10 Unforgettable Ocean Adventures In Hawaii You Must Have Before Winter
By Megan Shute|Published September 26, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
As all of your friends on the mainland are enjoying the crisp autumn air, it can be easy to become jealous of the fresh apple cider and trips to the pumpkin patch. Here in Hawaii, there is one major advantage to keep in mind, though: we don’t have to experience a harsh winter. The approaching winter, however, does mean that our fragile selves will start experiencing cold more often — especially while in the chilly waters of the Pacific. We know, we know… the average water temperature only drops five degrees, but it’s still cold. So, in celebration of the end of summer and endless beach days, here are 12 awesome adventures to be had in the gorgeous Pacific Ocean before the water temperature drops.
While there is no saying you can’t partake in some of these unforgettable ocean adventures during the winter, the water is generally warmer and the waves are safer during the summer months. And besides, we’d rather hit the trails while the temperatures are cooler, if only by a few degrees.
In addition to being two of Oahu’s best beaches, Kailua and Lanikai are also a great access point in which to kayak to the popular Mokulua Islands, which are Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuaries. Kayakers will enjoy crystalline turquoise waters and picturesque views of Oahu’s windward coast.
Located just 2.5 miles off the shores of Maui's Makena State Park is Molokini, all that remains of an ancient cinder cone that last erupted more than 230,000 years ago. Divers and snorkelers from around the world flock to this beautiful islet to experience its crystal clear waters and plethora of vibrant sea life. Because Molokini is rock and not soil, there is nothing to wash into the water and inhibit visibility. In fact, you can often see more than 150 feet into the ocean.
Not an experienced surfer, but still want to try one of Hawaii’s favorite water sports? Consider stand-up paddleboarding — or SUP. Not only is it a fantastic and fun time, but you will undoubtedly get a good workout in, and you might even get to hang out with some pretty cool sea life. My favorite SUP rental spot is in Haleiwa and allows you to paddle above honu, and down the Anahulu River.
Everyone loves walking into the gorgeous Pacific Ocean… but jumping in is even better! If you are a strong swimmer and are familiar with ocean currents, cliff jumping is a must-do activity. While technically off-limits, most people LOVE jumping off the large rock found in Waimea Bay, which will soon be pounded by intense winter waves.
Who doesn’t love a good pool party? While there is no shortage of man-made, oceanfront pools in Hawaii, nature’s pools offer a little more whimsy and a lot more adventure. The lava rock-lined coasts of the Hawaiian Islands provide create perfect conditions for tide pools, ideal for snorkeling, or just a nice, relaxing float.
So, this is by far the craziest adventure we’ve included on this list. Cage diving with sharks is considered relatively safe, but we can’t guarantee you won’t be absolutely terrified the entire time.
We suggest the Corsair Wreck. One of the only wrecks that was not sunk as an artificial reef, the Corsair ran out of fuel during World War II and was ditched by the pilot. The airplane is in excellent condition — one of the cockpit gauges features an intact glass face. The elusive garden eel can be seen near the wreck, and the plane sits in 107 feet of water.
Because Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is simply not accessible via road, you have to either complete a strenuous hike or book a helicopter or boat tour to experience this famous coastline. The paddle is extremely difficult and tiresome, but kayakers will explore sea caves and waterfalls, view remote valleys tucked into the cliffs, and even hang out with turtles, dolphins, and — if they’re lucky — Hawaiian monk seals.
What more quintessentially Hawaiian activity is better than surfing? While you will find tame waves in the winter months depending on your location, the waves typically get insanely tall during the winter, and it's obviously easier to learn how to surf when the waves are relatively calm.
From the black sand beaches on the Big Island and Maui’s magnificent red sand beaches to pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country — and perhaps even the world. With approximately 750 miles of coastline, you’ll want to hang out at as many Hawaii beaches as possible before the water temperatures decrease.
Two ocean-centric activities you absolutely MUST try in the winter? Watching professional surfers tackle some of the world’s largest waves (and hopefully check out one of the coolest surf competitions in the world), and do some whale watching either from a boat or popular coastal hike like Makapu’u Lighthouse.
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