The short answer is everything! Your first time to Hawaii is always an adventure, a warm experience of Aloha culture, and an exciting new beginning. And that’s because once you get to know the islands, you’ll come back for sure.
Hawaii welcomes everybody and makes sure they find an activity to fit their pace and taste. From enjoying the ocean and beautiful beaches to immersing in Hawaiian culture and tasting adrenaline on a helicopter ride, everything seems to be possible in this tropical paradise. One can find secluded beaches and forget about the world. Another can make new friends and have the adventure of a lifetime. That’s the best thing about Hawaii: it doesn’t label you; it welcomes you and makes you feel at home. Here are the best activities to try on your first visit to Hawaii.
Befriend the ocean – snorkeling, surfing, swimming
Put the ocean on top of your activities list. You won’t regret it. Your first time to Hawaii may be the first surfing lesson, swimming with turtles, or snorkeling to discover the underwater world. Make sure you use reef-safe sunscreen as chemicals in sunscreen can kill the reef. There’s something magical and unexplainable about the ocean. And Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to experiment with it. To put it in Isak Dinesen’s words “The cure for everything is saltwater: sweat, tears, or the sea.”
Relax on the beach
Which is your favorite type of beach? Only in Hawaii, you can ask this question. That’s because Hawaii has white, black, red, and green sand beaches. It has secluded romantic ones and family-friendly ones. There’s a long list of Hawaii’s famous beaches you can choose from based on your activities, sand preferences, or wildlife. Another way to sunbathe and enjoy the ocean view is taking a catamaran cruise. Surrounded by beauty, you can find calm and serenity. And don’t forget Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to watch a sunset and spot a rainbow.
Embrace the rainforest – hiking, horseback riding, and more
Some people want to see everything and experiment with everything. The rush of adrenaline in a helicopter ride over the Hawaiian islands is hard to surpass. Yet, the amazing Hawaiian hiking and biking paths that reach volcanoes and waterfalls are good competition. So is horseback riding, which can fill the agenda for families and groups of friends. The rainforest has other surprises too. Have you ever tried mountain tubing or ziplining?
Immerse in Hawaiian culture
Hawaii wouldn’t be the same without its people. The Hawaiian culture is one of a kind, a culture of love and wisdom. You can better understand the philosophy of hospitality by attending a luau; the profound connection with nature by hiring a local guide to show you an authentic perspective over the islands; the joy of gratitude by tasting local cuisine; the uplift of spirituality by visiting a temple. Hawaiian culture has seven principles that lead to a fulfilling life and you can feel them working their magic around the islands:
- IKE– The world is what you think it is
- KALA– There are no limits, everything is possible
- MAKIA – Energy flows where attention goes
- MANAWA – Now is the moment of power
- ALOHA – To love is to be happy
- MANA – Power comes from within
- PONO – Effectiveness is the measure of truth
Be open to new experiences on your first trip to Hawaii. Reconnect with nature and follow Hawaiian principles and you’ll understand why you’ll have to come back to Hawaii.