Adventure travel ranges from soft excursions amidst nature to exceedingly power-charged thrills. Travelers have long sought the gentle and life-changing experiences in the Hawaiian islands. The 2011 U.S. News and World Report’s list of “16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA” echoes the decades-long trend of visitors taking advantage of the islands’ varied offerings. Ranking within the top 10, Kauai (#3), Maui (#4) and Hawaii, the Big Island (#7) each showcase the experiences that enhance the nation’s lifetime, and for some, life-changing, adventures available to travelers to the 50th state.
Planning an adventure vacation to Maui? Check out our Wailea vacation rentals for your stay.
Kauai (#3)
Kauai is known to many as the romantic and quieter island, the Garden Isle, offers a wild side for adventure travelers willing to trek the challenging Kalalau Trail, along the Napali Coast. A staggering and impressive statistic, only 10% of the island can be seen by car and the rest by boat, on foot, or from the air, gives credence to the ranking since adventure travelers seek the remote. Kauai’s legendary places also bolster the concept of the journey being considered as significant as the destination.
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Maui (#4)
Exhilarating experiences, via volcanic hikes to Haleakala or whale watching or snorkeling, are all part of the adventurer’s itineraries when visiting Maui. Nature dominates this and the other Hawaiian islands and the opportunities to view and be a part of the landscape are what make it an unforgettable series of adventures.
Big Island (#7)
The Big Island’s national landmarks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, received mentions and the island’s dramatic landscapes serve as the adventure-seeker’s dream playground, with volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls and deserts for both land and water sports.
Explore the Big Island from one of our Kona vacation rentals.