In 2010, ATV Outfitters will be adding mountain bike tours to their list of tours on the north tip of the island. Enjoy top of the line Santa Cruz mountain bikes as you ride along downhill trails with breathtaking coastal scenery.
Contact us at (808) 987-4519 for more information.
When friends or family come to visit me on the Big Island of Hawaii I always take the time to be a tourist with them and enjoy all the things the Big Island has to offer.
Just recently one of my friends came and was eager to do everything and especially see the volcano. We left Waikoloa Beach Resort at about 10 am and went along the north part of the island. We stopped at Akaka Falls to enjoy the waterfalls there. We got to Volcano National Part at about 2 pm and hiked around for a while. I had been there before so it was not anything special to me. Around 4 pm we left Volcano National Park and headed to the area where you can walk in and see the lava flowing into the ocean. We took about a hour hike in across lava rocks and reached an area where it was roped off and a lot of people were watching the lava flow into the ocean from the distance. We decided we would take our chances and hike in down by the ocean. Once we hiked about 15 minutes further and got down by the water I was pleasently surprised to see a beautiful black sand beach down there. We were probably about 25 feet from the lava and the ocean water was a warm. As we decided to come out we found dozens of people coming to see the beautiful site.
Since then they have predicted that some of the land around their may break off soon so I would not recommend getting too far in or reasearch it first. I would also recommend taking water, pants, hiking boots, and a flash light.
The original Sunset and Stargazing tours started 25 years ago. Back then, Pat Wright conducted his tours from an old Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser has since been replaced with Deluxe Arctic Survival Parkas and Gloves. What has not changed is the passion with which this tour continues today.
The trip begines mid-afternoon. Depending on your pick up location (starbucks in the Waikoloa Kings Shops), an exclusive Van Terra vehicle will transport you. Your tour time will last 7 to 8.25 hours. Informative guides will teach you about geology, natural history, and the geography of the island, as they take you on your journey to Mauna Kea.
These spacious four wheel drive vans can easily hold 13 passengers. Oversized windows, heating and air conditioning systems, upgraded suspension, overhead storage, and an aisle height of 6′2″ are some of the luxurious features. The initial stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center will allow you to acclimate to the 9,000′ elevation and enjoy a hearty supper.
Select in advance one of the following delicious meals to be served at the Onizuka Visitors Center Lanai:
KhoChu Jang Glazed Beef Ribs (spicy sweet), Jasmine Rice, Namasu (cucumber) Salad (Served Hot)
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken, Jasmine Rice and a Pineapple Relish (Served Hot)
Tofu Spinach Wrap with a Cream Sauce and a Cranberry Tabouleh Salad (Served cold) ** Can be made vegan
All choices are served with a scrumptuous, homemade chocolate brownie. Beverages with dinner are not provided, but may be purchased at the Visitors Center, or you may bring along a non-alcoholic drink.
Marvel at the telescope viewings, learn about the astronomers who work there, then snuggle into your parka and gloves for the steep 1/2 hour drive to the summit area. Here your guide will point out the observatories as they begin to open and rotate into position.
Grab a photo opportunity of a lifetime as the sun begins to set. When the sunset colors have passed, you will descend to mid mountain where the sky is equally clear, but the climate and air is more comfortable for stargazing. Hot drinks and cookies served halfway through the evening.
Tour Rate: $197
Please provide an approximate men’s parka size for each guest.
Restrictions: This tour is not for those with heart or respiratory conditions or who have/or will scube dive within 24 hours of the tour. No children under the age of 9 and no children under 13 allowed above 9000 ft.
Tips: Bring a sweater, a bottle of water, and a beverage to have with your dinner and snacks. Bring fresh camera batteries.
Cancellation Policy: 72 hours
This tour is very popular and you will need to reserve it weeks in advance. Contact us at (808) 987-4519 or waikoloavrm@aol.com to reserve your Mauna Kea Summit Adventures.
Pololu Valley is my favorite of all the valleys on the north coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. As you reach the outlook you will see a beautiful black sand beach down below and a stretch of dense tropical sea cliffs. Although you can get some great pictures from the outlook, I would recommend hiking down into the valley to get the full experience.
There is a rocky trail that winds down the side of one of the cliffs that takes about 15 minutes to get down into the valley. Taking a couple of bottles of water would not be a bad idea. While walking down the trail you will come across a couple of spots that some of the most beautiful pictures of Pololu Valley are taken at.
Once you reach Pololu Valley, there is a beautiful black sand beach and a stream that runs back into the valley. The left side of the beach is really sandy as far out as you can go, but the right side is rocky. Pololu Valley is a great surf spot so typically you will see a lot of surfers.
After you spend time on the beach adventure out into the valley. You will find several trails that travel through the lush landscaping and back into the valley. You can get some amazing pictures of the valley along these trails. Throughout the trails you will see lots of wildlife, man made swings, and much more.
Make sure to wait until later in the afternoon or when the clouds to come out to treck your way out of the valley. The hike out is much tougher than the hike in.
The Marriott offers a traditional Hawaiian luau, also known as the Royal Luau, on a lawn area with beach and sunset views. The Marriott offers the most convenient location for Waikoloa Beach Resort guests. Priced at $88 for an adult and $40 for children 6-12, it is one of the best values in the area. As you enter the grounds around 5 pm, you will be greeted with a lei and a mai tai (by the way this luau is one of the few luaus that offers complementary open bar). The luau will begin with the imu ceremony and then as the sunsets you will enjoy dinner. As you finish dinner the show will start and take you on a journey through Polynesia. The show closes with an exciting fire dancer. The Royal Luau at The Waikoloa Beach Resort Marriott is offered on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Contact us at (808) 987-4519 or waikoloavrm@aol.com for help reserving the Waikoloa Beach Resort Marriott Luau for you.
