Current Press Kit

HAWAI‘I’S BIG ISLAND OFFERS TANTALIZING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES

HAWAI‘I’S BIG ISLAND – The Island of Hawai‘i is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts who are enchanted by the fiery lava of Kīlauea volcano, the high-altitude slopes of Hawaiian mountains, the crystal-clear ocean that surrounds them and a mesmerizing Hawaiian culture that connects it all.

Hawai‘i’s Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and 11 of the world’s 13 main climatic 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:

Sizzlin’ at Kīlauea – Hawai‘i Island is all about volcanoes, and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea, is home to Pele, Hawai‘i’s volcano goddess. She graciously allows rangers, scientists and visitors of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) to co-exist around her, and the park is Hawai‘i’s most popular attraction – and the state’s only World Heritage Site. Its whopping 330,000-plus acres stretch from sea level to the summit of Maunaloa, 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), 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. Not far from HVNP is the Kazumura lava tube system, the deepest, longest, tallest lava tube system on earth, and visitors can opt to explore the former “lava highway” on short or extended hikes below ground. 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 the area.

Chillin’ for Maunakea – Rising above the clouds 13,796 feet above sea level, the remote peaks of Maunakea are often snow-capped during winter months, and offer a stellar vantage point for sunsets and stargazing year-round. Maunakea is home to the world’s most powerful observatories and telescopes, and is sacred to Hawaiians. It’s not an easy trek, and interested adventurers should consider signing up for a guided expedition with a tour operator. 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. An easier, and equally fascinating way to behold the significance of Maunakea, is to visit the new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i in Hilo. This amazing facility unveils the story of Maunakea: its powerful significance to Native Hawaiians, as well as its contributions to modern astronomy and science. Imiloa’s full dome planetarium, interactive exhibits and cultural demonstrations offer a compelling adventure from start to finish.

Cool Change – One of the best ways to understand the diversity of Hawai‘i 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, 100 feet beneath the surface to witness a kaleidoscope of Hawaiian marine life, and even to the lava as it pours into the sea. Kayak excursions and outrigger canoe paddling – Hawai‘i’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 the Big Island, from molten lava flowing from mountain to sea, to 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 and unparalleled 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 Maunakea. One tempting bike tour offers a ride through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and culminates in wine tasting at Volcano Winery. 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.

Home on the Range – ?Paniolo??, or Hawaiian cowboys (and cowgirls), have worked the livestock pastures along the mountain slopes of Maunaloa, Maunakea, Hualālai and Kohala since the 1800s and continue 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 include trail rides into lush, mesmerizing Waipi‘o Valley and across the ranges of North Kohala.

For travelers seeking an authentic adventure, Hawai‘i’s Big Island truly has it all.

NOTE: BIVB recognizes the use of diacritical markings, i.e., glottal stop (‘), macron (ā), in place names of Hawai‘i, such as Kīlauea. However, BIVB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

For more information, visit www.bigisland.org

Big Island Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Jessica Ferracane, Irondog Communications, LLC, (808) 895-5740, jessica@irondogpr.com