hawaii nature tours

Oahu Circle Island Tour

Oahu Nature Tours offers the best all-inclusive circle-island tour to show you every highlight of the beautiful island of O’ahu in one magnificent day.

The  Ultimate Circle Island with Waimea Waterfall is a full-day adventure tour. This tour includes 11 spectacular stops covering all the famous scenic locations on the island.

This tour includes all entry fees to the visited locations and a delicious plate-lunch with a drink.

Let us show you the Real Hawaii!

Oahu Waterfall Adventure Tours

Join us on our exciting journey of discovery that will satisfy your senses and provide exceptional photo opportunities! Embark on a waterfall adventure eco-tour with Oahu Nature Tours.

The Oahu  waterfall  that you can visit on our eco-tour is  Waimea Valley falls . The Waimea falls adventure takes you through the botanical gardens inside of Waimea Valley.

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Hawaii Bird Tours

Educational & scenic day trips, hawaii multi-day tours & international birding experiences, fun & informative small group birding adventures in hawaii & beyond, enjoy endemic & pelagic birds of hawaii with passionate guides.

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii Bird Tours, where our dedicated and educated team of all-female guides are excited to share their knowledge and passion for birds with you on unforgettable tours. Our keen birding senses combined with unrivalled knowledge of plumages and flight patterns of almost every species means you’ll be getting what you expect when booking a birding tour. We also strive to share Hawaii’s history, culture, flora and fauna while personally catering to each guest in a fun, and informative environment with gregarious guides where everybody can enjoy a pleasant time in nature. Our day trips provide a range of experiences on both land and water across the islands of Hawaii, as we search for endemic forest species and pelagics: from the iconic Hawaiian Honeycreepers to the endangered water birds , including the Hawaiian Goose, Black-necked Stilt, and Hawaiian Duck

If you’re new to birding in Hawaii, looking to explore multiple islands, or just overwhelmed with how to make the most of your visit, we encourage you to consider our multi-day birding tours . These all-inclusive experiences are designed to be carefree bucket list trips by our local experts for the best birding experiences in Hawaii. Our birdwatching adventures aren’t just limited to Hawaii, we travel the world over to bring you the best birding experiences! Check out our international trips for life-affirming tours to South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the Pacific.

Oahu Birding Tours

Kauai birding tours, big island endemic birding adventure, kona pelagic birding adventure, multi-day & international birding tours, hawaii multi-day excursions, international trips, read why people love us, tripadvisor reviews.

Five stars for Mandy Talpas and her 10-day, 3-island Hawaii birding tour that just wrapped up. Mandy found every one of the birds we targeted, shared her deep knowledge of and passion for Hawaii and its birds and habitats, and made the trip fun with her infectious personality. I recommend Mandy without reservation.

Basco Eszeki

Mandy is an absolutely excellent guide to all of the birds of Hawaii. Our birding tour booked with Hawaii Bird Tours for 10 days. Mandy made sure each of us got a look at the birds that appeared. Mandy knows many of the birds as individuals, which testifies to her dedication to protecting and loving what she does. She is very respectful of the environment and of the relationships each native bird species has with its habitat. Mandy is highly respected and active in the local environmental and conservation groups, a fact that gave us unique insights to the dynamics in birding in the Hawaiian islands. We felt honored to have access to remote regions and to experience the birds in their native habitats. I cannot sing enough praises of Mandy who in addition to being a superb birding guide, is a kind and thoughtful person. This was an unforgettable tour.

Warren Chad

Google reviews.

Very occasionally you meet and spend time with someone whos infectious enthusiasm, passion and commitment to a chosen endeavour erodes a little of your cynicism and restores a huge chunk of your faith in humanity. Mandy Talpas is one such individual. I have just had the pleasure of spending six days with Mandy birding and photographing on Oahu and Big island. The brief was to get me as many endemics as possible and get me into a position to get some good photos. I have been let down before when my expectations of a trip fell short but on this occassion I need not have worried. Mandy found all the important birds and gained me great access to areas where I could get my photographs. Mandy was always considerate and patient which made for a pleasant birding experience, sharing her knowledge of the Islands, its plants, native peoples and its imperilled birdlife.

