I recently just returned from an awesome Hawaiian vacation. This was a Hawaii cruise that started in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, then moved on to the big island (actually called Hawaii) staying at Hilo. We next moved on to Maui and docked at Kahului. We then headed back to the big island to Kona, then moved to Nawiliwili on the Kauai and finished the trip back at Honolulu.

This was a fantastic way to see the islands of Hawaii and gives us an idea of where we would actually like to stay next time we make the trip out there.

The islands are beautiful and there are a ton of things to do. These 5 things represent a few outdoorsy things that can be done for little or no money and are definately worth the time.

One item to note is that with all of these a car rental is probably needed, or at least a scooter rental. Some you could try to do by bike, but others would be a little to hard especially the uphill trek to Haleakala.

Iao Valley, Maui

Iao Valley is a really nice small (6.2 acres for the entire park) state park. The area has lots of vegetation, a stream running through it, and tons of moutainous terrain made, of course, by volcanic activity. The park contains the Iao Needle (pictured above) which is a 1,200 ft from the floor of the valley.

Haleakala, Maui

Haleakala is a National Park that has a ridiculously curvy road to get to the highest elevation in the park. From that elevation you can see the "crater" (above).  If you have the stomach for the drive and the time the trip is worth it. It is a great view up there and the drive up you are eventually above the cloud line. There are many bike companys that will allow you to ride down from the top (on their bikes) and they follow behind you so they can help you out if you fall into trouble. The park also has many trails in the summit area ranging from less than an hour to as long as three days.

Black Sand Beach (Punalu'u Beach on the big island of Hawaii)

One reason to try to make a trip to see this is that it is just so unusual. We have all probably spent a lot of times at beaches but normally not any that have black sand. The beach also is home to sea turtles which are found there often. There are signs posted all over the beach not to take any of the sand. There is even a curse associated with taking the sand. Camping is allowed at Punalu'u park, however this is probably not a place you want to lay out and catch some sun. The beach is very rocky, but it is still a beautiful spot to check out.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The whole reason we even have the islands of Hawaii is because of the volcanos. This national park contains a currently active volcano, Kilauea. The park has many different areas to visit, however much of the road around the rim of Kilauea is closed because of sulphur dioxide gas in the area. It is still a good trip to make out to the park. There is restaurant at the park where you can eat and see a fantastic view of the volcano (picutre above was taken there). There are many trails inside the park but you should check the park's site to see which trails are open.

Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai)

Waimea Canyon on the garden isle of Kauai is sometimes known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". The canyon is about 10 miles long and 3000 feet deep in parts. The trip to the canyon is a long one with many winding roads, but also has many great lookouts along the way. There are many trails available for novice on up to experienced hikers.

There are many other great things to do in Hawaii, but these few things I found on my trip to be fun and inexpensive.

Similar Posts:

• National Trail and Park Projects Funded
• COWABUNGA!!! Big Waves in Hawaii
• Top 10 Adventure Travel Destinations of 2010 (US)
• Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
• The Gift For The Person Who Has it All - Yosemite?
• Free Trip to Yosemite Valley
• What do America's National Parks Mean to You?

Links on Outdoorzy.com:

• Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail
• Intova
• Lion Dancing - Maui Style