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The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island is the biggest island in the United States and the third largest in Polynesia behind the two main islands of New Zealand. With such a land mass in a spectacular tropical location, there is bound to be loads of Hawaii outdoor adventures to be found both on land, along the coast, and at sea.

Hawaii outdoor adventures starting at Volcanoes National Park – Public Domain Wikimedia

Big Island Vacation Rentals can be your base for adventure while staying in Hawaii. Many of these locations have the adventure activities located right on site, so you do not have to travel far for your adventure to begin.

Five Hawaii outdoor adventures

Hiking Volcanoes National Park

While you are not likely to view something as dangerous and spectacular as the picture above at Volcanoes National Park, you will get some great hiking in and get to see the aftermath of Earth’s fury. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails with quite a variety including easy day hikes to strenuous wilderness hikes through the rugged backcountry.

There are day hikes that walk you through rainforests or you can hike through areas devastated by previous lava flows. Several day hikes take visitors along the Kīlauea Summit and there are also two trails along the Chain of Craters Road. Be sure to check in at the ranger station for air quality and weather conditions.

Snorkeling with green sea turtles – Hawaii outdoor adventures – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Snorkeling Kahaluu Beach Park and Bay

Kahaluu Beach Park is a tiny sheltered island on the west coast of the Big Island. It has a large tame fish population that are unusually accustomed to human presence. The bay is neck deep at its deepest location, so it is perfect for a first time snorkeler and for families with children to enjoy. The cove is also famous for green sea turtles as captured in the above photo.

Hawaii outdoor adventures – The coast on the Big Island is a kayaker’s paradise – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Kayaking the Kohala Coast

The Kohala coast is situated on the northwest area of the Big Island and it is a kayakers and snorkelers paradise. Some of the highlights of the region include the Puako Reef, Waialea Bay, and Crystal Cove. Kayakers can see green sea turtles, spectacular coastline and beaches, and humpback whales can also be viewed between December and March.

The author surfing in Costa Rica – He would love to try his hand on the Big Island of Hawaii

Surfing the Big Island

It would be heresy to write an outdoor adventure post on Hawaii and not mention surfing. I enjoyed learning in Costa Rica several years ago, and I would love to try my hand on the Big Island. I was pleased to find that although the Big Island is noted for some of the most advanced surfing in the world, there are also several places that cater to beginners.

Hawaii outdoor adventures – Beautiful humpback whale breaching along the coast of the Big Island – Wikimedia Public Domain

Whale watching

As noted earlier, humpback whales can be spotted between December and April along the coast of the Big Island. They come here to breed and to give birth to new calves. Seeing one of these gentle gentle giants breach water or seeing one of them with a new born calf is the makings of items that top anyone’s bucket list.

Adventure on!

The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).