Nicole Koeltzow

Facebook reviews.

I highly recommend hiring Mandy as a birding guide. She help me get some of the hardest birds in Kauai, Hawaii on a custom trip on my ABA Big Year 2018. We got the Anianiau, Kauai Amakihi, Akeke’e, Akikiki, and Puaiaohi along the Mohihi-Waiale Trail. We hiked 7 to 8 miles to achieve this goal 2 different days in a row. It is tough up-and-down terrain and wet and muddy in places but breath taking too. She is willing to go the distance by returning the next day and hiking rain or shine. Always pointing out hazard spots that could possibly trip you up. She is very friendly and easy to talk to you if you want to talk. Outstanding birder that will find the birds for you.

Janice Knausenberger

Bill holland.

I loved my birding in Hawaii with Mandy. I highly recommend her guided birding tours. Mandy found us the local specialties across the three islands we visited without rushing or stressing over logistics. I appreciate her local knowledge and her ability to put the birds and environment in context. It is encouraging to see the efforts being invested to preserve and improve sensitive Hawaii habitats. Seeing the results, in terms of wild spaces and the birds that thrive there, was a great counterweight to understanding how and why some species will not continue to survive in the wild. I was on the April 10-19, 2023 “Hawaii’s Best Birding Tour: Endemics to Palagics” with a fun group of birders. Thank you, Mandy, for making it a great experience.

Passionate Expert Birding Guides

5-star reviews, all levels of birders welcome, life affirming experiences, custom tours.

Can’t find the birding experience your looking for? Then our Custom Tour offerings might be just the ticket! These are personalized experiences designed to cater to you and we also have some suggested trips for you to take a look at if you’re looking for inspiration. Contact us today for more information and we’ll help you book your dream birding extravaganza!

The Hawaii Bird Tours Promise

Our goal with every birding trip is to help you view, learn about, and enjoy more birds! Whether you envision casually cruising the coastline in search of seabirds, chasing after endemic forest birds, exploring local hot spots, or all of the above! We’re an all-female team dedicated to providing customized excursions to create your ultimate Hawaii birding experience. Our promise on every eco-tour is to ensure that each guest is having a great time while learning about Hawaii’s alluring flora and fauna and we put conservation at the forefront. We look forward to sharing with you Hawaii’s beautiful birds, unique wildlife, and the projects in place to help save them.

Get in Touch

Our team would love to hear from you.

Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 9 most popular hawaii nature & wildlife trips. compare tour itineraries from 7 tour companies. 2 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular hawaii nature & wildlife tours.

Two Islander

• Enjoy all the wonders of Oahu, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, fronting the ocean
• See the Punchbowl National Cemetery, snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
• The ‘hottest show on the Island – the “Drums of the Pacific” Luau
• Visit the South Pacific villages, demonstrations, Polynesian crafts.
• The whaling era (1840 to 1865), Lahaina Town served as the anchorage for more than 500 ships!

Hawaiian Seascapes

• 8 days Hawaii cruise
• Watch for whales off Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii
• You will have opportunities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking and other activities
• Explore Molokai Museum, discover the history of this ancient homeland as you enjoy

Hawaii: The Big Island and Maui

• Immerse yourself in Hawaiian legend and lore while exploring blooming botanical gardens, sacred temples, and ancient sea caves.
• Drive along the cliffs of Maui’s legendary Hana Highway, named one of the world’s greatest road trips in National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime.
• Hike across a steamy crater floor in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and stroll the black volcanic sands of Punalu'u Beach.
• Observe humpback whales on a private cruise with naturalists.

