Southwest® flights from Denver to Kona (Island of Hawaii) from $206

The Island of Hawaii is known for its incredible outdoor activities, set against a beautiful tropical landscape, which is certainly appealing to Denver outdoor enthusiasts. Take a break from the Rockies and explore the natural wonders of Kona. Here, you can trade skiing and snowboarding for wakeboarding and water skiing. If you prefer a more leisurely aquatic activity, incredible snorkeling can be found near Kahaluu Beach—you’ll find vibrant coral reefs, tons of tropical fish, and lucky swimmers might even come across Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the area. If you’d rather check out the ocean life from above the water, there are a number of sightseeing boats that depart from Kona that regularly encounter manta rays, dolphins, and whales.

Denver might be renowned for its hiking, with the ultimate trek being Pike’s Peak. But how many Coloradans have watched a sunrise from on top of a volcano? The Island of Hawaii is home to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that stands over 13,803 feet above sea level. One of the most incredible Kona activities is to journey to the top of the volcano for a breathtaking early morning view you certainly won’t find in a landlocked state.