The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
As we get ready to head to Maui for our yearly trip during Christmas, I want to make sure I am scheduling some outdoor activities for us since things might be more festive during the holidays and I don’t want the girls to miss out. Even though most travelers to Hawaii usually tend to go for a beach-filled itinerary, The Aloha State is also a wonderful destination for all things outdoors.
Home to stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, sky-high mountains, and scenery that looks as though it belongs in the Jurassic era, Hawaii’s nature boasts an unrivaled natural beauty.
If you’re planning on spending time getting to know Hawaii’s great outdoors or you simply want to plan a schedule that includes both beach fun and time out in nature, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in nature during your visit to the Aloha State!
The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
So you’re going to Hawaii. You’re probably thinking about beaches, sunsets, and a little time in the waves. And that’s all fine and good because it’s all there—but do you know what else is there? Nature.
You see, Hawaii has a lot of nature to offer. You just have to look for it! Hawaii is the perfect place for nature lovers. The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and snorkeling to swimming at tide pools and surfing. The Pacific Ocean is the perfect place to take in the sights. You can swim with dolphins or explore tide pools. There are also several beautiful beaches where you can relax with your family or friends.
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is another option for those who want to experience nature at its finest. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and cliffs along the way. If you’re looking for more activity on the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, there are many trails that lead hikers through beautiful landscapes throughout Maui’s rainforest, including one that leads directly into Haleakalā National Park (also known as “The House of the Sun”). If you’re up for an adventure, then Hawaii volcanoes national park is a great option! This park has many different hiking trails that will take you through some unique terrain like lava tubes or even up into active volcanoes where you can see lava flows up close!
Volcanoes National Park
It’s not exactly a secret that Hawaii is a mecca for active volcanoes, and there’s no better place to fully experience these mighty wonders of nature than by visiting Volcanoes National Park.
Home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Volcanoes National Park will give you the opportunity to walk over fields of lava, gaze at volcanic vents, explore lava tubes, and see fiery red lava streaming down. Getting close to the craters is very dangerous, but you can see them from as close as safely possible by booking a helicopter tour over the park
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Hanuma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. It offers visitors a chance to explore the underwater world of Hawaii through snorkeling and scuba diving. The bay’s clear waters and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs, make it a popular spot for these activities. Visitors can rent snorkeling or scuba gear on-site and take part in guided tours to learn more about the bay’s ecology. Lifeguards are also on duty to ensure safety. It’s important to note that the bay is closed on Tuesdays to allow for conservation and restoration efforts.
Manoa Falls Hiking Trail
This hiking trail is located in the Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu and offers visitors a chance to experience Hawaii’s lush rainforest scenery. The trail is a relatively easy 1.6-mile round trip and leads to the stunning Manoa Falls. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sounds of birds and the rush of a nearby stream. It’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray as the trail can be muddy and slippery at times.
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head is one of the state’s most emblematic natural landmarks and the ultimate volcano to hike on the island of Oahu. You may have already seen it countless times on most Oahu postcards!
Located close to Honolulu, anyone who visits the state’s capital will be able to catch glimpses of the volcano while walking its streets, but the ultimate way to get the full experience is by actually getting to stand at its top. The hike is only two miles long (round trip) and is considered relatively easy but it can get quite strenuous due to its quick altitude gain. Still, it’s considered bearable even for inexperienced hikers, especially when you consider the entire way is paved and there are stairs provided on the steepest parts of the trail.
Plus, there are plenty of viewpoints with benches on them, so you’ll have opportunities aplenty to stop and rest your legs whenever you need to!
Whale Watching Boat Tours
Hawaii is a popular destination for humpback whales during their annual migration from Alaska. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat. The whale-watching season typically runs from December to April, and there are several tour companies that offer whale-watching excursions. During the tour, visitors may also see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Turtle Bay Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Turtle Bay on the island of Oahu is a popular spot for snorkeling with sea turtles. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s important to respect the turtles and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Turtle Bay is also home to a luxury resort and golf course.
Koke’e State Park Hiking Trails
Located on the island of Kauai, Koke’e State Park offers visitors a chance to explore Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty. The park is home to several hiking trails that take visitors through lush forests, past waterfalls, and up to stunning viewpoints overlooking the island. It’s also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird. The park is a great place for birdwatching, picnicking, and camping.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Commonly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon State Park is one of the biggest gems in the state when it comes to natural beauty. Home to landscapes as lush as they can get, crashing waterfalls, towering cliffs, and rock formations covered in hues of pink and green, Waimea Canyon is a place that almost looks as though it came straight out of a painting.
In order to explore, you can choose to go on a few hikes or loop around the canyon on a scenic drive.
