Found just east of the H-1 freeway in Honolulu is Pu’uohi’a, a majestic mountain that offers a sweet respite from the high rises and miles of boring sidewalks in Hawaiian’s capital city. The mountain is home to hiking trails, a close-knit mountain community, striking homes, sweeping views - and perhaps the coolest drive on all of Oahu.
The road is called Tantalus, and is a two-lane, ten-mile loop features a series of steep inclines, hairpin turns and blind corners that challenge even the most skilled drivers in the smallest cars you can find.
Once you turn onto Round Top Drive, which connects with Tantalus Drive, you will be met with driveways at impossible inclines, hairpin turns, sheer drops into rainforest valleys, and views of the city that cannot be beat.
But the views of Honolulu from the Tantalus Lookout are well worth the slightly nerve-wracking drive - on a clear day, you can see everything from Diamond Head and Waikiki to the east and Honolulu International Airport and Pearl Harbor to the west.
The lookout point isn’t the only place you’ll see phenomenal views - it seems as though there is another lookout point around every turn, and I can only imagine the drive being a photographer’s paradise.
The drive is picturesque, cool, woodsy - and often wet. Tantalus is not strictly classified as a rainforest, though it might as well be - the mountain receives approximately 160 inches of rain each year, a stark contrast to the 20 inches of rain measured in nearby Waikiki.
The awe-inspiring drive is covered by a shady canopy of kukui and banyan trees, as well as a variety of native Hawaiian plants and vegetation, including bamboo forests, wild coffee plants, guava, mountain apples and thimbleberries.
Tantalus Drive was a gravel road a century ago - in 1917 - but was paved in 1937. In 2007, a 7-mile stretch of the road was put on the State Register of Historic Places, and on the national register in 2009, the first road on Oahu to receive such a designation.
Today, you will find fewer than 200 homes off of this road, most of which have origins as small summer homes with corrugated roofs, built for families such as the Dillinghams, Bishops, Castles, Wilders, and Isenbergs. The homes were later expanded and renovated or rebuilt to the luxury structures you see today.
Oh, and did we mention that the lookout is an excellent spot to watch the sunset - or witness the sparkling lights of Honolulu?
Not only should Tantalus Drive be on every tourists' Oahu bucket list, it should be a local go-to when you want to get away from it all. Something about driving the steep incline and hairpin turns - as well as the phenomenal views - makes you forget about all the stresses of life and truly live in the moment, if only for the duration of the half hour drive.
Although seasons in the Aloha State don't differ too dramatically from one another - which is what makes it such a wonderful year-round destination - there are distinct seasons in Hawaii. Add to this the fact that many vacationers from the mainland and elsewhere tend to travel more frequently when school is out, and you'll find that there is no shortage of fun things to do in Hawaii in summer. Here are a few of our favorites.
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Hawaii
With all the gorgeous natural wonders and resorts in Hawaii, it can be difficult to choose your summer destination(s). Well, we're here to help! Here's a trio of suggestions for Aloha State destinations that work equally as well for families as they do for couples seeking romantic things to do in Hawaii in summer.
Need To Know: This sprawling property one of the largest hotels in Hawaii, so be prepared to do a lot of walking, even if you use the boat and/or tram service.
Hilton Waikoloa Village, on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, is a self-contained vacation with boundless activities, amenities, and dining options right on property. The oceanfront resort has its own lagoon beach that's shallow and calm enough for keiki of all ages to have fun. You can also paddle or kayak in the lagoon. You'll find several big pools, including one with a water slide, and a Dolphin Quest outpost, as well. A stay at the this resort is one of the best family things to do in Hawaii in summer.
Need To Know: Those unfamiliar with the water conditions of this coast should only paddle out with a local guide.
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Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore Kauai's famous Na Pali Coast from the water. Seas are at their calmest in the summer, allowing tour operators and guides to take visitors out on the water. Viewing the cliffs from this unique perspective allows you to appreciate the rugged beauty of the coastline in a way that's different from how you'd experience it hiking.
Need To Know: With its world-class spa, the resort is also perfect for a couples vacation.
The Grand Wailea is a renowned resort in south Maui's Wailea (obviously) resort area. A fairly protected beach, series of waterslides, and a not-so-lazy river make it a perfect getaway for families with children. There's even a water elevator to get you to the top of the slides.
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Visit the Grand Wailea's website for more information or to make a reservation.
Best Beaches To Visit In Hawaii This Summer
It would be stating the obvious to say that Hawaii is famous for its beaches, so I'll refrain from doing so. Beaches are wonderful places to experience the Aloha State because not only do they showcase the Hawaiian Islands' tropical beauty, visiting a beach is also (often) one of the best cheap things to do in Hawaii in summer. Here are three that tend to be a bit less crowded than other better-known strands, so you can enjoy your beach read in peace.
Need To Know: One thing to be aware of is that there are no lifeguards at Kalama Beach Park.
Kalama Beach, on Oahu's windward shore, is the least known of Kailua Bay's beaches. Just north of Kailua and Lanikai Beaches, Kalama Beach is a place where you can kick back and enjoy the summer sun with plenty of space for yourself.
