Tenomania.com

A destination wedding to an exotic locale offers a great opportunity to continue your healthy regimen of diet and exercise in the days preceding your wedding. We’ve come up with the top ten ways to look and feel your absolute best during the week-long wedding celebration with family and friends. Here is part one of our list of Hawaii’s fun and unique activities to stay in shape before the big day. By the way, before you hit the beach take a cue from the local girls who won’t wear anything except Pualani Hawaii.

1. Surf Lessons

Even if you’ve never attempted to ride a wave, surfing in paradise with your closest friends is a must-do during your trip. The stylish water sport with Hawaiian roots not only defines the laid-back lifestyle of the islands, but is also a total body sculpting workout. Surfer girls are strong and lean with incredibly flat stomachs, so get off that beach chair and dive right in!

Check out the Kelea Surf Spa on Oahu  (www.keleasurfspa.com) and the women’s-only Surf Diva in La Jolla, California (www.surfdiva.com).

2. Yoga

A wonderful stress reliever, yoga is a great way to relieve any pre-wedding jitters. A beginning yoga class can be just as relaxing as lying on the beach, so why not arrange for a group class at one of the many studios throughout Hawaii? The Studio Maui, a fully equipped yoga and dance facility on the north shore, is an excellent alternative to a traditional bachelorette party.

3. Horseback Ride

Horseback riding is a wonderful way to experience the spectacular views and varied terrain of Upcountry Maui while getting a moderate-impact, lower body workout. Equestrians work their glutes and inner thighs throughout the entire ride in the saddle. Did you know that riding at a gallop can burn up to 526 calories hourly!? Take in stunning mountain views or ride freely along the pristine, unspoiled beaches of Maui. Check out the Maui Horse Whisperer Experience for a full or half day riding adventure.

4. Ocean Kayak & Snorkel

Even a novice will have fun kayaking on pristine Hawaiian waters. A guided adventure is safe and a not too strenuous workout. The trip includes the opportunity to swim among the Hawaiian sea turtles that live in the coral reefs abundant with tropical fish. And depending on the time of year, you can see dolphins, manta rays, and (a safe distance away!) whales. Whale season is April to December. Makena Kayaks is your best choice on Maui.

5. Hike into Maui Waterfalls

Hiking into the exotic valleys of Hawaii will give you a glimpse of the islands you will never forget: immense waterfalls from 10 to 40 feet high, crystal clear swimming pools under the falls, magical rain forests, and fresh-water streams. You’ll burn calories and have fun on this adventure–you can jump and rope-swing into several of the falls, plus you learn about the amazing tropical landscapes from Hike Maui’s naturalist guides.

6. Stand Up Paddle Surf

Stand up paddle surfing may look intimidating, but I’ve been told by a fellow non-surfer that it is a little less difficult than regular surfing, and stand up paddling will give you an amazing core workout. On Oahu you can take lessons from Paddle Core Fitness, at Ala Moana Beach. Instructor/owner Reid Inouye says, “It’s basically like walking on water. You’re looking down, you can see all the ocean life, but at the same time it’s a good workout that hits your upper body, core, sides, legs, cardio.” To learn more, check out Paddle Surf Hawaii.

7. Bike Down the Volcano

For the uninhibited, bike down Maui’s dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala, at sunrise with Maui Mountain Riders for the ride of your life! It’s not strenuous exercise, but you will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and clean mountain air as you coast along the roadway.

8. Diamond Head Trail, Oahu

Diamond Head is an extinct volcanic crater located in Honolulu a short distance from Waikiki. If you are fit, you can easily do the hike in under 30 minutes and the spectacular 360-degree views of the island are well worth the effort!

9. Molokai Mule Ride

This island is the least developed in the Hawaiian chain and the Molokai Mule Ride is an amazing experience. You’ll ride down 1,700 feet of spectacular sea cliffs through remote areas of this park that can only be seen via this tour.

10. Romantic Beach Walks

I saved this one for last because in all the frenetic activity of welcoming your guests, you may need to be reminded to escape each evening with your husband-to-be. The magical moments alone at sunset will be your most enduring memories of this lifetime trip.