Big Island Adventures

[ABCTravels]

We are heading to the big island with our college age son. We've all been before, so this time we are looking for more adventure activities, but want to be mindful of value of the experience because they are high entry cost per person. If anyone has done any of the following, which company did you use and would you go again?

Zip line tour
ATV adventures
Kayak trip
Any boat trips (snorkel, sunset, etc)
Any other water activities (rafting, banana boats, parasailing)
Horseback riding

 

[ScoopKona]

The best snorkeling on the island is free. Just have to walk a steep 2-mile trail to get to it. (Google "Captain Cook Memorial trail.")

Manta viewing is also free for those who don't mind doing a little swimming. Just get into the water near the resort which used to be called the Sheraton and swim to the lights.

 

[SmithOp]

We enjoyed Kohala Zipline in north Kohala, the course is in the trees and the final section is a 1/4 mile dual line you can have a race.

For excellent cheap snorkel, visit Kikaua Point park at Hualalai. Get a beach visitor pass at the guard shack, they will guide you to the beach access parking. Mile marker 87.

 

[Blues]

We enjoyed Kohala Zipline in north Kohala, the course is in the trees and the final section is a 1/4 mile dual line you can have a race.

Heartily second the recommendation for Kohala Zipline. Best zipline I've ever been on, through the canopy of the rain forest. Also rope bridges, rappel at the end (if you're up for it). And the people were absolutely wonderful. We had a great time. Two thumbs up.

 

[ABCTravels]

The best snorkeling on the island is free. Just have to walk a steep 2-mile trail to get to it. (Google "Captain Cook Memorial trail.")

Manta viewing is also free for those who don't mind doing a little swimming. Just get into the water near the resort which used to be called the Sheraton and swim to the lights.

Thank you for this snorkling information. We have our own gear and we don't mind a hike.

 

[ABCTravels]

Kohala Zipline was the one we had on our short list so we'll go that route.

For excellent cheap snorkel, visit Kikaua Point park at Hualalai. Get a beach visitor pass at the guard shack, they will guide you to the beach access parking. Mile marker 87.

This is great to know! Thank you!

 

[ScoopKona]

Thank you for this snorkling information. We have our own gear and we don't mind a hike.

My farm is just down the road from the trailhead (easy walking distance). Depending on when you're visiting, we can go together. I bought that farm so that I would be less than one mile from that snorkeling spot. (It took five years of searching and waiting.)

 

[lynne]

If you are interested in horseback riding, I can recommend Paniolo Adventures. The staff and horses are top notch and you will be riding through a working cattle ranch with beautiful ocean views. I am a bit biased but I do enjoy the 4 hour rides as there are not many people who want to be in a saddle for 4 hours and we get to explore area that are not available on the shorter rides.

The Ponoholo Ranch - Hawaii Horseback Riding Paniolo Adventures Big Island

The Ponoholo Ranch on Kohala Mountain is one of the most beautiful horseback riding ranches on the Big Island.

www.panioloadventures.com

 

[ABCTravels]

Thank you for the information on the horse ranch. That sounds exactly like what we want to do.

 

[ABCTravels]

My farm is just down the road from the trailhead (easy walking distance). Depending on when you're visiting, we can go together. I bought that farm so that I would be less than one mile from that snorkeling spot. (It took five years of searching and waiting.)

That's a fantastic location for your farm! Clearly your patience paid off big time. We will be there during the last week of May and 1st week of June. I appreciate your valuable input!!

 

[geist1223]

We always like the night time Manta Ray Snorkel Trip. We prefer Fair Winds. We did it twice when we were there in February. We also enjoyed touring Pu'uhonoa O Honaunau National Park (Place of Refuge). This is enhanced if you are there when the Hawaiian Park Ranger gives his Historical Talk. 2-Step is just a short Walk away. We also enjoy the Tour at Greenwell Farms. We spent half a day at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Their Oranges were delicious. As you travel to Hawi for the Kohala Zipline you will pass the Lapakahi State Historical Park. The remains of a Hawaiian Fishing Village is located in the Park. It is best to do these as 2 separate trips. If you are staying in the Waikoloa area Hapuna State Park is just a short drive for swimming and snorkeling.

 

[ScoopKona]

That's a fantastic location for your farm! Clearly your patience paid off big time. We will be there during the last week of May and 1st week of June. I appreciate your valuable input!!

That's cutting it close. I probably won't be back by then. Maybe next time.

If you go, go EARLY. Earlier the better. It clouds up and rains in the afternoon.