Need To Know: Parking can be a challenge, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
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Snorkelers will love Makua, or Tunnels, Beach on Kauai's north shore, with its shallow, protected waters and offshore reef. Tunnels Beach offers the same Bali Hai views as nearby Hanalei Beach, but the crowds are not at all the same.
Need To Know: There are showers and bathrooms at the beach, but no lifeguards.
Kapalua Bay Beach frequently lands on many "best beaches" lists, but fortunately, due to its location away from Maui's population centers, it doesn't see the crowds that other, more popular beaches see. This makes it a wonderful spot to enjoy some beach time in the summer.
Parks To Visit In Hawaii This Summer
There are many amazing national and state parks in Hawaii. Most are wonderful places to visit anytime of year, but some are a little better than others when the islands are receiving the sun's most direct rays. For example, the lava fields at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the unshaded strand of Polihale State Park can be rather unpleasant when the sun is at its most merciless. That's why we think these three parks are particularly good choices for a summer visit.
Need To Know: Free entrance for Hawaii residents with ID. Non-residents must pay $5 per person entry fee. There is also a $10 per vehicle parking fee for non-residents.
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Hapuna Beach State Park is home to one of the world's best beaches. Fortunately, you'll also find some shady areas, as well as available umbrellas to avoid the sun's most direct rays when you're splashing around int he water. The water is clear and beautiful, but this is not a beach that's ideal for snorkeling.
Need To Know: There is no fee to enter or park at Wailua River State Park.
Wailua River State Park on Kauai is a wonderful place spend a summer day. With the state's only truly navigable river, waterfalls, temples, and a fern grotto, you'll find plenty of water, shade, and points of interest to keep you occupied during the heat of the day.
Need To Know: Free entrance for Hawaii residents with ID. Non-residents must pay $5 per person entry fee. There is also a $10 per vehicle parking fee for non-residents.
Makena State Park boasts (arguably) Maui's best beach - or beaches: There are two, commonly known as Big Beach and Little Beach, divided by an outcropping of blackrock and a cinder cone. Makena is a great spot for body surfing, boogie boarding, and splashing. A potentially heavy shore break and strong currents mean conditions aren't always great for swimming or snorkeling. Between the beach and the parking lot, plenty of trees offer shade, and there are picnic tables where you can sit and relax out of the sun.
Best Free Summer Activities
Hawaii, without a doubt, is an expensive place to live and to visit. Fortunately many of the best things about life in the Aloha State come without a price tag: the weather; beaches; friendly people; many public parks; and gorgeous scenery. There are also plenty of other free things to do in Hawaii in summer that you may not have known about. Here are three suggestions that we think will interest you.
Need To Know: Although there is no cost to visit the memorial, advance tickets for the U.S.S. Arizona memorial are recommended due to high levels of visitation.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is operated by the National Park Service. It commemorates December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor suffered a surprise aerial attack from Japanese combatants, resulting the loss of more than 2,400 American lives. The attack plunged the U.S. into World War II. The memorial marks the solemn occasion, and also serves as the final resting place for many, many American service personnel. Haunting and poignant, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial - which includes the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial should be visited by anyone who can make the trip. You can make make reservations on Recreation.gov. There is a nominal $1 reservation fee for purchasing the advance tickets.
Need To Know: The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It's closed on Sundays.
Hawaii's world renowned Mauna Loa macadamia nuts are packaged right here on the Big Island. And you can visit the factory absolutely free. Pop into the visitor center to learn about the fascinating history of this island product. Try some samples, then knock yourself out at the factory store. Afterward, you can walk off the samples on a nature trail through the plantation.
Need To Know: Start in the morning with a full tank of gas, and allow plenty of time for stops.
Yes, the car and gas aren't free, but everything else about traveling the incredible Road to Hana can be if you want it to. Pack a lunch and some snacks, and leave early to avoid the crowds. Stop at the waterfalls and stunning overlooks along the way. It's a wonderful way to spend time on Maui without spending much money.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Hawaii
One of the most wonderful things about the Aloha State is the full calendar of events and festivals you can find here. Summer is particularly rich for festivals in Hawaii, and so many of the state's celebrations have deep roots in its history and culture. These are three we definitely think you should check out.
Need To Know: Visit the festival's website for the latest information regarding tickets and pricing.
For nearly half a century, during the third week of July, halau hula have flocked to Oahu for the Prince Lot Hula Festival. It's one of the largest noncompetitive hula gatherings in the state, and it showcases the depth of talent that can be found in Hawaii's hula community.
Need To Know: Many of the festival events are free, but there may be some things that require payment.
Every July, the charming, historic town of Old Koloa hosts a 10-day festival celebrating its heritage as a sugar plantation. The sugar roots date back to the 1830s, but the festival got its start in the 1980s. During the festival, folks are treated to all manner of events, including a parade, races, food, music, and much more.
Need To Know: The dates of these events change annually. Check the Aloha Festivals website for up-to-date info.
