Hawaii - Activities

Activities & Attractions

On Hawaii's Big Island, natural wonders abound. Hiking, cycling, or riding horseback (on your own or with a guide) are wonderful ways to immerse yourself in the Island's amazingly varied eco-systems. Going just about anywhere presents spectacular scenic vistas. Laze the afternoon away on some of the world's most pristine white, black and green sand beaches. Snorkel in an ocean of total clarity. Put your face to the breeze on a charter sail.

But there's more. Explore the ocean depths in a submarine. Experience the graceful beauty of a breaching whale on a whale watching tour, or search for the elusive "grander" while enjoying some of the world's best deep-sea fishing. Explore the mysteries of outer space as you reach up and touch the heavens atop Mauna Kea. Tee off on some of the world's most legendary golf courses. Sample world famous Kona coffee while you explore Kona Coffee Country. Whatever your inclination, you'll find it here.

The attractions on Hawaii's Big Island are also endless. The West Coast or "Kona Side" is the dryer, sunnier, more tropical side and a focal point of visitor activity with quaint shops and restaurants. If you're looking for a party scene, Kailua-Kona would be the spot. The Kohala Coast is considered "Hawaii's Golf Coast" and makes for a scenic drive consisting of botanical gardens, dramatic lava fields, picturesque valleys, and white sand beaches.

Waimea is home to Parker Ranch and amazing pastures giving way to lush valleys of vibrant green foliage. The main attraction of Waipio is the spellbinding Waipio Valley Lookout, while Hamakua has countless "let's stop here" points with brilliant flowers and breathtaking waterfalls.
A must-see, however, is Kilauea, the earth's most active volcano. It is said to be "the greatest show on earth." It's quite a feeling to witness the perpetual fiery birth of new land. A memory that will stay with you for a lifetime. Plan on a long day to tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It's 218,000 acres from sea to summit that also includes Mauna Loa, the earth's largest active volcano. Other attractions include art centers, museums, and incredible drives like the 11-mile crater rim drive around the Kilauea caldera.

Atlantis Submarines Kona

Hawaii's only real submarine tour! Create lifetime memories diving into the habitat of countless, exotic sea creatures. Gazing through your spacious view port, you can exchange glances with hundreds of fish of different species dwelling in the waters of the coast of Kona. It's an unforgettable 35-minute journey aboard an Atlantis 48-passenger submarine, as featured in National Geographic television specials, where guests explore a 25-acre natural coral reef and its marine inhabitants! A new adventure awaits you at depths up to 100 feet! Enjoy the view in air-conditioned comfort and safety. It shows you the other 96% of Kona that you can't see any other way. You can be part of Kona's most beautiful and captivating scenery, habitats, and isolated treasures. You can discover an 18,000-year-old, 25-acre fringing coral reef, which boasts a vibrant ecosystem and view coral formations and tropical fish.

Tour Duration : 90 minutes

Tour Times & Itinerary :

      0:00 Depart Dock
      0:10 Arrive Atlantis Dive Site
      0:45 Sub resurfaces, passengers are transferred to tender vessel
      and returned to dock
      1:25 Arrive Dock

Tour Restrictions : 

Passengers must be physically capable of ascending and descending a near vertical ladder in order to ride the submarine. Children must be at least 36 inches tall to ride the submarine.

Additional Information : 

• Guests must check-in at the Atlantis Submarine ticket office on Alii Drive located across from the Kailua-Kona Pier.

• Check-in required 30 minutes before the scheduled submarine tour time.

• Atlantis Submarine tours depart seven days a week beginning at 10:00 a.m. weather permitting.

• Actual underwater tour time is 35 minutes. Shuttle boat ride from the pier to the submarine site plus transfer is 10 minutes each way.

• Children must be 36 inches or taller to ride the submarine.

• Passengers must be physically capable of ascending and descending a near vertical ladder in order to ride the submarine.

• All tours are in English. Headsets providing narrations in Japanese are available upon request.

• Food and beverages will not be provided on this tour.

Beaches & Water Sports

Hawaii has a stunning variety of beaches that vary in shape, size, wave action and sand color. They can be found on almost every point on the compass on any given island, at any time of the year. And, Hawaii's beaches offer the visitors and locals alike nearly every water activity under the sun. Canoeing, kayaking, scuba, Snuba or snorkeling. Or how about surfing, windsurfing, water skiing and more? Or maybe you just want to lay out and soak up the sun.

