Hawaii combines adrenaline-pumping fun and outdoor activities with ultra-luxurious beach side villas. Usually there’s a huge divide between the adventure seekers and the holidaymakers. But you can still experience luxury in Hawaii by staying in a luxury Hawaiian vacation rental in some of the island’s most comfortable accommodations while having a fun adventure holiday. So, why not book one of the big island villa rentals from Luxury Retreats and do some of the following activities during your stay.
Why should you have an adventure holiday in Hawaii
The Pacific Islanders have a reputation for their fearless attitude towards life. Hawaiians go out to ride enormous waves every single day. Others spend their time on jet skis or taking part in water sports. Head inland and rent a bike and ride at breakneck speed down mountain trails. Don’t enjoy cycling? Get out and take part in extreme hiking challenges. Or splash out on a helicopter ride which gives a bird’s eye view of the islands below. And then return to a luxurious beach side villa with a rooftop Jacuzzi and relax with a beer at the end of the day.
Adventure activities in the water
The most popular water sport in Hawaii is surfing. The islanders invented surfing somewhere on the southern part of Oahu several centuries ago. Massive waves roll in from the Pacific Ocean creating the perfect conditions. Thousands of surfers from around the world come to Hawaii every year to surf or take part in competitions. If you’re an experienced surfer, bring your board and hit the waters around the northern coast. Beginners can take lessons from experienced instructors around Waikiki Beach.
The tropical waters surrounding Hawaii is home to millions of fish. This has created a fishing boom. Boats head out into the deeper waters where anglers can pull out fish as big as a small dog. Other tour groups will take you spear fishing.
Snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular activities in Hawaii. Especially in the clear waters surrounding Oahu. Join a snorkeling tour to see the colorful marine world beneath the water’s surface. PADI-certified tourists can go diving. Brave visitors also have an opportunity to swim with sharks. You’ll climb inside a metal cage before getting submerged into the Pacific Ocean as sharks circle around you in the water.
Adventures in the mountains
Hawaii’s mountainous interior has several hiking trails. Some are easy treks leading to vantage points. Others are more towards the extreme end and involve a two-day hike there and back. A favorite trek near Waikiki Beach is to follow the path to Diamond Head Crater. Expect a tough climb up through steep terrain. But the views of the crater and islands at the top will take your breath away.
More extreme adventure travelers can attempt the Kalalau Trail. Covering a distance of 22 miles there and back, hikers need to transverse five valleys. The trail passes over jagged and wet rocks and involves a few precarious crosses over mountains. The most adrenaline-inducing moment will be crossing the infamous Crawler’s Ledge. Crawler’s Ledge consists of a narrow rock shelf you need to cross with a vertical drop into the valley below. If you want to attempt one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, you first need to apply for a special permit. Only a handful of places are available throughout the year, and they get snapped up quickly. If you want to try this challenge, book your spot at least six months before your trip.
Mountain biking is another favorite adventure activity in Hawaii. You can follow several trails up and down the mountains through the jungle. Or if you’re braver, get a dirt bike and join the locals speeding their way over the natural obstacle course. Just make sure you can ride a motorbike before attempting this – the trails are dangerous and one misstep might result in broken bones.
Adventures in the air
Aside from the usual sky diving and paragliding activities, Hawaii offers something one hundred times more fun. You can take a helicopter tour over the extremely active volcano known as Mount Kilauea. The chopper flies over the open crater on Big Island and you can see the spewing molten lava bubbling inside. Expect to have some of the most spectacular views of Hawaii as your fly over the interior.
Bonus adventure activity: The Dole Plantation Challenge
The Dole Plantation Challenge involves completing the world’s largest maze on a three-acre plantation. Most people pass from start to finish in around an hour. But, to make it even more challenging, you can get your card stamped in numerical order. Let me explain. The maze has eight hidden stations with a number between one and eight. You need to find the stations, and get your card stamped starting at one in order up to eight. This takes several hours, and many participants don’t finish. The Dole Plantation Challenge isn’t as extreme as some of the other activities. However, it does offer a unique day out and it promises family-friendly fun for everyone.
Luxury and adventure in Hawaii
Instead of taking an ‘either or’ approach to luxury and adventure in Hawaii, why not combine them both? You can get some of the most stunning villas and vacation rentals along the coast. Then take part in the adventure activities like swimming with sharks, dirt biking and extreme hiking. Or for family-friendly fun, compete in the world’s largest maze on the Dole Plantation Challenge. So, book your luxurious getaway and have unforgettable fun this year in Hawaii.
Did this post put you in the mood for some yummy Hawaiian food? Check out my Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Pizza made with Keli’s Hawaiian Sauces!
Leave a Reply