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| KapohoKine Adventures is calling all thrill-seekers heading to the Aloha State this winter. |
Summertime likely comes to mind when planning a Hawaii vacation, however, it is the hooilo (winter) season between November and April that offers some of the best of Hawaii's natural attractions, according to KapohoKine Adventures, a tour operator on Hawaii Island.
On Hawaii island, the north and east sides are considered to be the most scenic, with sheer cliffs and wide green valleys. With the increase of trade winds and rainfall during hooilo, the rainforests are lusher and waterfalls bigger along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast from Hilo to Waipio. KapohoKine Adventures offers value seekers a variety of fun and exciting expeditions that explore these must-see spots.
Waipio Valley Explorer
Explore the northeastern side of Hawaii island’s Hamakua Coast. First stop is Rainbow Falls in Hilo following a scenic drive between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. The tour then heads to the popular Hilo Farmers Market where dozens of stalls feature fresh produce, flowers and crafts. Next on to Onomea Bay and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden where more than 2,000 species of tropical plants are found in this 40-acre valley.
Following lunch, trails are explored through the garden and palm forests toward Onomea Falls. The tour continues to Akaka Falls State Park for a short walk surrounded by bamboo, ferns and orchids and the expansive views of the 442’ tall Akaka Falls. Then comes the steep drive down into Waipio Valley. Known as “The Valley of the Kings,” Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and a center for religion and politics. Explore this scared valley by private tour and see the impossibly steep cliffs carved by waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor. Price is $199 plus tax per person including roundtrip transportation from Kona and lunch.
Farm, Fork & Fire
The first stop is Hamakua Mushrooms where even the mushroom food is grown and harvested locally from nearby eucalyptus trees. After an educational tour and tasting, guests will pack up the mushrooms needed for that evening’s dinner and continue on to Volcano Winery.
Here, guests get a behind-the-scene look at the tropical fruit grown to create the specialty Hawaiian wines and teas. Tastings are included and then with a couple bottles in tow to pair with dinner, it is off to the popular Volcano House restaurant. Incorporating the Hamakua mushrooms, the executive chef conducts a private cooking demonstration of the evening’s menu, which will be enjoyed overlooking Halemaumau crater. Following dinner is a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including seeing the crater’s red glow at sunset. Price is $189 plus tax per person including roundtrip transportation from Kona, lunch and dinner.
Nohona Hawaii
“Nohona Hawaii” satisfies the need for speed and thrills, while also fulfilling the desire to give back. As a result of collaboration between KapohoKine Adventures and Zipline Through Paradise, a new visitor ecotourism program has been developed that focuses on environmental preservation in relation to Native Hawaiian values and cultural responsibility for caring for the land. Guests spend part of the day ziplining the eight-line course through Honolii river gorge above Hilo, and the other digging in the dirt with the only Hawaiian cultural exchange zipline program in conjunction with conservation education. KapohoKine Adventures aims to provide hands-on education about the importance of protecting Hawaii’s natural resources and its crucial bond to preserving the host culture. Zipline Through Paradise offers the longest riding tandem line and most family-friendly zipline on Hawaii island. Price is $299 plus tax per person including roundtrip transportation from Hilo and lunch.
Visit www.KapohoKine.com