Active Pursuits

If all you want is a fabulous beach and a perfectly mixed mai tai, then Hawaii has what you're looking for. But the islands' wealth of natural wonders is equally hard to resist; the year-round tropical climate and spectacular scenery tend to inspire almost everyone to get outside and explore.

If you don't have your own snorkel gear or other watersports equipment, or if you just don't feel like packing it, don't fret: Everything you'll need is available for rent in the islands.

Travel Tip -- When planning sunset activities, be aware that Hawaii, like other places close to the equator, has a very short (5-10 min.) twilight period after the sun sets. After that, it's dark. If you hike out to watch the sunset, be sure you can make it back quickly, or else take a flashlight.

Here's a brief rundown of the many outdoor activities available in Hawaii.

Bicycling

Bicycling is a great way to see Oahu. Most streets here have bike lanes. For information on biking trails, races, and tours, check out www.honolulu.gov/dts/bikepage.htm. For information on bikeways and maps, contact the Honolulu City and County Bike Coordinator (tel. 808/768-8335; csayers@honolulu.gov).

If you're in Waikiki, you can rent a bike for as little as $10 for a half-day and $20 for 24 hours at Big Kahuna Rentals, 407 Seaside Ave. (tel. 888/451-5544 or 808/924-2736; www.bigkahunarentals.com).

For a bike-and-hike adventure, call Bike Hawaii (tel. 877/682-7433 or 808/734-4214; www.bikehawaii.com); this company offers a variety of group tours, including the "Rainforest to Reef" adventure, which gives you an overview of Oahu from 1,800 feet above Waikiki. The tour includes coasting down 5 miles of paved mountain road with scenic views above Waikiki, Honolulu, and Manoa Valley. Listen to the songs of birds, the wind through the trees, and learn about the culture, plants, and geology of the Hawaiian Islands. After that, leave your bike for a 2-mile round-trip hike to a 200-foot waterfall, followed by a relaxing catamaran sail and swim. The noon-to-5:30pm trip includes van transportation from your hotel, lunch, bike, helmet, snacks, water bottle, and guide ($160 adults, $100 children under 14).

If you'd like to join club rides, contact the Hawaii Bicycle League (tel. 808/735-5756; www.hbl.org), which offers rides every weekend, as well as several annual events. The league can also provide a schedule of upcoming rides, races, and outings.

Birding

Many of Hawaii's tropical birds are found nowhere else on earth. There are curved-bill honeycreepers, black-winged red birds, and the rare o'o, whose yellow feathers Hawaiians once plucked to make royal capes. When you go birding, take along A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, by H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner, and Delwyn G. Berett (1987).

Boating

Almost every type of nautical experience is available in the islands, from old-fashioned Polynesian outrigger canoes to America's Cup racing sloops to submarines.

No matter which type of vessel you choose, be sure to see the Hawaiian Islands from offshore if you can afford it. It's easy to combine multiple activities into one cruise: Lots of snorkel boats double as sightseeing cruises and, in winter, whale-watching cruises. The main harbor for visitor activities is Kewalo Basin, in Honolulu.

Bodyboarding (Boogie Boarding) & Bodysurfing

Bodysurfing -- riding the waves without a board, becoming one with the rolling water -- is a way of life in Hawaii. Some bodysurfers just rely on hands to ride the waves; others use hand boards (flat, paddlelike gloves). For additional maneuverability, try a boogie board or bodyboard (also known as belly boards or paipo boards). These 3-foot-long boards support the upper part of your body and are very maneuverable in the water. Both bodysurfing and bodyboarding require a pair of open-heeled swim fins to help propel you through the water. The equipment is inexpensive and easy to carry, and both sports can be practiced in the small, gentle waves..

