As mentioned in our previous blog post about our family adventure to Maui, Hawaii has been one of our more frequented destinations as both a couple and a family. Not only do we love the beautiful beaches and the wonderful people we have met on each of the islands, but we love the different types of adventure we have sought out on each of the islands. Instead of writing a separate post on each of the trips we’ve taken to the major islands, I am using this post to list some of the highlights from each of our trips in hopes you will find some excursions that peak your interest.

Kauai

Kauai is the “Garden Island” and is the perfect destination for couples. We have been to the island twice and have found the island both relaxing and full of adventure. Both times on the island, we stayed around the same area on the north side called Princeville. During our first stay, we stayed at a condo that was only steps away from a cliff overlooking the ocean. During our second stay, we stayed at a rental property with a group of friends about a mile away from our first stay.

Queen’s Bath

The Princeville area is home of luxury properties on a golf course. There are green areas and trails for beautiful scenic walks. If you are willing to take a short walk from your rental property, you may also find yourself at one of the local geologic formations called Queen’s Bath. Just be careful where you step if it’s been raining. The trail does get extremely slippery when the rocky path gets wet and there isn’t much to hold on to. However, if you find yourself at the end of the trail, you will be mesmerized by the views.

Nā Pali Coast

Just west of Princeville is Hanalei and where you will find what Kauai is known for: Na Pali Coast. When we went to Kauai in 2015, we were able to drive our vehicle to the beginning of the Na Pali Coast trail and hike. We hiked around 2 miles before the trails got a little too treacherous for the minimal hiking gear (e.g. just tennis shoes) that we had. There are people known to hike and camp the trail which spans 22 miles out and back. This trail has also been known as one of the most 10 dangerous hikes in America but it is known as one of the 10 most beautiful places in America as well. From the short trek we were able to make on the trail, we can attest to its beauty. Unfortunately, the second time we went, we were unable to make it to the trail due to a recent storm and landslides that wiped out the road that takes you to the trail head.

Ziplining

Ziplining in Hawaii is by far one of the best zip lining adventures we’ve experienced. From flying over the lush greenery of Kauai to learning about the different wildlife (and bug life) throughout the trail, you will not want to miss this. We chose to zipline with Princeville Ranch Zipline Adventures which offers more than just ziplining including horseback riding and a swim in the lake just below a water fall. During our first trip, we only chose to do the ziplining portion of the package which I couldn’t do the second time around because…I was pregnant. However, when I was able to zipline, there were two key things I remember: I beat Austen down the 1200′ King Kong line and two, he showed me how brave he was by actually touching a massive spider in a web. Why? I don’t know. But I’ll always remember it.

Smith Family Garden Luau

While you’re in Hawaii, attending a luau is a must. Of all the luaus we have attended, Smith Family Garden Luau is by far the most memorable on any of the islands. This luau is set up at the 30-acre, family-owned garden park. On arrival at the park, you will be given a tour of the property on a tram where you will learn about different plants and animals native to the island. Once the tram ride is over, you will have the opportunity to explore the property on your own where you will become acquainted with many of the onsite peacocks. A short time later, the pa‘ina (feast) starts with the ritual of uncovering the Kālua pig which is roasted in the earthen imu, or underground oven. Both times we attended these luaus (pre-COVID), we sat family style and were released table-by-table to help ourselves to the buffet of Hawaiian food. After we felt like we were about to pop, we were entertained with Hawaiian hula, the Tahitian drum dances, and the Samoan fire knife dance. Both times we stepped away from this luau with deep appreciation of the Hawaiian culture and food.

Helicopter Tour

If you’re ever going to do a helicopter tour, Kauai is the place to do it. We took a helicopter tour through Safari Helicopters. Unfortunately, the propellers of the helicopter casting a strobe light effect in the cabin of the helicopter made for a not-so-nice trip for me since I have dealt with some head injuries in my past life. The majority of the flight, I had my head in my lap covering my eyes but the moments I was told to raise my head to look out the window were worth it. We flew over the Na Pali coast, Mt Waialeale (one of the wettest places on earth), and flew over some stunning double rainbows and waterfalls. If you don’t have a week stomach and want a different view of the island, this is the way to do it.

Hawaiʻi, The Big Island

Although we were only on The Big Island for a few days, we jam packed our trip with some pretty epic adventures. From swimming with manta rays to watching an active volcano erupting, you won’t be disappointed in anything this island offers. This island does have some great beaches but if you’re looking for some unique things to do, this is definitely the island to do it.

