Hawaii is a dream destination for adventure seekers, but many travelers focus solely on Oahu. The Waikiki Beach experience is beautiful but a bit of a fantasy with artificial white sand beaches and cultural experiences imagined by mainland hoteliers.
While Oahu has its share of iconic sights, the other Hawaiian islands offer incredible experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re exploring underwater worlds, hiking through hidden landscapes, or immersing yourself in local culture, there are countless ways to discover Hawaii’s wilder side beyond its most visited island. These are some of the best adventurous things to do in Hawaii beyond Oahu that we experienced during a recent trip to the islands.
Snorkel Mala Wharf
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Maui’s Mala Wharf is an underrated snorkeling and diving destination with a thriving marine ecosystem. The sunken remains of an old pier have created an artificial reef where sea turtles, tropical fish, and even reef sharks gather. Snorkeling here feels like stepping into an underwater city full of life and history.
Even though we were only snorkeling, we were surrounded by turtles at Mala Wharf. We saw turtles everywhere, and a few curious ones even swam by to say hi. You can see sharks resting under the rubble if you’re comfortable freediving down 15 feet.
Explore the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
History and nature intertwine at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park on the Big Island. This sacred site offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture, with well-preserved fishponds, petroglyphs, and historic coastal trails. Walking through the park is a journey back in time, revealing how early Hawaiians lived in harmony with the land and sea.
What we loved about spending a day at Kaloko-Honokōhau was that green sea turtles were everywhere. They were chilling in the shallow water, taking naps on land, and feeding on an offshore grass bed. Any day that includes Hawaiian culture and sea turtles is a good day for me.
Explore Mākena State Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
On Maui, Mākena State Park (also known as Big Beach) offers some of the island’s most stunning shorelines. With golden sand, turquoise waters, and a dramatic backdrop of volcanic formations, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, bodysurfing, or simply taking in the raw beauty of Hawaii. The nearby Little Beach, accessible via a short trail, is famous for its sunset gatherings.
We kayaked to Mākena State Park and observed the beautiful beaches from the ocean. It was a morning paddle, so the sunbathers weren’t out on Little Beach yet, which was probably just as well – IYKYK.
Go on a Crater Hike
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The Hawaiian islands are full of volcanic landscapes, but some craters remain hidden gems. Guided hikes to lesser-known craters on the Big Island or Maui offer a chance to witness dramatic terrain without the crowds. These hikes often take you through lush forests, past lava formations, and breathtaking viewpoints of ancient volcanic activity.
We took the Hidden Craters Hike from Hawaii Forest & Trail on Kona. Our guide took us past three locked gates and performed a decontamination procedure to prevent diseases from spreading to the endemic ‘Ōhi’a lehua trees. Our route has us ascending a thousand vertical feet up relatively fresh lava flows before exploring a lava tube. We hiked through lush forests that had grown over historic flows on the way down.
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Located on the Big Island, Kealakekua Bay is one of Hawaii’s most stunning snorkeling spots. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with vibrant marine life, and the bay is historically significant as the site where Captain James Cook died. This underwater paradise is perfect for spotting colorful fish and thriving coral reefs and inspired the Drop Off in Disney’s Finding Nemo.
We reached the bay on a boat snorkeling tour and swam into the shallows from beyond the drop-off. The area has many natural springs bubbling up into the ocean, creating huge congregations of colorful reef fish. Our favorite fish sighting was a free swimming moray eel. After our swim, our experience guides told us how the cliffs surrounding the bay were an ancient mausoleum with thousands of burials and a manifestation of the volcano goddess Pele. I could never quite see Pele’s flowing hair in the layers of lava, but the stories and connection to traditional Hawaii were fascinating.
Go on a Dolphin Tour
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Seeing dolphins in the wild is a magical experience, but choosing an ethical tour that respects marine life is important. In places like the Big Island, ethical tour operators follow strict guidelines to observe dolphins without disturbing them. Look for tours that avoid chasing or feeding the dolphins and allow encounters on the animals’ terms instead.
We saw many dolphins, but our best experience was when we were anchored outside of Kona. Thirty playful dolphins came to our ship at night and chased needlefish in our lights. The crew was able to submerge a hydrophone so we could hear their squeals and chatter. The best dolphin show is to watch them in their natural environment, feeding, playing, and just being dolphins.
Swim With Manta Rays
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
One of the most surreal underwater experiences in Hawaii is swimming with manta rays at night. The Big Island is famous for this unique adventure, where you float near the surface while giant manta rays gracefully glide past, feeding on plankton. Ethical operators ensure these encounters are safe for both humans and marine life, making it a must-do experience for ocean lovers.
