Playing in Paradise
Jessica Royer Ocken
The mental picture of a tropical vacation usually involves long periods of time lying quietly on the beach or in a hammock(perhaps with a stack of paperback novels)and some sort of umbrella-bearing beverage. And while this may seem like absolute utopia from within a cramped office cubicle or crowd of particularly unruly children, once settled in the sand, some of us get a little stir-crazy.
If more active enjoyment of your surroundings is what you have in mind, Hawaii is the perfect tropical destination. Not only is island-hopping an activity in itself, each new spot is packed with ways to fully experience your exotic setting. Whether you're a scuba diver or surfer(or just looking to learn)or even if you prefer simpler outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking, it won't be hard to find something you'll enjoy. You always can read that paperback later.
Scuba diving
Below the surface, Hawaiian waters boast a bountiful collection of tropical fish and even a wrecked boat or two. Although you can see some of this with a mask and snorkel, there's nothing like getting away from the shore and swimming alongside a sea turtle or watching a slippery eel zip in and out of a coral reef at eye level. Because of the technical equipment and procedures involved in diving safely, it's important to choose a reputable dive shop, such as Island Divers Hawaii (808.423.8222, 888.844.3483, www.oahuscubadiving.com) in Honolulu on Oahu. These expert guides can have you trained and certified to dive in a mere three days, or they can take you on a carefully supervised introductory dive with no experience necessary. They'll also pick you up at your Waikiki Beach hotel and transport you to one of their two dive shop locations.
Snorkeling
If staying closer to the surface is more your thing, consider snorkeling instead. On Oahu, 10 miles east of Waikiki, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (808.396.4229) provides an excellent opportunity to see beautiful marine ecosystems up close, as well as learn about the efforts underway to keep them healthy. Visit www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm before you go to print out fish and invertebrate "ID cards," so you'll be ready to identify whatever you encounter.
If a trip to the Big Island (Hawaii) is on your agenda, plan a snorkeling stop at Honaunau Bay-or City of Refuge, as the locals call it. The sheltered bay offers calm waters, and large, flat lava rocks make for easy entry to the water, which is only about 10 feet deep. In addition to plentiful tropical fish among the coral, spinner dolphins and turtles are also frequent visitors. This spot is a bit off the beaten path, so plan to arrive early and park along the road.
For further details on City of Refuge and other great snorkeling spots, visit www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com.
Zipping
The Hawaiian Islands also offer plenty of beautiful hikes (more on this below), but for a truly unique view of Kauai's rainforest landscape, try a Zipline Treetop tour or Full Moon Zip tour (conducted by moonlight). You'll glide over the forest and take in mountain views from 60 to 80 feet in the air-and receive a guided ecology tour as you go. Or, if you're an extreme sports kind of person, opt for the Eco-Challenge tour instead, which adds a giant climbing wall, a rope bridge crossing and a heart-pounding "leap of faith" to your landscape-viewing experience. At Just Live (808.482.1295, www.justlive.org) in Kapaa on Kauai, Hawaii's only destination for this type of excitement, eco-tours for visitors to the island help fund camps and activities for local kids, so you can feel good about all the fun you're having.
Hiking
Just about any path you choose (follow the signs along the highways) on the islands will take you by some breathtaking views, but if you'd like a little more guidance for your adventure, on Maui, consider the services of Maui Hiking Safaris (888.445.3963, www.mauihikingsafaris.com) in Pukalani. A well-versed guide will not only make sure you see all the best things (waterfalls, anyone?), you're also guaranteed a small group and you can select the hiking distance and level of difficulty you'd prefer.
Although its paths are paved and have handrails in many locations, if you're on Oahu, Diamond Head crater (Diamond Head State Monument, 808.587.0400, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/oahu.html)(a dormant volcano whose silhouette is an icon overlooking Waikiki)is well worth the less-than-one-mile trip to the top. The view is fantastic, and you're bound to encounter all kinds of friendly people along the way.
Surfing
They say the waves of Honolulu's Waikiki Beach are the perfect place to learn the most Hawaiian of pastimes: surfing. While the North Shore of Oahu may be a better place to watch the surfing masters at work, for beginners, Waikiki is most welcoming. Opt for an official lesson or just grab a board and get the hang of it on your own.
For more information about surfing options, visit www.surfguidehawaii.com.
