Press Kit

Thrilling Outdoor Adventures, From Chill to Sizzle

The island of Hawai`i is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts who are enchanted by the frosty, high-altitude slopes of Mauna Kea mountain, the fiery lava of Kīlauea volcano, the crystal-clear ocean that surrounds them and a mesmerizing Hawaiian culture that connects it all. Hawai`i’s Big Island offers adventures that encompass everything Hawai`i, from chill to sizzle.

Hawai`i’s Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and 11 of the world’s 13 climactic regions shape its amazing diversity. It is a nature-lover’s paradise with a spectacular array of outdoor adventures that introduce visitors to the Big Island’s wilder side:

Chillin’ on Mauna Kea – Rising above the clouds, and some 13,796 feet above sea level, the remote peaks of Mauna Kea (White Mountain) are often snow-capped during winter months, and offer a stellar vantage point for sunsets and stargazing year-round. Mauna Kea is home to the world’s most powerful observatories and telescopes, and is sacred to Hawaiians. Adventurers with a sense of respect and a 4WD vehicle can explore Mauna Kea on their own, making sure to dress in winter clothes, and stopping at the Visitors Center (about 9,000-ft. level) to acclimate to the thin air and high altitude. There is no admission fee, but visitors need to pay attention to weather reports, as Mauna Kea is off limits during hazardous weather conditions. For a more in-depth introduction to Mauna Kea and the vast sky above, enthusiasts can opt for an organized summit stargazing expedition with several reputable tour operators. They supply everything from fascinating interpretation, transportation, hot drinks, meals and warm parkas. Note: Pregnant women, people with respiratory problems and young children should avoid the summit.

Sizzlin’ at Kīlauea – Hawai`i Island is all about volcanoes, and the world’s most active volcano Kīlauea, is home to Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess. She graciously allows rangers, scientists and visitors of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) to co-exist around her, and the park has become Hawai`i’s most popular attraction. Its whopping 330,000 acres stretch from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, earth’s most massive volcano at 13, 677 feet. Information at the Kīlauea Visitor Center points adventurers in the direction of excellent hiking trails, ranger-guided hikes, cultural performances, to features like steam vents, gaping craters, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), – more –

Jaggar Museum – and, Pele permitting – to the indescribable phenomenon of flowing lava. (Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are a must!) Explore on your own, or several well-known tour companies offer interpretative hikes through HVNP. It is impossible to take in all of HVNP’s amazing facets in a single trip and true outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend at least a few days exploring here.

Cool Change – One of the best ways to understand the diversity of Hawai`i’s Big Island is to get off the island and observe it from the ocean or the air. A fleet of charter boats – ranging from Hawaiian sailing catamarans, sleek powerboats and a real submarine – transport adventurous passengers to pristine bays for snorkeling and scuba diving, out to the world famous deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona Coast, or even 100 feet beneath the surface to witness a kaleidoscope of Hawaiian marine life. Kayak excursions and outrigger canoe paddling – Hawaii’s #1 competitive sport – put the thrill of oceanic adventure into travelers’ hands. Surfing (he`e nalu) was invented by Hawaiians, and the Big Island surf breaks are so treasured that songs have been written about them. Surf lessons are a perfect way to learn where to go and what to do.

From the air, spirited visitors revel in aerial views of Hawai`i’s Big Island, peering into the molten lava of Pu`u `Ō `ō vent, or verdant valleys too remote to reach on foot. They soar past vertical sea cliffs, turbulent waterfalls and over the transparent, turquoise sea. Helicopters and flight-seeing airplanes provide an entirely different perspective.

Red-Hot Bike Rides – The warm weather and scenic views make Hawai`i’s Big Island a cyclist’s dream – just ask any Ironman triathlete. Cycling fanatics can pedal along the infamous Ironman route from Kailua-Kona to Hāwī, cruise through Kona coffee country, enjoy a peaceful ride through a former sugar town to Waipi`o Lookout, or get off the pavement and face the challenges of Mana Road on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Bike rentals are easy to come by and guided tours, complete with support vehicle assistance, are a fun way to get off the beaten path.

Cool Cowboys – Paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys; have worked the livestock pastures along the mountain slopes of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Kohala since the 1800s and continuing today. Adventurers who want to ride the Hawaiian range, whether on horseback or on the back of an ATV, will find many options on Hawai`i’s Big Island, plus get a rare glimpse into the life of a paniolo. Scenic, guided horseback rides to other island hot spots include trail rides to the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay and into lush, mesmerizing Waipi`o Valley. And who can resist a chance to float down miles of North Kohala sugar plantation irrigation ditches on rafts, just like the plantation kids did in the old days?

For travelers seeking an authentic adventure, Hawai`i’s Big Island has everything Hawai`i, from chill to sizzle!