Hawaii A Tropical Adventure

• Ride through charming country town surrounded by cattle ranches
• Riding is on the main highway and this stretch of road
• Visit Volcanoes National Park
• Enjoy the ride through woodland, sugar-cane fields, and meadows.
• Visit Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure

• Experience the glorious beaches of Maui.
• Visit Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.
• Trek through lush rainforest and past waterfalls on Maui.
• Swim and snorkel off the coast of Kauai.

Hawaii Highlights Self-Drive Tour

• Explore Maui's white-sand beaches.
• Experience the heat of Kilauea Volcano.
• Snorkel with sea turtles, whales and dolphins.
• Between January and March you can also take a boat trip on the Pacific Ocean to see majestic humpback whales at sunrise.

Hawaii - Budget Island Endemics & Pelagic 2021

• Laysan Albatross
• Hawaiian Hawk
• Nene (Hawaiian Goose)

Best of Hawaii Four Island Tour

• Tour the USS Arizona Memorial and visitor center at Pearl Harbor
• Stroll the world-famous Waikiki Beach
• Witness the mystical Fern Grotto on a Wailua Riverboat cruise
• See natural wonders including the Black Sand Beach and Opaekaa Falls
• Visit Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park

All Hawaii Nature & Wildlife , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Hawaii Nature & Wildlife

Small Group Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours

Hawaii - Island Endemics & Pelagic 2021

Best Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours by Price

Top Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Attractions & Experiences

Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours & Travel Guide

Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Hawaii nature & wildlife reviews & ratings, my husband and i had an amazing bike/hike custom tour on the big island in hawaii.

My husband and I had an amazing bike/hike custom tour on the Big Island in Hawaii. Our guides Bruno and Gabi were exceptional and repeatedly exceeded our expectation...

Our rides were fantastic

I just took my family of 5 on the big island of Hawaii. We started at Mauna Lani hotel biked to the other side of the island and stayed in a B&B for a few nights...

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Hawaii Nature & Wildlife Tours FAQ

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Explore Maui Nature

Personalized & private tours in hawaii, breathtaking & memorable maui private tours, check out our exclusive & informative tours of maui, hawaii.

At Explore Maui Nature, we provide exclusive and educational day tours of Maui, Hawaii. We will take care of your needs and desires to ensure a trip of a lifetime on our beautiful island . Join one of our private tours of Haleakala (opens in a new tab) , where you can experience the wonders of our famous dormant volcano or take in an immersive trip on the famous Road to Hana or around West Maui where you will discover the legends, history, and flora & fauna of the Paradise of the Pacific. We offer private hiking tours for all levels and are the only operator on the island to offer Maui birding tours .

Choose Your Private Maui Tour Adventure

Haleakala tours, birding tours, haeakala & hawaiian craft, road to hana tours, knowledgeable & passionate maui guides, flexible, private experiences, exclusivity, see what our previous guests say, brianbyungsunkoh, tripadvisor.

We did a private tour to Haleakala Crater and Iao V alley and it was one of the best tours we’ve ever been on. Wendy was our tour guide and she was absolutely incredible. We were traveling with young kids and Wendy was extremely accommodating and patient and kept the kids engaged the entire time.

We did a private birding tour with Wendy, who was an enthusiastic guide, very knowledgeable regarding Hawaiian birds, plants, geology and culture.

Fantastic Hike with lore and humor led by Wendy. Her extreme attention to detail and the fact she was well prepared beyond anything you could think of made this a fantastic and unforgettable day.

Our travel agent had arranged this tour for us. It was fabulous! Delphine met us at the cruise port in Lahaina, Maui to take us on a trip where we had requested to go half way to Hana. She is so personable, professional and informative and really knows Maui.

