13 Things To Do In Hawaii That’ll Make Your Friends’ Vacations Look Boring (Ultimate Island Adventures)

I've lived on Oahu for more than three decades now, but I can tell you something – I never get tired of this place. Every single island in Hawaii has its own magic, and I've been lucky enough to explore all of them more times than I can count. Let me share something with you. Most people come here and do the same tired activities everyone else does. But there's a whole other side to Hawaii that'll make your vacation stories actually worth telling. These aren't just tourist traps. These are real adventures that'll have your friends scrolling through your photos thinking you made the whole thing up.

Swimming With Giants in the Dark

Here's the thing about Hawaii that blows my mind every time. You can literally swim with creatures that look like they belong in another world.

The manta ray night snorkel off Kona's coast is hands down one of the most surreal things I've ever done. And I've done it probably six times now (my nephew from the mainland always wants to go when he visits). These gentle giants have wingspans up to 18 feet, and they glide through the water inches from your face like underwater ballet dancers.​

The whole experience works because of science and a bit of local ingenuity. Tour operators shine lights into the water, which attracts plankton. The mantas come to feast on the plankton, and you're right there in the middle of their dinner party. You hold onto a boogie board with lights underneath, floating in a Superman pose while these massive creatures do somersaults around you. Sometimes they'll even touch you (accidentally, of course – they're just that close).

Pro tip: Book with companies that limit group sizes. There are more than 240 resident manta rays in the area, and the best operators know exactly where to find them. Go during new moon phases when the water's darkest and the lights work best.

I remember my first time doing this… I was actually nervous. The water's pitch black except for the lights, and you can't see what's coming until it's right there. But then this massive shadow appears, and suddenly a manta ray the size of your couch is gliding beneath you, and you realize you're witnessing something most people will never experience.​

Taking Flight Without Doors

Look, I know helicopter tours sound touristy. But trust me on this one – the doors-off experience is completely different.

You're strapped in with a harness, headset on, and then… they literally remove the doors. The wind hits your face as you lift off, and suddenly you're soaring over landscapes that don't even look real.​

The Magnum helicopter tours on Oahu take you over Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, Waikiki Beach, Sacred Falls, and the Koolau mountains. Without doors between you and the scenery, every moment feels like you're flying. The pilot narrates everything, pointing out spots where movies were filmed and sharing stories locals don't even know.

On the Big Island, the doors-off tours over active volcanoes are even more intense. You can feel the heat rising from lava flows (when Kilauea's active), and the sulfur smell hits you before you even see the glow.

Pro tip: Wear tight-fitting clothes and secure everything with a strap. No hats allowed – they'll fly right off. And here's what nobody tells you… sit on the left side for better photo angles over Oahu's windward coast.​

The 50-minute flight goes by way too fast. You'll see Kaawa Valley, the North Shore's legendary surf breaks, and angles of Diamond Head that make the usual tourist shots look boring. Some tours even include a private landing on the North Shore where you can hop out for refreshments.

Descending Down Waterfalls

This one's not for everyone. But if you want an adrenaline rush that's uniquely Hawaiian… waterfall rappelling near Hilo will do it.

Kulaniapia Falls is a privately accessible 120-foot waterfall where you actually rappel down through the cascading water. The certified guides gear you up, teach you the techniques, and then you're leaning back over the edge with water crashing around you.

I'll be honest – the first step over the edge is terrifying. Your brain's screaming at you that this is a bad idea. But then you start descending, the mist's cooling you off, and you're literally walking down the face of a waterfall in the middle of a Hawaiian rainforest. It's one of those “I can't believe I'm actually doing this” moments.

The whole experience takes about three hours, including a hike through bamboo gardens and tropical forest. They provide all the gear – harnesses, ropes, helmets, gloves – and professional photos of your descent. At the bottom, you can swim in the crystal-clear pool while your heart rate returns to normal.

There's also a full-day private waterfall rappelling adventure that takes you to multiple waterfalls across the Hamakua coast. These are spots most tourists will never see because they require special access through private land.

