Hi! I just got back from Hawaii and my parents' travel blog friends asked me to write about it. Fair warning: I'm a teen, so this isn't going to be about spa treatments and wine pairings. If you want adventures that are actually cool, read on.
1. Zipline Over a Rainforest (Maui)
Haleakala zipline tour. You're literally soaring over a rainforest canopy. I spotted an 'I'iwi (bright red Hawaiian bird) mid-zip, which is apparently rare, and I didn't even know what it was until the guide freaked out. So there's that.
2. Swim Inside a Volcano Crater (Maui)
Molokini Crater snorkeling is like someone dropped a fish tank the size of a football field into the ocean. A sea turtle swam so close I could've high-fived it (I didn't — apparently that's illegal and also rude).
3. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays (Big Island)
THE highlight. You float in the dark holding a light, plankton swarms toward it, and then 15-foot manta rays just... appear. Gliding right under you. My mom screamed through her snorkel. I played it cool. (I did not play it cool.)
4. Eat It on a Surfboard at Waikiki (Oahu)
First surfing lesson: approximately 47 wipeouts and one glorious 3-second ride where I actually stood up. The instructor took a photo. I've made it my profile picture on everything. The waves at Waikiki are perfect for beginners because they're gentle enough that your ego survives.
5. Walk on Another Planet (Big Island)
Volcanoes National Park doesn't look real. You're walking across actual hardened lava with steam coming out of the ground. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and being there makes you feel very small in the best possible way.
6. Kayak Past Jurassic Park Cliffs (Kauai)
Na Pali Coast kayaking. Those towering green cliffs? They literally filmed Jurassic Park here. We paddled through sea caves and saw dolphins. Dolphins! Just casually hanging out! Way better than watching them on a screen.
7. Get Muddy on an ATV (Maui)
ATV tour through the Maui rainforest. You will get mud in places you didn't know mud could reach. It's incredible. The trails go through areas you can't access on foot, and the guides know where all the hidden waterfalls are.
8. Stand-Up Paddleboard (Oahu)
SUP looks chill on Instagram. In reality it's a full-body workout where you're desperately trying not to fall while tropical fish swim directly below you, completely unbothered by your struggle. Surprisingly addictive.
9. Helicopter Tour (Maui)
Waterfalls that you can only see from the air. Valleys so green they look fake. My dad said it was the best thing he's ever done, and he says that about everything, but I think he actually meant it this time.
10. Collapse at Lanikai Beach (Oahu)
After doing all of the above, Lanikai Beach is where you go to recover. Soft white sand, ridiculous turquoise water, food trucks nearby. We spent the whole last day here doing absolutely nothing. It was perfect.
There's my list. Hawaii is basically a cheat code for having the best time ever. Go do stuff, don't just sit at the resort. (Sorry, Mom and Dad.)