Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Remember, however, that it's in the activities agent's best interest to sign you up with outfit-
ters from which they earn the most commission. Some agents have no qualms about booking
you into any activity if it means an extra buck for them. If an agent tries to push a particular
outfitter or activity too hard, be skeptical. Conversely, they'll try to steer you away from out-
fitters who don't offer big commissions. For example, Trilogy, the company that offers Maui's
most popular snorkel cruises to Lanai (and the only one with rights to land at Lanai's Hulo-
poe Beach), offers only minimum commissions to agents and does not allow agents to offer
any discounts at all. As a result, most activities desks will automatically try to steer you away
from Trilogy.
Anotherwordofwarning:
Stay away from activities centers that offer discounts as fronts
for timeshare sales presentations. Using a free or discounted snorkel cruise or luau tickets as
bait, they'll suck you into a 90-minute presentation—and try to get you to buy into a Hawaii
timeshare in the process. Because their business is timeshares, not activities, they won't be as
interested, or as knowledgeable, about which activities might be right for you.
Finally, you can reserve activities yourself and save the commission by booking via the In-
ternet. Most outfitters offer 10% to 25% off their prices if you book online.
Outdoor Activities A to Z
Here's a brief rundown of the many outdoor activities available in Hawaii. For our recom-
mendations on the best places to go, the best shops for renting equipment, and the best outfit-
BIRDING
Many of Hawaii's tropical birds are found nowhere else on earth. There are curved-
bill honeycreepers, black-winged red birds, and the rare o'o, whose yellow feathers Hawaii-
ans once plucked to make royal capes. When you go birding, take along A Field Guide to
the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, by H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner, and
Delwyn G. Berett (1987).
BOATING
Almost every type of nautical experience is available in the islands, from old-fash-
ioned Polynesian outrigger canoes to America's Cup racing sloops to submarines. You'll
find details on all these seafaring experiences in the section on “Watersports”.
No matter which type of vessel you choose, be sure to see the Hawaiian Islands from
offshore if you can afford it. It's easy to combine multiple activities into one cruise: Lots
of snorkel boats double as sightseeing cruises and, in winter, whale-watching cruises. The
main harbor for visitor activities is Kewalo Basin, in Honolulu.
BODYBOARDING (BOOGIE BOARDING) & BODYSURFING
Bodysurfing—riding the waves without a
board, becoming one with the rolling water—is a way of life in Hawaii. Some bodysurfers
just rely on hands to ride the waves; others use hand boards (flat, paddlelike gloves). For
additional maneuverability, try a boogie board or bodyboard (also known as belly boards
or paipo boards). These 3-foot-long boards support the upper part of your body and are
very maneuverable in the water. Both bodysurfing and bodyboarding require a pair of
open-heeled swim fins to help propel you through the water. The equipment is inexpens-
ive and easy to carry, and both sports can be practiced in the small, gentle waves. See for
details on where to rent boards and where to go.