Pro tip: You need to weigh between 70-250 pounds for safety reasons, and you've gotta be able to swim. Go in the morning when the water flow's more manageable.

Shark Encounters That'll Make Your Heart Race

Okay, stay with me on this one. Swimming with sharks sounds insane, right?

The North Shore shark cage dive is actually one of the safest adventures you can do in Hawaii – and one of the most exhilarating. You cruise three miles offshore where Galapagos and sandbar sharks hang out in crystal-clear cobalt water with up to 200 feet of visibility.​

You've got two options. Stay in the cage (where you're 100% safe) or, if you're feeling brave, free dive with them outside the cage. The sharks can grow up to 15 feet long, and watching them glide through the water with that predatory grace… it changes how you see these animals.

I did the cage dive with my brother-in-law from Colorado, and he wouldn't stop talking about it the entire rest of his trip. You're inches away from apex predators, but instead of being scared, you're mesmerized by how graceful they are.

Depending on the season, you might also spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins, or even humpback whales during the boat ride out. The whole tour runs about 90 minutes to two hours.

Pro tip: Bring an underwater camera with a wrist strap (required for safety). The best time to go is early morning when the water's calmest and sharks are most active.

Climbing Into The Sky The Hard Way

Koko Head Crater trail isn't technically off the beaten path anymore… but it still separates the committed from the casual tourists.

This hike's basically 1,048 railroad ties straight up the side of an old volcanic crater. No switchbacks. No easy way up. Just you versus steep wooden stairs that feel like they go on forever.​​

I've done this hike maybe 20 times over the years, and it never gets easier. Your legs burn, you're dripping sweat, and halfway up you'll question every life choice that brought you here. But then you reach the summit, and the 360-degree view of Oahu's southeastern coastline makes you forget about your screaming quads.​

Former President Obama used to climb this regularly when he lived here, which tells you something about the workout. It's challenging enough that you earn the bragging rights.

The hike takes about 30-60 minutes up depending on your fitness level, and coming down is almost harder on your knees. Some sections have gaps between the ties where you can see straight through to the ground below – not great if you're afraid of heights.

Pro tip: Go at sunrise to avoid the heat and catch spectacular views as the sun comes up over Maunalua Bay. Bring lots of water, wear good shoes with grip, and maybe bring gloves if you need to use your hands on the steeper sections.​

Underground Adventures Through Lava Tubes

Walking through the inside of a volcano sounds made up. But that's exactly what you're doing when you explore Hawaii's lava tubes.

These natural tunnels were created when molten lava flowed through and then drained away, leaving behind hollow tubes you can walk through. The Kaumana Caves near Hilo are free to explore if you're adventurous. You'll need a good headlamp and sturdy shoes because it gets slippery.

The Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the easier option – it's got a paved path and lights. But even there, you're walking through a tunnel that was carved by actual lava, surrounded by dripping ferns and the musty smell of volcanic rock.

For a more intense experience, some companies offer cave tours that take you deeper into lava tube systems where you're crawling through tight spaces and seeing formations that've been untouched for centuries.

Pro tip: The temperature inside lava tubes stays cool year-round (around 60-65°F), so bring a light jacket. And seriously, don't skip the headlamp – phone flashlights aren't enough.

Stargazing From Above The Clouds

Mauna Kea's summit sits at 13,796 feet, and it's home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes for a reason. The air's so clear and the light pollution so minimal that you can see things in the night sky that don't seem real.​

I took my daughter up there for her 16th birthday, and she barely spoke on the way down because she was so overwhelmed by what we saw. The Milky Way stretches across the sky like someone spilled glitter. You can see Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, distant galaxies… it's like the universe suddenly becomes visible.

The drive up is an adventure itself – you're going from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in about two hours. The guides stop at the visitor center at 9,000 feet for acclimatization, and then you continue to the summit for sunset before the stargazing begins.​

Up there, you're literally above most of the Earth's atmosphere. The observatories look like something from a sci-fi movie, and when the sun sets, the temperature drops fast. But wrapping up in warm jackets while looking at stars you've never seen before? That's Hawaii in a way most tourists never experience.