Camping

Hawaii's year-round balmy climate makes camping a breeze. However, tropical campers should always be ready for rain, especially in Hawaii's wet winter season, but even in the dry summer season as well. And remember to bring a good mosquito repellent. If you're heading to the top of Hawaii's volcanoes, you'll need a down mummy bag. If you plan to camp on the beach, bring a mosquito net and a rain poncho. Always be prepared to deal with contaminated water (purify it by boiling, filtering, or by using iodine tablets) and the tropical sun (protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt). Also be sure to check out the "Health" section for hiking and camping tips.

There are many established campgrounds at beach parks, including Malaekahana Beach.

Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, P.O. Box 2238, Honolulu, HI 96804, offers an information packet on hiking and camping throughout the islands. Send $2 and a legal-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope for information. Another good source is the Hiking/Camping Information Packet, available from Hawaii Geographic Maps and Books, 49 S. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (tel. 800/538-3950 or 808/538-3952; hawaiigeographicsociety@gmail.com), for $7. The Society prefers that people contact them via email. The University of Hawaii Press, 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu, HI 96822 (tel. 808/956-8255; www.uhpress.hawaii.edu), has an excellent selection of hiking, backpacking, and bird-watching guides, especially The Hiker's Guide to the Hawaiian Islands, by Stuart M. Ball, Jr. (2000).

Glider Rides

Imagine soaring through silence on gossamer-like wings, a panoramic view of Oahu below you. A glider ride is an unforgettable experience, and it's available at Dillingham Air Field, in Mokuleia, on Oahu's North Shore. The glider is towed behind a plane; at the proper altitude, the tow is dropped and you (and the glider pilot) are left to soar in the thermals. Three costs are involved in a glider ride: plane rental fee, instructor fee, and towing fee. We recommend Mr. Bill at Honolulu Soaring (tel. 808/637-0207; www.honolulusoaring.com); he's been offering piloted glider rides since 1970. Rates start at $79 for 10 minutes for just one passenger (and go up to $215 for 60 min.).

Golf

Nowhere else on earth can you tee off to whale spouts, putt under rainbows, and play around a live volcano. Hawaii has some of the world's top-rated golf courses. But be forewarned: Each course features hellish natural hazards, such as razor-sharp lava, gusty trade winds, an occasional wild pig, and the tropical heat. And greens fees tend to be very expensive. Still, golfers flock here from around the world and love every minute of it.

A few tips on golfing in Hawaii: There's generally wind -- 10 to 30 mph is not unusual between 10am and 2pm -- so you may have to play two to three clubs up or down to compensate. Bring extra balls: The rough is thick, water hazards are everywhere, and the wind wreaks havoc with your game. On the greens, your putt will always break toward the ocean. Hit deeper and more aggressively in the sand because the type of sand used on most Hawaii courses is firmer and more compact than on mainland courses (lighter sand would blow away in the constant wind). And bring a camera -- you'll kick yourself if you don't capture those spectacular views.

Hang-Gliding

See things from a bird's-eye view (literally) as you and your instructor float high above Oahu on a tandem hang-glider. Paradise Air Hawaii, at the Dillingham Air Field (tel. 808/497-6033; www.paradiseairhawaii.com), offers the opportunity to try out this daredevil sport. A tandem lesson of ground school plus 30 minutes in the air costs $150.

Hiking

Hiking in Hawaii is a breathtaking experience. The islands have hundreds of miles of trails, many of which reward you with a hidden beach, a private waterfall, an Eden-like valley, or simply an unforgettable view. However, rock climbers are out of luck: Most of Hawaii's volcanic cliffs are too steep and brittle to scale.

Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (www.htmclub.org), offers information and links on hiking and camping in Hawaii; Hawaii Geographic Maps and Books, 49 S. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (tel. 800/538-3950 or 808/538-3952; hawaiigeographicsociety@gmail.com), offers the Hiking/Camping Information Packet for $7. (The Society prefers that people contact them via email.) Also note that the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry, and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., No. 325, Honolulu, HI 96809 (tel. 808/587-0166; www.hawaiitrails.org), will send you free topographic trail maps or you can download maps from their website.