Kailauea Volcanic Eruption – 2018

Our trip to The Big Island was absolutely unforgettable and truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When we visited, the Kīlauea volcano had been actively erupting for weeks which unfortunately, had brought complete devastation to the surrounding communities. During this time, the island tourism companies took advantage of the natural disaster and took tour boats out in the early morning hours to watch the large lava flows hit the ocean. We figured since we were there, we would take advantage and check out what an active volcano looked like. To this day, it is hard to describe the heat radiating from the area or the feeling of the boat rocking due to all of the gases forming in the ocean as the lava hits the water. According to USGS, “As hot lava boils cool seawater, a series of chemical and physical reactions create a mixture of condensed, acidic steam, hydrochloric acid gas, and tiny shards of volcanic glass. Blown by wind, this plume creates a noticeable downwind haze, known as “laze” (short for lava haze).” Although I did get several videos of the lava flows, these videos really don’t compare to seeing the activity in person.

Swimming with Manta Rays

As intimidating as it sounds, swimming with manta rays was absolutely incredible. After a small boat ride, we were taken to areas that were lit up by a large board with pool noodles surrounding it. Tourists were asked to get in the water with their snorkels and flippers, swim over to the pool noodles, kick like you’re kicking with a kick board, and look down. Huge manta rays would circle up and eat the plankton that were attracted by the lights under the boards.

Playing with Octopus

While we were driving back to the area near the airport, we fortunately drove by, and subsequently turned around to visit the Kanaloa Octopus Farm. If you have the opportunity to visit The Big Island, this place is a must. While on your visit, you’ll learn this is a research facility focused on sustainable farming and you will get to interact directly with the many octopus that are being cared for.

Maui

Maui is the perfect place to visit with your family. Although you will find quite a bit of tourists on the island, there are beaches that are great for small children, an open ocean aquarium with a tunnel your family can walk through (you may even see sharks swimming above you!), and resorts that have activities perfectly catered to you and your family. There are far more things to do on the island including trekking to the Road to Hana but that drive was a little too adventurous for us. Maybe when the kids are older…

To learn more about everything we did on the island, visit our blog post called “You’re Welcome – Maui“.

Oahu

Oahu is the home of the state capital, Honolulu, as well as the famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit Pearl Harbor during our stay on Oahu but plan to make a visit in the future. Oahu has some great hiking spots with beautiful waterfalls, as well as some nice beaches. Before you go though, plan on lots of crowds especially in the Waikiki area and the typical traffic you would normally see during rush hour in a major city.

Swimming with Sharks

Yes, you read that right. Before we had kids, we were daring, adventurous, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of people. So naturally, we decided to find a company (Island View Hawaii) that would take us out in the open ocean and swim with sharks (no cage). Now, it’s not what you’re thinking in that the company was on the lookout for great whites and just threw us overboard to fend for ourselves. There was a tracker on board the small boat we were on that helped identify if there were pelagic sharks swimming in the area. Once located, we eased our way into the water, put our snorkels on, and watched the sharks in their habitat. Swimming with sharks was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

*Pro tip: if you do get sea- or motion-sickness, take all the nausea medication you would normally take to prevent the sickness. You will be taken out on a small boat in choppy water. Additionally, you’re floating at the top of the water and don’t realize how much you’re moving until it’s too late.

Waimea Beach

After the shark tour, we went to Waimea Beach which is a great spot to go cliff jumping and snorkeling. Although we didn’t have any snorkel gear, I did have my GoPro to film some of the wildlife. I’m going to spare you that video though. If you don’t get motion sick from the shark tour, you most certainly will from the video I took of one of the massive sea turtles we saw while we were at Waimea Beach. Just trust me on this one. In the meantime, here’s some videos of each of us cliff jumping…

Monoa Falls

While on Oahu, we had the opportunity to hike (hike may be a stretch; let’s call it a walk) the Monoa Falls Trail. The trail is about a mile and a half round trip and the entire walk you’re surrounded by lush scenery. To top it off, there is a beautiful water fall at the end of the trail. While we were on the walk, there was a pretty heavy rainfall and the tree coverage didn’t allow for too much sun to peak through enough to warm us up but overall, the trail was enjoyable and we would definitely hike it again.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of Hawaii is each island is just a short, cheap (under $100 during our trips) flight away from another island. If you’re on the fence about which island to go to, spend time at one for a few days before taking a flight over to another one for the remainder of your trip. Enjoy Kauai for its greenery and more laid back vibe. Enjoy The Big Island for its big adventures like swimming with manta rays and viewing its unique landscape formed by one of the youngest volcanoes on the islands. Enjoy Maui for its family-oriented lifestyle and beautiful beaches. Enjoy Oahu for its history and popular beaches. No matter what island you choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed. Maybe we’ll see you there!