Day Trips & Walks

This garden has over a 1000 species of orchids grown and tended to by Moriyasu Akatsuka, an expert in the plantation of this exotic flower. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in close proximity, so you may plan your garden visit accordingly. Award-winning robust orchids are on display, and the gift shop is worth dropping by too - stocking stuffers, bath-products, T-shirts, fragrances, and the like are available.

Leisurely cruises and sedate snorkel tours are fine, if you are in the mood to relax. If you want something a little more fast-paced though, hop on a Jet Ski for a few minutes of adrenaline-inducing fun. Anyone who has ridden a jet ski knows that it is fairly simple to operate. Aloha Jet Ski offers rentals by the half hour and hour; rates can be per rider or per couple. The rental office is centrally located at the Kailua Pier. Instruction and safety gear are provided. Rental rates start at $20 per person, per half-hour.

Each winter season when the humpbacks come to rest in Hawaiian waters, most marine tour companies offer a whale watch excursion. However, Captain Dan is a devoted whale researcher and marine activist who leads tour groups out to commune with whales year-round. His tours take people to the lesser-known whale hang-outs, places which he has found by dint of extensive research. While most whale sightseeing companies offer various guarantees about sightings, Captain Dan McSweeney's Whale Watch is dedicated finding you whales. If you don't get a glimpse of the magical creatures, there policy is, "See a Whale or Come Again Free" and the offer never expires. Tours last three hours. Check website for pricing and tour times.

Exhilarating and unforgettable, this excursion is one for the young at heart. The vessel is a sturdy hard-shell jet-powered raft. The route travels the stunning Kona coastline to Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine preserve. Not many people get to see this bay, as it is a protected area and only accessible to a few tour companies. Guests can snorkel above a coral reef, swim, explore sea caves and above all, enjoy the ride! A light lunch is provided. Call for more information and prices.

If you are looking to plan a Hawaii vacation and can't decide where to start, look no further. Eco-Adventures Hawaii can assist you every step of the way. From lodgings to adventure hikes to activities, you will find your game plan quickly taking shape. Eco-Adventures plans your complete vacation package, from airfare quotes to luaus. Specials are available on dive packages, heli-tour packages and more. All you need is an idea of what activities interest you; Eco-Adventures can take care of the rest.

This company offers both morning and afternoon deluxe cruises. Morning trips include breakfast, a barbecue lunch and all necessary equipment. Afternoon trips include snacks, drinks and equipment. The boat comes equipped with an experienced crew, sun deck, water slide and restrooms. Cruises circle the Kealakekua Bay, stopping at some of the best snorkel spots in the area. See ancient burial caves, sunken lava flows, coral beds and plenty of tropical fish.

Mules may not seem like the most glamorous beasts, but in truth they can carry people where horses would fear to tread and ATVs would just spin their wheels. The fine animals of Hawaii Forest and Trail convey guests down a steep switchback trail, from a lookout point all the way down to a shady valley, through a forest and out to a private black sand beach and back up the steep incline. The entire trip lasts about three hours. All riders must be older than eight and weigh less than 240 pounds. Call for prices and reservations.

The blazing red molten lava flows with a vengeance, twisting and turning to finally tumble into the ocean. The only active volcano in America, Kilauea has been bubbling non-stop since 1983. And if you want to see this miraculous creation of nature in the best possible way, you should try the Hawaii Volcano Tours excursion. It is not the cheapest, but a luxury SUV picks and drops you from your hotel, cruise or airport, and essentials, snacks and drinks are also provided. They also have tours to Hamakua coast and the highest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea, which are also worth checking out.

The little settlement of Holualoa was founded as an agricultural center, but has evolved into what many consider to be the artistic center of the Big Island. Artists from around the world have gathered here, inspired by the beauty and the serenity of the island. You will find a multitude of galleries open daily on the main street. Take a moment in between viewings to relax over a cup of Kona coffee; after all, it did make the region famous.

This charter company offers some of the most personalized service around, with accommodation for as many as six guests per sail. Specializing in birthdays, honeymoons and other special occasions, Honu offers delicious local and barbecue-style dining, a comfortable space and spectacular views. See all kinds of tropical wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins and even the occasional whale. A rainbow of tropical fish is always a part of the snorkeling expedition.

This working ranch is also the site of numerous other activities. From bird watching to hunting to hiking, the diverse roster of activities can appeal to many different kinds of people. Visitors who prefer a leisurely vacation may choose to go no farther than the Kealia Ranch Store, where all sorts of locally made crafts and gifts are for sale. Pick up some stuff for the folks back home and some shave ice for yourself. Call or check the Web site for tour information.

Volcanoes and valleys, waterfalls and lava flows, see the natural phenomena that comprise the Big Island of Hawaii. Mokulele Flight Service is family owned and offers an authentic island tour experience. Tours are small and plenty of personal attention is given to each guest. Air tours encircle the island, honing in on areas of interest. Aircraft are high-winged, providing the most unobstructed view possible. Window seating is guaranteed, and a two-way radio system allows for pilot/passenger communication.

