Discover the Top Exciting Activities in Hawaii

If you’re anything like me, you’re not in Hawaii just for stunning sunsets and juicy pineapples. No, you’re here for a heart-pounding, thrill-seeking adventure of a lifetime. And if that’s the case, then here are just a few suggestions of exciting activities in Hawaii to get your blood flowing.

1. Hike Mauna Loa

Remember that time you thought, “Hey, a hike sounds like a nice, relaxing way to spend my day”? Well, toss that thought right out.

Getting to the top of Mauna Loa is tough, no matter which way you slice it. It’s 13,677 feet high, and there are no roads to the summit. You can do it the hard way or the very hard way—it’s your choice. The first is a three- to five-day hike from the Kilauea side up the Mauna Loa Trail. The trail starts at the end of the Mauna Loa Scenic Road. This hike has been known to humble even the most conditioned athlete. 

The other way up is a tough 13-mile round-trip day hike from the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory off Saddle Road. You start at 11,000 feet, so you won’t have a chance to get acclimated—count on altitude sickness from starting so high. (Savvy hikers often car-camp at the weather observatory the night before to acclimate.) This trail is steeper than the Mauna Loa Trail and over rougher terrain, but you can do it in a day if you’re into punishment, and the views across the saddle will be superb. Make sure you get an early start.

2. Blackwater Dive

Ever wondered what it’s like to float in outer space? No need to be an astronaut. Dive into the inky black waters off the Kona coast, and experience the alien world beneath on a black water dive.

From luminescent jellies to ghostly squid, the creatures here are straight out of a sci-fi movie. Floating in the vast darkness, with the deep blue mystery below, it’s… otherworldly. Not for the faint of heart, but man, what a ride!

You go out into 7,000 feet of water, and they lower you on a tether to 40 feet—at night. Just hang there and see what kind of exotic pelagic life wanders by. Lots of light-emitting bioluminescence, alien-like gelatinous creatures, schools of squid and perhaps even the elusive Hawaiian seahorse. 

3. Skydive Over Paradise

If floating in the abyss isn’t high-octane enough, how about throwing yourself out of a perfectly good airplane? Look, I get it—sounds nuts. But hear me out.

Imagine soaring over a patchwork of lush green, deep blue, and shimmering coastline. The world stretches out beneath you, and for a few moments, you’re free as a bird. And the view? Unreal. Oahu’s North Shore or the dramatic coast of the Big Island? Take your pick. Both are a skydiver’s dream.

4. Catch a Wave

Okay, okay, I know. Surfing? Sounds pretty standard for Hawaii, right? Think again. Surfing is one of the top exciting activities in Hawaii!

Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, there’s a wave with your name on it. Beginners, start at Waikiki. Learn the ropes, get a feel, and then? Challenge yourself. Let me tell ya, there’s nothing, nothing, like the thrill of catching a big one. Pure, unfiltered adrenaline. Start with a lesson for the best chance of catching a wave!

5. Cliff Jump

To end our list, we’re getting primal. That heart-in-your-throat, gut-clenching feeling? You’ll get it in spades when you stand at the edge of a Hawaiian cliff, deep blue below, wind in your hair, and take the leap.

Spots like the South Point on the Big Island or Waimea Bay on Oahu have earned their rep for a reason. It’s not just about the jump—it’s about conquering your fears. And let’s be real, the bragging rights ain’t bad either.

Enjoy Your Exciting Hawaii Adventure!

There ya have it. From mountains to oceans, from sky to cliff, Hawaii’s got it all. So the next time someone says, “Oh, you’re going to Hawaii? How relaxing!” give them a sly smile. Relaxing? Sure. But also pulse-pounding, heart-racing, and utterly unforgettable. Dive in, and let Hawaii’s wild side take you for the ride of your life. 

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