Hawaii is the tropical paradise you have always dreamed of and has everything you can imagine from fabulous beaches, islands packed with natural wonders and beauty, year-round tropical climate, and breathtaking scenery that would make even the biggest coach-potato apt to go outside and enjoy it. The following are tips for planning outdoor activities in Hawaii.

Basic Travel Tips:

• Everything is available for rent. Don’t fret if you forgot your snorkel gear or other watersports equipment; everything you need is available for rent on the islands.
• Short twilight periods. When planning sunset activities, be aware that Hawaii, because it is so close to the equator, has very short (five to 10 minutes) sunsets, and after that it gets dark. When hiking at sunset, be sure to pack a flashlight or hurry back before it gets too dark.
• Hiking. In Hawaii, it’s advised to have a local, experienced guide who is familiar with all the conditions at sea level and summit peaks and knows the best areas for sightings. Also, many forests and valleys are on private property only accessible through guided tours. However, be forewarned that guides can be very expensive, with most charging at least $100 a day per person. But if you have the time and the gear, and love to do the research and planning yourself, you can try exploring on your own. Not all property is private, and there are many federal, state, and county agencies that can help you plan hikes on public property. Just be sure that you inquire about the weather, trail conditions, water availability, safety, and other conditions before you set off on your hiking adventure.

Hiking Resources:

• Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (P.O. Box 2238, Honolulu, HI 96804). Send $2 and a legal-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to this address and receive and informational packet on hiking and camping in Hawaii.
• Hawaii Geographic Maps and Books (49 S. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96813). An informational book on hiking is available for $7. You can also call them at (800) 538-3950) or (808) 538-3952).
• Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources (1151 Punchbowl St., No. 131, Honolulu, HI 96809). They will send you free topographical trail maps. You can also call them at (808) 587-0300).
• The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (808) 537-4508) on Oahu, (808) 572-7249) on Maui, (808) 553-5236) on Molokai; tnc.org/Hawaii). This organization offers guided hikes in preserves and special areas during the year.
• Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club (P.O Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803). This organization also offers guided hikes and tours. You can call them at (808) 538-6616).

Scuba Diving:

• Top spot. Hawaii is one of the top destinations for scuba diving. Take a plunge into the tropical Pacific and discover the great variety of tropical marine life, explore sea caves, and swim with the sea turtles and monk seals.
• Dive Hawaii Guide (UH/SGES, Attn: Dive Guide, 2525 Correa Roa, HIG 237. Honolulu, HI 96822). Send $2 to this address to receive information on dive sites off the various Hawaiian Islands.
• Dive early. Most operators schedule early morning dives that end at noon because the seas are very rough at this time.

Tennis:

• Tennis is a very popular sport on the islands. Each island offers free municipal courts and great deals on private courts. Etiquette at the free county courts is to play 45 minutes if someone is waiting.

Surfing:

• Surf schools. Surfing is one of the most popular sports in Hawaii. You can sign up to learn at any one of the numerous surfing schools located throughout the islands.
• Waikiki Beach. This is the most famous beach in Hawaii. You can learn to surf right at the surf stands. Check around to get the best deals on rental equipment.

Kayaking:

• Lanikai Beach on Oahu. Beginners can paddle across these two uninhabited islets off of this beach location.
• Na Pali Coast. More experienced kayakers can trek their way across this coast.
• North shore of Molokai island. Expert kayakers love this remote area where the sea cliffs are steep and certain valleys can only be reached via sea.

Windsurfing on the Islands:

• Oahu’s Kailua Bay or Kauai’s Anini Beach. These beaches rank at the top for windsurfing destinations in Hawaii because of their gentle onshore breezes that make learning the sport easy.
• Maui's Hookipa Beach. Expert windsurfers should try this location because it has some of the best windsurfing conditions that can be found. A town called Funky Paia is now the world capital of big-wave board sailing.

Bodyboarding and Bodysurfing:

• Bodysurfers. Use your outstretched hands to ride the waves or other use hand boards (flat, paddle-like gloves) to propel you further through the water.
• Bodyboarders. Use boogie boards or body boards that are three feet long and can easily be propelled through water to ride the waves.

Snorkeling:

• Inexpensive and anyone can do it. Snorkeling, one of Hawaii’s main attractions, can be done by almost anyone and only requires a mask, snorkel, fins, and some basic swimming skills. Just wade in the water and discover the underwater world.
• Favorite spots. Oahu’s Hanauma Bay is the perfect spot for first timers. Other popular spots include Kee Beach on Kauai, Kahaluu Beach on the Big Island, Hulpoe Bay on Lanai, and Kapalua Bay on Maui. The Big Island is particularly outstanding because of its recent lava formations and abrupt drop-offs. However, some of the best spots on the Big Island are only accessible by boat.
• Snorkel Bob’s. If you are planning to visit several islands and would like to rent snorkel gear you can take with you throughout the whole trip, try Snorkel Bob’s. You can rent snorkels, masks, fins, boogie boards, life jackets, wet suits on any one island and return them on another. The basic set is $3.50 a day or $9 a week. The best gear is $6.50 a day, or $29 a week.

Golf:

• Play around a live volcano, putt under rainbows, or tee off to whale spouts at some of the world’s top golf courses.
• Be aware of natural hazards such as gusty trade winds, tropical heat, and razor-sharp lava.
• Most resorts have their own courses and there also are municipal courses one can play on.

Source: Travel MSN.