Unfortunately for us, we were skunked on our night with the mantas. We spent about an hour on the water watching for the mantas to come. The lights were on, but nobody came home. We’ve heard that the more established a tour is, the more likely mantas will come.
Go On A Humpback Whale Tour
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, making for unforgettable whale-watching experiences. The largest concentrations occur in the Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary off Maui. Ethical small boat tours on Maui provide an intimate way to observe these majestic creatures without disturbing them. Seeing a humpback breach or hearing their songs through a hydrophone is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
We spent several days in the marine sanctuary around Thanksgiving, the start of whale season. Even though our captains said most of the whales were still on the way, we had multiple daily encounters. The best ones were competitive groups of young males who were showing off their swimming skills to attract a mate.
Take an E-Bike Tour at Lānaʻi Adventure Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
For a fun and active way to explore Lānaʻi, try an e-bike tour at Lānaʻi Adventure Park. These guided tours take you through rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, and lesser-known parts of the island. With an electric boost, you can cover more ground while still enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking landscapes.
Lānaʻi is an upscale destination, with most guests staying at the Four Seasons. Our full-suspension e-bikes matched the clientele. They glided effortlessly up the hills to spectacular lookouts. It wasn’t a very technical ride, but it was worth it for the views alone.
Spend a Purrfect Day At Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary, a haven for rescued cats. Home to hundreds of felines, this sanctuary allows visitors to interact with friendly cats while learning about conservation efforts on the island. It’s a heartwarming and relaxing stop on your Hawaiian adventure.
Even though there were cats everywhere, the fresh air and steady breeze kept everything clean and fresh. Also, these cuddly creatures knew that guests entered with a fresh bag of treats, and many had strategies to showcase their cuteness for a snack.
Listen to a Ukulele Serenade
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Music is deeply woven into Hawaiian culture, and listening to a live ukulele performance is a beautiful way to experience its rich traditions. Whether at a local café, a cultural center, or a beachside gathering, the gentle melodies of the ukulele will transport you to a simpler, more serene state of mind.
You don’t need to find the most famous performer to have a great experience. We saw two ukulele performances and enjoyed the stories and audience interaction as much as the music. The modern history of Hawaii is so beautiful with musical accompaniment.
Go on A Waterfall and Culture Tour of Halawa Valley
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Molokaʻi’s Halawa Valley is a lush paradise filled with waterfalls, ancient Hawaiian sites, and rich history. A guided cultural tour provides insight into the traditions of the valley’s Native Hawaiian caretakers. Hiking through the valley, learning about its past, and cooling off in a waterfall pool makes for a truly immersive experience.
Halawa Valley Falls Culture Hike claims to be Molokai’s most authentic cultural adventure. Our guides lived off-grid with traditional practices and direct descendants of families living in the valley for centuries. We know that this was the most authentic experience of our cruise from Kona to Molokai.
Enjoy a Pā’ina Feast
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
A pā’ina is a traditional Hawaiian feast, similar to a luau but often more intimate and authentic. Local families and cultural centers host these gatherings, featuring Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, and haupia. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the community and connection that make Hawaii so special.
The luau is a hodgepodge of Polynesian songs, dances, and food with some elements inspired by Hawaii. It was popularized by Ohau hotels that were looking to entertain guests. Our pā’ina was a private event where local elders told us stories of family and Hawaii. Of course, there was a ukulele performance, too.
Go On An Uncruise Adventure
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
For a unique way to explore multiple islands, consider an Uncruise adventure. These small-ship cruises focus on active exploration, sustainability, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. You can snorkel in remote coves, kayak along rugged coastlines, and visit lesser-known cultural sites, all while enjoying a more intimate and eco-friendly approach to travel.
We did all these adventures and more on a seven-night Uncruise from Kona to Molokai. We love Uncruise because it is designed to get you off the boat and explore. The boat time was nice, too, with gourmet meals, cocktails, and nightly presentations as part of their all-inclusive pricing. It’s a wonderful way to travel if you like authenticity and nature more than floating casinos.
Concluding Adventurous Things To Do In Hawaii
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Hawaii’s adventure doesn’t end with Oahu. From snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island to hiking Molokaʻi’s lush valleys, each island offers its own unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek thrilling water encounters, cultural explorations, or hidden natural wonders, venturing beyond Oahu will reveal a deeper, wilder side of Hawaii that few travelers get to see. Pack your sense of adventure and start exploring!