How many have you been too?
Hawaii is known for sunshine, beaches, and leis, but this captivating state has much more to offer than that, as long as you know where to look!
Every year, millions of travelers descend on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, soaking up the unfiltered sunshine and the unassuming vibes. A number of Hawaiian hot-spots have emerged over the years and play host to thousands of visitors, nearly 365 days a year.
The popular locales are good for an overpriced daiquiri and a few snapshots, but what about the real Hawaii? For folks who wish to experience the Hawaiian islands in a genuine, inside-out way that a travel brochure will not provide, here are some great options.
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Unusual Things to do in Hawaii
These are the best and unusual things to do in Hawaii for adults. How many have you been to?
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are the geological foundation of the islands of Hawaii, and their abundance and activity keep the island’s landscape in a state of constant change. Mauna Kea is a massive, dormant volcano in the northern region of the island of Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian mythology teaches that all of the island’s volcanoes and mountains are sacred places, and their activity is controlled by higher powers.
Indeed, visitors to the great volcano often speak of its spirituality and its calming effect. Mauna Kea stands over 13,000 feet above the seas that calmly splash only miles away, and photo opportunities abound from all sides and elevations.
To get yourself around Mauna Kea and the beautiful and diverse island of Hawaii, you will want to rent a private car for your trip so that you can move about at your leisure. If you are on a specific, limited budget, discount Hawaii car rentals are a good place to start. Or, if you don’t mind spending lots of money, you can rent a Porsche from a luxury agency and tour around the islands in eccentric style.
Once you’ve got your transportation figured out, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which sits along the southeastern coastline of Hawaii, and which is a great place to spend a day with your family or significant other. Here, two main volcanoes are known as Kilauea and Mauna Loa, continuously grow upward along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, creating a sight-unseen anywhere else on Earth.
Both of the volcanoes are very active and can be seen spewing lava and gasses of various origins into the Hawaiian air. Evening bus tours weave visitors through a series of pathways where they can see the exploding lava in brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds once the sun goes down.
Holualoa
After stretching your legs out during a long day touring volcanoes, many folks will likely want to sit down to a meal and a warm cup of coffee. The village of Holualoa is the perfect destination to relax and rest tired muscles. Located on the western coast of the island, just a stone’s throw from Highway 180, Holualoa is known for its charming art galleries and quaint coffee shops.
In fact, the small village is internationally known to produce some of the world’s finest coffee. The entire downtown area could fit into a few big-city square blocks, and the vibrant and bountiful farms are tucked into pockets all over the mountainous landscape. Touring the small village is truly an amazing experience, representing the cultural opposite of the high-priced and flashy locales on other parts of the island.
Hiking
The island of Hawaii is a dream destination for a variety of reasons, and hiking is certainly high on the list. Hiking paths traverse beautiful island landscapes like capillaries in the circulatory system and are as abundant on the island as sunshine and smiles. The aforementioned Mauna Kea is a hiker’s dream, as paths take visitors all the way up to the top of the 13,000-foot geological marvel.
Hikers from the mainland should be forewarned that acute altitude sickness is very common for folks who are in good enough shape to dart up mountains but are not acclimated to the thin tropical air. Resting areas are designated along the paths to remind hikers of this and also serve as great spots to snap some breathtaking pictures, likely to be shown off on social media websites at the conclusion of the vacation.
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These four places will provide any visitor with a truly Hawaiian experience that simply cannot be found on the Waikiki strip. Just don’t tell too many people, because open seats in the great coffee shops of Houauloa are already hard enough to find!
Laura x
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