Why Tour With Us

Explore Maui Nature was initially created by Beth Lariviere, a wildlife biologist who wanted to provide visitors to Maui with a different kind of experience; one that focused on the natural world. Now in the hands of Delphine Berbigier, Explore Maui Nature looks to stay true to that philosophy of experiencing the island and caring for its future. We create handcrafted, private trips of a lifetime. Join us on a Maui adventure and meet our passionate and knowledgeable guides who will lead you on tours of the most geographically isolated place on Earth, and one of the most diverse!

Please Consider Donating to Maui's Conservation Efforts

In a world threatened by catastrophic events caused by climate change and other crises in nature, it is now more important than ever to make sure our planet is cared for and protected. Here on Maui, we have many different ecosystems and over time Hawaii has more endangered species and has lost a higher percentage of its endemic species than any other U.S. state. If you’re looking for a way to give back during your vacation, we encourage you to make a donation to one of our favorite conservation organizations here on the island.

Find Out About Our Safety & Sanitation Policies

Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us here at Explore Maui Nature so we have comprehensive safety and sanitation measures in place to ensure your experience is secure and germ-free.

Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us here at Explore Maui Nature so we have comprehensive safety and sanitation measures in place to try and ensure your experience is secure and germ-free.

Check Out All the Maui News Here!

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You will be unsurprised to learn that Superguide Wendy, when not leading tours and hikes...goes hiking! Last week she wandered the 11 miles from the Sliding Sands/Keoneheʻeheʻe Trailhead near the summit of Haleakalā Volcano to the parking lot at the very top of the Halemauʻu Trail. Glorious weather, by the looks of it, and so many colors of lava and surreal landscapes that *could* be Mars in a thousand years after we terraform it, maybe. Anyway, Wendy invites you along on her off-day hike into the summit wilderness of Haleakalā Volcano. Thanks, Wendy! 🚐 🌄 ☀️ #superguidewendy #wendysdayoff #slidingsands #keoneheeheetrail #halemauutrail #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #mauisunset #haleakala #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui #haleakalavolcano #haleakalahikes #mauihikes ...

The "crater" of Haleakalā Volcano is actually a huuuuuge erosional valley through which subsequent eruptions have, well, erupted, building up colorful cinder cones and leaving raggedy lava flows all over the place. Wind and rain and sun and seeds and time have done their best to decorate what remains, and oh is it so worth your while. You should come hike it with us. April is filling up fast... 🚐 🌄 ☀️ #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #mauisunset #haleakala #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui #haleakalavolcano #haleakalahikes #mauihikes ...

🎼 There went the sun there went the sun doo doo doo doo and we say it's alright...🎼 🚐 🌄 🌿☀️ #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #mauisunset #haleakala #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui ...

Happy April 1st! We adore exploring Maui nature and that is no joke! Lots of folks want to immerse themselves in the magic that is Haleakalā Volcano, and yes, we can help with that! Custom and private tours is what we do, so be in touch as April spots are filling quickly. 🚐 🌄 🌿 ☀️ #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui ...

Not a nēnē! These are Eurasian Chukars, the national bird of Pakistan and Iraq. They were introduced to Hawaiʻi as game birds and....no one ever got around to eating them, really. Now they scamper around the summit of Haleakalā Volcano where the aridity and altitude resemble the mountains of their home country. 🐧 #exploremaui #mauinature #exploremauinature #introducedbirds #nothawaiianbirds #chukar #chukarpartridge #haleakalavolcano #birding #birdtours #birdguide #mauibirding ...

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Kona Nature Tours

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Kona Nature Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hawaii Real Nature Tours

Oahu Private Tours

Tour Schedule

West Oahu Tour and Snorkeling Highlights – What You Will See and Do:

Duration from Waikiki: 7.5H (TUE, THU, SAT and SUN)

7:20 am – 8:20 am Departure from Waikiki, pick up from selected hotel Waikiki or Ko Olina – sit back and relax for the 45 minute drive to Oahu’s west shore

8:30 am – 11:30 am Tour of West Oahu – plenty of great photos opportunities. (Photo package is available $30 online purchase including underwater photos.)

