Long envisioned as a tropical paradise, the Hawaiian Islands make a wonderful destination for outdoor recreation, with great trails on the four main islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Honolulu residents and visitors alike will find unlimited outdoor opportunities within range of an easy day trip, whether on the hiking trails at Diamond Head or simply swimming and snorkeling at Waikiki Beach, and families will undoubtedly enjoy a quick getaway to historic Pearl Harbor to see the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. More adventurous explorers can head to Oahu’s world-famous North Shore, home of Waimea Bay, where spectacular beaches lure swimmers and scuba divers and giant waves each winter bring surfers and windsurfers to test their courage and skill.

Beyond Oahu, the other Hawaiian Islands all offer a range of great outdoor experiences as well. Above the city of Hilo, the Big Island of Hawaii is capped by the towering volcano of Mauna Kea, highest point in the state. Neighboring Mauna Loa forms the centerpiece of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering some epic mountain biking rides on its broad slopes. Great hiking trails are available on adjacent Kilauea, where it is possible to follow a hiking trail to the crater of the "world’s most active volcano" as well as hike out to see red-hot lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean, one of the National Park’s chief attractions.

Not to be outdone, Maui boasts Haleakala National Park, remote Kauai has Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, home of the spectacular Na Pali Cliffs, and even quiet Molokai has great mountain biking in the Molokai Forest Reserve.