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The sugary white sand beaches and colorful coral reefs certainly offer a serene feeling of paradise, but there's much more to Hawaii than lounging on the beach. From boat tours and flights in helicopters to volcano treks and rafting, there are adventures to suit all interests. Book one (or a few) with the 10 best tour companies in Hawaii for 2023.
No. 10: Alii Nui - Maui
Visitors to Maui who want to spend some time out on the water can do so with Alii Nui, a company known for their snorkeling excursions, whale watching tours and romantic sunset sails.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Sports
No. 9: Ocean Sports - Big Island
Ocean Sports offers boat cruises from Hawaii’s Kona-Kohala Coast, with options for snorkeling, whale watching, or glass-bottom boat cruising. The company also outfits beachgoers at Anaeho’omalu Bay with boogie boards and snorkeling gear.
Photo courtesy of Island Helicopters Kauai
No. 8: Island Helicopters - Kauai
The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty, and Island Helicopters offers several unique tours showcasing some of Kauai's most stunning landscapes. The Grand Skies Island tour highlights iconic sites like Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali Coast, while the Jurassic Falls excursion provides guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Manawaiopuna Falls, the stunning backdrop used in the arrival scene of "Jurassic Park."
Photo courtesy of Justin Habel
No. 7: Kailani Tours Hawaii - Big Island
Kailani Tours Hawaii shows off the Big Island with circle island tours that allow visitors to sample coffee in the Kona region, walk along Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, snap photos of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see some of the island’s most impressive waterfalls.
Photo courtesy of E+ / YinYang
No. 6: North Shore Charters - Kauai
The Na Pali Coast can be a little difficult to navigate, but fortunately, North Shore Charters is perfectly equipped to handle this pristine paradise. This locally-owned business uses a custom-designed, 32-foot-long catamaran to explore the region, with snorkeling gear, dry bags and complimentary lunch all built into tours. As an added bonus, the ship is designed to enter the coast's many sea caves, providing a fascinating perspective on these ancient structures.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Richard Hara
No. 5: Hawaii Forest & Trail - Big Island
Hawaii Forest & Trail offers small guided tours of the Big Island, each focusing on a topic like volcanoes, waterfalls or bird-watching. Tourgoers might get up close to lava tubes, zipline through the trees of Halawa or swim at the base of a waterfall.
Photo courtesy of Gelston Dwight
No. 4: Kipu Ranch Adventures - Kauai
Kipu Ranch Adventures takes Kauai visitors off road on tours of a private 3,000-acre cattle ranch in Kauai’s interior. Options consist of the Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition or the Ultimate Ranch Tour, which includes a stop at a lookout point on Mt. Haupu.
Photo courtesy of Blue Dolphin Charters
No. 3: Blue Dolphin Charters - Kauai
No trip to Kauai would be complete without seeing the spectacular Na Pali Coast. Blue Dolphin takes guests on snorkeling tours and raft adventures along this scenic stretch of coastline. Those who prefer to stay dry can opt for a sunset dinner cruise instead.
Photo courtesy of Holo Holo Charters
No. 2: Holo Holo Charters - Kauai
With Holo Holo Charters, visitors to Kauai can sail to the "forbidden island" of Niihau or cruise along the spectacular Na Pali Coast to see its waterfalls, lush valleys and hidden sea caves from a new perspective.
Photo courtesy of Meagan Bourne
No. 1: Blue Ocean Adventure Tours - Kauai
Blue Ocean Adventure Tours unlock the spectacular scenery of Kauai’s Na Pali coast with tours ranging from whale watching excursions to beach landings. Guests get to see the 3,500-foot sea cliffs from the water, visit the Hawaiian fishing village of Nualolo Kai and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling.
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The Experts
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Leila Najafi
Leila Najafi is an LA-based luxury travel and... Read More
Leila Najafi is an LA-based luxury travel and lifestyle writer covering destination guides, hotel reviews, restaurant openings, travel rewards programs, and buying guides. Leila has bylines in Barron's, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, Conde Nast Traveler, Thrillist, and 10Best.com by USA Today. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @LeilasList. www.leilanajafi.com
Leila Najafi
Leila Najafi is an LA-based luxury travel and lifestyle writer covering destination guides, hotel reviews, restaurant openings, travel rewards programs, and buying guides. Leila has bylines in Barron's, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, Conde Nast Traveler, Thrillist, and 10Best.com by USA Today. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @LeilasList. www.leilanajafi.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.