11:30 am – 2 pm No-host lunch stop at a shopping center. (average $6 or up)

Guided Snorkeling at a prime west shore of Oahu snorkel spot

3:00 pm Back in Waikiki

Book Now! Limited seating only 9 guests for tours

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– Sacred Hawaii Circle Island Tour Highlights – What You Will See and Do:

Duration from Waikiki: 9H (MON, WED, FRI)

7:20 am – 7:40 am Departure from Waikiki, pick up from selected hotel in only Waikiki. – sit back and relax for the 45 minute drive to first stop North Shore Hawaii

8:30 am – 11:30 am Tour of Deep North Shore, sacred Hawaii places – plenty of great photos opportunities. (Photo package is available $30 online purchase.)

11:30 am – 12 pm No-host lunch stop at a famous North Shore shrimp wagon. (average $12 or up) There is NO vegetarian option, you must tell us before the tour start.

12pm Continue to the drive around the island. Going to East and South of Oahu.

4:00 pm Back in Waikiki

Why Book from Us?

Waimea Waterfall Swim & Lunch

Initially, we will make a halt at Green World Coffee to grab some samples, coffee & mini-breakfast options. Next, we’ll head towards Waimea Valley for a hike and a swim…

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel

Initially, we will make a halt at Green World Coffee to grab some samples, coffee & mini-breakfast options. Next, we’ll head towards Waimea Valley for a hike and a breath…

Manoa Waterfall Hike & Lunch

Uncover the splendor of this tropical haven while delving into the rich history and culture surrounding a beloved natural wonder…

Dolphin Watch with 20ft Slide

Come aboard and see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life. Our Sea Turtle snorkel location with kayaks, paddleboards, and Hawaii’s largest 20 foot sea-slide…

Oahu Island Sights & Tastes

Welcome to the ultimate round-the-island food and sightseeing tour of Oahu! Get ready for an unforgettable journey that combines history, breathtaking landscapes, and Shrimp Plate included…

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise 

Experience the radiant beauty of Diamond Head during the golden hour and the enchanting Honolulu city lights aboard a brand-new, luxurious powerboat….

Whale Watch (Dec. to April)

Doors Off Helicopter Ride

Discover Sacred Falls and other natural gems of the island, as well as historic Pearl Harbor, picture-perfect resorts, downtown Honolulu, and more…

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Hawaii Nature Tours

Explore Hawaii’s countryside and discover hidden waterfalls, lush rainforests, mountains and valleys. Hawaii nature tours are the perfect combination of island sightseeing and adventure. Discover off-the-beaten-path locations as well as top attractions and learn about the islands’ unique ecosystems and geology in the same time. Whether you are interested in a bird watching adventure, a guided nature hike, a waterfall exploration or a volcano tour, there is the perfect nature tour for you. Nature tours are available on the four main Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Choose your island below or browse our featured Hawaii nature tours. Hawaii Discount offers the best selection of nature tours in Hawaii at discounted prices.

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Hawaii Nature Tours

Hawaii 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 offer all kinds of nature and eco tours - hiking tours, bird-watching tours, waterfall tours, volcano tours and 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, lava fields and beaches with a variety of colors of sand (white, red, green and black). The following list is a brief compilation of some of the top natural highlights you can discover in Hawaii.

Natural highlights on Oahu

Diamond Head: Diamond Head is one the most famous landmarks on the island of Oahu. The extinct volcanic crater's 760-foot (231m) summit is the top hiking destintation on the island and for good reason. It's an easy hike and takes about 20 to 50 minutes (depending on your walking speed) to reach the top. From the observation platform you can enjoy panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki. On a clear day you can even see all the way to the neighbor islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai. In the winter (November through March), you might want to bring binoculars because Diamond Head is also a good spot for whale watching.

Guided hiking tours that include transportation to Diamond Head are available. Or you can go on your own and take the public bus to get there (with bus number 23 from Waikiki).

