For traditional travelers, exploring Hawaii after dark has meant seeking out cocktails, dinners and luaus. But for visitors who crave out-of-the box adventures, the real excitement begins when the sun melts into the horizon.
Instead of heading to restaurants, shows and clubs in the evening, clients can dabble in the mysterious, the challenging or the sublime courtesy of the following five activities.
Full Moon Yoga, Oahu
Once each month in a grassy grove in Waikiki, the inspirational Summer Rothwell leads 75-minute yoga classes by the sea. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, participants achieve a meditative state through reclined and relaxing poses. The session culminates in full moon salutations and positive vibes beneath rustling palms.
On full moon nights, clients can usher in the evening with Waikiki yoga classes.
Credit: 2019 Corey Rothwell
Beginning and advanced students alike can take part in this restorative, alfresco experience, which is heightened by the sights, smells and sounds of Hawaii’s great outdoors. Clients might never want to return to an indoor studio again.
www.yogaunderthepalms.com
Full Moon Ziplining, Maui
Kapalua Ziplines treats guests to breathtaking aerial views during its full moon ziplining tour, offered only in the summer months. The 2.5-hour spree kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in order to take advantage of exceptional nighttime panoramas, from the dazzling constellations above to the twinkling lights of resorts below.
Kapalua Ziplines runs exhilarating full moon tours in the summer months.
Credit: 2019 Kapalua ZiplinesOutfitted with headlamps, participants soar along three lines totaling 4,850 feet, at elevations as high as 2,000 feet. Courageous clients can add to the thrills with a walk across the longest and tallest suspension bridge in Hawaii.
www.kapaluaziplines.com
Nighttime Manta Swims, Hawaii Island
With wingspans of more than 15 feet, sleek manta rays glide through the waters off Hawaii Island’s Kona and Kohala coasts each evening, feeding on plankton. Clients can go snorkeling or diving with the graceful creatures during exhilarating boat tours, presented by several companies.
Fair Wind, for instance, invites passengers on a cruise to a favorite manta hangout. Departing at sunset, the 1.5-hour experience comes with wet suits and snorkel gear for the manta encounter. Afterward, participants swap stories while warming up with hot drinks and soup.
www.fair-wind.com
Sunset & Night Adventure Photo Workshops, Kauai
Kauai Adventure Photography Workshops wants to take guests to the dark side of Kauai, which makes a perfect nocturnal subject thanks to the island’s minimal manmade light. Depending on conditions, these creative tours explore different parts of the destination, including Poipu in the south, Waimea to the west and Hanalei Bay to the north.
The Milky Way puts on a show for shutterbugs during evening outings with Kauai Adventure Photography Workshops.
Credit: 2019 Patrick Kelley/Kauai Adventure Photography WorkshopsOffered on Thursdays, the three-hour classes start before sunset and end after dark. In between, clients learn how to shoot evening seascapes, mountains and Kauai’s unique landmarks. From novices to skilled photographers, everyone is welcome.
www.kauaiphotoworkshops.com
Twilight Stand-Up Paddling, Oahu
Stand-up paddling (SUP) is one of Hawaii’s most popular activities by day, but it’s dreamier by night. On Oahu’s North Shore, the calm waters of Kawela Bay provide an ideal place for an after-hours SUP outing, when the cove takes on a magical mood.
On Oahu's North Shore, Kawela Bay mesmerizes paddlers during a twilight SUP adventure.
Credit: 2019 Turtle Bay ResortDesigned for groups of eight people or more, this offering from Turtle Bay Resort leads paddlers around the quiet inlet for views of aquatic animals below the surface and a star-studded universe above, while most everyone else is busy sipping and supping.
www.turtlebayresort.com
