10 Epic Adventures You Can Have In Hawaii In A Day or Less

There are very few places on this planet where you can watch flowing lava in person, and even fewer where you can walk right up to it. Kalapana, on Hawaii Island’s southern shore, is the safest and easiest to access. Not only will you likely see lava flowing into the ocean, but you’ll be walking along the youngest land you’ve ever set foot on — which is pretty unbelievable, if you ask me.

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Located deep in the heart of Kauai is a waterfall so famous I’m not sure there’s anyone in the world who wouldn’t recognize — unless you don’t own a television set, that is. The waterfall is Manawaiopuna Falls, more commonly known as Jurassic Falls — after its famous appearance in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic, Jurassic Park. The waterfall is located on private property, and you’ll have to contract a helicopter tour company to get there.

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Located on the tiny island of Molokai, with the ocean on one side and giant 1,600-foot cliffs on the other, are the Kalawao and Kalaupapa Leper Colonies — described by Robert Louis Stevenson as a "prison fortified by nature." Kalaupapa is now a U.S. National Park, and home to a dwindling population, those of whom are outnumbered exponentially by those in the cemetery — where an estimated 2,000 graves lie unmarked, in addition to those with headstones.

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In addition to being two of Oahu’s best beaches, Kailua and Lanikai are also a great access point in which to kayak to the popular Mokulua Islands, which are Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuaries. Kayakers will enjoy crystalline turquoise waters and picturesque views of Oahu’s windward coast.

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Just 27 square miles short of equaling the entire size of Oahu, Mount Haleakala is a gentle giant — a dormant volcano that has inspired those who make the journey to its summit for centuries. Translating to "House of the Sun," Haleakala rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level, comprises 75 percent of Maui Island, and is the perfect place for an epic mountain bike ride!

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This piece of rugged Kauai coastline is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches. The erosion is the culprit behind one of the coastline’s other main features. You see, the only way to gain access is by a long, arduous hike, by boat, or via helicopter tour. And that’s not for lack of trying — roads were once attempted, but as one of the most rapidly changing shorelines in the world, it was a futile attempt.

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This infamous 64.4-mile stretch of highway between Kahului and Hana features 59 bridges, 46 of which are only one lane wide, and 620 curves through lush, tropical jungle. The Hana Highway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, and it only takes two and a half hours to drive the entire road, making it the perfect day-long adventure.

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Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and though the expansive canyon is not as big — or as old — as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls; it is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty. While the lookout provides some stellar views of the canyon, no trip to this renowned state park is complete without a hike on the Waimea Canyon Trail.

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Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state of Hawaii. The peak is so tall, in fact, that visitors are advised to stop at the visitor center for at least half an hour to acclimate to the elevation before continuing on to the summit. The eight-mile road to the summit from the visitor’s center requires that you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, and although it can be quite nerve-wracking, the sunsets and sunrises are well worth the work.

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Located just 2.5 miles off the shores of Maui's Makena State Park is Molokini, all that remains of an ancient cinder cone that last erupted more than 230,000 years ago. Divers and snorkelers from around the world flock to this beautiful islet to experience its crystal clear waters and plethora of vibrant sea life. Because Molokini is rock and not soil, there is nothing to wash into the water and inhibit visibility. In fact, you can often see more than 150 feet into the ocean.

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