Hawaii's top 5 outdoor adventures

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HIGHLIGHTING the wonderful outdoor and adventure activities on the Islands of Hawaii, here are the top five outdoor adventure activities. 

No. 1 Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai) – Waimea Canyon, also affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” provides unsurpassed opportunities for exploration and breathtaking scenery.

The view of the 3,000-foot canyon, with its hues of orange and red splashed against tropical green, is staggering.

Contiguous with Waimea Canyon is Kokee State Park, which encompasses 4,345 acres of upland wilderness and is a mecca for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Within the park, the Kalalau Lookout peeks over cliffs and gorges down to the Na Pali Coast 4,000 feet below.

For more information, visit HawaiiStateParks.

No. 2 Napali Coast

Kayak the Na Pali Coast (Kauai) - Another option only for the physically fit and super adventurous is the sea kayak adventure of the very scenic and dramatic Na Pali Coast. This is a long, impressive day of warm coastal paddling and caving along the monumental Na Pali Coast. Marvel at sea caves, plunging waterfalls, hanging valleys and secluded beaches. 

For a good reason it is known as 'The Everest of Sea Kayaking'! see Kayak Kauai.

No.3 Manta Rays

Kona Coast Manta Ray Diving (Hawaii Island) – The Kona Coast of Hawaii Island offers the best opportunities to spot manta rays in Hawaii. Mysterious and almost alien-like, the manta ray is one of the largest fishes in the ocean with wingspans of up to twenty feet or more. Unlike stingrays, mantas do not have stingers and despite their intimidating appearance, are actually quite friendly.

Take a night boat tour and you’ll find yourself swimming within inches of mantas gliding over your head like sinister B-1 Stealth Bombers and somersaulting in mesmerizing patterns.

For more information on tours, visit Fair Wind.

No. 4 Volcanoes National Park

Hike the Volcanoes National Park( Hawaii Island) Hawaii emerged from the sea millions of years ago, forged by the power of volcanoes.

Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano.

This once-in-a-lifetime chance to safely explore Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, makes Hawaii a destination unlike any other. Most hiking adventures begin in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which offers more than 240 kilometres of trails.

Stroll through Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), take a day hike along Chain of Craters Road or walk over volcanic fields to witness the power of creation as lava flows into the sea in Kalapana. For the well-equipped and experienced backpackers, hike overnight in the park's backcountry.

See a ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get trail information, maps and permits. There are many fantastic tours available.

For more information visit the National Parks website.

No. 5 Mule Ride Molokai

Mule Ride - Kalaupapa National Historical Park (Molokai) - Ride the 4.6km trail to Kalaupapa Peninsula on the back of a mule. You will be rendered speechless as you take on the sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific, descending from 520m and with Molokai’s North Shore Pali just to the east, these are the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 1,100 to 1,200m.

Nearly five kilometres, 26 hairpin turns and 90 minutes of magnificent views later and you're back to sea level in the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of the most remote settlements in Hawaii. It's scenic, isolated and peaceful here, but the story of Kalaupapa National Historical Park is even more compelling.

For more information visit Mule Ride.