Waipio Valley is the most well known of the seven valleys on the north side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Down in the valley is a beautiful black sand beach and some of the best surf on the island. You can spend a day walking along the stream that flows through the valley and checking out the lush tropical setting. You will also see a lot of roaming wildlife such as mules.
The view from the lookout is breathtaking enough, but if you are the anventurous type you may want to go down into the valley. There is a narrow steep, windy paved road down into the valley which can be used by four wheel drive vehicles. Although you can go in with a four wheel drive, it is not recommended. You can also hike down into the valley along the same road. Although it is a tiring hike, it is worth it.
One of the most popular off island attractions is Pearl Harbor, which is located on Oahu. Many know the history of Pearl Harbor, but to see the U.S.S. Missouri and Arizona Memorial is person offers an experience of a lifetime!
I highly recommend making the trip a full day trip. You can purchase your interisland air here. You will want to fly into HNL. You can get a rental car and Pearl Harbor is about a five minute drive from the airport. There is a $16 admission fee for the U.S.S. Missouri and you can also get an audio tour or an iPod video tour for less than $10. The audio tour is sufficient if you desire one of them. It is hard to follow the video tour while also walking throughout the U.S.S. Missouri. The cost for an adult is $60. If you want to take the longer tour which also takes you to the Pacific Avaiation Museam the cost is $75.
While on the U.S.S. Missouri you will have the opportunity to stand on the “surrender deck” where World War II ended. While inside you will get to see the quarters in which the soldiers slept. You will also get a look at all the weapons that made the U.S.S. Missouri so feared.
Getting to take a boat out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and seeing the “Black Tears of the Arizona” is breathtaking.
Although you can do all of this on your own, I would highly recommend taking one of the guided tours. It can be a little overwhelming if you are not familiar with everything. There are shuttles and boats that take you from place to place. If you are on of the of the guided tours it helps out a ton, you get a lot more information, and the cost is not that much more.
Contact us at (808) 987-4519 or waikoloavrm@aol.com for help scheduling your trip to Pearl Harbor.
Akaka Falls is the best known waterfall on the Big Island of Hawaii. Akaka Falls is a 442 foot tall waterfall that plunges down into a deep gorge. When you enter Akaka Falls State Park there is a circular trail through a tropical setting that will give you views of Akaka falls, streams, and also Kahuna Falls. One good thing to note is that you will want to go through the from the right as you enter. The right side of the trail is steeper and has a lot of stairs. If you are not able to make the full hike, you can go to the left and see Akaka Falls and then turn around and come back the same way. Kahuna Falls is really just a smaller version of Akaka Falls so you would not be missing much.
The only way to truly experience the full beauty of the island of Hawaii is through a bird’s eye view. From helicopter tours that take you to a secluded valley for a picnic lunch to “doors off” tours, there is an experience for everyone.
My personal favorite tour has a perfect blend dedicated to bring the pure beauty of Hawaii to you. Experience the majesty of Hualalai, the seasonal snow capped mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the wrath of the Goddess Pele as she exhales billowing vog from Halema’uma’u Crater, the entry of the lava into the cool waters of the Pacific, the rainforests of the east, the lush valleys, white and black sand beaches of the coast and jaw dropping waterfalls all in one tour. What makes this tour different from any other tour is that you will experience an exclusive landing in a secluded valley near a mountain stream for a light lunch. The drifting clouds over the valley walls perform tricks on your eyes, the cool waters of the stream dance over stepping stones and the overwhelming mana (sacred spiritual power) of the ‘aina (land) will warmly embrace your spirit.
The Big Island is home to a new and exciting activity that is in great demand. Once used as a mode of transportation for people and goods, zip lining started a craze for adventurous folks looking for an adrenaline rush. The start up of Big Island Eco Adventures Zipline Canopy Tour has combined the beauty of the Big Island with the thrill of the zip line. This low impact activity requires low to moderate physical strength, which expands it’s popularity among more than just the adrenaline junkies.
Located in Kapa’au, just past the King Kamehameha statue is the check in base yard for the Zipline Canopy Tour. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Waikoloa Beach Resort. The maximum group count per tour will not exceed ten guests to ensure personal attention. Guests are then tucked into a Pinzgauer, a 6wd Swiss Army vehicle, for a 30 minute off road journey. The beauty of North Kohala provides gorgeous scenery as the ride takes you from a few hundred feet above sea level to the 2200’ level. Keep on the look out for wild pigs and wild cows.
Once you arrive at the course, a brief hike will deliver you to the first zip line which is in the 200’ long range. It is the keiki line, and it designed to gently welcome you to the ziplines. The remaining 7 ziplines increase in length, with the last one spanning approximately 1100’ feet. The ziplines give you an awesome view of the forest, ravines and at least 3 waterfalls. The last two will take your breath away with views of Maui, the Kohala Lighthouse and a waterfall. You may be an expert steersman by the end of the tour.
The course also includes a wooden bridge and a suspension bridge. A cantilevered pavilion affectionately known as the “Mac Nut Hut” offers a vantage point overlooking a 32’ waterfall. Delicious homemade snacks such as granola energy bars, pineapple or banana bread, or crackers with lilikoi butter have been prepared for you by a local children’s group. Home grown fresh fruits, macadamia nuts and Aloha drinks are also part of the snack stop.
The four hour adventure ends with your downhill Pinzgauer safari. During the winter season, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for whale sightings. This tour is one of the hottest new attractions, sure to leave you with a distinct memory of the Big Island that is only now available.
