Over 10 million people visit Hawaii annually, making it one of the world's most visited states. It's only when you leave the typical tourist traps that you can begin to grasp the depth of Hawaii's cultural heritage. There are a number of lesser-known local tours and activities that can make your time in paradise even more memorable, despite the fact that the sandy beaches and glistening waters are undeniably lovely. Experience the aloha spirit for yourself by trying one of these one-of-a-kind activities, ranging from a rum tasting honoring Hawaii's sugar-producing history to a horseback ride through the verdant countryside. Don't pass up the chance to enjoy some of Hawaii's finest hidden gems.
Try Out Some Rare, Homemade Rum From The Islands Of Oahu And Kauai
Hawaii's cultural mosaic owes a great deal to the sugar business, which brought people from all over the world to the islands to work on the plantations. Manulele Distillers on Oahu uses over 30 different types of Hawaiian sugarcane to produce K Hana's agricole rum, so even though the last sugar mill shut down in 2016, tourists can still get a taste of the industry's past. K Hana libations are distilled from pure sugarcane juice as opposed to molasses like other rum. Take a walk of a native cane garden and learn about the rum-making process firsthand, then sample some of the finished product. Visit the Koloa Rum Company in Lihue, Kauai, at the Kilohana Plantation. This old cattle ranch turned thriving rum distillery offers tours and tastings every day.
Visit the K Hana tasting room to pick up a libable memento, like the rum that is matured in koa wood barrels that is only available in this one spot.
Visit the thriving Chinatown in Honolulu
The economic core of Honolulu has transformed from a red light district into a dynamic dining and arts destination. If you're hungry before seeing a show at Hawaii Theatre, stop by The Pig and The Lady for some vegan or oxtail pho. Hawai'i Heritage Center offers a variety of walking tours that focus on the neighborhood's cuisine, history, and culture.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Best Place to See How Hawaii Island Grew
The two most active volcanoes in the world are found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is located on Hawaii Island, often known as the Big Island. Even if there isn't an eruption, there are still lots of fascinating things to do in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which can be monitored on the National Park Service's website.
Get out on the lava fields for a hike, but bring sturdy shoes. Nene geese, predatory caterpillars, and Hawaiian hawks are just some of the animals you might see on your journey. Crater Rim Drive is a beautiful route to take after your climb. Just don't take anything out of the park with you, as doing so is said to incur the wrath of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and the volcano, if she finds out you took something.
Learn why some Hawaiian spots are so crucial
It's easy for tourists to miss the cultural and historical landmarks that coexist with outdoor leisure places if they don't know what to look for. The Native Hawaiians of Oahu's nonprofit, Kanaka Climbers, are working to change that.
The group's website includes guides on how to respect holy sites while hiking in Hawaii, such as ancient Hawaiian burial grounds, petroglyphs, and heiau (religious altars). The organization also acts as a resource for previously unrecognized cultural landmarks.
Helpful hint: the group's cleanup activities are publicized on Instagram, so you can always tag along.
Explore the island of Kauai's varied cuisine
Traditional Hawaiian ahupua'a, a land division system that incorporates mountain, valley, river, and sea, are the focus of a thrilling three-hour food tour offered by the Waip Foundation. The tour highlights traditional Hawaiian foods and beverages, such as 'ulu (breadfruit), guava, and liliko'i (yellow passion fruit).
Hike with Native Mauians and See the Real Island
The best way to learn about Maui's history and culture is to go on an excursion with a small group led by guides who are both native to the island and have lived there for many years. Visit Haleakal National Park to see waterfalls, bamboo groves, and tropical rainforest. All of the guides at Hike Maui are required to take and pass a six-week long course on Hawaiian history, geology, botany, and culture. In addition, they had better have been Maui locals for at least a year. All of the guides at Hike Maui have varied backgrounds, from marine biology to traditional Hawaiian herbal healing.
As a helpful planning note, the hike along the Road to Hana from central Maui includes transportation to and from the trailhead as well as lunch and snacks.
Relax in the Mountains of Upcountry Maui
Visit the picturesque town of Kula and stay at the G and Z Upcountry Bed & Breakfast after a drive up the long-dormant Haleakal volcano, which rises over 3,000 feet into the sky. While snorkeling and windsurfing are commonplace in Kapalua and Paia respectively, Upcountry Maui provides a more all-encompassing experience.
The Upcountry of Maui is well-known for its cowboy heritage. Although King Kamehameha I accepted cattle as a gift in 1793, he quickly instituted a kapu (ban) on them. There was an overpopulation of horned animals. By the 1830s, the monarchy was looking for methods to rein them in. Another gift to the Hawaiian king was the knowledge of herding and managing cattle and horses that the Spanish missionaries brought from Mexico with the help of vaqueros (from the Spanish term vaca, or cow).
While in Upcountry, don't forget to stop by the farmers market on a Saturday or the fragrant lavender farm.
Experience the Cowboy Way of Life in Hawaii by Riding a Horse
Hawaii has more to offer than just beaches and surfing; the local cowboy culture can be experienced while galloping through the islands on a horse. Visit the Na'alapa Stables at Kahua Ranch in the northern region of the Big Island of Hawaii and go for a ride with some paniolos (cowboys). On their horseback tour of Kahua Ranch, you'll see one of the oldest working cattle and sheep ranches on the island. Spend two hours in grassy terrain spanning from mauka (mountains) to makai (sea), taking in breathtaking vistas of both.
Spend the night on a ranch and feel like you've stepped back in time
Staying the night at Puakea Ranch on the island of Hawaii is the best way to get the whole ranch experience. There are four quaint cottages on this historic ranch, including the Cowboy House, which can accommodate up to six guests. These quaint houses boast broad verandas or lanais, a common architectural element in the 1920s and 1930s that were built by plantation workers' families. Relax and learn about the fascinating history of Hawaii's people and their culture.
