Outdoor activities
20 guides
Best Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island 2026
The Big Island's clear, calm leeward waters and volcanic reef systems make it one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. Here are the top spots and what makes each one worth going.
Best Stargazing Spots in Hawaii — Not Just Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea gets all the attention but Hawaii has excellent stargazing on every island. Here are the best spots to see the Milky Way, plus tips on making the most of dark sky nights.
Hawaii Birdwatching Guide — Native Birds and Where to See Them
Hawaii has some of the most unique birdlife on earth — and some of the most endangered. Here's where to find native Hawaiian birds on each island, and what to look for.
Best Multi-Day Hiking Trails in Hawaii
Hawaii's backcountry trail system is small but extraordinary. Here are the multi-day routes worth planning a trip around, from Napali Coast to the Big Island's lava deserts.
Hawaii with Teenagers — What Actually Works
Teenagers in Hawaii can be the best travel companions if you pick the right activities. Here's what actually lands with the 13-18 crowd versus what gets eye rolls.
Hawaii Summer Bucket List 2026
Summer in Hawaii has a specific rhythm — calm water on the south shores, big swell on the north, green mountains, and festivals scattered through the calendar. Here's what to put on your list.
Best Cliff Jumping Spots in Hawaii — Safety Guide
Hawaii has some spectacular cliff jumping spots, but the risk is real. Here's where people jump, what makes a spot safer versus dangerous, and what to know before you go.
Best Waterfall Hikes in Hawaii 2026 — By Island
Hawaii has hundreds of waterfalls tucked into its valleys and ridges. Here are the best waterfall hikes by island, from easy roadside walks to full-day backcountry routes.
Best Camping Spots in Hawaii 2026
Camping in Hawaii puts you at remote beaches, rainforest valleys, and high-altitude crater floors that hotels can't touch. Here's where to go and how to get a permit.
Best Tidepooling Spots in Hawaii
Hawaii's tidal pools are home to some of the most colorful and unusual marine life you can observe without getting fully wet. Here are the best spots on each island.
Best Scuba Diving in Hawaii 2026 — For Beginners and Experienced Divers
Hawaii's underwater world rewards divers of every level. From easy shore dives with sea turtles to deep lava tube dives, here's where to go and what to know.
Best Helicopter Tours in Hawaii — Which Island Is Best From the Air?
Hawaii from the air is extraordinary, but the experience varies significantly by island. Here's which island gives you the most dramatic helicopter tour and what to know before you book.
Best ATV and Off-Road Tours in Hawaii
Hawaii's plantation roads and ranch land make for some surprisingly good ATV territory. Here's where to get muddy on each island.
Best Zipline Tours in Hawaii 2026
Hawaii's zipline tours run above rainforests, sugar cane fields, and ocean cliffs. Here's where the best ones are and what makes each stand out.
Best Fishing Charters in Hawaii 2026 — By Island
Hawaii's deep offshore waters are some of the world's best for big game fishing. Here's what to know about booking a charter by island, from half-day trolling to overnight trips.
Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots in Hawaii
Stand-up paddleboarding was basically invented in Hawaii. Here are the flattest, most scenic spots to SUP on each island, plus where to rent boards.
Snorkeling Tours vs DIY in Hawaii — Is a Boat Tour Worth It?
Do you need a boat tour to snorkel in Hawaii, or can you do it yourself? The honest answer depends on where you're going and what you want to see.
Best Kayaking in Hawaii 2026 — Kailua, Napali, Kealakekua Bay and More
Hawaii has some of the most varied kayaking in the world — calm lagoons, sea caves, and remote coastlines only reachable by paddle. Here's where to go by island.
Best Surf Schools in Hawaii 2026 — Where to Learn by Island
Ready to finally learn to surf? Here's where to take your first lesson on each island, from Waikiki's mellow whitewash to Maui's beginner-friendly breaks.
Best Hikes on Maui in 2026 — Crater Trails, Coastal Walks, and Bamboo Forests
Maui's hiking spans volcanic craters, bamboo forests, and sea cliffs. Here are the hikes worth making time for, with honest notes on difficulty and access.