provoked.

Still, their size and presence alone will make your heart beat that little bit faster.

Feeding or diving with the sharks, and swimming with manta rays all have risks involved, but that’s what we love about it.

Where: Molokai, Hawaii’s fifth largest Island is a great place to experience shark activity, especially Hammerheads. Maui allows adventurers to get up close and personal with the majestic creatures. Go Shark spotting in the waters of Kona. You won’t be disappointed.

Tours: Check out the tours that will take you to the best places and see these creatures in person.

Go it Alone: Freediving will get you the chance to experience shark activity. It is recommended you are a diver and can handle yourself in a territory that is not your own.

Your Personal Best

Whether hiking for pleasure, or mountain climbing higher to surpass a previous effort, there are several options for those looking to stretch their legs to the maximum.

From Kauai’s Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on earth, to the western mountains  of Maui and its beloved Waihee Ridge hiking trail, they’ll all contribute to your memory of the best parts of adventure life in Hawaii.

These types of hikes and mountain climbs are not just about putting one foot in front of the other but learning different aspects of the historical significance of the ground you’re walking.

Where: Everywhere. Hawaii is part ocean, part mountain. There are plenty of options on every island.

Tours: Take a tour while on your temporary island home Then take the sunset home with you.

Go it Alone: Download our Hawaii Map Packets and find out the best places for you to see. Be sure to have the right gear and know your own capabilities as a hiker.

The Sky’s the Limit

Hand Glide, skydive, parasail, or take a helicopter tour, the air is great up here. If you are a high-flying adventurer, you’ll probably do all four, and be looking for more.

Adventure awaits as you count down to the moment you can feel the Hawaiian wind rush around you.

Sky activities have been described as the most freedom-inspired activity – If you’re game.

Experienced jumpers and gliders find this second nature. Almost like they were born to do it.

Are you up for it?

Where: Most Hawaiian Islands offer one or more options to take to the skies.

Tours: Many tours are available. Your accommodation front desk can guide you or check out the latest tour guides for wherever you are calling home on the islands.

Find the right one for you.

Go it Alone: Take a tour. There aren’t many opportunities to go it alone unless you have made friends with residents who do this as a regular thing.