Wild Hawai'i: Natural Animal Encounters Around the Islands

One Ocean Diving — When people think ‘swim with sharks’ they think of a cage and chummed-up waters, sharks with teeth bared trying to eat whatever is in their path. But that’s not the experience when you snorkel with sharks with One Ocean Diving. The meditative experience brings you out to 300 feet of water where Galapagos, Sandbar and sometimes even Tiger sharks leisurely swim along through the current. Hang on to the boat or do a quick freedive as you swim among these incredible creatures!

Snorkel at Kahe (Electric Point) Beach — When we pulled up for our first snorkel session to Kahe Point Beach, we took a look around at all the divers with their scuba gear and knew we had come to a good spot. The power plant nearby shoots out warm water, allowing life to thrive. Beautiful coral reefs, an array of Pacific reef fish and green sea turtles are just some of the wildlife you can see out here!

Pua’ena Point Park — Pua’ena Point Beach Park sees quite a lot of activity, from beachgoers to snorkelers to surfers. When we first explored this little stretch of beach, we found it hilarious the number of turtles hanging out in the shore break, making it difficult for the surfers to exit the water.

Kaua’i Sea Tours — The great thing about Hawai'i is that if you are out on a boat, odds are you’ll come across a pod of two of the resident spinner dolphins. On our way out, we even saw a baby spinner dolphin learning to jump! If you visit between January and March, odds are you’ll also see humpback whales who come to the islands to mate and give birth.

Poipu Beach — Every night in the early evening through sunset, you can find a number of sea turtles resting on Poipu beach at the shoreline. If you’re lucky, you can also see Hawaiian monk seals taking a rest on the beach just down the way — the seals and turtles don’t get along, but they do co-exist! If you’re interested, talk to the volunteers with Mālama i nā Honu, who make sure no one harasses the animals.

Anini Beach — Want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience on Kaua’i? Well, then, you’d love using a traditional Hawaiian sling spearfish to catch your own dinner. We went out with a local Hawaiian, who taught us which fish to target, how to properly fire the spearfish, and accompanied us out to the reef. Not only did we catch our own fish, we also saw so many beautiful reef fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Hawai'i’s state fish), needlefish, an eel and a sea turtle during our excursion! I didn’t catch any fish unfortunately, but we did get sent home with a couple fish that we fried up that night.

Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures Manta Ray — When I tell you that this was the greatest experience of my life, I am not exaggerating. Not only did I never think I’d be in a situation where manta rays would soar within an inch of me, but when we arrived at the snorkel site, what they call ‘Manta Village,’ we were greeted by a pod of bottlenose dolphins who hung around the entire time we were in the water.

Captain Cook — Do not underestimate this hike. Remember that what goes down, must go back up (at least, to get back to your car!) but it would be worth it 10 times over to experience the reef at the Captain Cook memorial. I do, however, recommend double-checking you have your snorkeling gear before you get down to the bottom. The trail is inhabited by wild pigs and goats, both of which would prefer you to mind your own business, but make the way down less lonely. Once at the memorial, don your snorkel and flippers and get right in the water. I've never seen such a lively reef! We could have spent hours swimming back and forth in the bay, watching the triggerfish, yellow tangs and parrotfish munch away on the coral. This was one of the best experiences!

Punalu’u Beach — What could be better than walking along a beach or swimming along the shoreline with Hawaiian green sea turtles all around? I’d argue to say at a unique black-sand beach like Punalu’u. Black sand beaches are formed when lava reaches the ocean and explodes as it cools to create the fine black sand particles. The turtles also like this sand, as they can warm themselves up on the beach before they go back out to dine on seaweed.

Two Step Beach — Another incredible snorkeling spot where the reef drops off to reveal a smooth, sandy ocean floor. The inlet is the perfect place for the spinner dolphins to find some refuge, and we were able to watch a pod hang out and play around for a good half hour before they made their way back offshore.

Island Vintage Coffee — Give me a papaya bowl or give me death — I don’t think I've ever tried a papaya before, but Island Vintage Coffee serves up fresh fruit, homemade granola and a bit of yogurt to start the day fresh! There wasn’t a day that went by without a papaya bowl and a honey latte (they don’t tell you that Hawai’i has the best honey!).

Jenny’s Shrimp Truck — Garlic, shrimp and rice sounds like a simple combo, but you have never had it the way Jenny’s Shrimp Truck serves it up. Great for that midday protein so that you can get back out adventuring!

Sunrise Shack — Not only do they serve up the best smoothies and bowls, they also truly live out the Hawaiian spirit in all ways. From their brightly colored shops (with a menu to match!) to the friendly staff, this place eats, lives and breathes the aloha spirit.

Anatta’s Thai food truck — I thought I knew good pad thai… and then I tried Anatta’s. The truck sits unassuming within a food truck alley between the shops of Kapa’a. Highly recommend!

The Musubi Truck — If you haven’t tried spam musubi, I don’t know what to tell you. Honestly, the best ones in Hawai'i are from 7–11, but the best ones with good vibes all around come from the Musubi Truck.

Puka Dog Poipu — Nothing pairs better with a Hawaiian-style hot dog from Puka Dog than the sun setting over the Pacific and turtles resting on the beach in the golden light. Grab a to-go dog (and don’t forget the lemonade!) and make your way across the street to Poipu Beach for the perfect dining experience.

Punalu’u bake shop — Try a mango-filled malasada and I promise you won’t regret it. Oh, and get a dozen because I guarantee you will want more than one. Pro-tip: get an assortment and treat it like a nice tasting platter. They have so many great flavors!

Honaunau Poke Shop — Not all poke is created equal, and Honaunau is absolutely greater than! I got the Sohyu Ahi poke bowl with avocado, seaweed salad and a side of poi. Also, Jake is so nice, take a moment and have a conversation with him!