It’s less humid and the temperatures are just right—fall in Hawaii is on the way. And that means it’s a beautiful time to get outdoors. With the cooler temps comes plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation like fishing in Maui, horseback riding, and a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to step outside. Here are the best outdoor fall activities in Hawaii.
If you love horses, wide-open spaces, and great photos, stop by Kahua Ranch. In this area of Hawaii, cowboys rule. As their home page states, they are “a working ranch that welcomes visitors.” You can enjoy a tour through the lust pastures where you will see sheep, horses and, of course, the beautiful Hawaiian seas. If the tour leaves you wanting more, they also offer a sunset experience with dinner and s’mores.
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Waimea Canyon is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It must be great fun to ride a bicycle down into the interior then, shouldn’t it? You can do just that with Outfitters Kauai. Along the cruise down, you will stop for photo opportunities and to enjoy all the beauty of Kauai. There are restrictions for safety reasons, which you can view on their website. If bicycling is not your preference, they offer many other options.
If walking through fields of lavender while taking in the beautiful Pacific Ocean sounds like a peaceful respite, stop in to the lavender farm in Upcountry Maui. The views are unmatched, the products are luxurious and the feeling you get is calming. They offer guided tours of the farm as well as a treasure hunt for kids, or the kid in all of us. Their gift shop offers culinary as well as bath and body delights. The farm rents out venue space and they host special events as well.
The experts at Maui Shore Fishing Guides will show you the way around a fishing pole and Maui shores. They provide the supplies, gear and even water and a light snack. They have a few options to choose from to help get the most out of your fishing experience and they even provide transportation to and from the fishing site and your home or hotel. Give this unique experience a try, you will enjoy trying something different.
A pumpkin patch in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii is home to many farms and this is one of the best. Take a drive past some of Oahu’s most beautiful coastline to the town of Waimanalo. The pumpkin patch is open to the public on weekends in October. Here you can buy farm fresh produce, fresh lemonade and baked goods. If you are up for a challenge, make your way through the corn maze. Wanting to snap that perfect pic? There are plenty of social media-worthy opportunities among the pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. With so much to do here, don’t forget to choose your favorite pumpkin to take home.
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Originally termed Aloha Week, this festival has now turned into a month-long “public celebration to honor Hawaii's heritage,” as its website states. There are many events to choose from as the celebration marches through the month of September. You won’t want to miss the Waikiki Hoolaulea. Thousands of revelers pack the streets of Waikiki in search of food, entertainment and arts and crafts. The month ends in spectacular fashion with the Floral Parade. Its stunning pau horseback riders, marching bands and colorfully adorned hula dancers will have you in awe. Enjoy all the best that Hawaii offers up.
Aa part of the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, this is a horse-riding experience you will not want to pass up. With many options to choose from, there is something at every experience level. You will ride along the beach of the resort, next to the beautiful blue ocean. They offer evening and sunset rides, along with a pony experience for your little ones. After your excursion, stop at Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa for a slice of their pumpkin haupia cream pie. There is no better Fall pair than horseback riding followed by pumpkin pie, Hawaiian-style, of course.
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If fire pits and camp grounds get you thinking of Fall, then Ho’omaluhia is the place for you. The City and County of Honolulu offer many camp grounds throughout the island of Oahu. Ho’omaluhia offers “the only city campsites that are not on the beach,” which is a great getaway from the salt, sand and crowds. You can wander through the trails onsite, exploring the varied plants and trees. Or, feed the ducks in the pond and there are catch-and-release fishing days. After the sun sets, you can settle in at the fire rings and talk story with fellow campers. Don’t forget the marshmallows.
The season at the Honolulu Polo Club runs from June through the end of October. The Club consists of 27 acres and you can sit in the clubhouse or along the field to watch the action. If you’re feeling up to it, bring some food, as tailgating is permitted. Then sit back and let the Polo players, from across the world, amaze you as they maneuver their horses in pursuit of the win.
Kona is famous for producing great coffee. So, of course, they would have a festival to celebrate the industry that has brought so much notoriety to the area. In mid-November, visitors will have the chance to learn the history behind this famous cup ‘o joe, from the geological advantages that Kona has to the farmers who lovingly cultivate the plants. There will be farm tours on offer, food vendors and art inspired by the rich and flavorful drink. You could even volunteer and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow coffee connoisseurs.
