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Home > Destinations > Hawai'i > Private and custom-design tours > Activities a la carte - Big Island
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Mauna Loa - the largest volcano on earth (option 1):A visit to Mauna Loa is strenuous but always a rewarding experience. Depending on your fitness and weather, there are several options to access this giant volcano: as an easy option, we can drive up to the Mauna Loa Observatory at 3.000 m. A fascinating and large array of lava flows of different types, ages, textures and colors can be visited along the way. From here, there are stunning panoramic view of Mauna Kea, the West side of the island, Maui Island.Hike up Mauna Loa (option 2/3):It is demanding to hike to the summit, alt.13,679 ft (ca. 4200 m). Given excellent fitness and good weather, the summit can be reached while returning the same day (option 2) starting at the weather observatory at 3000 m alt., but it is recommended to carry the necessary equipment to spend a night at the summit caldera, and use most of the second day to explore a part of the large summit caldera and return on day 2, or even stay another night and return the day after that. (option 3).Mauna Kea - a sacred mountain and the highest point of the PacificFrom Puu Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary drive to and stop at the Visitors Information Station, alt. 9,000 ft. Introduction to Hawaiian mythology and sacred mountain. Introduction to the ancient Polynesian navigation by the sun and the stars. Night time stargazing.Hike to sacred Lake Waiau, actually a permafrost lake, observation of geologic evidence of glaciation of Mauna Kea during the ice age. Hike to the top of the mauntain (ca. 30 mins). Easy to moderate (but high altitude can be a problem!). Private lava tube exploration (2-4 hours)Hike 2 miles round-trip underground through a pristine hidden (private!) lava tube. Moderate.Waipio WaterfallHike to a 1000 ft waterfall at the head of Waipio Valley, a deeply eroded valley on the recently extinct volcano of Kohala. Easy.Sailing on 28' Hawaiian double hull canoe:Paddle and/or sail: this is how Hawaiians mainly used to travel and the best way to see the island from the sea. Snorkeling during the tour is possible, possible encounters with sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins and brilliant marine life. The ride and level of difficulty is tailored to the client. Humpback whales stay in Hawaii from mid Dec to end of April. Easy.Captain Cook kayak tour:Kayaking, perhaps accompanied by dolphins, to one of the best snorkelling and diving spots on the island at Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument. Including break half or even full day, easy.Reef snorkeling:Snorkelling from shore at Honaunau Bay over an amazing reef in the company of green sea turtles. Easy.South Point:Drive to South Point (sea cliffs at the southernmost point of the U.S.) and drive or walk (very scenic!) to the Green Sand Beach. Easy.- ... and much more! Please ask if there is a particular activity you are interested in. Some notes:- Some minimal hiking will be required in order to access the active lava (as much as 5 hours round trip), though the program can be adapted to include more or less hiking as you prefer. - The island is quite large and some cities are several hours apart. We recommend staying in one of the villages or cities nearby the volcano (for volcano viewing of course) such as Volcano or Hilo for better access to these activities. We are happy to help with arrangements for accomodation or transportation if necessary. We recommend at least staying nearby the night after the active lava viewing, as we may return quite late and will be tired from a full and exciting day! |
