1) Adventure tours through fires and waterfalls. The iconic and impressive fire and waterfalls run through the abundant ongoing volcanic eruptions and mind-blowing waterfalls of the big island. There are a multitude of ways to see these natural wonders, from easy hiking tours to mid-flight helicopter tours. Basically, it depends on your budget and your measure of adventure. But either way, the great island of Hawaii offers what most have never seen in their lives: seething lava spilling into the sea, misty mountains of water cascading into abysses of impenetrable depth. The lava will amaze you, while the waterfalls will give you a refreshing bath or a wonderful romantic encounter. These sights are good for the young, the old, and the young at heart. In other words, they are the only reasons to visit the big island. Don’t delay or stop them by staying in the hotel pool.
2) Visit the coast. Don’t just sit on a piece of white sand beach, although the Waikiki coastline might be holding you hostage. Instead, get out there and ride the entire stretch of wild coastline. Again, depending on your stomach, you can travel on foot, rent a jeep, canoe, zodiac, speedboat, helicopter (ask to leave the doors open for a truly magnificent experience), or pinball. Each piece of beach seems to be very different. From cooling lava rock to patches of pristine sand so fine, it’s a miracle to think that waves could actually hit it so finely.
3) While visiting these beaches, don’t just sit there; get wet. As beautiful as the shimmering crest of the waves and the sun-bleached sand, there is an entirely different universe waiting just below the surface of the warm water. Grab a fin, tube, or even a scuba tank to relax with thousands of types of saltwater fish and coral reef formations. There are many tours, glass bottom boats, and even freediving expeditions that you can embark on. There are also night tours for the fittest – experience incredible views of stingrays, sharks, and other fish in the dark. Either way, be sure to see all sides of this Big Island paradise, both dry and wet.
4) Zodiac raft whale watching. There really is no better way to go whale watching than in a boat that is smaller than them. Talk about getting your heart racing. Hop on your Captain Ahab here and go after the big fish in a small boat!
5) Take a surf lesson. The beaches of Kona and Waikiki are incredible places to learn to surf. The reason? Long, smooth tip breaks that allow smaller waves to cascade gently to shore. You will find many local surfers to help you here; learning to surf is big business on the big island.
6) Leave tennis, golf, sunbathing and shuffleboard behind. With all these incredible natural wonders to enjoy on the Big Island, leave the most pedestrianized forms of leisure on the mainland.