I'm going on a Hawaiian cruise with my family in a couple of weeks and was wondering if someone could help me plan activities that will be fun for my blind brother. We are planning on some easy hiking on Kauai and we’re golfing in Maui. We'll be on Kauai, The Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, so need advice for any island. I’ve heard that when the lava hits the water on the Big Island it makes a noise like an explosion. Anyone know exactly where we can see/hear that? Are there any great places to hear some island music?

What a an interesting challenge, makes me use all my senses. How about some in water experience like body surfing, kayaking , or just plain swimming ?
How about a luai?

An interesting question indeed. Offhand I'd question the wisdom of bodysurfing, as it's probably dangerous when one can't see the ocean floor (or other bodysurfers!). Tandem kayaking sounds like a great idea, though.

Also, if your brother does go in the water, make sure someone always accompanies him. ALWAYS. Rogue waves, especially on the north shores of the islands are notorious.

On the Big Island you might want to check out Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens in Onomea.

Both on the Hilo side of the Big Island - but maybe a visit to Akaka Falls (the sound of the waterfall and a pretty easy walk along a creek) or in the Puna District Ahalanui Warm pond, which is a volcanically heated swimming pond next to the ocean but blocked from waves. Hiking over rough, sharp lava to where the lava enters the ocean would be difficult IMHO. One of my favorite things to do in Hawaii is sit still and listen to the waves and the amazing birds.

On Oahu hawaiian music can be found at Chai's Bistro which features well known entertainers as well as good food. The Hilton Hawaiian Village and Moana Hotel also feature hawaiian music in the bar areas.

Good advice regarding respecting the power of the ocean, it is beautiful but can be unforgiving to the careless, especially on the north shore during the winter season. Just use common sense and you will be fine. If in doubt ask the lifeguards about the ocean conditions.

I dont know if it is like that all the time but when I and my wife were there the Iao valley(Maui) had amazing smells of different flowers and one grove had passion fruit all over the ground and it left a memory every bit as vivid as the sights!

I've heard that some resorts offer seaside lomi lomi massages quot;>using lava rocks.

Hi there--we were in Bermuda a few years ago and visited a botanical garden that had a dedicated garden for the blind. It was a wonderful, unique experience. Perhaps there is something similar on one of the islands you'll be visiting.

Oahu has gardens also.

How about a winery on the Big Island. Not sure you will be close enough to the lava to hear it.

A coffee plantation on Kauai.

A soap factory on Kauai and Oahu.

Snorkling with the sting rays at Sea Life Park. The aquarium also has a tank you can feel sea creatures.

Music at an outdoor hotel along Waikiki - Sheraton Moana - Halekulani etc.

Dinner boat on Oahu

Chinatown

Horseback riding

Learn to make a lei at the Royal Hawaiian Market. Or even at the Paradise Cove Luau there is much to do and listen to.

Hunt for shells by hand on the north shore. Or how about get a metal dector and look for jewelry or coins.

Thanks for everyone's help! There are a lot of great ideas here.

Has anyone tried the Skyline Eco-adventures zip-line ride on Maui?

if you get a convertible, the road to hana might be nice too.....the smell of guava was overwhelming at times...i aimed the car for the guava in the road to add to the smell

on big island, at the soutern point is the wind farm....hearing the big windmills is pretty cool

If you are interested in church- the Kawaiahao has services in Hawaiian on Sun- and the hymns sung in Hawaiian - it is where the royalty used to attend .

I enjoyed it - its in Honolulu