Hawaii nature tours

Nature tours and highlights

Hawaii Nature Tours are one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii. You will find a variety of companies on all the Hawaiian Islands that will offer you all kinds of nature and eco tours – hiking tours, bird-watching tours, waterfall tours, movie tours, volcano tours, historical tours and many more.

Hawaii’s nature is rich, vivid and unique. Here you can see spectacular waterfalls cascading down from tall cliffs, lush tropical rainforests and valleys, active volcanoes and flowing lava. The following list is a brief compilation of some of the top natural highlights you can discover while in Hawaii.

Natural highlights on Oahu

Diamond Head: Diamond Head is one the most famous landmarks on the island of Oahu. It is an extinct volcanic crater located on the southern coast of Oahu, right next to Waikiki. Its 760-foot (231m) summit is one of the favorite places to go for Hawaii nature lovers and hikers. It’s an easy hike and takes about 20 to 50 minutes (depending on your walking speed) to reach the top. From the observation deck at the summit you can enjoy great aerial views of Waikiki, Honolulu, Koko Head and on clear days even see the neighbor island of Molokai. In the winter, you might also see some whales.

There are local companies that can arrange hiking tours to Diamond Head for you. However, many people prefer to go on their own because it is easy to get to Diamond Head (with bus number 22 and 58 from Waikiki). The admission to the park is $1 per person. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily.

Manoa Falls: Manoa Falls is a 150 feet (45m) tall waterfall that can be reached only by foot. Located in the Koolau Mountains, the hiking trail to the waterfall is easy and just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long one way. The path is well-maintained but can be muddy if it has recently rained. It leads through a tropical bamboo rainforest, where you can see a variety of tropical flowers and trees.

The hike is quite popular and the waterfall is visited daily by number of people. If you prefer to book a guided Manoa Falls hiking tour, you will visit the place together with a small group of other hikers and the tour guide will provide you with information about the location. Don’t feel shy to ask the guide questions; usually they are very knowledgeable. If you want to go to Manoa Falls on your own, you can take bus number 5, which leaves daily from Ala Moana shopping center. You’ll have to get off at the last stop. Ask the bus driver for assistance if you’re not sure.

Pali Lookout: The Pali Lookout is located on the Pali Highway when you drive toward the windward (east) side of the island. This fascinating lookout point overlooks the 985-foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range. From up here you’ll have a great panoramic ocean and mountain view and you’ll be able to see a wide stretch of the east coast of Oahu, with the cities of Kaneohe and Kailua in the distance as well as the small offshore island Chinaman’s Hat. The Pali Lookout left a big mark in the history of Hawaii. In 1795, King Kamehameha held his last battle here to unite all islands. Hundreds of warriors died in that battle, and according to some legends, their souls still inhabit this area. Many visitors who have been to the Pali Lookout have said that they felt they are not alone there.

The Pali Lookout is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. There is no admission fee, so if you drive on the Pali Highway, you may want to stop and spend a few moments here. There is a free big parking lot. Tours to the Pali Lookout are also arranged by local companies.

Other popular natural attractions on Oahu are Kualoa Ranch, the Dole Plantation, Hanauma Bay, Kailua Beach, Turtle Bay and Waimea Falls.

Natural highlights on Maui

Haleakala Crater: Haleakala Crater, also known as the “House of the Sun,” is the world’s largest dormant volcano. Its summit rises 10,023 feet (3.055 m) above sea level. The crater and surrounding area is one of the most amazing places in the world. The landscape is moonlike and the view from the mountain’s summit is truly spectacular. Many local companies offer a variety of tours to Haleakala, including vehicle, bicycle, horseback, hiking and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tours.

One of the most popular types of tours to Haleakala is the sunrise tour, where you will be taken to the top of the volcano very early in the morning to greet the rising sun. It will probably be the most stunning sunrise you have ever seen. Other exciting tours being offered are star-watching tours and sunset and ranger-guided programs. If you prefer to visit Haleakala on your own, the doors of the Haleakala National Park are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, except for bad weather days.

Iao Valley: Located on the west side of Maui, about 3.1 miles (5 km) west of Wailuku, the Iao Valley is a lush tropical valley and a favorite location for many hikers. The most famous part of the valley is the Iao Needle, a stone formation that is 1,200 feet (365 m) tall and covered with tropical vegetation. It is surrounded by the cliffs of the dormant volcano Puu Kukui and its top is often hidden in the clouds.

There is an overlook point where one can hike to. Once on the top, you will see scenic views of the valley and Kahului Harbor. Besides its natural beauty, the Iao Valley has its historical meaning as well. During 1790, it was the site of a dramatic battle held by King Kamehameha I. Nowadays the Iao Valley State Park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. The hike is suitable for both novice and experienced hikers.

Other remarkable nature attractions on Maui are the Hana Coast, the Road to Hana, Oheo Gulch, Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach and Red Sand Beach.

Natural highlights on Kauai

Waimea Canyon: Located on the west side of Kauai, Waimea Canyon is 10 miles (16 km) long, 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and more than 3,500 feet (1.066 m) deep. Inspired by the beauty of the canyon, Mark Twain named it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Many local companies offer bus, bike and hike tours to Waimea Canyon, some of them in a combination with other attractions, such as Wailua River and Fern Grotto.

If you prefer to explore the canyon on your own, you will find many lookout points along the way. At the end of Waimea Canyon Drive, the road which leads to the canyon, you will reach the Kokee State Park from where you can continue exploring the canyon on one of the numerous hiking trails. The trails are suitable for novice as well as expert hikers.

Wailua River: Located on the east coast of Kauai, Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii. It starts from Waialeale Crater and is surrounded by lush rainforests, tropical vegetation and waterfalls. You can go kayaking on the river or if you prefer to explore the river in a bigger boat, you will find a variety of companies on Kauai that can take you on a boat cruise all the way to Fern Grotto, another natural highlight on Kauai. Besides boat and kayaking tours, the river also offers good waterskiing and canoeing opportunities.

Fern Grotto: Fern Grotto is an overgrown lava-cave, covered with tropical ferns. According to geologists, it was formed millions of years ago and today is considered a geological wonder of Kauai. It is accessible only by boat and tours on Wailua River are offered. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to reach the Grotto, depending on what side of the island you depart from. Fern Grotto is considered as one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii and many couples get married here.

Besides the abovementioned natural attractions, there are many other unique places on Kauai which nature lovers should not miss. Some of them are Spouting Horn, Opaekaa Falls and Poipu Beach.

Natural highlights on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Covering more than 300,000 acres (1.214 km²), the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts people from all over the world. Here you can see a diverse environment which was formed as a result of 70 million years of volcanic activity. Because of its unique nature, the area has been declared as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Many local companies offer bus or hiking tours to show you the world’s largest active volcano. Here you will see Kilauea in action. You can also explore the park on your own. It is located 30 miles (48 km) south of Hilo and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also offers camping opportunities.

Waipio Valley: If you love waterfalls, this is the place to go! Waipio Valley is home to many waterfalls cascading down from heights of up to 1,200 feet (365 m). You can explore this lush tropical valley on your own or book a tour with a local company. A large variety of tours are being offered here: wagon, shuttle, hiking, horseback and bike tours. The valley is 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and 6 miles (9.7 km) long and located on the northeast side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Other spectacular natural locations on the Big Island of Hawaii are Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Ahalanui Park and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Hawaii flora and fauna

Hawaii’s tropical flora and fauna is unique and diverse and you can explore it and venture out on your own or book a professionally guided tour. Each one of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique landscapes and scenery, so the tours that are being offered vary depending on each island’s flora and fauna. The good thing of booking a tour is that groups are small and tour guides are very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Hawaii. They can provide you with information about it and answer any questions you might have.

Hawaii historical highlights

The most historical attraction in Hawaii, telling the events from the recent history of the U.S. is Pearl Harbor on Oahu. While there you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, watch a movie about the attacks on Pearl Harbor from December 7th, 1941, and take a shuttle boat which will take you to the sunken battleship USS Arizona. You can also visit the USS Missouri, another battleship.

The admission to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona are free. However, there is an admission fee if you want to visit the USS Missouri. There are many companies on Oahu that offer bus tours to Pearl Harbor. These tours usually include a stop at Punchbowl Cemetery and other historical attractions.