What are the activities that will help you get in touch with nature while you’re vacationing in Hawaii? Since the state is comprised of various islands, you can be sure that the area is rich in ocean wildlife. While in Maui, you can take the Atlantis Submarine Tour and view the undersea world. For a little more adventure, you can opt to take snorkeling tours or scuba diving sessions in many beaches in Hawaii. The Stonewall is a famous dive site in Maui, which is made of black coral and may also be an excellent spot to view humpback whales during whale season in December to May.

Hawaii is more than just a haven for species of fish and other aquatic creatures. The tropical rainforests in this state are well-preserved, housing some species of both plants and animals unique only to Hawaii. You should check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea Bay. This tourist attraction allows you to enter a place of rich greenery, with more than 2,000 species of flowers and plants.

The Aloha State is also known to be home to many active volcanoes. What better way to marvel at the sheer power of nature than to check out some of the most famous volcanoes in the world? At the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can have the chance to spot Mount Kilauea and Mauna Loa, whether by hiking or by cycling.

What’s there to do in Hawaii? Of course, when you hear the “aloha” greeting, you imagine palm trees swaying in the wind, crystal clear waters, and white sandy shores. This is just what Hawaii is, but there is more than meets the eye in this tropical haven. There are tons of activities in store, so if you need any ideas, here are a few suggestions.

For those who like water sports, Maui is the place to be. Here, you can surf, snorkel, parasail, or even scuba dive. The beaches serve as a home to thousands of species of marine life. Aside from that, you can also go hiking or take bike tours across the scenic route of Maui. There is also the Maui flea market, and you can check out the humpback whales when you take a boat ride on the island’s warm waters.

If you’re on Kauai, there’s even more stuff for you and the family to do. You can take a Zodiak raft tour, or explore the Na Pali coast via a rented boat. You may even be lucky to check out the famous movie spots on the island, where hit flicks like Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed. When you need to play a great round of golf, then you should head to the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, which has hosted many events for PGA. You can also hike at the world famous Koke’e State Park.

Another perk is the freedom to make some of your meals instead of eating out, which can mean savings that can more than pay for that Hawaii vacation rental. You certainly don’t have to chain yourself to the kitchen and do all the cooking, but it’s more convenient as well as cheaper to fix a bowl of cereal and brew a cup of great Kona coffee in your bathrobe than it is to dress and go to the restaurant. You don’t have to worry about what time the dining room closes either.

Many hotel rooms have small kitchens or kitchenettes, while a rental will almost always have a complete functioning kitchen with all necessary appliances which is far more resourceful. The luxury of a full size dining table or an outside patio can give a very “homey” feeling and may lead to a more relaxing vacation. On average a rental is more luxurious and spacious, while costing the same as a hotel room would.

Hawaii vacation rentals can be found for a just a few days or for much longer stays as well. A good travel agent can help you find these properties or you can do a search on the internet and find them easily. You may even pick a destination since if Kauai vacation rental pops up as a special offer at a great price, you may decide that this is the island for you!

The drawbacks that some people find to a Hawaii vacation rental is that you will need to do some things that a hotel usually does for you. On the other hand, a little cleaning, cooking, and making your own bed is not much of a problem when it comes with the comfort of being in a real home instead of one of dozens of commercial bedrooms. The rental can make the whole vacation much more peaceful and relaxing. If you think you’ll miss room service, just remember that you can order a pizza in Hawaii just like you do at home.

Finding excellent lodgings is of major importance to travelers even in a tropical paradise like Hawaii. A Hawaii vacation rental provides a relaxed, homey accommodation. Vacation rentals have complete kitchens where you can prepare some of your meals and save money. A fully-equipped kitchen that allows you to eat on a private balcony or around a dining table will help your relax. Travel agents and online resources can help you find a Kauai vacation rental at a great price. In a rental you’ll have to do a little housekeeping, but you’ll find it to be a comfortable environment without intrusive hotel staff. Hawaii condo rentals are another option.

By Ellen Gentry