Nature trips include the list of most popular entertainment of the islands. In Hawaii, there is a huge number of companies who can offer you plenty of attractions: hiking,trips to waterfalls, volcanoes, historic sites and much more.
Nature of Hawaii is rich, colorful and unique. On the islands you can see the stunning waterfalls, tropical forests and valleys with lush vegetation, active volcanoes and lava flows of the liquid. Below is a list of the most popular places for excursions, which you can visit while in Hawaii.
Excursions on Oahu
Mount Diamond Head is one of the most remarkable places on the island of Oahu. It is an extinct volcano, situated on the southern coast of the island, the beach at Waikiki. Its peak, located at an altitude of 231 meters, is a favorite place for nature lovers and hikers. Climbing Mount is fairly simple and takes 20-50 minutes (depending on the speed of walking). From the observation platform at the top of Diamond Head you can see Waikiki, Honolulu, Koko Head, and in clear weather – even the neighboring island of Molokai. In the winter you have a chance to also see whales in coastal waters.
On the island there are multiple companies involved in organizing hiking to the top of Diamond Head. However, many people prefer to make this trip alone, because the mountain is easily accessible from Waikiki by bus number 22 and 58. Admission ticket – $ 1. The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
Getting to Manoa Falls (height 45 m) can only be reached on foot. It is located in the mountains of Koolau, and the path to the waterfall a length of about 2.4 km away is easy enough even for a beginner backpacking tourist. The trail is maintained in good condition, but after the rain it can be quite messy. The route passes through a bamboo forest, where you can see many various tropical flowers and trees.
This route is quite popular with tourists, and the waterfall is visited a lot of people. If you book an excursion to a waterfall with a guide, you can visit it with a small group of other tourists, while your guide tells you about the mountains surrounding the waterfall. Do not hesitate to ask your guide questions, because he usually knows the answer even for the most difficult questions. If you want to go to the waterfall yourself, then you can get to the Koolau mountains on the number 5 bus, which departs from the shopping center “Ala Moana”.
Pali Lookout is located on the Pali road, closer to the windward side of the island. It offers spectacular views of the 300-meter cliff Koolau Mountains. From this point is easily visible both the ocean and land, and you’ll see a large chunk of the east coast of Oahu, the city of Kaneohe and Kailua, and a small island Chaynamens Hat. Pali Lookout is a significant historical event: it was here, in 1795 King Kamehameha spent his last battle to unite the island under its rule. During this battle, killing hundreds of soldiers, and some legends say that the souls of these men still live in this place. Many people who visited the Pali Lookout, told later that they felt the strange presence in that place.
Pali Lookout is open from 9 am to 4 days on a daily basis, you will not need to buy a ticket, so if you are traveling by car on the road Pali, then you can stop and spend some time at the Pali Lookout. Near this place there is a huge free parking. Many local companies also arrange trips to the Pali Lookout for you.
Among other popular excursion places on Oahu are Kualoa ranch, plantation of Dole, the beaches of Hanauma Bay, Kailua, Turtle Bay and Waimea Falls.
Excursions on the island of Maui
Haleakala Crater, also known as the “House of the Sun”, is the world’s largest dormant volcano. Its peak is located at an altitude of 3,055 meters above sea level. Crater with its adjacent territory is one of the most amazing places on earth because the area resembles a lunar landscape and view from the summit offers a truly delicious. Most local companies offer various tours to Mount Haleakala on cars, bikes, horses, ATV or on foot.
One of the most favorite tourist tours to the mountain is an excursion at sunrise, during which you can see from the top of the morning sun. Alternatively you can go sightseeing at sunset or at night excursion. If you want to visit the crater itself, then know that the National Park Haleakala is open all day and every day, except on days when the weather is overcast.
Valley of the Iao is located on the west of the island of Maui, 5 km from Wailuku. This is a valley with lush tropical vegetation and a favorite place for hikers of many tourists. The most famous place of the valley is Iao Needle, 365-meter high rock formation, covered with tropical vegetation. Frequently its apex is surrounded by clouds. Iao Needle is located around the steep slopes of a sleeping volcano.
Iao Needle at a viewing platform, which can be reached on foot and with a wonderful view over the valley and Kahului Bay. Besides its natural beauty Iao Valley is home to important historical events: in 1790 there occurred the last battle of King Kamehameha I. Currently, state park “Valley IAO” is open to the public from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Hiking trails are suitable for all walkers.
Excursions on the island of Kauai
Waimea Canyon (16 km – length of over 1 066m – depth) is located in the western part of the island. The famous writer Mark Twain was shocked beauty canyon, called it “Pacific Grand Canyon.” Most local companies offer bus, bicycle and hiking tours to the canyon.
If you want to explore the canyon on your own, then you’ll find a lot of good review sites all the way to the canyon. At the end of the road Waimea Canyon Drive, leading to the canyon begins State Park Kokee. You can get around the canyon, one of the many routes that are suitable for hikers of any degree of preparedness.
Fern Grotto is a natural cave formed by lava flows, surrounded by ferns. Geologists believe that this grotto was formed millions of years ago, and now it is considered to be a geological wonder.It can be reached only by boat and takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the island of origin. Fern Grotto is one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii, and many couples even hold their wedding ceremony here.
In addition to these places you can visit the Spouting Horn,waterfall and beach Opaekaa Poipu.
Excursions on the Big Island
National Park Hawaii Volcanoes , located in an area of more than 1,214 km2, attracts tourists from all over the world. In the park you can see the different ecosystems that have been formed as a result of 70 million years of volcanic activity. The park was declared a biosphere reserve and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many local companies offer bus or walking tours to the largest active volcano. In the park you can see the active volcano Kilauea. Or you can explore the park on their own. Park Hawaii Volcanoes is located 48 miles south of Hilo, and open all day and every day.
Wipe in the valley you will see a large number of cascading waterfalls, the tallest of which – 365 m. You are free to explore the valley or to book a tour with a local company.You can reach the valley on a cart, horse, bicycle or on foot. The valley covers an area of 1.6 km in width and 9.7 km in length and is located in the northeastern part of the island.
We also encourage you to visit the beach with black sand, Punaluu, Ahalanui Park and National Historic Park .
