From surfing to outriggers, diving and snorkelling, there’s plenty of ways for visitors to be immersed in ocean adventures in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiians have a deep connection with the ocean, dating back to when the first wayfaring explorers landed on the islands on sailing canoes, using only the stars, wind, seas and signs of nature around them, to young wahines catching waves.
The incredible majesty of the ocean that surrounds Hawaiʻi is a big part of the destination’s appeal and visitors are encouraged to look after one of the islands’ most precious natural assets.
The good news is, you can dip your toe into all the amazing water activities on offer while also protecting the ocean and marine life.
This year, Hawaiʻi Tourism Oceania is a major sponsor of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour which shares the best ocean-themed films from around the globe and Karryon readers can win one of three double passes to any screening of your choice in Australia or New Zealand. Those who attend will go into the running to WIN an Oʻahu holiday! Read on for details.
But first, let’s dive into the most breathtaking ocean activities across the Hawaiian Islands.
Explore the ocean in an outrigger canoe, Island of Hawaiʻi
The Island of Hawaiʻi is best experienced on a double-hull canoe out on the sea with Anelakai Adventures. Handcrafted by local business owner Iko, the waʻa (outrigger canoe) is powered by paddling, making it an eco-friendly way to explore that also pays homage to the wayfaring spirit.
The guided canoe tours provide a fantastic viewing platform that offers the opportunity to snorkel with Kona’s myriad marine life, from fish and green sea turtles to dolphins and manta rays, while learning about Hawaiʻi’s ocean-going history and culture, plus water safety and awareness.
Go diving and learn about local ecosystems, Maui
Get a front-row seat to Maui’s underwater world during a shore or boat dive with Maui Dreams Dive Co. Suited for beginners through to advanced divers, there’s a guided dive, course or training program to suit all levels.
It’s a rare chance to witness Hawaiʻi’s hidden beauty up close, spying tropical fish, colourful eels and Hawaiian green sea turtles amid coral reefs. As stewards of the ocean, this company cares about its environmental impact and works hard to reduce it.
Staff learn about the local ecosystem via underwater naturalist training, ongoing diver education and participation in conservation projects, including the Maui Reef Fund, which ensures coral reefs are protected and stay healthy.
Snorkel and sail the Nāpali Coast, Kauaʻi
The Nāpali Coast boasts some of the best snorkelling in all of Hawaiʻi. This untouched area hugs Kauaʻi’s north coast and hosts thriving marine life that you can see underwater on a Holo Holo Charters snorkelling boat tour.
Appropriately named, Nāpali, meaning “cliffs” in Hawaiian, is a 24km stretch of rugged coastline that’s distinctive for its razor-sharp ridges. With these stunning views as your backdrop, snorkelling is a must-do activity on the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain.
Take a surf lesson where it all began, Oʻahu
Surfing began as the ‘sport of kings’ when ancient Hawaiian royalty would show off their skills on Waikīkī Beach and other Oʻahu surf spots. In the early 20th century, legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport to the world as one of the pioneering Waikīkī Beach Boys who taught visitors how to surf and canoe at Waikīkī Beach.
Waikiki Beach Services keeps this legacy alive as the spot to learn how to surf in Waikiki since 1955. The team offers everything from daily surf and SUP lessons to outrigger canoe rides and catamaran charters.
Or why not hang ten with some cute canine companions? Hawaii Surf Dogs shows you how to surf, enjoy the ocean and grab a little aloha with a highly trained ocean professional and wave-riding dogs. It’s a doggone once-in-a-lifetime adventure on Oʻahu’s famous North Shore.
Pay it forward and help clean up coastlines
What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is the deep relationship between the stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. And that connection between people and place grows stronger every time you mālama (give back).
When you give back – whether that’s to the land, ocean, wildlife, forest, fishpond or the community – you’re part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone, including your very own Hawaiʻi holiday experience.
Several organisations allow visitors to pay it forward by participating in a beach clean-up to help preserve the unique islands for generations to come.
Join Pacific Whale Foundation to remove the marine debris on Maui’s coastlines that kills and injures wildlife, spreads invasive species, leaches pollutants and endangers human health.
Surfrider Foundation also organises regularly scheduled beach clean-ups throughout the year on multiple islands.
WIN Ocean Film Festival World Tour tickets and an Oʻahu holiday!
Hawaii Tourism Oceania is a major sponsor of the 2023 Ocean Film Festival World Tour, highlighting inspiring ocean-themed movies from around the globe.
In cinemas across Australia and New Zealand from 24 February to 21 June 2023, Karryon has three double passes to any screening up for grabs.
To win, simply tell us which ocean activity you’d like to try in Hawaiʻi and why. Entries close 13 February 2023.
Plus, everyone who attends the 2023 Ocean Film Festival World Tour goes in the draw to win a Hawaiian escape, thanks to Hawaiʻi Tourism Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines.
The six (6) night Oʻahu island escape prize, valued at $6,000, includes:
- 2 x return tickets from Sydney to Honolulu (180,000 miles) with Hawaiian Airlines
- 6 nights’ accommodation at the Surfjack Hotel & Swimclub
- 1x Kualoa Ranch Mālama Experience for two people
Enter to win when you attend the 2023 Ocean Film Festival World Tour.
Don’t want to miss the film festival? Book tickets to a screening near you here.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Hawaiian Island happenings? Head to gohawaii.com/au
Advisors can also access destination updates via agents.gohawaii.com