The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, 923 Nu'uanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817 (tel. 808/537-4508 on Oahu, 808/572-7849 on Maui, or 808/856-7658 on Molokai; www.nature.org/hawaii); or the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club, both offer guided hikes in preserves and special areas during the year.

A couple of terrific books on hiking are The Hiker's Guide to the Hawaiian Islands and The Hiker's Guide to Oahu, both by Stuart M. Ball, Jr. (2000).

Horseback Riding

One of the best ways to see Hawaii is on horseback; riding opportunities are offered for just about every age and level of experience. Be sure to bring a pair of jeans and closed-toe shoes to wear on your ride.

You can gallop on the beach at the Turtle Bay Resort (tel. 808/293-8811; www.turtlebayresort.com), where 45-minute rides along sandy beaches with spectacular ocean views and through a forest of ironwood trees cost $65 for ages 7 years and up (they must be at least 4 ft., 4 in. tall). Romantic evening rides are $105 per person. Private rides for up to 4 people are $110 per person. Take TheBus no. 52 or 55.

Kayaking

Hawaii is one of the world's most popular destinations for ocean kayaking. Beginners can paddle across a tropical lagoon to two uninhabited islets off Lanikai Beach on Oahu, while more experienced kayakers can take on open ocean.

Skydiving

Everything you need to leap from a plane and float to earth can be obtained from SkyDive Hawaii, 68-760 Farrington Hwy., Wahiawa (tel. 808/637-9700; www.hawaiiskydiving.com). A tandem jump (where you're strapped to an expert who wears a chute big enough for the both of you) costs $225 (check the website for a coupon that gives you $75 off this rate). No doubt about it -- this is the thrill of a lifetime. (Although, as SkyDive's website warns, "Skydiving is extremely dangerous.")

Scuba Diving

Some people come to the islands solely to take the plunge into the tropical Pacific and explore the underwater world. Hawaii is one of the world's top ten dive destinations, according to Scuba Diving magazine. Here you can see the great variety of tropical marine life (more than 100 endemic species found nowhere else on the planet), explore sea caves, and swim with sea turtles and monk seals in clear, tropical water. If you're not certified, try to take classes before you come to Hawaii so you don't waste time learning and can dive right in.

If you dive, go early in the morning. Trade winds often rough up the seas in the afternoon, so most operators schedule early-morning dives that end at noon. To organize a dive on your own, order The Oahu Snorkelers and Shore Divers Guide, by Francisco B. de Carvalho (2003).

Tip: It's usually worth the extra bucks to go with a good dive operator. We've listed the operators that'll give you the most for your money.

Stand-Up Paddling

A new sport in Hawaii, stand-up paddling consists of, well, standing on an oversized surfboard and using a long handed paddle to propel yourself over the water. There are numerous places to both practice this sport as well as take lessons, especially in Waikiki, on the North Shore, and on the windward side at Kailua.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of Hawaii's main attractions, and almost anyone can do it. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, fins, and some basic swimming skills. In many places, all you have to do is wade into the water and look down at the magical underwater world.

If you've never snorkeled before, most resorts and excursion boats offer snorkeling equipment and lessons. You don't really need lessons, however; it's plenty easy to figure out for yourself, especially once you're at the beach, where everybody around you will be doing it. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent it from one of dozens of dive shops and activities booths.

While everyone heads for Oahu's Hanauma Bay -- the perfect spot for first-timers -- other favorite snorkel spots abound all over the island.

Some snorkeling tips: Always snorkel with a buddy. Look up every once in a while to see where you are and if there's any boat traffic. Don't touch anything; not only can you damage coral, but camouflaged fish and shells with poisonous spines may also surprise you. Always check with a dive shop, lifeguards, or others on the beach about the area in which you plan to snorkel and ask if there are any dangerous conditions you should know about.

Sportfishing

You can also try for spearfish, swordfish, various tuna, mahimahi (dorado), rainbow runners, wahoo, barracuda, trevallies, bonefish, and such bottom fish as snappers and groupers -- and the biggest catch of them all, marlin. Visiting anglers currently need no license.