Visit Waikiki Beach, the world's most famous shoreline, with its newly renovated promenade and timeless vistas and gentle surf. Waikiki's two-mile stretch of sand is the home to a plethora of ocean activities. But many sun worshippers opt to just stretch out and relax. Or escape to Kauai's Lumahai Beach, a secluded finger of sand that twists around a rocky cliff. It was here that the classic musical South Pacific was filmed. Little has changed since 1958 when they shot the film.

Then again, little has probably changed since 1858. Want to watch the wind? Then journey to Maui's Hookipa Beach, just outside of Paia and the airport. With a steady and strong breeze and good-sized waves, daring windsurfers perform graceful acrobatics. Share the reef with a World War II Liberty ship run aground at Lanai's appropriately named Shipwreck Beach. Wreckage was never so peaceful.

Or get lost in the solitude of Molokai's Halawa Bay, where you can snorkel, fish and swim, protected from the raging surf, far far away. How about visiting the Big Island's Kaunaoa Beach also known as Mauna Kea Beach. This crescent of sand lies at the foot of a steep lava cove. The beach itself is long and wide and is excellent for swimming. You can explore a patch of sand, no matter how big or small -- just make sure you use a designated public beach access.

Golf

Bring your clubs. Hawaii's Big Island is known as the "Golf Capital of Hawaii." What could be more refreshing for your game than long days, perfect weather and challenging courses - spiced with panoramic ocean and mountain views? This is golfing at its finest.

There are 20 magnificent courses on Hawaii's Big Island (and more under construction). Most of the championship courses were designed by some of the biggest names in golf. These courses are carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks, and fronting some of the most beautiful coastline of the Pacific. The striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows, and turquoise blue Pacific make for some of the most scenic holes anywhere.

You'll find the courses on Hawaii's Big Island challenging and spectacular after your very first shot. It's that moment, you'll realize why they are consistently rated among the top 100 in the world. Some of the most acknowledged courses are Hapuna Golf Course, Mauna Kea Golf Course, Mauna Lani Resort's North and South courses, Waikoloa Kings' Course, Waikoloa Beach Course, and Hualalai Golf Course. Every golfer should be so fortunate as to experience this golfing utopia at least once in a lifetime. Many resorts offer golf packages to enhance your total vacation experience.

Outdoors & Adventure

Some say the key to relaxing is getting active. Hawaii's Big Island makes it easy to get out and play. Here, you can discover a new outdoor adventure every day of the week.

The terrain on Hawaii's Big Island is a big temptation for bicycle riders. Gorgeous shoreline roads, rain forest trails, and long and winding backroad paths almost beg for riding. Explore them with the respect they deserve and they'll provide you the ride of a lifetime. Bike rentals are available as well as guided bike tours. 

For backcountry sightseeing sprinkled with awe-inspiring waterfalls, saddle up and explore the trails above Waipio Valley on horseback. Hawaii's Big Island also offers miles and miles of hiking trails. If you're an experienced backpacker, you may want to take on the Mauna Loa wilderness. Beginners should stick to shorter and easier hikes. Interesting trails can be found all over the Island, each with a spectrum of climate zones. You can hike a sandy coastal trail one day and climb the snow-covered summit the next. Of course, you'll also want to consider hoofing the 11-mile looped Crater Rim Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and taking the trek to see one of the most extraordinary sights of molten lava splashing into the sea.

Many of Hawaii's Big Island's astounding wonders are hidden. To see them sometimes you have to take to the skies. Take a thrilling aerial tour and you'll get a bird's eye view of the volcano, lush tropical valleys, rain forest waterfalls and multi-hued beaches. If you prefer exploring below the ground, try spelunking. There are fascinating lava tubes and caves here worth investigating. Other Hawaii's Big Island outdoor amusements include stargazing atop Mauna Kea, hunting, birding and camping.

Kilauea Volcano

According to Hawaiian legends, Hawaii's Big Island is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. For many years Pele shaped and formed her new abode, using red-hot lava to create her unique fortress. Early Hawaiians respected and honored Pele, and made offerings to please her or placate her wrath. Today Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is the country's 13th National Park and our state's #1 visitor attraction. It was created to preserve the regions unique volcanic features, its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bioregion.

HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. Once inside the park, you will experience life and growth and creation of the most amazing kind. Make your first stop the Kilauea Visitor Center at the park's entrance. Chat with the rangers, get an update on the current flow conditions and pick up safety tips. Then begin your journey into one of the most fascinating and awesome regions on earth. Some of the sites which are a must-see are the Jagger Museum, the Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House, Halema'uma'u Crater, steam vents, and sulphur banks, just to name a few. 

