While traveling to Hawai’i might elicit images of sipping mai tais on white sand beaches and lazily snorkeling among vibrant tropical fishes, each Island is distinct in what it offers both its visitors and residents. Hawai’i Island is a place made for those with adventurous spirits who can handle a bit of a challenge during their vacation — so much so that it hosts the IRONMAN World Championship nearly every year, welcoming an influx of athletes and go-getters. Many activities on the Big Island are designed for traveling families or seasonal snowbirds, such as a relaxing dinner cruise or a lū’au, which is fun for the whole family. However, Hawai’i Island is a unique and fascinating concoction: it has a rich paniolo (cowboy) history, it’s home of the most active volcano in the world, and it contains four of the world’s five major climate zones. Without overstating it, there’s something for everyone here, including those seeking adventurous Hawai‘i activities that get the blood flowing or take you to the ends of the earth. Try a Hawai‘i Island adventure that is built for those looking to make thrilling memories.
Enjoy Hawaiian nightlife with manta rays
Manta rays, called hahalua (two breaths) in Hawaiian, symbolize wisdom, strength, and flow. For a Hawai’i Island adventure that includes these gentle giants, consider diving or snorkeling with them in one of the only places in the world that you can. Those who wade into the water with these gentle giants transcend into a different world as the vibrant lights flood the dark ocean. Plankton, which is a manta’s primary food source, rise to the surface to bask in the light — and where there’s plankton, there are mantas. Witness as these oceanic ballerinas put on a show, performing somersaults and swirls while filter-feeding.
Recommendation: Consider Sea Quest or Fairwind Cruises for snorkeling, and Aquatic Life Divers for diving. To protect the wildlife, only experienced swimmers that are comfortable in the ocean (at night) should pursue this activity.
Experience authentic Hawaiian cowboy culture
The ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian) word for cowboy is paniolo. Captain George Vancouver introduced cattle to the Islands in 1973 as a gift to Kamehameha the Great but it wasn’t until the early half of the 1800s that Hawai’i’s prosperous ranching and beef industry was born. Kauikeaouli, otherwise known as Kamehameha III, invited a handful of vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) to Hawai’i to teach his people how to work and drive cattle, and thus, from the word español, Hawaiians derived paniolo.
To this day, Waimea’s signature characteristic is its rolling green hills, a red stop sign that reads “Whoa!”, and its rich cowboy culture. Nestled between Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountain, it is home to the historic Parker Ranch, many other working ranches, and rodeos.
Experience a different side of Hawai’i with 4D Quarter Horses. Their ‘Ohana Ride is perfect for families and newcomers, with options for a more experienced rider, such as the 2-hour Advanced Ride or a cattle drive tour. Enjoy a true open-range ride through a beautiful working ranch, riding through rolling green hills with Maui sitting on the horizon.
Recommendation: Bring a light jacket, it gets chilly! Waimea sits above 2,000 ft in elevation and provides a refreshing break from beachside tropic humidity.
Take the plunge from 12,000 feet – skydive in Hawai’i!
Take off from Upolu Airport in the historic town of Hawi with Big Island Gravity for “the most beautiful skydive in the world.” While cruising along the Hamakua coastline, you’ll come face-to-face with the Seven Sacred Valleys and all the beauty they have to offer, including lush tropical rainforests, towering waterfalls, and a coastline dotted with black sand beaches and islets. Once at the exit altitude, you’ll freefall for approximately 50 seconds and experience what it’s like to fly, before deploying your parachute and steering your way back towards Upolu.
Recommendation: During the winter months, an early morning skydive provides unmatched views—and even the possibility of seeing humpback whales!
Not ready to take the diving plunge? Try ziplining in Hawai’i!
What tropical vacation is complete without an adventurous zip through the tropics? The east side of Hawai’i Island receives 140 inches of rainfall each year. Rivers carve through lush tropical rainforests, creating a picturesque landscape.
For those seeking the thrill of height-induced butterflies, soar over the ever-flowing ‘Umauma River. The ‘Umauma Experience is an adventure park located north of Hilo, with a 9-line zipline course that takes guests over 14 waterfalls and two miles of emerald paradise. Glide alongside a partner or friend on four tandem lines, and those who are feeling extra bold can dangle themselves upside down. This is also a great option for families who are seeking a Hawai’i Island adventure together.
Upgrade to a zip & dip combination tour for the chance to swim and kayak in a waterfall. The property also provides a deluxe ATV tour, and the ‘Umauma Experience partners with Wailea Horseback Adventure for trail rides.
Recommendation: Mornings tend to provide the best weather conditions – before tradewinds bring in the rain.
Hike along the world’s most active volcano
The 2018 lower Puna eruption of Kīlauea added 875 acres to the island. Strap on some shoes and hike across the youngest land in the world with KapohoKine on their tour, the Elite Volcano Hike. Alongside a National Park Service certified guide, explore Big Island’s history through volcanology and geology, traverse lava tube systems, and tackle a hike within the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Witness firsthand the aftermath of the Halema’uma’u Crater collapse and, weather permitting, watch as new lava burbles deep within once the sun goes down.
At the far end of the Big Island, hike the elder sister of Kīlauea: Kohala. This mountain is over one million years old, making it the oldest landmass on Hawai’i Island, and predates the last ice age. Hawaii Forest & Trail specializes in previously inaccessible locations through partnerships with landowners and wildlife refuges, taking guests to places they cannot go to on their own. Their Kohala Waterfalls Adventure immerses guests in a private nature reserve on a hike that cruises past seven waterfalls with a revitalizing dip in the final pool. Finally, enjoy a picnic lunch from the rare perspective of the wall of the Seven Heavenly Valleys.
Recommendation: Pack comfortable walking shoes for Hawai’i. Many of the Island’s wonders take you off the beaten path.
A Hawai‘i Island adventure not for the faint of heart: Swim with sharks off the Kona Coast
There are 40 species of shark that call Hawai’i’s waters home. Reef sharks (blacktips and whitetips) peruse coral reefs and sift through sand, whereas their much larger cousins, tiger sharks, venture out in the deep. While O’ahu has a reputation for shark diving — cage diving, in particular — Hawai’i Island adventure seekers, whether visitors or residents, can find one great option that brings them into close quarters with the ocean’s most misunderstood apex predator.
Venture three miles off the coast with Kona Shark Diving for an open-ocean experience in deep blue shark-infested waters. Experienced free divers or first-timers can come and learn about the beast at the top of Hawai’i’s food chain from experienced shark divers.
Recommendation: Getting in the water with sharks may not be for the faint of heart, so alternatively, Kona Shark Diving offers a shark viewing trip, too.
While you’re out adventuring, be sure to check out Where to See Native Plants on the Big Island.
Enjoy! And above all, be safe and follow all posted rules and signs – especially the ones that warn about trespassing.
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