With eight beautiful islands, Hawaii is the perfect destination for those looking for a variety of flavours on a holiday or vacation.  Since each island is a short flight to the next, day trips are a great idea when you're travelling in Hawaii.

Read on with TripAtlas.com and Hawaii.com as we bring you the best day trips and visitors' favourite experiences of the six main Hawaiian islands.

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Big Island or Hawaii

Whale-watching: Anyone who climbs aboard a vessel in Hawaii from mid-December to early May and heads for the open ocean can expect to see humpback whales. There are so many of them that most tour companies don't hesitate to guarantee sightings. And what a sight these playful, 40-ton creatures are. Indulge in the fascination of these gentle sea giants aboard a Hula Kai Whale Discovery Cruise, where guests not only view the humpback whales, they learn fascinating whale facts and even listen to their underwater song with a special hydrophone system. Go here for more information.

ATV Trip: Cowboys of Hawaii offers tours of historical Parker Ranch on fully automatic all terrain vehicles. Explore the backcountry on morning, afternoon or sunset tours. Private, custom rides are also available. Riders must be 16 years and older. Snacks and beverages are included for all rides. Go here for more information.

Maui

Zip-lining: Kapalua Resort's zipline course is one the country's largest. Nearly two miles of parallel line zipping action takes you soaring within the West Maui mountains. Zippers ride side by side with a friend on a slower, shorter span as a warm up, then once they've  gotten the hang of it (so to speak), they progress onto the remaining zipline course. It is the only parallel-line system in Hawaii. Visitors can custome design their ride, enjoying a single zip trip or a combination of lines plus the Giant Swing. Go here for more information.

Horseback riding: Outside Makawao, at the edge of an Upcountry rainforest, Piiholo Ranch offers horseback rides and a glimpse of another era of Hawaii's history. Owned and operated by Peter Baldwin, the ranch has been in the Baldwin family for six generations. Tours, conducted by family and friends, offer gorgeous views, stories about Maui's ranching history, and glimpses of wildlife like the endangered Hawaiian nene goose, which is the state bird. Go here for more information.

Oahu

Kayaking: This paddling tour takes place on calm-reef protected waters on Kailua Bay. A trained naturalist guides kayakers along this beautiful coastal area to several close offshore islets. Along the way, you will probably see one or more Hawaiian green sea turtles. Your guide, well-versed in Hawaiian history, marine life, and our island's geological formations, will tell stories and impart thought provoking information. Paddlers will and their safe and stable sit-on-top kayaks on one of the two-world famous beaches (Kailua or Lanikai) for some snorkeling with the tropical fish and turtles. Go here for more information.

Learn to surf: When the surf's up, all else pales in significance. Surfing captures one's body and soul through the very power and fury of the ocean. Waikiki, with reliable waves almost all year round, is a good choice for the beginner. The "Seven Mile Miracle," which stretches from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore, contains many of the major surf spots on this big wave coast, including Rocky Point, Banzai Pipeline, Ehukai, Waimea Bay, Chun's Reef, Laniakea, and Sunset Beach. Lessons are given throughout the island. Go here for more information.

Kauai

Zodiac tours: Kauai Sea Tours is unique among the boat tour operators on Kauai as it they offer both traditional catamaran tours and adventurous zodiac boat tours of the Na Pali Coast. Both tours are run by experienced boat captains, who are educated on Kauai wildlife, Kauai conservation and Kauai history. Take advantage of our unique permits to land on the Na Pali Coast and hike into an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Enjoy a catered lunch on board and view some of the most diverse marine life in Hawaii. Go here for more information.

Helicopter tours: Kauai is world-famous for its helicopter tours. Few will ever forget the sensation of dropping over the edge of the mist-shrouded Waialeale Crater. This crater is considered the wettest place on earth. Most people only see a small portion of Kauai and never get to the interior wonders of the island, like this natural wonder. Helicopters will take you into this incredible spot and if weather permits also take you to the top of the crater. The Waialeale Crater was an important place to the ancient Hawaiians and still has remains of a sacred Heiau. Go here for more information.

Molokai

Ride a mule: There was a time when the tiny settlement of Kalawao, on the island's north shore, was locked away from the world. Located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, Kalawao was a place where people came to die, banned by kingdom law to this stunningly beautiful place because they had been diagnosed with leprosy. It's fortress-like location made it a natural prison for its occupants. Today's visitor is more likely to arrive on the back of a mule. The trip begins in Pala'au State Park. The trek follows the Kalaupapa Trail, which descends approximately 1,700 feet to the settlement below. Three miles and 26 switchbacks later, riders reach their destination. It is a memorable trip. Go here for more information.

Lanai

Play a round of golf: This tiny island, once a pineapple  plantation, has two of Hawaii''s finest golf courses. Even the course names are wonderful: The Challenge at Manele and the Experience at Koele.  But very few people play them because of where they are located. Few realize that one does not even have to stay on Lanai to enjoy a round of golf here. You take a ferry in from Maui, play your round, have a drink and lunch after, and be back on your home island by dinnertime. However, if you want to stay there are two luxurious resorts waiting to receive you. Go here for more information.

Extensive information on all of these days trips, and many more, is available on Hawaii.com, your source for everything Hawaii!

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