Hawaii is a land of extremes. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Big Island, where our Hawaii hiking tour and Hawaii sea kayaking adventure takes place. Here, in the heart of Volcanoes National Park the world's most massive mountain meets the calmest of seas. Luxuriant resorts sit within miles of pure, wide-open wilderness. And, you can see for yourself brand new earth as it unfolds amid a proud, old culture that has withstood the test of time.
The Hawaii kayaking trips take place on the more protected central Kona coast, which features dramatic bays filled with colorful fish, sleepy pocket-sized beaches, and ancient lava flows that reached the sea. Before setting off on the kayak you will be given a thorough safety and instructional presentation. We paddle along and near the coast, for a few hours, taking breaks along the way to explore the shore. It is not uncommon to spot porpoise and even whale on this portion of the Undiscovered Hawaii trip.
One important consideration for the kayaking portion of the trip is the weather. Typical winds on the Kona Coast are mild and do not have a big impact on kayaking. However, there is always a chance that winds can become very strong, strong enough to force changes in the kayaking itinerary. Please note that we may need to modify times and/or locations of the sea kayaking trip, and in extreme cases even cancel or postpone the a kayaking trip, depending on weather. In this extreme case we may substitute a motorized ocean tour or another spectacular hike. The town of Kailua-Kona is about seven miles south of the Kona airport. Taxis and shuttle services are the most convenient way to get from the airport to town.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Your Undiscovered Hawai hiking and kayaking tour trip leader and shuttle van will meet you at the Kona Beach at 9:00 a.m. After introductions, a small snack, and a presentation of your trip, we will board the vehicle for the spectacular drive to Volcanoes National Park and our nearby accommodations. We stop for lunch and a short hike at Kalopa Native Forest Reserve on Hamakua coast. This affords views of rain forest and 500 year old Ohi'a trees. We also stop and hike at the Hilo waterfalls. We reach our accommodations in the late afternoon, in time for happy hour snacks and beverages as we unpack. This evening we enjoy the first of many spectacular dinners, prepared fresh at the vacation home by your guides.
Day 2: After a delicious breakfast we drive into Volcanoes National Park and down the Chain of Craters road to the Puna Kau Trail. We hike 6 1/2 flat miles over pahoehoe (smooth) lava to beautiful Apua Point. There are various beauties to explore along the way including Pele's hair (rare strands of golden volcanic glass that are very thin wispy and hairlike), a sea arch, an ancient oceanside heiau, and an oasis of plants and coconut palms overlooking the ocean. There are great tidepools to explore at trails end as well. We eat lunch here and hike back in the afternoon, filled with memories of amazing volcanic and coastal wonders. We return to our rustically comfortable accommodations in the late afternoon.
Day 3: This morning we explore Kipuka Bird Park, an upcountry cloud forest home to a variety of birds as well as huge ancient Koa trees. These behemoth trees are among the last of their size in the world. After this short hike we visit the Park's interpretive center, and then enjoy a walk through sulfur fields with billowing steam, wild orchids, and giant ferns. We then visit Pele's house (Halemaumau Caldera). Tropical birds typically soar overhead as we peer into the vestige of this molten lake. After a filling and healthy lunch we have the option of several different explorations, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, the Pua Loa Petroglyph Trail and the Chain of Craters Visitors Center, where we may see flowing lava. After this day of pure and natural Hawaiian delights we drive back to our charming base for a late but great meal.
Day 4: On this day we leave the friendly confines of Volcanoes National Park and head to the stunning Kona coast. In route we visit the Ka'u district and marvel at sights such as black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and the southern most point in the US. We stop to hike out to a majestic green olivine sand beach. We also stop at Manuka State Park, home to unique native Hawaiian plants. We then head to sparkling Ho'okena Bay for dolphin watching and oceanside frolicking. Swimming is possible here if swells aren't too big. This afternoon we arrive at our overnight accommodations, a friendly bed and breakfast or vacation rental above the Kona coast. Here we indulge in another classic dinner, framed by tasty tradewinds.
Day 5: This is a day of translucent waters and rich culture. We tour Honaunau National Park and the City of Refuge, a place of enormous cultural importance on the big island. We can hike to a lava cave and enjoy the sacred sites at this historical gem. We can also kayak and snorkel on this day. This afternoon we marvel at a spectacular sunset, staring out at a pacifying Pacific Ocean as we enjoy tasty happy hour snacks and beverages and then dinner.
Day 6: Following an early breakfast we pack up and head to our Hawaii kayaking trip start point. After instruction we launch into a beautiful bay and paddle away. On this trip it is very common to see breaching humpback whales, sea turtles, and dolphins as we paddle along this dramatic coast. We reach our exit point late in the afternoon and return to our exceptional lodging and enjoy delicious meals..
Day 7: After a tropical delight breakfast we paddle again along the coast. We stop at a wondrous snorkeling spot and hopefully see breaching whales and other sea life from the kayaks. Throughout the day we snorkel, paddle, swim, and soak up the serenity of the Kona treasures. After a celebration lunch we head back to Kailua-Kona with reverie for the undiscovered Hawaii.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Note: The order of days five, six and seven may vary depending on weather, group interests, etc. Youth is under 16; the minimum age is 12.
7-Day Trip (Price based on five or more total participants); Adult: $2450; Youth: $2200; Hawaii trips are offered only on a custom, charter trip basis, for groups of two or more. We can operate these trips any time from October through March.
7-Day Trip (Price based on three or four total participants); Adult: $2700; Youth: $2400; Hawaii trips are offered only on a custom, charter trip basis, for groups of two or more. We can operate these trips any time from October through March.
7-Day Trip (Price based on two total participants); Adult: $2950; Youth: $2700; Hawaii trips are offered only on a custom, charter trip basis, for groups of two or more. We can operate these trips any time from October through March.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Hawaii
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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