Pro tip: You can't go to the summit if you've been scuba diving in the past 24 hours (altitude sickness risk). Bring warm layers – it gets below freezing up there even when it's 80°F at the beach. And if you're pregnant or have heart/respiratory issues, stay at the visitor center instead.

Cliff Jumping Where The Pros Play

Waimea Bay on the North Shore is legendary for massive winter surf that only professionals should attempt. But in summer, the bay transforms into a calm playground where locals gather to jump off “The Rock.”

This 20-25 foot cliff jump is a North Shore tradition. You'll see families up there, kids showing off, and tourists working up the courage to take the leap. The water's deep enough to be safe (if you jump clear of the rock), but that split second of free fall gets your adrenaline pumping every single time.

I've jumped from that rock at least 50 times over the years, and I still get that little flutter of nerves right before I go. You climb up the rocky face, walk to the edge, look down at the turquoise water, and then… you jump. The splash, the rush, the cheering from people watching on the beach – it's pure Hawaiian summer.

Pro tip: Only jump in summer when the bay's calm. Winter swells make it incredibly dangerous. Always check the water conditions first, make sure you're jumping into deep water (watch where others jump), and never jump alone.​

Soaring Through Jurassic Valleys

Kualoa Ranch's zipline tour takes you through the same valleys where they filmed Jurassic Park, Kong: Skull Island, and Jumanji. But instead of watching it on screen, you're flying through it.​

The Jurassic Valley Zipline has seven dual lines where you can zip alongside your partner, plus two suspension bridges and five nature trails. Some lines stretch up to a quarter mile, and you're soaring above Ka'a'awa Valley with views that movie directors spend millions to capture.

Between ziplines, the guides share stories about ancient Hawaiian traditions and point out native plants. It's not just a thrill ride – you're actually learning about the land while getting an adrenaline rush.

The ranch also offers horseback riding, ATV tours through the jungle, and a catamaran tour that crosses an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond. You could honestly spend a whole day there and not get bored.

Pro tip: Book the first tour slot of the day for fewer crowds and better light for photos. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dusty.

Diving Into Hawaii's Best Kept Secret

Hanauma Bay gets all the attention for snorkeling, but here's the local secret – it's become so crowded they now limit daily visitors to 1,000 people, and reservations sell out in minutes.

Smart locals go to places like Shark's Cove on the North Shore instead. The name sounds scary, but you're way more likely to see turtles, tropical fish, and octopuses than any sharks. The underwater caves and rocky formations create this magical underwater landscape, and you'll be sharing it with maybe a dozen other people instead of hundreds.

Electric Beach (Hawaiian Electric Beach Park) near Ko Olina is another local favorite. The warm water from the nearby power plant attracts marine life, creating this unique ecosystem. The little inlet acts like a wave pool, making it fun for swimming, and once you venture past it, you'll see incredible sea life.

Pro tip: Bring your own snorkel gear to save money. Go early morning for the calmest water and best visibility. And if you see a turtle, stay at least 10 feet away – it's the law, and more importantly, it's respectful.

Where The Earth Glows At Night

When Kilauea's actively erupting, seeing the lava glow at night in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is something you'll remember for the rest of your life.

I was there during the 2018 eruption, and it was… I don't even have words for it. The orange-red glow reflecting off the clouds, the heat you can feel from hundreds of feet away, the sound of the earth literally creating new land. It's primal and powerful and humbling all at once.​

Even when the volcano's not actively erupting, the park offers incredible experiences. You can hike across the solidified Kilauea Iki crater – walking across a lava lake that was molten in 1959. The Kilauea Crater rim drive gives you views over the massive caldera, and you can often see steam vents releasing volcanic gases.

The park's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, protecting some of the most unique geological landscapes on Earth. Both Kilauea (the world's most active volcano) and Mauna Loa (the world's largest active volcano) are within the park boundaries.

