Guided adventures are gaining in popularity on the Big Island and throughout Hawaii, so it's a good idea for vacationers to lock in at least a few of them ahead of time so they don't miss out on their top picks.
For those who love being out on the water, one of these just
might be a new enterprise, Hilo Ocean Adventures. "I have personally
sailed the coastline of at least 100 islands, and have never seen anything as
spectacular as the waterfalls of the
Turner explains that the relative youth of the
Hilo Ocean Adventures has two regularly scheduled outings, a three-hour waterfall cruise and, during the winter months, a two-hour whale-watching cruise. Both depart on the agile 25-foot Manta Raiv vessel, which carries no more than 15 passengers. Prices start at $89 and $39, respectively; bottled water is provided. Mark Curtis, company president, serves as agent liaison. Call him at 808-756-4100, or visit www.hilooceanadventures.com.
Inland, the
This outing takes travelers to key places of interest within
the expansive
Sights range from a lava tube and volcanic formations to time in a rainforest and possibly views of flowing lava. Prices start at $155 for adults and $120 for children 12 and younger, and group size is limited to a maximum of 10. It includes bottled water, a midmorning snack of fruit, beverages and pastries, a deli lunch with beverages, and use of a daypack, walking stick, and warm clothing and rain gear.
The agent contact is Chris Colvin, director of sales and marketing. He can be reached at [email protected]. Call Hawaii Forest & Trail at 800-464-1993 or visit www.hawaii-forest.com.
Meanwhile, Fair Wind's private and small-group outings on
the upscale Hula Kai are regularly booked by VIPs and others looking to explore
the Kona coastline in style. The 55-foot vessel has been plying the waters off
the Kona coast since last year. The craft's nimbleness enables the captain to
bring sailors close to sea caves and lava tubes. Every day is different, but
they should watch for spinner dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, parrotfish and
humpback whales in season. The Hula Kai accommodates up to 42 passengers, and
has such niceties as fresh-water showers and a Bose sound system. Private
charters are about $5,000 for a five-hour journey, with breakfast, barbecue
lunch and snorkeling at multiple spots. The travel agent contact there is Penn
Henderson, director of sales and marketing, at [email protected]. Call Fair
Wind at 800-677-9461 or visit www.fair-wind.com.