Discover Hawaii

With ocean temps that average about 70-80 degrees, Hawaii caters to those who crave water expeditions. However, not all of the cities within the water-drenched state of Hawaii rank supreme when it comes to water sports. Each pineapple-packed, palm-tree laden town has its specialty. For water sport adventure seekers looking for the ultimate way to take a dive into the crashing waves of Hawaii, look no further than this guide on where and how to hit the big island's waters.



Surf Big Waves in Oahu


Surfing pros head to Oahu's North Shore between November and March to ride towering waves that have made it a haven for surfing competitions. The infamous Banzai Pipeline is one of the more popular places to surf, with surfers attempting to cascade down and balance underneath, monstrous pipe-shaped waves. Inexperienced surfers may want to watch from the shores, however, as the breaks on these waves are strong, steep, have been known to take down or even kill the most experienced surfers.

Beginning surfers inspired by the surfers on the North Shore can get a dose of the surf at Waikiki Beach in the summer time, when waters are fairly tame. Those who would rather boogie board and body surf can test their skills in the treacherous waters of Sandy Beach, or enjoy the calm waves of Waikiki.

Scuba in Maui and Lanai, Snuba in Hanauma Bay

Take a dive or a snorkel under the blue waters of Molokini, an island located off of the Southwestern coast of Maui. Away from the island's coral reefs, barracuda, tiger sharks and humpback whales have been spotted. As divers drop down in the ocean, they'll also notice massive boulders coated with coral, colorful fish and slithering octopus.

While Molokini's waters are packed with wildlife, they are no match for Lanai's vivid underwater sights. Divers who get the chance to watch slithers of light peeking through lava domes underwater, as well as swim under the archways and over lava tubes that have formed here, consider Lanai to be the pinnacle of diving spots in Hawaii. This Maui island features over 25 dive sites and stunning coral formations that house hundreds of tropical fish.

For those who can't choose between scuba diving and snorkeling, they can snuba in Hanauma Bay. Snuba divers use a 20-foot air line that connects to a scuba tank to breath under water. It is a diving technique that merges scuba diving and snorkeling and is made for shallow water exploration. The waters in Hanauma Bay are crystal-blue and packed with marine sea life, like green sea turtles, moray eels, sea urchins and butterfly fish.

Hit the Black and White Sandy Beaches of Hawaii

Dubbed as one of the world's best beaches by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is one not-to-miss shore when visiting Hawaii. Beachgoers can snorkel, surf, dive, kayak, windsurf, kite board and go deep sea fishing here. Or, hit the waves for a quick-cool down after strolling the island's warm shores. Poipu Beach is located on Kauai's southern coastline and is known for its white, sand beaches, diverse water sports, and unique coral reef formations.

Hawaii beachgoers looking to put a spin on a typical day at the beach head to Punalu'u Beach Park. This black-sand beach is home to dozens of sea turtles that rest on its shores or swim beneath the waves, and is perfect for guests who want to stray from the beaten path and explore this beach's shores. This hidden gem can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii..