Months Visited: August
We are a family that enjoys the beauty of the great outdoors and we do not mind roughing it or going off the beaten path, but we are not against comfort and a stay in luxurious surroundings either. We include a variety of stops and activity types in every trip that we take. Whether we are lounging on a remote beach or visiting the top attraction for tourists in an area we try to see and do as much as possible every single day. Our children at the time of this itinerary: 3 children-Boy age 18 years, Boy age 13 years, Boy age 11 years.
Description: Hawaii offers a number of companies which provide eco adventures and eco tours. Whether the goal is to view dolphins, whales, or sea turtles, or the idea is to see the entire Hawaiian landscape and rainforest by zip line this type of activity can offer many things to do and many ways to do it. The entire activity is undertaken with the goal of preserving the natural environment found in Hawaii while allowing individuals to see and enjoy some of the best scenery and marine life that the area offers.
Our Experiences: We decided to take an eco adventure and look for whales off of the Hawaiian coast. It is important to note that there are no guarantees that any specific type of marine animal will be seen, it is just a matter of luck as well as the skill of the tour operator in determining where the sea creatures are for any given time. We enjoyed the boat ride although it did get somewhat rough at times, and we did see some whales on the trip. Many of our sightings were not as close as we would have liked but it was thrilling to see the whales even at a distance. This stop is highly recommended, but anyone who gets seasick may not enjoy it as much as we did.
Description: The natural environment found in Hawaii can be very diverse, and one of the most popular ways to explore the underwater environment here is snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii are situated around Molakini and Lanai, with a wide range of tropical fish species and a chance to see a number of other marine animals as well. It is possible to see turtles, eels, rays, and other animals at times, and the clear waters in these areas make it easy to spot the marine life and enjoy all of the underwater beauty. There is plenty of coral to attract the fish, and the views while snorkeling are unforgettable during certain times of the day.
Our Experiences: We had a lot of fun on this stop, and the trip to the different areas is one well worth it. We saw plenty of fish and coral, and the water was warm and extremely clear. The kids had a good time in the water, and the ride on the boat was a longer one but we made stops along the way so everyone could get in the water and enjoy the thriving marine life. We had some of the best snorkeling on this trip at this stop, and it received a thumbs up from everyone in the family.
Description: There are a number of magic shows in Hawaii that have received excellent reviews from tourists and from residents, and this can be a relaxing way to spend an hour or two while keeping the entire family interested and amused. Taking some time away from the natural environment found in Hawaii for live comedy and magic performances can be a break that helps visitors enjoy the scenery even more afterward.
Our Experiences: After a day spent in and on the water we were ready for something that did not require as much energy, and a magic show seemed like a fun activity for the kids and adults both. There were live comedians who told jokes appropriate for the entire family, and there were magic acts that were intriguing. The kids really liked the magic acts, and the adults enjoyed time spent relaxing and laughing. This was a nice activity that we all had fun at, and we recommend it for families who have older kids. Younger children may not enjoy this stop as much, they may prefer more active stops better suited to their young age instead.