If you’re short on time, simply standing at the famous Waimea Overlook is reason enough to visit this gem of a place!
Mauna Kea Summit
On the lookout for a true adventure out in nature? Hiking the tallest mountain in the world may very well just do the trick! 
Even though Mount Everest is commonly ranked as the highest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea is actually taller at a whopping 33,497 feet! While a huge portion of the mountain is submerged underwater, you can still brave the trek to reach the summit of the part of it that is above sea level. The hike is pretty challenging and it usually takes around 8 hours to reach the top. Keep in mind that this hike is definitely not for beginners.
You’ll need to bring proper gear along as well as know how to acclimatize to altitude property and take the current weather conditions into account before attempting it.
Haleakala National Park
Stretching all the way from the peak of Haleakala Mountain to the sea, this national park is so vast that it covers several different landscapes and environments, making it a great place to visit in order to see first-hand how varied the terrain in Hawaii can get.
Most visitors to Haleakala visit in order to trek the mountain for sunset, but if you want to get to know the park a little better, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained during your time there. You can also ride a bicycle up and down the mountain if you prefer. Among the many things to do at this beautiful national park, you’ll find hiking trails traversing different environments (ranging from subalpine scrublands to dry forests and even a few alpine zones and rainforests), horseback riding, stargazing, and more. Moreover, Haleakala is home to more endangered species than any other place in the United States!
Black Sand Beaches of Hawaii
Hawaii is home to several black sand beaches, including Punaluu Beach on the Big Island. These unique beaches are formed from volcanic rock and offer a striking contrast to the turquoise waters. Visitors can stroll along the beach, take photos, and even swim in the ocean. It’s important to note that the black sand can get very hot in the sun, so it’s recommended to wear shoes or sandals.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Keen to see the most beautiful of Hawaii’s black sand beaches? Make sure to give Wai’anapanapa State Park a visit!
Located on the famous Road to Hana on the island of Maui, Wai’anapanapa homes one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, one that is encircled by deep blue waters and hills as lush as they can get, creating a landscape of contrasting colors like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
After seeing the island’s famous black sand beach, make sure you linger a while longer to check out the rest of Wai’anapanapa. Activities include gazing at living blowholes, hiking through the forest, and exploring inside caves.
Sunset Cruises along Hawaii’s Coastlines
Hawaii’s sunsets are legendary, and there are many companies that offer sunset cruises along the coastlines of the islands. Visitors can watch the sun dip below the horizon while taking in beautiful scenery, including sea cliffs, beaches, and wildlife. Some cruises also offer dinner or drinks, making it a romantic or relaxing evening activity. It’s a great way to end a day of exploring Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
You don’t need a passport to go on vacation to Hawaii from any state in the U.S. You can fly directly from any airport in the U.S. to Honolulu International Airport or Kahului Airport without a passport.
Hawaii is FAR, and it doesn’t necessarily matter where in the states you’re flying from. So, it’s easy to think that it’s out of the country. But like Alaska and Puerto Rico, you do not need a passport to go to Hawaii if you’re a U.S. citizen. As the 50th and most recently made state of the U.S., Hawaii resides in the furthest region of the west coast region. In addition to being an American territory, there are no restrictions on traveling to Hawaii by plane or ship from other parts of the world (unless you are carrying illegal substances).
When Is The Best Time To Go To Hawaii?
Hawaii’s weather is year-round warm and sunny, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you want to get out on the water, go to Hawaii in October or April. If you want to see the volcanoes, go in May or June.
Many people go in December or January because they think it’s the best time to go to Hawaii, but these are not peak times for tourism in any of the islands. They’re also not peak times for great weather — it can be rainy and windy, so plan ahead if you want to avoid this season.
If you want to avoid crowds, avoid peak seasons: summer (June through August) and around Christmas and New Year’s Day. The shoulder seasons — spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when it’s still warm but not as hot as summer — are great times for visiting Hawaii because there aren’t as many tourists around.
Consider visiting Hawaii if you love nature!
There are so many things to do in Hawaii that it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. But don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with our Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers.
This list contains a variety of activities sure to please nature lovers, from visiting the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and exploring lava tubes to hiking through Waimea Valley and exploring Waipi’o Valley’s waterfalls. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to explore a botanical garden or visit Jurassic Park! So, if you’re a nature lover and you have a bucket list, then you’ll love this list of things to do in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a beach park experience or a more active one, there’s something for everyone here.
We hope this list helps you plan your next trip to Hawaii—and maybe even inspires you to get out there and see some new things! Have you ever been to any of these natural destinations in Hawaii? Let me know which one was your favorite and why in the comment section below!
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