by Emily Jansen
ISLAND ZIPLINE TOURS Join us for a canopy experience like no other. Perched amongst the trees of Halawa, Kohala Zipline’s Kohala Canopy Adventure features elevated suspension bridges, soaring tree platforms and thrilling ziplines. From the moment you enter the aerial trekking course, you’ll be enthralled by the magic of Kohala. Exclusive features, such as twin WhisperLines and smooth stop braking, ensure your safety and comfort and deliver an experience like no other. Whether you are a real zipline enthusiast or a first time adventure seeker, the Kohala Canopy Adventure will be an unforgettable experience.
HORSEBACK RIDING Experience Open Range Horseback Riding in the unspoiled
upcountry of Hawaii at the Ponoholo Ranch on historic Kohala Mountain. This 11,000 acre working cattle ranch, stretching from the rain forest to the ocean, offers the most spectacular scenery on the Big Island. Awe-inspiring views of the Kona and Kohala coastline, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai Volcanoes on the Big Island and Haleakala Volcano on Maui. Various packages and rides available.
VOLCANO TOURS Ignite your sense of adventure with Hawaii volcano tours, educational bird watching tours and an inspiring Mauna Kea tour. Hawaii Forest & Trail nature tours allow you to experience Big Island Hawaii’s majestic nature in a small group or guided tour setting. These Hawaii adventure tours showcase active volcanoes, soaring summits, tropical forests, and stunning waterfalls. Custom tours available to fit your family and preferences.
ATV TOURS With vistas from the mile-wide black sand beach to the 1200-foot splendor of
the twin Hi‘ilawe Falls, Hawaii’s highest single-fall waterfalls, join us for an ATV tour to the top of Waipi‘o – a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience. Ride your own ATV through breathtaking scenery and unimaginably grandiose panoramic views. We pass through eucalyptus and ginger forests on our three-plus hour journey through former sacred royal land where access is limited. Swim in the headwater of Hi‘ilawe, see the back side of the Parker Ranch lands, go to the top of Waipi‘o, or be one of the few to Ride the Rim!
WATER SPORTS Big Island Watersports offers scuba, snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching, Scuba, and more. All these activities can be combined for groups on a private charter. They are extremely accommodating to families of all sizes and skill sets and are dedicated to creating a memorable experience for you and your family.
DOLPHIN QUEST Feel the thrill of a lifetime as you touch, swim with and even kiss a dolphin! Let loose, laugh and have loads of fun
swimming with dolphins in our tropical paradise setting on the Big Island of Hawaii. Dolphin Quest opened in 1988, creating a place where people and dolphins could share the wonder of close personal interaction. Today, Dolphin Quest is an international organization devoted to public education and to the conservation of marine wildlife. Their innovative encounter programs promote a spirit of connection to the marvels of the oceans.
HELICOPTER TOURS Fly to the volcano in luxury and climate controlled comfort on board a 6 passenger Bell Jet Ranger. Your adventure begins with check in and safety briefing in at the Hilo Airport general aviation / tour area in Terminal 2. Your flight departs the airport and offers views of Hilo Bay, tropical rainforests of Puna, and the world famous Mauna Loa Macademia Nut Farm en route to Kilauea. Once you reach the volcano you’ll see the areas of activity including any lava ocean entry points and Puu Oo, the volcanic vent that has been the focus of most current activity since 1983. On your return to Hilo you’ll see beautiful Rainbow Falls and other cascades of northern Hilo. Five out of 6 seats on this helicopter are window seats, and the one that is not has an excellent view out of both sides of the aircraft. Visit Blue Hawaii Helicopter Tours for more information.
DEEP SEA FISHING Kona Family Fishing Charters offers groups of all sizes a fantastic time on the water. From trophy marlin fishing to smaller, more “kid friendly” catches, the dedicated captains and crew of Kona Family Fishing Charters will ensure that you have a memorable, safe, and fun experience.
SUBMARINE TOURS Atlantis Submarines offers the most technologically advanced passenger submarines in the world and the only true submarine operating in the Big Island waters. Treat yourself to Kona’s most beautiful and captivating scenery, habitats, and isolated treasures. You’ll descend 100 feet into another version of paradise — one hidden even from the people of Hawaii for centuries. Atlantis Kona offers a journey aboard
a 48-passenger submarine. Guests will discover an 18,000-year-old, 25-acre fringing coral reef, which boasts a vibrant ecosystem. With a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view-ports and comfortable seating, this submarine allows you access to Hawaii’s sea life. The knowledgeable and friendly crew will share their love of the ocean on this excursion and provide information ranging from fish identification to scientific data. Observing the magnificent aqua-blue ocean abundant with marine life of Hawaii from a submarine is a “must do” and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
MANTA RAY TOURS Visitors to the Kona Coast of the Big Island have an opportunity to participate in one of the most unique ocean adventures in the world. Manta rays frequent the warm waters of the rocky volcanic coastline in search of plankton, their primary food source. With their giant mouths constantly open, they glide through the
water and filter these tiny creatures. There is one particular spot close to the Kona airport where mantas congregate in the early evening, and after dark they are attracted to lights that are placed on the bottom of the ocean in about 30 feet of water. These lights attract clouds of tiny plankton, and the plankton attracts the mantas. These giant rays gracefully glide, twirl, and do somersaults to swoop up the tiny little food particles, sometimes within a foot or so of the observers! You too can witness these spectacular ocean creatures in their magical underwater ballet in an event you’ll never forget! View manta rays in their natural habitat with spectacular tours provided by various companies.