Numerous helicopter companies (most based in Lihu'e) offer up-in-the-air jaunts over waterfall-striped Mt Wai'ale'ale, the island's central shield volcano and one of the wettest spots on Earth, and the sheer-hewn sea cliffs of the Na Pali coast, accessible otherwise only by ocean kayak.

BBC: Hawaii for beach haters

The rest of the year the Ladds do trips in the Bahamas, the Costa Rica Pacific Coast, or train kayak instructors on the Jordan River in Israel, or do white water kayak surfing in the ocean.

FORBES: Carl Ladd Loves His Job Because His Desk 'Floats'

For ocean adventures, hike to secluded Makalawena Beach, kayak and snorkel at Kealakekua Bay and snorkel or dive at night with manta rays around Kailua-Kona.

BBC: How to choose a Hawaiian island