The best way to experience Hawaii is to get outside: The Islands are a romping-in-the-sun destination. It goes without saying the romping brings hunger pangs, which produces yet another great opportunity to experience the Islands: Through your taste buds.
So here's our list (in no particular order) of choice outdoor sights in the Islands followed by a great local place to fuel back up after those calories are spent. And keep in mind, as we enter winter, our temperatures here aren't dropping much (we'll stay in the mid-70s) and these activities can be enjoyed year-round. Wherever you are, if you're starting to shiver a bit, consider an escape to Hawaii's tropical climes.
Kauai
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ACTIVITY: HIKE TO HANAKAPI'AI BEACH The 11-mile Kalalau Trail that traverses Kauai's legendary Na Pali coast on the north shore is probably more than most casual day-hikers want to take on, but the first two miles of the trail will deliver you to this lovely, secluded beach — a photographer's haven to which you can only hike or kayak.
EATS: HANALEI TARO COMPANY and BUBBAS BURGERS Four miles of hiking should get you in the mood for food. Hanalei Taro & Juice Company is the place to go to try dishes made from taro, which grows in abunance on Kauai's north shore. But if you need meat, Bubba's Burgers is a local fave: tasty burgers with an emphasis on fresh ingredients (including Kauai beef) and pictures of all the celebs who've dined there on the walls.
East Oahu
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ACTIVITY: HIKE THE KOKO CRATER TRACKS, COOL OFF AT SANDY BEACH The 1,048 steps along an old WWII supply track will feel like a stairmaster on steroids — they lead to the 1,200-foot peak of this extinct crater with miracle views of Oahu's east side. Cool off with a swim at nearby Sandy Beach, but keep an eye out for ocean conditions: This beach has a wicked shorebreak that only expert body boarders should attempt. But the coast is beautiful here, and there are public rinsing showers should the ocean prove unwelcoming.
EATS: CHA CHA CHA SALSARIA To be fair, there are dozens of great eateries in Hawaii Kai (see our Food Trip), but — in addition to having great food, a dynamite salsa bar and, should you require it medicinally, beers and margaritas — you don't have to worry about being a bit grimy at Cha Cha Cha. Plus they've got outdoor dining with views of the marina.
North Shore Oahu
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ACTIVITY: WALK LEGENDARY WAIMEA VALLEY A nonprofit entity now runs this park that was once a commercial destination. The valley is filled with artifacts from ancient Hawaiian life, about which on-site guides and historians can relate many stories. Colorful native plants draw your eye as you make your way back to the famed Waimea Falls, where you can take a dip.
EATS: GARLIC SHRIMP PLATE AT MACKY'S OR GIOVANNI'S Macky's and Giovanni's are the two Titans of the Shrimp Plate duking it out on the North Shore. Choose one or the other, or get a plate from both, but don't miss out on one of the titular foodie experiences on the island.
Maui
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ACTIVITY: GO BOOGIE BOARDING AT BALDWIN BEACH Assuming there isn't a strong North Shore swell hitting the coast (check for conditions during winter), Baldwin Beach is one of the best for fun with boogie boards. Take the kids. You'll have so much fun you won't notice the time slipping by... until suddenly you realize how hungry you are.
EATS: SAM SATO'S There are dozens of fun restaurants at the nearby beach town of Paia, but drive a little further back to Wailuku and enjoy the dried noodles at Sam Sato's, a signature dish at one of the most popular family-owned diners on the island.
East Hawaii
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ACTIVITY: HIKE THE WAIPIO VALLEY From Hilo, drive up the Hamakua Coast until you reach the end. Waipio Valley is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places in an island chain full of beautiful places. You can hike into the valley and play at the black sand beach, or hike along the rim and continue to enjoy the astonishing views, including getting a peek of the famed Hiilawe Falls (1,450 feet tall) at the back.
EATS: SUISAN FISH MARKET If you're a lover of poke (pronounced poh-KAY), which is diced, fresh, raw fish stirred up with various seasonings, sauces and veggies, then you will make a point to hit this century-old fish market in Hilo. You can get a lot of fresh fish direct for not a whole lot of cash — nothing like eating at the source.
West Hawaii
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ACTIVITY: SNORKELING AT KAHALU'U BEACH PARK You have your pick of exceptional snorkeling destinations along the Kona Coast, but Kahalu'u is one of the few with its own freshwater spring, attracting even more of the vibrant fish, turtles and other tropical marine life. Another bonus: You can drive right up to the beach, there's no lengthy walk or hike with your snorkeling gear.
EATS: ULTIMATE BURGER The locavore movement runs strong on the Big Island, and you can enjoy it at its meaty fullest at Ultimate Burger in Kona, where the grass-fed Big Island beef is taken from nearby ranches.
