If you’re the laid-back type, an ideal Hawaiian vacation likely means sunning on the beach, napping beneath a palm tree, or sipping Mai Tais from a coconut shell.
But for travel adventurers, vacations mean action. You dream of diving deep and surfing, hiking a mountain range, or even seeing a lava-oozing volcano up close. Donna M. Owens set out to find the best of both worlds on Hawaii’s Big Island.
On Hawaii’s Big Island, nobody has to compromise. The ecologically diverse landscape, climate and variety of offerings (think deep-sea fishing to shopping) means that simply relaxing or having a grand adventure is as easy as saying, “aloha.”
1. Chill: Kokua-Kailua Village Stroll
Spend your day strolling a lively marketplace in Kailua Village, a historic area in the heart of Kona. Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic one Sunday a month, and typically it’s packed with families, couples and kids.
If you’re headed to the Big Island, please don’t miss our Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Hawaii’s Big Island
Besides beautiful seaside views, the fun bazaar includes musicians, artists, and vendors galore, the latter hawking everything from colorful print clothing to hand-crafted jewelry. Restaurants offer a variety of local delicacies, and you might even see area hula dancers perform.
2. Thrill: Surf, Snorkel, Kayak
Guests of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (named for Hawaii’s iconic ruler) don’t have to look too far for excitement. While the newly renovated resort boasts museum-quality art and historic Hawaiian artifacts, just outside the bustling property is a beach shack that’s home to the Kona Boys. These friendly young Hawaiian dudes sport tattoos, funky swim trunks and cool hats, plus the equipment you’ll need to have a blast doing water sports.
Want to try stand-up paddle surfing or snorkel to see Hawaii’s brightly hued fish? They can show you. If it’s a guided kayak trip you desire, they’ll lead you from the white sands of Kamakahonu Beach out to Pawai Bay.
Find out: 5 Things to Know Before Learning to Surf
3. Chill: Coffee Farm Tour
Established in 1850, the family behind Greenwell Farms, Inc. in Kealakekua has spent several generations perfecting its premium Kona coffee.
And for folks who rarely see coffee outside Starbucks or 7-Eleven, farm manager Pepe Miranda and others offer guided tours of the farm high on a hill, showing the steps involved in handpicking and processing.
Afterwards, guests can experience the aromas and flavors with complimentary coffee tastings. And don’t skip the gift shop—treats include the expected (chocolate-covered coffee beans) and the unexpected (fresh, local honey).
4. Thrill: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays
Years ago, the team at what’s now the upscale Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, discovered that its lights were not only attracting plankton—but the massive Manta Rays who call plankton dinner.
Today, the sprawling resort—whose amenities range from a spa and fine jewelry store, to several pools and a top-notch executive chef—works in tandem with a local dive company to educate guests about the Manta Ray “village” and these gentle sea creatures. There are presentations, video, and for those who dare, the evening snorkeling experience itself.
Once you’re on dry land, stop by the hotel’s Crystal Blue Lounge for a nightcap and pupu (appetizers) and marvel all over again at Mother Nature.
5. Chill: Visit one of Hawaii’s National Parks
Pu’uhonua means “place of refuge,” which is fitting here at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. This lush site is where defeated warriors came to recover after battle, or where Hawaiians who broke the law (kapu) fled to avoid punishment. It’s also a place where one can observe a giant sea turtle up close, swimming languidly in the sea.
Don’t miss our Hawaii Travel section.
6. Thrill: Take a Trek with Hawaii Forest & Trail
Rob Pacheco of Hawaii Forest & Trail is an exceptional guide, one whose knowledge of things like volcanic cinders, rare plants and birds, mountain ranges and forests is matched only by his enthusiasm.
Not only that, but the man can drive a six-wheel all terrain vehicle like nobody’s business.
The company he’s built with wife Cindy offers several different types of nature tours—one even focuses on waterfalls.
Don’t leave the Big Island without going rugged with Rob and his crew.
Travel Insiders can listen to an interview with Pacheco on Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio here.
By Donna M. Owens for PeterGreenberg.com. Donna is an award-winning journalist based in Baltimore who reports for print, broadcast and online outlets nationwide.
Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:
- Hawaii Travel section
- Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Hawaii’s Big Island
- Best Places for Shave Ice in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Ask the Locals Island Guide: Oahu, Hawaii
- 5 Things to Know Before Learning to Surf
- Hawaii Celebrates Big 5-0 Amid Downturn, Offers Deals
- Beach Vacations section
- National Parks travel section
- Sports & Adventure Travel section
