With the thick of autumn upon us and the holidays just around the corner, all of the fun parts of winter are yet to come. But after New Year’s, when the cold really sets in, wouldn’t it be fun to have a little something warm to look forward to?

Hawaii is the perfect spot during those winter months. It’s not nearly as hot as it can be during the summer, yet it is still one heck of a lot warmer than most of the US. Bonus: It’s also low season, so you won’t have to battle the crowds nearly as much as during the summer months when school’s out.

The cool thing about visiting Hawaii is, it feels like being transported to another country even though it’s still right in the USA.

Here are five unique experiences in Hawaii to inspire you to book a plane ticket already:

1. Learn to surf

If you have never been surfing before, the idea of jumping into Hawaii’s massive waves might be pretty daunting. I know it was for me!

But they aren’t like that everywhere, along some of the coastal areas around these islands you can find a small, long waves that are easy to learn on. While Waikiki on Oahu is the most famous beach for surfing, check out Maui for some great options as well.

2. Road to Hana

This drive in Maui is famous for the black sand beaches and countless waterfalls along the way.

It’s also famous for being a bit of a hairy road to drive on. It’s only about 60 miles long, but has over 600 turns! Though the road to Hana is narrow, it feels like driving through Fern Gulley. You might have to constantly ask yourself if you are really still in the States, or even on Planet Earth.

Bonus: You’ll get to try some of the best banana bread on earth at the roadside stalls along the way.

Start off early, you’re going to want to devote a full day to this one!

3. Lanai

Very few people who go to Hawaii check out the island of Lanai. If you want to have a rugged adventure, taking a Jeep down the 4 x 4 roads and getting beaches all to yourself, then Lanai is the perfect spot.

The island is perfect for people who love diving, though it’s also great for those who are interested in Hawaiian culture and hunting as well. It has it all, and since the island is so small, you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Go to Lanai for a Hawaiian experience that most people never have.

4. Halawa Valley, Molokai

People say that the island of Molokai is like Hawaii 50 years ago. It’s like it’s frozen in time. Given that there are no resorts on the island and no five star restaurants, and not even a stoplight, I believe this to be true.

The Halawa Valley is the one of the oldest known settlements in Hawaii and the valley is famous for its cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. Book a hike to valley  and have a unique cultural experience that is rare to find in Hawaii.

5. Na Pali coast

Kauai is famous for a lot of beautiful places, but some of the most photographed landscape on the island is the Na Pali coast. If you want to see waterfalls galore, take a helicopter from above, or a boat around the shore, and marvel at the lush greenery.

Get a Hawaiian shave-ice after and take a selfie – you’ve officially experienced some of the best and most beautiful experiences in Hawaii.

So long, winter!

Kristin Addis
Kristin Addis is the solo female traveler behind BeMyTravelMuse.com, a website for off the beaten path adventures!  She is also the author of solo female traveler guidebook, Conquering Mountains and How to Solo Travel the World Fearlessly.