{"id":2181,"date":"2022-07-22T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/8-ways-to-experience-the-real-hawaii\/"},"modified":"2024-10-09T14:41:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T03:41:03","slug":"8-ways-to-experience-the-real-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/8-ways-to-experience-the-real-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Experience the Real Hawaii\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tap into the true spirit of Hawaii away from the crowds with these authentic experiences.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawaii has long been a beacon for paradise seekers \u2013 thanks to Hollywood shining a light on the state\u2019s jaw-dropping natural landscapes in films and television. It\u2019s one thing to visit a destination, it\u2019s another thing to truly immerse yourself in the land, culture and people. Beyond the beautiful beaches, there\u2019s a multitude of ways to make the most of your time here and gain an invaluable insight into the local culture. From surf schools to local l\u016b\u02bbaus and swimming with sea turtles, discover the real Hawaii with our top eight things to do in this blissful corner of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to explore?<\/strong> Discover our handpicked Hawaii escapes<\/a> and experiences<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surf\u2019s up: Catch a wave on some legendary swells <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s well known that Hawaii is the surfing capital of the world, and along O\u2018ahu\u2019s North Shore you can find famed surf breaks favoured by the pros. If you truly want to fit in with the locals, learn from the best: Turtle Bay Resort<\/strong> is exclusively partnered with the premier Jamie O\u2019Brien Surf Experience<\/strong> surf school. Enjoy easy-to-follow lessons run by surf experts that will see you catching your first wave in no time. From complete novices to intermediate surfers looking to upskill, all ages and levels of experience are welcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross the landscape on horseback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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There\u2019s something almost spiritual about exploring new terrain on horseback<\/strong>: feeling the fresh air on your skin and hearing nothing but the sounds of nature underneath the clip clop<\/em> of your horse\u2019s hooves. O\u2018ahu is a treasure trove of lush jungle forests and gleaming, golden beaches \u2013 yours to explore atop your noble steed. Traverse lush rainforests dotted with Ironwood trees and visit the famous Bayan tree that\u2019s been featured on a number of film sets here, before emerging onto a quiet beach to follow the oceanside trails. When you stay at Turtle Bay Resort<\/strong>, there are a number of horseback rides to choose from, whether you\u2019re looking for a romantic, private adventure or a pony riding experience if you have little ones in tow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn about community farming at Kuilima Farm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u2018Kuilima\u2019 means to hold hands with the land, and at Kuilima Farm<\/strong> that philosophy is embodied through strong community spirit and locally grown produce. Farmers and gardeners tend to 34 community garden plots with a mission of bringing fresh, natural food, food security, and agricultural and cultural education opportunities to locals and visitors. On a farm tour, meet the producers and learn about what they\u2019re growing and why they\u2019re growing it, see the different garden plots and have the chance to purchase fresh produce at the Farm Stand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swim with sea turtles from a catamaran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The ocean is a huge part of the fabric of Hawaiian culture: it\u2019s a source of fun, food and fascination. Spend a day on the big blue aboard a Royal Hawaiian Catamaran,<\/strong> where you can lounge on the biggest hammock in Waik\u012bk\u012b, don your snorkels and swim alongside graceful sea turtles and witness an incredible sunset from the water. Royal Hawaiian Catamaran is dedicated to protecting the ocean with responsible tourism practices, such as cutting back on single-use plastics on board, practising safe swimming with marine life, and only providing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the local coral. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be immersed in local culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort\u2019s new cultural centre<\/strong> is double the size of the previous one and designed to share Hawaii\u2019s rich heritage to all its guests. The design of the centre utilises talents from local artists, such as the new virtual exhibit of the sailing canoe Hokulea, an animated projection which appears to move through water, crafted by digital artist Kari Kehau Noe. This is the perfect place to encounter authentic local culture and traditions: partake in activities including hula lessons, ukulele classes and lei-making demonstrations, led by cultural director Luana Maitland.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a step back to the age of dinosaurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rewind time to the Jurassic era at Kualoa Ranch<\/strong>, a 4,000-acre cattle ranch which, if you\u2019re a Jurassic Park fan, may look familiar. The wide, green valleys and soaring peaks are instantly recognisable as the stomping grounds of dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg\u2019s 1993 blockbuster hit and the sequential movies which followed. Experience \u2018Jurassic Valley\u2019 for yourself on a Hollywood Movie Sites tour, see iconic film sites in Kualoa, Hakipu\u2019u and Ka\u2019a\u2019awa Valleys on an off-road Jurassic adventure tour, or if you\u2019d prefer an activity that\u2019ll get your heart racing, go on a thrilling zipline adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take part in a traditional Hawaiian l\u016b\u02bbau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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One of the most quintessential Hawaiian experiences you can have is as a guest at a l\u016b\u02bbau, a festive feast featuring live music and vibrant cultural performances. Feast on poi (taro plant root), kalua pork cooked in an earth oven and haupia (coconut pudding) alongside locals. During your meal, watch incredible hula dancing performances, Samoan knife fire dancing and witness gripping storytelling. L\u016b\u02bbaus take place all across Hawaii, from O\u2018ahu to Maui. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be wowed by natural wonders at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

See some of nature\u2019s most raw and ancient landscapes at Hawaii<\/strong> Volcanoes National Park<\/strong><\/a>. Here you\u2019ll find the Earth’s largest volcano at 19,999 cubic miles, Mauna Loa, as well as K\u012blauea, the world’s most active volcano. Learn about the sheer geographical power the volcanoes have on shaping the land, as well as the ancient beliefs and customs behind each fiery formation. Spend your time here hiking, see the Chain of Craters on a scenic drive or wander through the Thurston lava tubes. If you\u2019d like to do something completely unforgettable, see the luminous lava flow from the sky on a helicopter tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover Hawaii<\/h3>\t\n\t
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