As Fall Break approaches rapidly and last year’s scarves and boots have been put back on to combat the newly chilly air, many students have dreams of Winter Break dancing in their heads. To most people, winter is a time for hot chocolate and snow, for giving gifts and spending time with family, for making snow angels and designing ginger bread houses. But Winter Break doesn’t always have to be spent roasting chestnuts on an open fire, snow skiing, or making snowmen—many people choose to spend the cold winter months in a warm, exotic location.
Living in the United States, Hawaii makes the perfect getaway for those looking to spend their holiday in a fun, exciting environment that doesn’t require a ski suit. Around winter time, the average temperature on the Big Island is around 80 degrees—warm enough to swim, but not so warm that outdoor adventuring leaves you drenched in sweat or with a bad case of heat exhaustion.
If you and your family are looking to get away this holiday season, here are some of the things you could be doing in Hawaii:
Go to an Authentic Polynesian Luau
A luau is one of the best ways to get a taste of real Hawaiian food and experience the culture of the locals. The food is delicious—freshly caught shrimp and crab, roasted pig (or pu’a, as the Hawaiians say), locally grown pineapple and other fruits, and many Hawaiian delicacies, such as poi, taro cakes, fresh Ono, and desserts like macadamia nut pie. Many luaus also have real hula dancers, fire dancers, and a local band. And it’s all-you-can-eat!
Spend Some Time on the Beach
Winter is one of the best times to hang out on a beach in Hawaii because it is not too warm, not too crowded, and perfect for lounging around in the sun with a good book and a Mai Tai. Or, if you’re more adventurous, most beaches offer surfing and paddle boarding lessons for tourists. The water is clear and gorgeous, and the palm trees provide just enough shade.
Kayak with the Whales
Starting in early December, humpback whales travel down to Hawaii’s warm and shallow waters to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. The whales are often spotted with their babies and sometimes they can be seen breaching, often launching themselves completely out of the water. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can rent a kayak and go on a guided tour to kayak near the whales and if you are lucky, get very close to them. It’s an unbelievable experience! And, if you’re not one for kayaking, you can see the whales from the comfort of a catamaran.
See the Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea is on the southeastern tip of Hawaii and is actually one of the most active volcanoes in the world. If you hike through the beautiful forest surrounding it, you can see vents spouting steam, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, walk through lava tubes, and watch the lava form new land. The volcano, which has been flowing non-stop since 1983, has added over 500 acres to the island’s southern shore.
Explore Akaka Falls State Park
Arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country, Akaka Falls state park is home to two waterfalls, beautiful walking paths, and gorgeous views. And, because it is located in the Hawaiian rainforest, it is home to much of the lush vegetation and cool wild animals the state has to offer.
Snorkel in Mauna Kea Beach
Named one of “the World’s Best Beaches of All Time” by the Travel Channel, Mauna Kea is something you definitely cannot miss. Since most of the bay is sand-bottomed and around 10 feet deep, it is a safe and easy place to snorkel. Also, because it is the home of the healthiest coral reefs in Hawaii, the ecosystem is thriving, which means tons of wildlife. There are beautiful, brightly colored tropical fish, octopi, sea turtles, crabs, starfish, and if you’re lucky, sharks and dolphins. At night, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shines floodlights into the water to attract plankton, which in turn attract manta rays!
So, if you ever find yourself with Winter Break ahead of you and nothing to do, consider trading in your Uggs and earmuffs for a bathing suit and a snorkel—and experience winter the Hawaiian way.