There’s more to Hawaii than just Surfing!

When you think about a visit to Hawaii, probably one of the first things that springs to mind is Hawaii’s well earned reputation as a surfing paradise. But there is a lot more to the big island of Hawaii so in this article we wanted to share some hints and tips with about everything that is waiting for you to discover in this magical place. The Surfing is Amazing If you do fancy catching some breaks then the big island has some of the best surfing that you’ll find anywhere in the world. Traditionally surfing was known as the “sport of kings” in Hawaii – reserved only for royalty. Things are a lot more democratic these days and everyone is welcome to grab a board and get out amongst the churning swells. Some of our favourite surf spots (that are suitable for everyone – not just the very experienced) include Pine Trees Beach, Kahaluu Beach, Banyans, and Honolii Beach. The Island is Still Growing The island of Hawaii (which is generally referred to as “the big island” to avoid confusion with the name of the state) may be the biggest island in the archipelago but it is actually the youngest. That’s because it is still being formed by the volcanoes that have created this dramatic landscape. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and your visit to Hawaii is a unique opportunity to come face to face with the power of this mountain of fire. But the volcanoes are about more than just molten lava – check out the Thurston Lava Tube Trail, a great walking trail that passes through native rainforest thick with lush tree ferns. Learn to Dance Everyone has heard of the traditional Hawaiian dance known as the Hula – but how many people do you know who can actually do it properly? Try and time your visit with the annual Merrie Monarch Festival (generally held in the week following Easter) – a celebration that brings together all of the Hula schools across the entire state to showcase the music, dance, and storytelling that the Hula embodies. The festival is held in the town of Hilo which is renowned for its museums and galleries. Uncover History Have you ever seen a petroglyph? These are carvings, etched into the lava rock centuries ago by the native people of Hawaii. Recording important events and cultural milestones, they tell stories using pictures and provide a unique glimpse into the ancient world of Hawaii. Go Chasing Waterfalls With its mountainous terrain, the big island has an enormous number of stunning waterfalls to explore. Check out Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, or Rainbow Falls on the Wailuku River. One of our favorites is the hardest to pronounce – it’s the Pee’epe’e Falls (pronounced Peh-eh Peh-eh). There is a lot more to the big island of Hawaii than just surfing, but surfing is a great way to fall in love with the unique and beautiful part of the world. There will always be plenty of reasons to come back and to continue to explore the youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago.