A trip to Hawaii comes with soothing mental images of relaxing beach or poolside days. However, there are other things that you can do when visiting the Aloha state that are both easily accessible and ultra-soul soothing. Some of these seem obvious, but if you make a conscious effort to make time for these calming activities during your holiday, you'll maximize your recharge and get a lot more out of your Hawaiian vacation. So, besides hula shows, poolside reading, and tropical cocktails, here are some relaxing and often free activities that can feed your soul.
1. A Glimpse of the Cosmos: Stargazing
For those of us living in more urban areas, it can be difficult to stargaze due to light pollution. However, when you're in Hawaii, you can take advantage of the expansive natural beauty and dark skies free from the hubbub and light pollution that comes with urban living.
If you want to spend a night or two searching the stars in Hawaii, you may wish to visit Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Mauna Kea is home to the Mauna Kea Observatories, which are privately run and exist at the 14,000+ ft. summit. It's positioned there to take advantage of the height and dark, clear night skies. While you cannot go inside, you can watch the sunset from the peak. However, beware that the air is much thinner than at sea level, and there are often extreme weather conditions - including snow! Altitude sickness is possible at these heights.
Visitors can stop to stargaze at the Mauna Kea Visitor Station, where amateur astronomers will set up telescopes for folks to view the cosmos. The center is at 9,200 ft., so the temperatures can be quite chilly, and there is a risk of altitude sickness for those who are very sensitive. But because you are driving, it's easy to get down to a more tolerable altitude if anyone feels off.
Famous Haleakala on Maui is another excellent location to go stargazing. While sunrises at Haleakala are so popular you need to reserve a spot, you can more easily plan to watch the sunset from one of the overlooks and stick around for some astronomical observation. The skyline is unobstructed with minimal light pollution, so it's an excellent place to take a break and watch the stars. It's truly dazzling. Plan your Haleakala visit on the Park website.
Note that Hawaiian mountains, Hawaiian mountains, especially these two famous peaks, are sacred to the Hawaiian people. Respect the places as sacred and take care of the land as a responsible visitor, asking for guidance from Park staff if there are any questions about protocol.
Otherwise, if you are visiting from an urban area, just being on a dark Hawaiian beach or in the backyard of your vacation rental will offer clearer skies than you find at home. Take advantage of your time and look to the skies after the sun dips into the Blue Pacific.
Mauna Kea Observatories, Big Island of Hawaii
2. Explore the Natural Beauty of Hawaiian Forests
Hawaii is home to a variety of natural wonders. If you want to go beyond a day at the beach, try a walk, bike, or hike through the verdant tropical landscape. The Islands have varied climates depending on whether you are on the leeward or windward sides, with the windward or east-facing coasts generally much wetter and greener than the west coasts.
A gorgeous spot is the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of the most stunning day trips you can make during your Hawaii vacation, and it's also considered to be a sacred place in Hawaii as a home of ancient Hawaiian kings. While hiking here will be a bit of a workout, it will bring you mental relaxation as you take in the gorgeous views of the valley, the Waipio River, the sounds of the forest, and the roar of the waves hitting the darks volcanic sands.
Another easy spot for those less adventurous is Oahu's Manoa Falls in the Manoa Valley behind Waikiki. It's easy to access and offers a sense of the jungle experience even on densely populated Oahu.
Waipio Valley, Big Island of Hawaii
Waipio Valley, Big Island of Hawaii
3. Yoga
Yoga fanatics will find their place in Hawaii. You can sign up for daytime retreats on one of the islands or have a solo yoga session at your vacation home. If you don't practice at home, your time in Hawaii can be the perfect time to start this healthy activity that is both athletic and balanced—schedule time to explore if yoga is for you.
Yoga on the beach can be challenging unless you're in the right spot, but many beautiful parks can offer a quiet morning location for yoga. Kapiolani Park near Waikiki is an excellent park for yoga and Tai Chi, as are the many parks in Kihei, or Wailea, on Maui. Of course, there is nothing wrong with your vacation villa backyard. If you're staying at a resort, there are often organized yoga sessions or well-manicured locations for morning yoga.
Kapiolani Park, Oahu
4. Meditation
When it comes to clearing your mind and finding some inner peace, meditation is the perfect way to get centered and feed some positive energy back into your soul; Hawaii is the ideal place to do it!
For those already experienced in meditation, you might be searching for a more secluded place to focus on your mindfulness. In that case, consider heading to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island. This historic and culturally valuable valley is an incredible beauty site. It takes some work to get down, and the conditions can be slippery when it rains, but the location feels remote and stirring.
If you're a beginner, consider joining a guided meditation at a location such as the Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple on Oahu, which offers both yoga and meditation. The temple is a beautiful place of serenity, and they offer a free guided meditation every Saturday afternoon. Be sure to check their website for details.
Another beautiful spot is the Bydo-in on Oahu's windward coast. This place is fairly well-traveled but still stunning and offers relaxing grounds to meditate. There's even a gong to ring at the start of your visit. You'll pay a small fee to enter the grounds.
Byodo-In Temple, Oahu
5. Wake Up Your Inner Artist: Stroll Through an Art Gallery
Whether you're an art fanatic or not, you'll find a thriving art scene in Hawaii. From public museums to private galleries and art fairs, there's plenty to choose from on all the islands. The Honolulu Museum of Art is a stellar little museum that also runs tours of Doris Duke's Shanri La, a staggeringly beautiful estate the heiress called home for many years. There is also the Pegge Hopper Art Gallery.
6. Spend a Day in a Botanical Garden
With so much incredible natural beauty around you, you may wonder why you should bother going to a cultivated garden in Hawaii, as there is beauty everywhere you look! However, Hawaii boasts several unique and stunning gardens that will help you learn about the tropical flora of the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
If you're a plant lover, plan a trip to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens. Located on the windward or east side of Oahu, these gardens are free and full of lush greenery. Within the gardens are Ho'omaluhia Lake and a botanic library. If you visit the day after a rainstorm, you can watch the waterfalls spilling down the ridges of the gorgeous Ko'olau Mountains.
The Limahuli Garden & Preserve on Kauai is another place to visit, especially if you're looking to better understand the Hawaiian people and their intrinsic connection to their beautiful land. The garden is home to many native and endangered plants, which horticulturists work to maintain and preserve.
On Maui, you take a ride to Kula, Up Country. Kula has many beautiful gardens with plants that thrive in its temperate microclimate. One is the Kula Botanical Garden, but there are lavender farms, pumpkin patches in the fall, and other beautiful places to explore.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens, Oahu
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens, Oahu
7. Fun in the Sun: Boating
Naturally, while in Hawaii, you'll want to take advantage of the blue ocean waters.
There are plenty of options when it comes to boating. You will find a kayak, sailboat, or yacht tour off just about any popular tourist beach or cove.
On Maui, several companies also offer whale-watching and snorkel trips right off Ka'anapali Beach or from the Maalaea Harbor. Consider spending a day on the water to clear the mind. You can book these excursions along with your villa.
Kaanapali Beach, Maui
8. Enjoy Hawaii's Beaches & Famous Sunsets
Of course, there are many options when it comes to beaches in Hawaii, but some will naturally be more relaxing than others.
The Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a must-see if you're on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its name comes from the unique black sand that makes up the shore. It creates a one-of-a-kind visual when the waves break on the shore, and you'll want to experience this amazing visual for yourself.
Kapalua and Kaanapali Beaches on Maui are beautiful beaches to check out if you want to kick it on a beach that offers walk-to service, including drinks and dinner. Sunsets are also crazy beautiful, as they boast outer-island views of Molokai and Lanai.
Even bustling Waikiki has its charms at sunset. There is certainly something nourishing about sharing the experience of a Hawaiian sunset with others who have made a conscious effort to be present and drink in the experience. The moment seems to connect everyone on the shore.
Waikiki Sunset, Oahu
Remember to Book Chill Out Time in Hawaii!
We hope you'll be mindful of recharging in Hawaii. Hawaii is truly the perfect place to relax, feed your soul, and find some inner peace.