A hike down to the current lava flow offers a once in a lifetime chance to view Mother Nature at work up close. Kilauea is the world's most active volcano. The current eruption began January 3, 1983 and is the largest and longest eruption in history. There is no indication when she will stop. The best way to view the lava flow on land is to drive to the new lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130. This is outside the HVNP and will take approximately one hour for the drive from the park to the parking area. Then be prepared for a two mile round trip hike over rugged lava. Wear comfortable walking shoes (sandals or slippers are NOT recommended), bring water, a light jacket and if you're planning on nighttime viewing, a flashlight is a must. Use caution and common sense and traverse only where designated. Many visitors have told us they cannot put into words the feelings and emotions they experience when viewing this most spectacular phenomenon. This is one memory you will carry with you for years to come.

Dolphin Quest

Dolphin Quest takes you on a journey into the intriguing world of the dolphin through face-to-face encounters at extraordinary locations around the globe. Your journey of discovery transports you to a place where people and dolphins make lifelong connections and dreams of touching and swimming with these magnificent beauties of the ocean come true. Our environment of fun mixed with education, and emotion blended with adventure touches hearts and minds. 

425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Ph: (808) 886-2875 
Visit website: www.dolphinquest.org 

Holualoa Kona Coffee Farm

300 acre estate Kona coffee farm near Kailua-Kona. Free tours of mill, roasting & mail order operations. Retail shop/complimentary coffee.

77-6261 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, HI 96725
Ph: (808) 322-9937 Toll Free: (800) 334-0348
Visit website: www.konalea.com 

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, located off Highway 11 on the Hilo side of the "Big Island" of Hawaii, is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. This 12 acre attraction is home to more than 75 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, including Namaste', a 500-pound white Bengal tiger who resides in his own beautiful one-acre compound. Amongst the vast variety of native Hawaiian rainforest animals living at the zoo are the endangered pueo (owl), 'io(hawk), and nene(goose). You are invited to picnic in the shade of over 100 varieties of palms or stroll with peacocks in the zoo's extensive collection of bamboo and tropical rhododendrons. Visit our Monarch Butterfly House, and soon, our new Primadome. The zoo and the gift shop are both open daily from 9am to 4pm, except Christmas and New Year's Day. The tiger feeding is daily at 3:30pm. The Children's Petting Zoo hours are 1:30-2:30 on Saturdays. There is no entrance charge.

PO Box 738, Keaau, HI 96749
Ph: (808) 959-9233 
Visit Web Site: www.hilozoo.com

Volcano Winery

Award-winning Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, Hawaiian Guava Wine, and other original Hawaiian wines. Free wine tasting 365 days a year. Volcano Winery is located 3 miles from Volcanoes National Park at the 30-mile marker. Open daily from 10:00-5:30.

PO Box 843, Volcano, HI 96785
Ph: (808) 967-7772 
Visit Web Site: www.volcanowinery.com 
 

ATV Tours
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Day Trips
	The Polynesian Adventure Tour, as you travel from the Big Island of Hawaii to Oahu and experience Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri and much more!
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Dolphin Encounters
	Take a dream cruise along the Kona coast with Hawaii dolphins and Pilot Whales as they frolic and play in the calm Hawaiian waters!
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Eco-Tours
	Have you ever dreamed of venturing into the heart of a pristine rainforest? If so, this is the adventure for you.
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Helicopter/Airplane Tours
	Choose from a dazzling array of epic island tours from Hawaii's premiere helicopter tour company, Blue Hawaiian..
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Hiking Excursions
	Travel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and discover the world's tallest and largest volcanoes..
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Horseback Riding
	Have a horseback riding adventure on historic Kahua Ranch with spectacular panoramic views of the mountain and coastline, cinder cones, ancient Hawaiian ruins and lush pastures!
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Kayaking
	Travel by catamaran to a remote black sand beach where your kayak awaits you! Explore fabulous coral gardens, and visit with colorful tropical fish and Green Sea Turtles.
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Luaus
	Held under the stars on the grounds of Kamehameha the Great's former estate, the Island Breeze Luau is a truly royal Hawaiian experience...
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Parasailing
	Let UFO Parasail abduct you and take you for the ride of your life! Soar hundreds of feet above the spectacular Kona Coast - an experience you won't soon forget!
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