Things To Do in Hawaii

Acupuncturist and Chinese medical herbalist Shelly Denny treats patients at two locations, where she unpacks her needles and the skills she honed at Southwest Acupuncture College. Her education, coupled with time spent helping stroke victims recover during clinical internships and externships in rehabilitation hospitals, all inform her practice, where she specializes in issues such as pain management and injury recovery as well as insomnia and women's health. Her specific style of acupuncture draws from Japanese techniques for a gentler procedure. Her treatments, however, are not limited to acupuncture and herbalism; Shelly also performs moxibustion and reiki.

Designed to recreate Hawaii's native volcanic rock and its thrilling climbs, a multitude of climbing surfaces erupt throughout Volcanic Rock Gym's 3,000 square feet. From 16 feet in the air, a large top-out boulder hangs over an expanse of traversing walls, campus boards, and safety mats. Traditionalists can scale a vertical wall with the reassurance of a physical anchor on the top-rope routes, and rebellious climbers and mountain-goat impersonators can attempt the crack-climbing walls and bouldering façades. In addition, curious spelunkers can explore the bouldering cave, negotiating its ceiling holds and stubborn bats to emerge back in the gym from a massive overhang. Climbing routes change every month to present new climbing challenges and dissuade cheaters from memorizing all the foothold nibs before testing their climbing prowess.

Sequestered between the rolling waves of the South Pacific and the primordial beauty of Kahana State Park’s rainforests, Kualoa Ranch is the Platonic ideal of paradise. There, experienced guides lead expeditions into 4,000 acres of serene valleys and hills, stopping by famed movie sites from Jurassic Park or LOST, peering into an 800-year-old fishpond, and stopping horses or ATVs so that explorers can soak up the expansive views of southern O'ahu. Even the ranch itself is magnificent. Pavilions serve as pristine settings for guests to celebrate or yell at the sunset, nestled at the bottom of lush green mountains and on the edge of cliffs that overlook the tranquil waters of Kane'ohe Bay. Across that glimmering surface, a private, white-sand beach where guests sunbathe and lounge rests among mangroves and hau trees.

Regardless of their exact coordinates, the Ranch’s visitors experience Kualoa's rich history firsthand. A prime example of the benefits of continued preservation, Kualoa has been everything from a family getaway to a World War II airstrip, but the owners have always sought to maintain the beauty that set it apart. The tradition continues today, as employees participate in community-work projects focused on restoration, taro planting, and fostering a sense of Hawaiian pride for every visitor.

Natural bamboo and wood fences surround the miniature fairways of Jungle River Mini Golf, whose aptly named course pits putters against a slew of jungle-themed obstacles. Like rainforest explorers, groups of golfers hack through the wild landscape, forgoing machetes for colorful putters or spring-loaded spatulas sized to accommodate guests of all ages. Monkeypod trees, palms, crotons, and banana plants drape over the course, framing many attractions including sculptures of friendly gorillas and dinosaurs emerging from tar pits. The course also features large bridges and waterfalls that meander throughout to create sharp turns and contoured greens.

The Gunstock Ranch has been a part of Greg Smith's family since 1973. Born and raised in Kailua, Greg grew up helping his father on the ranch, and today, he helps his five children with rodeo practice and 4-H studies. The local rancher leads a staff of experienced wranglers who share intimate knowledge of the land on a variety of scenic trail rides through the 650-acre property. Visitors explore winding paths through the Koolau Mountain Range like traditional paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys, and catch stunning views of Oahu and the ocean in the bright light of day or the warm glow of the setting sun.

Expanding beyond equine excursions and care, Greg's wife, Kyndra, brought swimming lessons and aquatics to the ranch as a way to help children in the community and disprove the myth that you can bring a horse to water, but can't make it swim the breaststroke. The ranch's gentle horses and aboveground pool also make the Gunstock Ranch an all-encompassing destination for children's parties and special events.

The scorching Arizona sun beats down on Adobe Dam Regional Park, but visitors to Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix keep cool as they splash throughout more than 30 waterslides and attractions. The 35-acre facility is home to an abundance of adrenaline-pumping rides—including a towering tandem water coaster, a spiraling 45-foot funnel, and a four-story six-tube speedway—to contrast its more laid-back attractions, including an interactive playground and 700,000-gallon wave pool. The junior water park accommodates younger guests with kid-friendly funnels, rivers, and racing slides. Food and beverage carts traverse the grounds, while an onsite restaurant, cafes, and pubs fuel fun with full meals, snacks, and drinks. To ensure guest safety, a vigilant staff of lifeguards patrols the park and will swiftly kick out sharks who've shrewdly disguised themselves in bikinis and sun hats.