Best Adventures in the Ocean

Submarine rides, Oahu. For a Jules Vernetype experience, plunge 100 feet under the sea in a state-of-the-art, high-tech submarine. You'll meet swarms of vibrant tropical fish up close and personal as they flutter through the deep blue waters off Waikiki.

Sport fishing off the Kona Coast, Big Island. If you want to catch fish, it doesn't get any better than the Kona Coast, known internationally as the marlin capital of the world. Big-game fish, including gigantic blue marlin and other Pacific billfish, tuna, mahimahi, sailfish, swordfish, ono (also known as wahoo), and ulua (giant trevallies) roam the waters. When anglers here catch marlin that weigh 1,000 pounds or more, they call them granders; there's even a "wall of fame" on Kailua-Kona's Waterfront Row, honoring 40 anglers who've nailed more than 20 tons of fighting fish. Nearly 100 charter boats with professional captains and crews offer fishing charters out of Keauhou, Kawaihae, Honokohau, and Kailua Bay harbors.

Windsurfing, Maui. Maui has Hawaii's best windsurfing beaches. In winter windsurfers from around the world flock to the town of Paia to ride the waves. Hookipa Beach, known all over the globe for its brisk winds and excellent waves, is the site of several world-championship contests.

Kayaking along the north shore, Molokai. This is the Hawaii of your dreams: waterfalls thundering down sheer cliffs, remote sand beaches, miles of tropical vegetation, and the wind whispering in your ear. The best times to go are late March and early April, or in summer, especially August to September, when the normally galloping ocean lies down flat. Beginners should stick to kayaking the East End, where schools of tropical fish will tempt you to stop and snorkel every few feet.

Whale-watching from the beach, Lanai. Polihua Beach, Lanai's largest white-sand beach, is a great spot to look for whales in season (NovMar). The beach generally is not safe for swimming (strong currents) and it can be windy here, but it most likely will be deserted and you'll have a great view of Molokai in the distance.

Surfing Hawaii's waves, Kauai. Hanalei Bay's winter surf is the most popular on the island, but it's for experts only. Poipu Beach is an excellent spot to learn to surf; the waves are small and -- best of all -- nobody laughs when you wipe out.