The oldest ongoing festivals in Hawaii are the Aloha Festivals, which celebrate and signal the star-based start of a new year. The Pleiades rising above the horizon is the sign that dictates the dates of the Aloha Festivals, which occur during late summer and into early fall. One Aloha Festival event is the Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a, which is the state's biggest oceanfront block party. Music, hula, food, a parade, and a day's worth of celebration mark the occasion. It's a wonderful way to say aloha to summer in Hawaii.
There are so many things to do in Hawaii in summer that the biggest challenge you'll face is a full calendar. What are your favorite summer activities in the Aloha State? Be sure to let us know - we always enjoy hearing from you!
The beautiful windward coast of Oahu is known for incredible hiking and lush jungle, Honolulu is the center for business and culture, and the north shore is a haven for surfers. Still, the west coast is often overlooked for other, more accessible parts of the island. It’s a shame because this coastline is home to simply stunning beaches, incredible hiking opportunities, and countless hidden gems to uncover. I've spent years exploring these wonders, and can't wait to share some of my favorites with you. If you want to explore outdoor adventures and activities in Hawaii, travel off the beaten path for a two-day getaway to discover incredible natural wonders, pristine waters, and if you’re lucky, wildlife.
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From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor -- and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With less than an hour of drive time, minus the trip there, this nature getaway features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Waianae Mountains and several incredible stops along the way.
Hike at Kaena Point State Park
We’re starting our adventure at the northwestern tip of Oahu with a hike through Kaena Point State Park.
This untamed state park encompasses the rugged and wild coastline of the northwestern tip of Oahu. It is full of natural beauty and hidden gems, including heart-shaped rocks, tide pools, stunning cliff faces, and a natural reserve area created to protect nesting albatrosses, Hawaiian monk seals, and fragile native vegetation. This beautiful natural oasis is so remote you can only reach the point on foot.
For our purposes, we are walking to the point from the leeward coast, but you can also access the point from the north via a trailhead at the end of Farrington Highway. The 2.5-mile each-way trail is notoriously hot with little shade, so it’s best to start early. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and wear a hat, too – don't make my mistakes! According to ancient Hawaiian lore, this dramatic shoreline is where the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.
Explore Kaneana Cave
After your hike, we’ll be exploring a little-known natural wonder along the coast, Kaneana Cave.
The cave sits at the base of a cliff outcropping and is approximately 100 feet tall and 450 feet deep. Kaneana Cave is thought to be 150,000 years old and was once underwater, carved out by the crashing waves of the Pacific. The stunning natural aspects of this otherworldly cave are absolutely mind-boggling.Also known as Makua Cave, many legends feature this cave. One says that it was in this cave that mankind was born from the womb of the earth goddess. That’s how this cave got its name: Kaneana translates to Cave of Kane, the god of creation.
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Soak in the Sun at Nanakuli Beach
It’s time to make a splash at one of our favorite beaches, Nanakuli.
Featuring crystalline blue waters and backed by lush mountains, this magical stretch of fine, white sand is just moments away from the popular Ko’olina lagoons but feels worlds away from the beaches full of tourists found across Oahu. Located between two limestone points and between the Pacific Ocean and Farrington Highway, Nanakuli Beach Park covers approximately 40 acres and is home to a 500-foot long and 125-foot wide stretch of white and golden sand perfect for your next beach day. From snorkeling and scuba diving to boogie boarding, canoeing, and – of course – sunbathing, everyone can enjoy an activity at this stunning beach. Rumor has it that the luminous "Mermaid Cave" is also located near Nanakuli Beach, and if you’re able to find it – or have someone take you there – you are sure to create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Start with the signature Monkeypod Mai Tai, a drink I've dreamed about daily since I moved to the mainland. Made with Old Lahaina Rum, house-made macadamia nut orgeat, orange curacao, and topped with a delectable honey-lilikoi foam, it's easily the most popular drink on the menu. We’ll let you choose your meal, though: from salads and burgers to tacos, gnocchi, saimin, and fresh-caught seafood, there's something for everyone at this swoon-worthy restaurant. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – the cream pies are heavenly and come in a variety of tasty flavors.
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Be sure to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean before or after dinner – the Ko Olina lagoons are a short drive from Monkeypod Kitchen.
Stay at Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club
Our day in paradise ends at Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, but of course, if you live on Oahu, you can always just head home and enjoy a staycation.
With mountain or ocean views in each well-appointed guestroom or villa vacation rental, you’ll live in luxury at this Marriott property. You’ll discover three outdoor pools, an on-site spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two restaurants, a poolside bar, and more.Since yesterday was full of adventure, let’s keep it low-key: a stroll along the coast and lounging by the pool or beach – maybe even swimming with sea turtles you’ll often see throughout the Ko Olina lagoons.
For a more affordable option – or one that fits your large family better – you can also find a variety of condo rentals available on Vrbo throughout this dreamy resort destination. No matter where you stay, this nature getaway in Hawaii is sure to satisfy your need for adventure.
So, tell us, will you be embarking on this incredible nature getaway? What other outdoor adventures and activities in Hawaii would you recommend to our readers? Discover other unique Aloha State day trips here.
