Experiencing Hawai‘i’s Ocean Events and Activities

In Hawaiʻi, a deep connection to the ocean can be found in both the indigenous and multi-cultural heritage of these Islands. The ocean not only provides food and other resources but also offers spiritual and physical benefits. It’s no surprise then that events of all kinds are held year-round to celebrate the recreation, wildlife and natural wonder of the sea. Read on to learn how your clients can discover and participate in ocean-based activities and events across the Islands on their next visit.

Kaua‘i
The Nāpali Coast is one of Earth’s most beautiful coastlines. Literally translated as “the cliffs,” the Nāpali soar up to heights of more than 3,000 feet above sea level along the coast’s 17 miles. One of the best and most awe-inspiring ways clients can experience this magnificent natural wonder of the Nāpali Coast is by sea. Before your clients travel to Kaua‘i, let them know they can choose from a variety of catamaran and zodiac tours to see the coast’s towering sea cliffs, majestic waterfalls, hidden sea caves and remote sandy beaches.

O‘ahu and Moloka‘i
The Moloka‘i Hoe is one of the world’s most prestigious outrigger canoe races and one of Hawai‘i's longest-running annual team sports events. It also serves to perpetuate one of the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures’ most important and treasured traditions — the skill of outrigger canoe paddling — while celebrating the strength and stamina of paddlers from around the world who join in the competitive race. The Moloka‘i Hoe begins on the west side of Moloka‘i, crosses the rough seas of the Kaiwi Channel and ends on O‘ahu at Waikīkī Beach. Oceanside spots on O‘ahu’s south shore — in particular, the summit of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument) — are the best for scoping paddlers as they make their way to the finish line in the late morning. This year’s 72nd annual Moloka‘i Hoe is set for October 8.

Maui Nui
Also challenging the turbulent waters of the Kaiwi Channel, the annual Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships are set to return on July 30. One of the world's most prestigious and challenging paddleboard races, the competition attracts elite athletes in the sport from around the globe. The race route spans a distance of 32 miles across the Kaiwi Channel from Kaluako‘i Beach on Moloka‘i’s northwest side to Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu’s southwest coast. The shoreline start and finish lines are the best spots for clients to witness the excitement of the race.

Island of Hawai‘i
On the island of Hawai‘i, Mauna Lani resort’s Hawaiian green sea turtle conservation program, Mālama I Nā Honu, Mālama Honua (or “Care for the Turtles, Care for the Land”), offers clients an opportunity to discover the ecology and biology of the endangered native Hawai‘i marine animal and learn about its significance to the Hawaiian culture. In partnership with Oʻahu-based marine and wildlife center Sea Life Park, green sea turtle hatchlings are raised and nurtured in Mauna Lani’s Honu Lagoon and released into the ocean annually on July 4 — the resort’s Turtle Independence Day.