The 45 mi. trip from Paia to Hana is one of the world’s most impressive coastal drives. With more than 600 turns and over 50 single-lane bridges, the “Road to Heaven” offers incredible views of Maui’s rainforests and waterfalls, most of which are visible from the driver’s seat. While it takes about 2hr. to make the journey itself, the experience is much more rewarding if you stop along the way. Highlights of the drive are outlined below; however, there’s always more to explore.

The best way to acquaint yourself with Lahaina is on foot. Although the sun can be intense, a walking tour is an easy—and heart-healthy—way to peruse both the town’s historical sights and more trivial pursuits (read: shopping). You can start your journey at any place along the route, but a picnic underneath the Banyan Tree is a fantastic way to end or start the trip. Bring some cold water and a camera to capture your favorite finds. Slather on sunscreen and march!

Let’s come clean about the Big Island: it’s not exactly the destination of choice for resort-hopping high rollers. While many Hawaiian tourists are willing to settle for no more than a crowded Waikiki sunset, Big Island visitors watch the sun go down from empty cliffs, overlooking the Kohala Mountain Range; or at the end of an unmarked trail, near a 1200 ft. waterfall; or at the summit of Mauna Kea, huddled around a warm Jeep, 1000 ft.

Kangaroo Island – also known as “KI” – is just a 45 minute ferry from the Australian mainland, however it offers incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat. Much like the Galapagos Islands, animals on KI have been protected from most predators and so they are very friendly and trusting.

Sure, Hawaii is known for its amazing beaches and water sports. But the dramatic, varied terrain here makes for great land-based adventures and activities, too. Here are some of our favorites across the Hawaiian Islands.