Pro tip: Check the park's website before going – viewing conditions and accessibility change based on volcanic activity. Bring a flashlight for night viewing, and the park's open 24 hours when there's active lava. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, but an America the Beautiful Pass covers it.

Adventures That'll Make Your Instagram Explode

Here's something most visitors miss – Hawaii's not just about beaches and luaus. The adventure opportunities here rival anywhere in the world.

Parasailing over Waikiki gives you bird's-eye views of Diamond Head and Honolulu's coastline while you're suspended 300-1,200 feet in the air. It's surprisingly peaceful up there once you get over the initial rush of takeoff.​

ATV tours through the backroads of the North Shore or the Big Island's rugged terrain take you to places rental cars can't go. You're bouncing through streams, climbing muddy hills, and getting covered in red dirt – but you're also seeing the real Hawaii that most tourists never experience.

Mountain tubing on Kauai's old sugar plantation irrigation flumes is this weird, wonderful adventure where you float through tunnels and jungle canals with a headlamp strapped to your head. It's part lazy river, part spelunking.

The full-day “Bucket List” extreme adventure tours combine skydiving, shark diving, cliff jumping, kayaking, hiking, surfing, and sunset sailing all into one insane day. I've never done it (I'm not that young anymore), but the people who have say it's absolutely worth the exhaustion.

Local Flavors Worth The Hype

Listen, you can't come to Hawaii and not eat well. But skip the hotel restaurants and go where the locals actually eat.

Pro tip: Make reservations way in advance for these spots. Mama's Fish House on Maui books up 3-6 months out, and it's worth the planning.

Mama's Fish House has been serving the freshest fish on Maui since 1973. They literally print the fisherman's name and where your fish was caught on the menu – often within 24 hours of being served. The setting's right on the beach in Paia, and the whole place captures old Polynesian charm. Celebrities like Mick Fleetwood have been spotted dining there.

Former President Obama's a frequent visitor to several Oahu spots. He loves Island Snow in Kailua for shave ice (they even have the “Snowbama” named after his favorite combo – cherry, lime, and guava). He's been seen at Mitch's Sushi, Noi Thai Cuisine, and has dined at the exclusive Kahala Hotel and Resort, where he stays in the Imperial Suite. The Kahala's known for celebrity guests ranging from Princess Diana to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.​

Roy's Waikiki, founded by James Beard Award-winner Roy Yamaguchi, specializes in Hawaiian-fusion cuisine with dishes like blackened ahi and misoyaki butterfish. The original Roy's Hawaii Kai location still has the same buzz it had when it opened in 1988.

Helena's Hawaiian Food is where locals go for authentic Hawaiian comfort food – kalua pig, laulau, and pipikaula that'll ruin you for any other Hawaiian restaurant.

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The Adventures That Separate Tourists From Travelers

After three decades of living here and exploring every corner of these islands, I can tell you this – the best Hawaii experiences aren't the ones everyone does. They're the ones that push you a little bit, scare you a little bit, and give you stories worth telling.

Sure, you can spend your whole vacation on the beach with a mai tai. Nothing wrong with that. But when you're floating in dark water while manta rays dance around you, or you're standing at the top of Koko Head watching the sun rise over the Pacific, or you're rappelling down a waterfall in a rainforest most tourists never see… that's when you really get Hawaii.

These islands have a way of challenging you and rewarding you at the same time. The adventures here aren't manufactured or fake – they're real experiences in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And yeah, your friends' vacations? After you tell them about swimming with mantas in the dark or flying doors-off over active volcanoes… theirs are definitely gonna look a little boring by comparison.

Final pro tip: Don't try to do everything in one trip. Pick a few adventures that really speak to you, and do them right. Quality over quantity always wins in Hawaii. And whatever you choose, book early – the best experiences fill up fast, especially during peak season (December-March and June-August).

The islands will be here waiting when you come back. And trust me – after your first real Hawaii adventure, you'll definitely be coming back.