Explore the wonders Hawaii has to offer with the help of Warren Costa, a friendly and qualified native guide who knows his way around. Choose to visit some active volcanoes, the sea coast or the Saddle Road. Pick your way over igneous rock formations to marvel at the active lava flow beyond, or watch the fascinating display of action as the molten rock meets the icy sea. The Coastal Adventure goes around coral-filled tidal pools, ever-evolving beaches, and a wildlife trek. Those looking for some action can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the naturally-heated pools and ponds. Forgot to get your gear? Warren always brings along some surfboards and fins, so enthusiasts can catch the waves. The Saddle Road Adventure has tourists discovering the wonders of kipuka, an old forest area surrounded by lava flowing thick and bright. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy is also open to trekkers, who can get a load of science and history in a single visit. All you will need for these tours, in addition to the specified gear, is to be fighting fit! Prices range from USD150 for a single person, USD225 for a couple, USD275 for a trio, and USD325 for a foursome.

So you are in Hawaii, but you have never really tried an ocean sport. That is no reason to stay out of the water! The experts here are perfect to see you well on your way, whether your interest is in scuba, surfing or paddling. Get personalized attention in learning the water sport of your choice, while you enjoy the pristine, sheltered, tropical surroundings of Kealakekua Bay. Tour guides are all knowledgeable Big Island locals.

This spectacular natural attraction is located seven miles north of Hilo, at Onomea Bay. Known as the "Garden in the Valley on the Ocean", Onomea is considered by many to be one of Hawaii's most beautiful places. Follow nature trails through rain forest landscape, including a variety of rare and endangered flora. Many of the plants here were brought from other parts of the world; others are indigenous to the region. A park highlight is the orchid garden and oceanfront waterfall garden.

Be a paniolo at Ponoholo! Or, if that doesn't appeal to you, try hiking or biking through acres of ranch land on the Big Island's north-western shore. This company is all about rugged, only-for-the-fit, environmentally friendly activities. An archery range is on hand for eco-correct hunting. A half-dozen horse rides, bike rides and hikes explore the 11,000-acre ranch every day. Schedules are tailored to fit the whims of customers. For horse rides, there is a 285-pound maximum weight. Most activities are appropriate for age 8 and up.Reservation is essential.

Operating on four Hawaiian Islands, this well-known company is a favorite of large groups. Its fleet of distinctively marked vans and buses visits most of the major attractions around the Big Island. The main tour departing from Kona is the Grand Circle Island Tour, an ambitious 12-hour haul that visits 20 attractions. It starts at USD58 per adult. Departing from Hilo is the Hawaii Volcano Adventure, which visits a dozen major areas of interest around the volcano. The cost is approximately USD48 per adult.

It may be small (less than a tenth of a percent of the size of Volcanoes National Park), but this place is of immense historical significance. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, law or code breakers flocked here to obtain mercy from the wrath of the gods (or the community). Other places of interest include royal grounds, reconstructed temples and ancient fishponds. A short walking trail winds through many of the interesting sites. Orientations are given several times daily. Artists and craftspeople often display their works onsite. Admission: USD5.

Estimated to be between 200 and 1000 years old, these eerie, timeless remnants of Hawaii's past are at the end of a 0.7 mile paved trail. The trail is easy to maneuver and the scenery is amazing. The first part travels over a vast expanse of lava rock. Eventually it leads into a dry wood forest where crude symbols are carved into large rocks. The historic site is located in the Holoholokai Beach Park.

Do you love the idea of scuba diving, but feel slightly intimidated by all the gear and training involved? If so, SNUBA is your perfect alternative. SNUBA is a system that allows for safe, shallow reef diving, without requiring a heavy tank as an air source. Instead, the air source is contained within a hose attached to an elongated snorkel. Both morning and afternoon tours are available by reservation. Each tour includes all gear and plenty of personalized instruction. Ages eight to 88 are welcome.

Motor-powered rafts are an exciting, fast-paced way to cruise Hawaiian waters. Sail along the Kona coast, stopping to visit sea caves, lava tubes, Place of Refuge and the Captain Cook Monument. Tours are kept small, with a maximum of six guests per trip. This is a far more rugged snorkel trip than most; young children and those with health concerns can't be accommodated. However, it's not necessary to be a strong swimmer.

There is a whole world to be found just underneath the surface of Hawaiian waters. You don't need to go far, in fact, you can stay on the surface. Just adventure out past the shoreline. Torpedo Tours offers eco-tours around the Kona Coast, including snorkel and scuba tours. The outstanding feature of these tours is that they actually use torpedos: you will have your own to power you along. These are perfectly safe and can be easily controlled by the diver. Both certified and non-certified divers are welcome on scuba tours; those interested in obtaining certification may complete the required coursework through Torpedo.

Even those who are normally afraid of heights might be enticed by parasailing on the Big Island. It is hard to fully appreciate the island's natural beauty without experiencing at least a brief panoramic view. UFO offers dry take-off and landing by utilizing winchboats. Air travel time can be either 400-feet for seven minutes (USD42) or 800-feet for 10 minutes (USD52). Your parasailing experience can be solo or tandem. All ages are welcome; the physically handicapped can oftentimes be accommodated.