Affordable Luxury Hawaii Travel: Activities Big Island of Hawaii

VOLCANO
On the Big Island, the most obvious thing to do is to visit the Volcano National Park. It is a terrific bargain at only $10 for a 7 day park pass or you can use the Golden Age Pass for free.

STARGAZING AT MAUNA KEA
On your own: Free stargazing at Mauna Kea visitor center (movies about observatories and use of visitor center telescopes, volunteer guides) You will need very warm clothes because it gets COLD; but there is no light or dust pollution and the skies are almost always clear.
On your way to the summit you will learn about the remarkable evolution and changes our island’s natural world has experienced. The dinner stop at a historic ranch outpost features a hot, picnic style dinner. After dinner, make your way to the summit of the world’s tallest volcano for a sensational sunset view. Stand in awe amidst the largest collection of telescopes on earth witnessing some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever experience. And then, at a lower elevation, your Interpretive Naturalist Guide will reveal the wonders and world-class clarity of our Hawaiian night skies.
7 to 8 hours round trip from Waikoloa Resorts. Because of the high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 16.
Price: Adults: $165. + tax

HELICOPTER TOURS
Helicopter companies first and foremost concern is safety and the safety records are very good. Experienced pilots fill an unusual assortment of roles to give you the best possible experience. They are Hawaiian historian, DJ, tour guide, and amusement-ride operator.
The best way to see the volcano is from the sky in a helicopter. This view puts the enormity of it all into perspective. It is an extraordinary way to see the red.
We have favorite companies and favorite tours and will be glad to help you select. Prices are high and vary by length of tour. Even at $150 to $200 per person, it is worth every penny!

HAWAII LAND TOURS
The Grand Circle Island Tour is a overview of the whole island from the Wailokoa/Mauna Lani area. This tour does not go into the Volcano Park.
There is a tour from the Kona area to the Volcano and it is a very full day with a round trip ride of nearly 6 hours to the park and then an escorted tour with a hike in the park.
For guests in the Hilo area, there is a Volcano Special tour which picks passengers up from the Hilo hotels and takes them for a guided tour by motorcoach of the volcano park.There are lots of stops for photos, but this tour does not go to the end of the Chain of Craters Road where most activity is seen.

SPORT FISHIING
The Big Island is big on sport fishing and you'll find some of the best sport fishing in the world thres. The best sport fishing starts in the Kona area, but there are also option from Hilo. Fishing trips are really a charter of the boat, equipment and crew and the catch is cut and shared.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
A very popular activity is to share charter a boat whose captain is knowledgable about dolphins, people, the sea, metaphysics and having fun. She'll take you to where the dolphins are playing and as long as the dolphins are willing ( which they almost always are) you can swim in the open ocean with dolphins.

HORSEBACK RIDING
In riding the huge open range with grazing cattle, guests outfitted with boots, hats, chaps and Australian dusters get to experience what it was like to be a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) in the old days while taking in awe inspiring views of the coastline, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and even Maui's Haleakala. Beginner to expert riders.

HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL
Hawaii Forest & Trail has several different Nature Adventure Tours which showcase the Big Island's scenic diversity, including Hawaii Volcanoes, Hawaii waterfalls, rainforests, valleys, mountain summits and more.

FROM HILO TO VOLCANO:
Kilauea Volcano Full Day Adventure The geologic creation of the Hawaiian island chain, a timeless battle between the elemental forces of fire and water, is one of the world’s greatest natural history stories. There’s not a better place on earth to witness and understand the awesome nature of volcanoes than at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no better way to explore the park than in the company of Interpretive Naturalists. They’ll show you the “must see” places within the Park while you learn about their geological and historic significance. (adults $150)

Valley Waterfall Adventure from Waikoloa
Imagine walking along a cliffside trail 1000 ft above the valley floor. Your Naturalist Guide shares the area’s natural and cultural history, as you pass sparkling waterfalls, lush tropical plants and breathtaking views. Kapoloa Falls plunges from the crest, 300 ft. above, and cascades another 200' below the trail. You can walk directly behind the falls for a great photo opportunity. Half-Day Adventure Tours include: Pickup at Waikoloa, beverages, snacks of fresh baked breads and fruits, bottled water, walking sticks, rain gear. No children under 8 allowed. ($125)

Kohola Country Waterfalls Adventure from Waikoloa
North Kohala is a land of old sugar plantations, Hawaiian legends, and untouched natural beauty. The excursion begins with a scenic drive through the Kohala countryside to an off-roading adventure to the trailhead. Walking along the loop trail, you’ll pass two streams with seven waterfalls and three bridges, plus ancient Hawaiian terraces and flumes along the famous Kohala Ditch. With easy walking, countryside views, and a chance to cool off swimming in a mountain stream with cascading falls overhead, this is an ideal family half day adventure. (Adult: $109. + tax; Child: $89. + tax (ages 12 and under)

VOLCANO PARK
There is no guided tour of the volcano park from the Hilo side of the island, but park rangers are available at the visitor center to answer your questions. Park admission of $10 allows you to reenter the park as often as you wish for 1 week.

HMV TOURS
The Hummer can traverse the most rugged terrain with 30% banking and 60% slope-climbing capability. The all-terrain capabilities of this vehicle allow you to penetrate deep into the ancient Hawaiian rainforest, the oldest eco-system on the Big Island. Experienced, native guides share their knowledge of the history, legends, culture, and ethno botany of the Hawaiian rainforest. HMV Tours presents Hummer safaris in the pristine rainforest of the Kohala Mountains. The trip features scenic waterfalls, native Hawaiian plant life, pristine riverbeds, untouched ravines and a swim in a hidden waterfall pool.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Sightseeing tours in deluxe motorcoaches are available from Kona, Waikoloa and Hilo. If you prefer a guided tour with narration and no activity or adventure, let us know and we'll set you up with an appropriate one.

Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui & Big Island

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(site last updated November 5, 2010)