Almost everyone dreams of spending a vacation lounging on the beaches in Hawaii -- seeing the topaz waters and enjoying the laid-back vacation atmosphere while watching the dolphins and whales offshore. Whether you are planning a vacation soon, weighing the pros and cons of a potential visit or find yourself a new resident of the Big Island, there are a lot of activities to keep you entertained and make your time there unforgettable.
Surf's Up
Some things are synonymous with the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii has some of the best surfing in the world during certain months of the year. More experienced surfers should head to Hapuna on the west side of the Island to shred with the pros, while the less seaworthy surfers can try Banyans, which is also on the west side of the island, to just paddle out and dabble with getting the board in the water.
Snorkeling and Diving
Given the Big Island's tropical latitude, its crystal-clear waters and the abundance of sea life, snorkeling or scuba diving is another must-do in Hawaii. With little equipment involved -- just a face mask and snorkel -- you can soon be in the water, observing colorful sea life in its own habitat. You can also trek to local spots like Kealakekua Bay to see amazing tropical fish, dolphins and turtles. If you are a bit more adventurous, you can head out on a excursion boat with trained professionals, who can show you the best spots, and maybe even dive a wall or shallow reef.
Volcano Hiking
If you are up to a hike and some amazing views of a volcano, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It has two of the world's most active volcanoes. You can explore the park and see what the land looks like from past eruptions. If the volcano is cooperating, you can see it from the Jaggar Museum, which has amazing views from its overlook.
Whale Watching
Few things beat the thrill of seeing a giant whale come out of the water and seem to twirl in midair before going below with a giant splash. You can take boat tours to see the whales, dolphins and turtles that swim the waters around the Big Island. Want to get closer? Take a submarine tour and see these awesome creatures in their natural environment, deep underwater.
Tips
Plan your itinerary so you are not spending every day going to a different activity. Take time to experience a lot of the Big Island's charms slowly, so you will not leave your trip more burned-out than when you began it. Also, be safe; do not attempt to do any activity such as surfing or snorkeling without consulting a local professional for training or guidance.
Tags: amazing views, dolphins turtles, Island Hawaii, west side