Hawaii’s sun-drenched shores usually call to mind images of paradise. You know the kind of thing I mean – soft sand, inviting water, blue skies and the promise of some serious R&R. But while all this is well worth experiencing, there’s much more to this cluster of islands than great beaches. For instance, Hawaii is home to some really amazing wildlife.
For me, discovering this should be part and parcel of any trip here, especially as it can be so easily incorporated to standard holiday activities like snorkelling. So, today I’m going to clue you into a few ways to see the local wildlife. I won’t focus on the practical side of your trip, though, like how to get there and where to stay – but I will just recommend cruising, because it means you can avoid the boredom of a long flight. Plus, you can find some really good deals on this kind of holiday – check out Cruise.co.uk for some examples.
Whale watching
It’s believed that around two-thirds of the world’s humpback whale population comes to the shores of Hawaii to breed and calve their young between December and May each year. So, if you’re keen to see them, this is when you should time your visit for.
The best way to see them up close is to go on a whale watching trip, which you can do from a number of islands. The top destination for these voyages is the Auau Channel between West Maui, Lanai and Molokai – the whales are attracted to the shallow waters here.
If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, though, that’s not a problem, since there are a number of places to view them from on dry land. For instance, Papawai Point on Maui is one of the best cliffside lookouts.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
The bulk of Hawaii’s endemic species can be found in the water rather than on dry land, so it’s well worth embarking on a scuba diving or snorkelling adventure to seek them out. There are also lots of rare and endangered species to see below the waves, too, including green sea turtles, which can be found at a dive site called Turtle Town.
And while turtles are the star attraction here, there’s a lot else on offer. For instance, you should be able to spot creatures like octopuses and eels, as well as sponges and corals.
Over in the Molokini Crater, meanwhile, you’ll have the chance to see some of the islands’ many endemic marine species, including Hawaiian garden eels. Widely believed to be one of the best and most quintessentially Hawaiian of the local dive sites, it’s an absolute must-visit for any keen diver.
National Parks
It’s also worth bearing in mind that Hawaii is home to some really amazing plants and landscapes, with some of the best places to explore these being the islands’ national parks, such as Haleakala National Park on Maui.
Also known as the ‘house of the sun’, this incredibly scenic national park is perched on the island’s southern and eastern coastline. It is also home to to Maui’s tallest peak, Haleakala, which reaches 3,055 m high.
This is the place to come to if you want to combine exploring unforgettable landscapes with activity, because you can hike above the clouds amid Haleakala’s peak, venture into tropical areas sprinkled with pretty waterfalls and even go horse riding across desert-like landscapes.
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