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This is a preliminary, proposed schedule of activities, subject to
modification based on interests. Send feedback to wggmd@gottfried.org.
Big Island Discovery Tour
Hit the Big Island's open roads and see all the amazing sites from the comfort and convenience of a luxurious motor coach... this 12-hour "circle island" tour is an amazing way to see them all without the burden of driving yourself. Your tour begins with a visit to a Kona coffee mill and continues to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, commonly known as the Place of Refuge. Next stop is the Black Sand Beach at Punalu'u, where Hawaiian green sea turtles are often seen.. The highlight of the day is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you'll see the Jaggar Museum and Observatory, the steam vents, and the September 1982 lava flow, various craters, have a walk through a fern forest and explore the amazing Thurston Lava Tube. Next you'll visit an orchid nursery and learn why the Big Island is nicknamed the Orchid Isle. Then you'll stop at a macadamia nut plantation in Hilo, pause to view Rainbow Falls before driving along the lovely Hamakua Coast through the Parker Ranch lands of Waimea and back to the hotel.
An Evening at Kahua Ranch
 Wind your way up the slopes of the Kohala to 3200' and an 8500 acre working ranch. You'll be greeted by the owners whose hospitality will include beer wine or sodas and a brief history of their charming estate at the top of the hill. Weather permitting, you'll see Maui fade beyond the horizon as the sunset takes over and the night sky appears. Join the Paniolos for a ranch style barbeque. Local musicians provide a lovely background, and after dinner you'll have a chance to try your hand at horseshoe throwing, roping, or peering through a deluxe telescope. You'll soon understand why the Big Island is THE BEST PLACE in the world for stargazing.
 Whale Watching Excursions
Come aboard the Big Island's catamarans and view humpback whales on their annual migration from Alaska to Hawaii, adding to Hawaii's already abundant marine life. Indulge in the fascination of these gentle sea giants where guests not only view the humpback whales, they learn fascinating whale facts and even listen to their underwater song with a special hydrophone system. This excursion is typically a three-hour trip and does not involve any snorkeling.
 Deluxe Snorkel/Sail to Kealakekua Bay
We've searched the island and Kealakekua Bay is the best for calm, clear waters and magnificent fish, coral and other marine life. Traverse the historic coastal waters south of Kona on this comfortable 60 foot catamaran with all the amenities. You may even see whales as you make your way to the snorkeling location. As the captain anchors you in a prime spot near the Captain Cook Monument, you have a chance to explore the surrounding waters via snorkel, dive or snuba. If you don't like getting into the water, the great visibility (up to 100 feet) make the spacious sundeck or cabin another option. Enjoy their famous BBQ lunch and, for the adventurous, don't miss the 15 foot water slide or high dive! Our supplier is recognized by Frommer's Travel Guide, The Idiot's Guide to Hawaii and the local West Hawaii Readers Poll as the Best Snorkel Cruise on the Big Island. Morning and afternoon trips will be available.
 Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure
Everyone we've ever sent on this tour has returned describing it as a once in a lifetime experience. After stopping for a gourmet dinner and acclimitization at a scenic highland ranch, you will travel to the summit of Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) for unprecedented views including the mountain's world-class array of telescopes, surrounding volcanic geography and the famous Mauna Kea sunset. You then descend to 9,000 ft for a star party and entertaining "talk story" with an expert astronomer where you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky from one of the best spots on earth. Evening tours daily, 7 to 8 hours roundtrip.
Kilauea Volcano Adventure
Welcome to a tour that takes you from the oldest corner of the Big Island to the newest land on earth. Begin your full day excursion to Kilauea Volcano with a continental breakfast, as you travel the remote and spectacular Saddle Road. One of the top naturalists on the island will lead you through this heritage site that encompasses the world's most active volano. A rich history of myths, legends and stories surround an incredible collection of geologic, plant, bird and insect wonders. Whether in hot pursuit of an active lava flow, hiking into a pit crater, or exploring a lava tube, your guide will inform and entertain as he recounts unique stories of Hawaiian natural history. The focus is on Volcanoes National Park, but we're sure you'll also enjoy the beautiful Hamakua Coast with its picturesque plantation towns, the Parker Ranch and upcountry Waimea. This is an all-day tour lasting 11 to 12 hours.
Kohala Country Waterfalls Adventure
The best guides on the island will enchant you with stories of the lands of Kamehameha as you wind your way through quaint plantation towns toward the Polulu Valley lookout, one of the most scenic spots on the Big Island. After a brief stop for the verdant sheer cliff "photo shoot", we lock our hubs and head up the hills through private land on a 4WD adventure. In just 15 minutes, you will have reached the destination of your tropical playground: meandering historic trails, lushly landscaped streams, SEVEN waterfalls, THREE bridges, and ancient Hawiian taro terraces. The fun doesn't stop yet! You'll have a chance to swim underneath a waterfall before calling it a day.
 Kohala Coast Kayak & Snorkel Eco-Encounter
The beauty of the nearby marine sanctuary at Puako Reef and the excellent staff and equipment of our Kayaking outfitter make this day among green sea turtles and multicolored fish a rare treat! This adventure begins with a brief orientation on paddling technique and some instruction on how to get in and out of the kayak. You'll paddle for about 30 minutes to the first snorkel spot. The variety of tropical fish you'll see in this 20' deep home is quite remarkable. The owner of the company is dedicated to making your trip safe, a great deal of fun, and a place for you to learn more about coral reef ecology. You'll have your lunch “on deck” and will then paddle about another ½ mile to a second site before heading back to the harbor.
Waipi'o Valley on Horseback
Join us on a leisurely ride through the beautiful and mystical Waipi'o Valley, the "Valley of Kings." Experienced local guides and beautiful horses take you on a journey through a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, fresh water streams, waterfalls, and taro fields tended as they have been for generations. The van trip down the steep valley wall to the stables below is as stunning as the ride itself. Mountain top riding is also available.
 Explore the Big Island by Helicopter
Even in paradise, time is a precious commodity. An expedition into this heavenly realm can take as little as an hour. Explore the Big Island in with various helicopter tour options, The Circle of Fire plus Waterfalls, Big Island Spectacular or Kohala Coast. Experience paradise from the perspective of the gods, and see the active lava flow! Discover both the Big Island's lush rainforests and its volcanic fury on one of these tours. Frommer's Guide to Hawaii calls our operator "the Cadillac of helicopter tour companies," and their commitment to safety and service have earned them the only Five-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences every year since 1995.
Sunset Sail
Enjoy a relaxing sail on a catamaran, while watching one of the most spectacular aspects of Hawaii: Sunset. There is really nothing more soothing than to relax with a drink and pupus or a full dinner sail while the waves lap against the boat. A wonderful way to wrap up a great week!
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