Kauai
Kauai offers unique adventures, such as mountain
tubing in the miles of water flumes of Lihue, ziplining
above Kauai’s lush rainforests, off-road exploring by
4x4 or ATV on Kauai’s South Shore, horseback riding in the pastures of Princeville, or hiking the trails of
Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon. Since 90%
of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking is a great way
to see the island’s natural splendor first-hand.
There are numerous trails to explore but the most
famous hike on Kauai is the challenging 11-mile Kalalau trail along the Napali Coast. Beginning at the
end of the road at Kee Beach, most people hike in
and stay at least one night before returning. Others
limit their hike to the first two miles, which leads to
Hanakapiai Beach. Permits are required for camping and day hikes past Hanakapiai Valley in the park
and may be obtained through the Hawaii State Parks
Division.
On the West Side, Waimea Canyon and Kokee State
Park offer some of the best hiking trails on the island.
Spread over 4,325 acres, Kokee State Park features
trails leading to scenic lookouts (like the Awaawapuhi
Trail) and hikes for the family (Cliff Canyon and Black
Pipe Trail).
Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/ Max Wanger
Molokai
Molokai is only small, but there is still plenty of adventure available. You might like to take a hike to Mooula Falls through the natural wilderness of historic
Halawa Valley. Explore Molokai’s south shore by
bike, touring Molokai’s historic places. Or saddle up
a mule and head down Kalaupapa’s scenic, switchbacks.
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Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/ Tor Johnson
Land Adventures
Oahu
The waves at Waimea Bay roar and watching the
surfer’s take on some of the biggest sets in the world
is one way to spend your days on shore.
Or you might choose to feel the exhilaration of riding
down a trail on a mountain bike, off-roading on an
ATV, or hiking one of Oahu’s thirty-five trails. For the
truly fearless, take a 17,000 foot skydive and marvel
at a North Shore view few have seen.
Maui
On Maui, horseback ride atop Haleakala , Maui’s
highest peak; take an ATV tour; or enjoy your first helicopter ride to see breathtaking views of Maui’s pristine valleys and waterfalls. Maui’s hiking trails allow
you to experience the beauty of the Magic Isle. For
an easy hike, visit historic Iao Valley State Park. This
paved trail offers fantastic valley views. For a more
difficult hike try the Pipiwai trail to 400-foot Waimoku
Falls in the lush Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park. Visit the Kipahulu Visitor’s Center for
more information.
Or you can hike atop the scenic summit of Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak. Take the Halemauu Trail or
the Keeneheehee (sliding sands) trail down from the
crater and see volcanic landscapes, mountainous
wilderness and rare endemic plants like the ahinahina (silversword).
And on Maui, you can experience the longest downhill bike tour anywhere in the world! You’ll be taken
to 10,000 feet to the summit of Haleakala National
Park, before the ride down the mountain commences
(at an elevation of 6,700 feet).