Hawaii

This Is the Big Island

Balmy island evenings, amber sunsets, palm-fringed white and black sand beaches, lush tropical rainforests, red-hot lava pouring into the deep blue ocean, spectacular vistas of mountains and the crashing surf — this is the Big Island of Hawaii.  You’ll explore on foot, bike, and in the water its very best parts, including many hidden spots most travelers miss.  One guest, writing for the Southwest Cycling News of Austin, Texas, described his Bicycle Adventures tour of Hawaii us as his “best vacation ever”. 

Bicycle Lush Rolling Countryside to Thousand-Foot Viewpoint

The trip starts on Sunday morning when we meet at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Kohala Coast just north of Kona (public shuttle is available from/to the Kona airport).  We shuttle to Waimea in the heart of Hawaii’s cowboy country and cycle down the old highway — now a scenic byway —  through the lush, rolling countryside to a viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Waipio Valley.  One thousand-foot cliffs covered with green vegetation rise from a sky-blue sea.  We then head to a tropical park with a spectacular waterfall.  We cycle farm roads through former sugar cane fields reborn as banana and papaya plantations.  Sideroads along the rugged coast lead us to Hilo and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, where our rooms have oceanfront views overlooking Hilo Bay.

Natural Thermal Pools, Tourist-Free Roads and Exceptional Dining

On Monday we ride on a wonderful network of quiet roads through a portion of this island the locals love, but of which tourists are generally unaware.  We visit recent lava flows, soak in natural thermal pools, and cycle through forest, farmland, and right beside a spectacular rocky coastline.  We spend the next two nights at the Kilauea Lodge, a charming country inn with exceptional dining located next to Volcanoes National Park.  Zagat rates the Kilauea Lodge “one of the most popular restaurants on the Big Island.”

Hike into Kilauea Crater, Ride its Rim

Tuesday is a layover day.  In the morning we hike into the dramatic Kilauea Crater, whose breadth and depth seem to swallow us as we explore its steaming crevasses.  In the afternoon you may choose to go on another hike, cycle the 11 miles around Kilauea’s rim — visiting a museum and volcano observatory along the way — or relax at the lodge.  Nature permitting, we’ll drive through the park after dinner to the ocean, where you’ll witness a red river of lava emerging from deep inside the earth and flowing into the steaming surf.

Ancient Turtles and Black Sand Beaches

Wednesday’s cycling includes a 25-mile downhill from Kilauea Crater to lunch on a black sand beach where sea turtles frequently rest.  We’ll explore the remote South Point area, whose rocky cliffs are the most southerly place in the United States.  Then it’s on to Kona and the Keauhou Beach Resort, our oceanfront lodging.  Our resort is adjacent to the best snorkeling beach on the Big Island; you may opt for a late afternoon or early morning swim.

Cycle to Kona Coffee Plantation and City of Refuge

On Thursday we cycle south through the famous Kona coffee plantations, stopping at one for a free tasting and tour that we arrange.  We continue past mango, banana, and avocado trees, then down to the ocean and the City of Refuge, a national historic park.  Long ago, Hawaiians who had displeased their king fled here for their lives.  We have lunch on its white sand beach and stroll through the ancient ruins.  In the afternoon we cycle past a famous painted church and head to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an upscale hotel on the Kohala Coast and our home for two nights.  This full service, destination resort was completely renovated last year; it has its own white sand beach from which you can snorkel or join a scuba dive boat. Two tennis courts, a huge swimming pool with water slide, and a full service spa (with massage) are also on-site.  Two championship golf courses, shopping, and restaurants are next door.

Snorkel from 58-Foot Luxury Catamaran

Friday morning we board a 58-foot luxury sailing catamaran, sail from our hotel to a great dive and snorkel spot along the coast, and snorkel from the boat.  All equipment, instruction, food, and drinks are included in your trip fee.  This area is also a prime spot for viewing humpback whales during their January through March migration.  Some of our prior trips have witnessed up close as many as 40 whales and a dozen breechings — an awesome experience!

After lunch, the boat returns to our hotel, and the afternoon is free.  You can swim in the hotel pool (and slip down its long waterslide), play golf (two courses are adjacent to hotel, with equipment available), play tennis on the hotel’s outdoor courts, go whale watching or scuba diving from the hotel’s beach, get a massage at the full service spa on-site, or enjoy many other features of our 15-acre destination resort.

Exploring Lush Valleys, Body Surfing at the Beach

On Saturday we shuttle to Hawi on the north end of the island and cycle to Pololu Valley, were we hike into this remote and roadless valley filled with lush vegetation, high waterfalls, exotic flowers, swaying palm trees, and a black sand beach.  Then we cycle south along the Ironman triathlon route beside the coast.  We finish cycling at the best swimming beach on this island, where many guests try some body surfing.  We conclude with a van ride back to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and the Kona airport.

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