There are many reasons to enjoy a trip to Hawaii, but spending time in the ocean may be one of the most beautiful. The waters in Hawaii are special, and you’re unlikely to have the same experience anywhere else.
Whether you prefer to observe the water from shore or immerse yourself, here are five good reasons you’ll fall in love with the ocean.
- The waters are warm
The waters in Hawaii are warm. Not just lukewarm when the chill has been taken off, but deeply warm.
Getting into the sea can sometimes feel like stepping into a warm bath. That’s even better when you participate in water sports, like paddle boarding.
Like other water sports, paddleboarding may take a little time to learn. It requires practice to become familiar with how to stand, balance, paddle, and move. If you learn to paddle board in Hawaii, you won’t be shocked by the cold when you fall in the water while mastering the sport.
If you’re from the U.S., you might know how cold the Pacific Ocean can get, and this tends to be the case year round. It doesn’t matter how warm it gets in the summer – the ocean nearly always features a chill sting.
It’s never like that in Hawaii; the Pacific Ocean is much warmer there. So if you’re sensitive to cold water, you’ll enjoy participating in water sports on your vacation because you can take advantage of the warm, Hawaiian water.
- Watching people surf is relaxing
When you visit Hawaii, you shouldn’t leave without watching some surfing events. It’s one of the few sports that anyone can enjoy.
Unlike basketball or football, you don’t have to be a fan to appreciate seeing the locals catch a few waves. Perhaps it’s because surfing takes place on the ocean and people already love the sea.
It’s pleasant to take in the surge of the ocean, and it’s exciting to watch people ride waves to the shore.
Surfers are athletes, just like any other, and they make their sport look easy. In reality, it takes an enormous amount of core strength and stability to surf well.
The result appears flawless to spectators, though, and it’s even a thrill when someone wipes out. Watching someone get tossed off a board can be even more exciting than some surfing tricks!
Many Hawaiian natives grew up surfing and can pull off some really cool moves on a board. Good tricks, like barrel riding and airs, make the sport of surfing eye-catching and fun for spectators.
- Snorkeling is better in Hawaii
You can snorkel just about anywhere, but it’s better where the marine life is abundant and the waters are calm and clear enough to see it. That’s exactly what you’ll get in Hawaii.
When you go snorkeling off the Hawaii beaches, you’ll see beautiful schools of fish in the clear water, and you might even get a chance to swim with some dolphins. Swimming with dolphins is a great way to connect with nature and create a bond you won’t find anywhere else.
Unlike most residents of the ocean, dolphins actually enjoy and seek out human contact. They are extremely smart mammals and are regarded as sacred by many ancient cultures.
- The beaches are gorgeous
You’ll never find a beach quite like the ones in Hawaii. They have clear, deep blue water, green palm trees, lush land, and warm sand that slips between your toes.
It’s an entirely different experience, partly because of the warm temperature of the water. But more than that, the energy of the beaches feels different in Hawaii. It almost feels primordial.
Some people travel to Hawaii just to visit the beaches. Once you’ve experienced the environment firsthand, you’ll know why.
- You’ll feel more relaxed
Vacations are usually intended to be relaxing, but going to Hawaii and being constantly near the ocean could be one of the most calming vacations you’ll ever have. You may be surprised by the difference it makes to hang out at the beach in a warmer climate than what you’re used to.
You’ll get quite a bit more sun in Hawaii than in most other places you’re apt to visit, so the entire environment will feel warm, not just the water or sand.
You’ll become more relaxed and calm when you walk and lounge on the beaches of Hawaii, and feel the warm sand between your toes and the sun across your body. If you stay long enough, you may even get a tan.
Enjoy your Hawaiian adventure
Whether you stay on one island or tour several of them, make sure you spend some quality time at the beach. If you don’t feel like going for a swim, at least dip your toes in the water to experience the warmth – the love – the islands have to offer.