Manoa Falls: Manoa Falls is a 150-foot (45m) waterfall that can be reached only by foot. Located in the Ko'olau Mountains, the hiking trail to the waterfall is 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 is an easy hike, however, it does require climbing over a few large boulders at the end of the trail. It leads through a tropical rainforest, where you can see a variety of tropical flowers and trees.

The hike is quite popular. 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. 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 between Honolulu and Kailua. It overlooks the 985-foot cliffs of the Ko'olau 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 Oahu's windward coast, 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 roam this area.

The Pali Lookout is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. There is no admission fee (but parking costs for non-Hawaii residents), so if you drive on the Pali Highway, you may want to stop and spend a few moments here. Tours to the Pali Lookout are also arranged by local companies. Or if you book an Oahu circle island tour, a stop at the Pali Lookout is usually included.

Other popular natural attractions on Oahu are Kualoa Ranch , Dole Plantation , Hanauma Bay , Koko Head , Waimea Valley , Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park and the Ka Iki State Scenic Shoreline .

Natural highlights on Maui

Haleakala Crater: Haleakala Crater , also known as the "House of the Sun," is one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes. 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. Several local companies offer tours to Haleakala, including bus, 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. This could turn out to be the most stunning sunrise you have ever seen. Other exciting tours being offered are sunset and star-watching tours and ranger-guided programs. If you prefer to visit Haleakala on your own, the doors to Haleakala National Park are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, except for bad weather days.

Iao Valley: Located about 3 miles (5 km) west of Wailuku, 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 Pu'u Kukui and its top is often hidden in the clouds. Besides its natural beauty, Iao Valley is also a historical location. In 1790, it was the site of a dramatic battle held by King Kamehameha I. There is a lookout point one can hike to. The Iao Valley State Park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

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

Natural highlights on Kauai

Waimea Canyon: Waimea Canyon is one of Kauai's natural wonders. The 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." Several local companies offer bus and hiking tours to Waimea Canyon, some of them in 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 that leads to the canyon, you will reach the Koke'e State Park from where you can continue exploring the canyon on one of the numerous hiking trails.

Wailua River: Located on the east side of Kauai, Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii. 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.

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. The cave is also one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii, and many couples get married here. The Grotto is accessible by boat. Wailua River tours that include a visit to the Grotto are offered by several local tour companies.

Besides the abovementioned natural attractions, there are many other unique places on Kauai, including the Na Pali Coast State Park , Spouting Horn and Opaeka'a Falls .

Natural highlights on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Encompassing more than 300,000 acres (1.214 km²), the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts more than one million people from all over the world every year. Here you can see a diverse environment, formed during the 70 million years of volcanic activity. Because of its unique nature, the area has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Several tour companies offer bus or hiking tours to the world's largest active volcano. 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.

Waipio Valley: Waipio Valley is home to many waterfalls cascading down from heights of up to 1,200 feet (365 m). There is a nice lookout point overlooking this lush valley. A very steep road leads down to Waipio Beach (not a good idea to drive down on your own). You can book a tour with a local guide and can choose between a shuttle or mule-drawn wagon.

Other spectacular natural attractions on the Big Island are Punalu'u Black Sand Beach , Papakolea Green Sand Beach , Ahalanui Park , Kealakekua Bay , Pololu Valley , Lava Tree State Park , Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Kaimu Beach Eco-Path .

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.

Hawaii historical highlights

The most popular historical attraction in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, watch a documentary film about the Pearl Harbor attack (which took place on December 7, 1941) and take a shuttle boat to the sunken battleship USS Arizona. You can also visit the USS Missouri, another battleship, the USS Bowfin submarine and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free. However, there is an admission fee if you want to visit the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin and Pacific Aviation Museum. Several tour companies offer bus tours to Pearl Harbor. These tours sometimes also include a stop at Punchbowl Cemetery and other historical attractions in downtown Honolulu.