Charter fishing boats range widely both in size (from small 24-foot open skiffs to luxurious 50-foot-plus yachts) and in price (from about $100 per person to "share" a boat with other anglers for a half-day, to $900 a day to book an entire luxury sportfishing yacht on an exclusive basis). Shop around. Prices vary according to the boat, the crowd, and the captain. Also, many boat captains tag and release marlin or keep the fish for themselves (sorry, that's Hawaii style). If you want to eat your mahimahi for dinner or have your marlin mounted, tell the captain before you go.

Money-saving tip: Try contacting the charter-boat captain directly and bargaining. Many charter captains pay a 20% to 30% commission to charter-booking agencies and may be willing to give you a discount if you book directly.

Surfing

The ancient Hawaiian practice of hee nalu (wave sliding) is probably the sport most people picture when they think of Hawaii. Believe it or not, you, too, can do some wave sliding -- just sign up at any one of the numerous surfing schools. On world-famous Waikiki Beach, just head over to one of the surf stands that line the sand; these guys say they can get anybody up and standing on a board.

Tennis

Tennis is a popular sport in the islands. The etiquette at the free county courts is to play only 45 minutes if someone is waiting.

In Waikiki, the Waikiki Tennis Club (808/206-6735; www.thewaikikitennisclub.com) is operated by the USTA out of the Pacific Beach Hotel, 2490 Kalakaua Ave. The club offers private and group lessons and court and equipment rentals to visitors, all on clay courts, a rarity in Oahu. It's open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, and Sunday 9am to 5pm. Private lessons are $75 per hour (plus tax) for guests, group lessons are $20 per person (minimum of four people, maximum six), and courts alone are $30 per hour (less if you're a guest of the hotel or member of the club). Reserve in advance on the website.

Free city and county tennis courts on the mauka side of Paki Avenue are also open for play during daylight hours 7 days a week.

If you're on the North Shore, head to the Turtle Bay Resort , which has 10 courts, four of which are lit for night play. You must reserve the night courts in advance; they're very popular. Court time is $10 per person per hour (complimentary for guests); equipment rental and lessons are also available.

Whale-Watching

Every winter, pods of Pacific humpback whales make the 3,000-mile swim from the chilly waters of Alaska to bask in Hawaii's summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, breaching, and having an all-around swell time. About 1,500 to 3,000 humpback whales appear in Hawaiian waters each year.

Humpbacks are one of the world's oldest, most impressive inhabitants. Adults grow to be about 45 feet long and weigh a hefty 40 tons. Humpbacks are officially an endangered species; in 1992, the waters around Maui, Molokai, and Lanai were designated a Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Despite the world's newfound ecological awareness, humpbacks and their habitats and food resources are still under threat from whalers and pollution.

The season's first whale is usually spotted in November, but the best time to see humpback whales in Hawaii is between January and April. Just look out to sea. You'll also find a variety of whale-watching cruises, which will bring you up close and personal with the mammoth mammals.

Money-saving tip: Book a snorkeling cruise during the winter whale-watching months. The captain of the boat will often take you through the best local whale-watching areas on the way, and you'll get two activities for the price of one. It's well worth the money.

Not So Close! They Hardly Know You -- In the excitement of seeing a whale or a school of dolphins, don't forget that they're protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. You must stay at least 300 feet (the length of a football field) away from all whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. This applies to swimmers, kayakers, and windsurfers. And, yes, visitors have been prosecuted for swimming with dolphins! If you have any questions, call the National Marine Fisheries Service (tel. 808/541-2727) or the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (tel. 800/831-4888).

Windsurfing

Hawaii is a top windsurfing destination. World-class windsurfers head to the wind and the waves offshore. Others, especially beginners, set their sails for Oahu's Kailua Bay, where gentle onshore breezes make learning this sport a snap.