AIR ADVENTURES

Helicopter Tours - Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian has been exciting visitors for over 20 years. Our guests provide rave reviews and their safety record is excellent. Trips include volcanoes, active lava flows, thousand-foot waterfalls, rainforest canopies, ancient Hawaiian ruins, and the Hamakua Coast. There are a few big advantages to touring the volcanoes of the Big Island by helicopter. It is the quickest way to see the most of Hawaii. Seeing active volcanoes by helicopter is a much safer way to see spewing lava, does not require a multi-hour hike over uneven lava rock, and is the most comfortable. A helicopter volcano tour gets you right up close to the action that you would never be able to see from the ground. Call the inn and we can schedule your adventure.

Parasailing - UFO Parasailing
Combine an air and sea adventure through parasailing. While suspended 400 to 800 feet in the air, enjoy 360 degree views of the Kailua-Kona and the Big Island of Hawaii. There is no running on the beach or starting in the water... this is a professional operation. Guests are hydraulically raised and lowered from inside the boat... staying completely dry in the process. Anyone can do it, even kids with an adult. Single and tandem flights available.

Star Gazing - The Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
Come enjoy stargazing high above Kona. The Mauna Kea Summit Adventures provide a tremendous experience to view the heavens. They use 11 inch Celestron telescopes and GPS navigation to bring the Southern Cross, Polaris, Milky Way, and other star formations into reach. It doesn’t hurt that the summit is 13,500 feet in the air either. This cuts out tropical clouds and permits 90 percent clear nights annually. That is why NASA and the Caltech have their observatories located here. Along the way, professional guides will talk about the island’s geography, cultural and natural history, as well as provide a Hawaiian dinner. Trip includes round-trip transportation, dinner, hot drinks, and a warm parka.

LAND ADVENTURES

Meet the Local Artists of Holualoa and the Kona Area - click here

Artists & Galleries – Donkey Mill Art Center
The Inn is fortunate to be located in the village of Holualoa, known for its artist community. At the end of the Inn’s driveway there are hundreds of paintings, sculptures, glass works waiting to be discovered in the artist galleries and studios. We are strong supporter of the Donkey Mill Art Center, a local gathering of art workshops and events. Stop by and see what Holualoa’s artists have to offer.

Birdwatching - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Hawaii Forest & Trail offers two birdwatching adventures. The Rainforest and Dry-forest Tour explores two rare habitats: the cloudmist kipuka rainforest on Mauna Loa and the sub-alpine dry forest of Puu Laau on Mauna Kea. Here are two places that represent Hawaii before human contact . . . places where plants and birds found nowhere else on earth reveal an evolutionary epic of the islands. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Hawaii’s native birds and forests. The second option is the Hakalau Forest Wildlife Refuge Tour explores the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it is home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. This is a rare opportunity, as Hakalau is not open to the public other than by guide. For a list of Big Island birds, click here.{http://www.hawaii-forest.com/Bird-fact-sheet.pdf} The 30 acres at the Holualoa Inn also attracts many species of birds, including Kalij Pheasant, Zebra Dove, Spotted Dove, Common Myna, Japanese White-eye, Lavender Waxbill, Yellow-throated Canary, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Northern Cardinal, and Saffron Finch.

Golf
There are 20 magnificent courses on Hawaii’s Big Island. These courses are carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks, and fronting some of the most beautiful coastline of the Pacific. The striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows, and turquoise blue Pacific waters make for some of the most scenic holes anywhere. These legendary masterpiece courses offer golfers the perfect challenge to match their level of play. Imagine what it could do for your game! Play as much golf as you want at any of the 20 legendary courses.

Hiking -Hawaii Forest & Trail
Seven different nature adventure tours showcase the HawaiiBig Island's scenic diversity, including Hawaii volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, valleys, mountain summits, and more. They feature the best tour locales, great customer service, relaxed easy walks and hikes and professionally-trained Interpretive Naturalist Guides who share with you not only the extraordinary landscapes but also the life and legends of Hawaii.

Horseback Riding - Kahana Ranch
Take a breathtaking journey on a friendly horse at the Kahana Ranch, they pride themselves on being the only Native Hawaiian, family-owned and operated activities ranch on the Big Island and maybe in the whole state of Hawaii.

Luaus -
King Kamehameha, Tuesday and Saturday
Sheraton Keauhou, Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Luaus are an island tradition that many guests enjoy. The combination of ancient lore, fire shows, hula dancers, and endless amounts of Hawaiian food create a lasting memory. Come for a night of entertainment with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Indulge in many local pupus (appetizers), entrees and desserts. If you choose the Sheraton, we recommend the Ali`i seating that is closer to the main stage and family-style platters of food are brought tableside instead of waiting inline for the buffet.

Off-Road Tours - Pinz-Trek Adventures
Experience the beauty and fun of the Big Island of Hawaii in one of the most unique all-terrain vehicles with Pinz-Trek Off-Road Adventures. Combine incredible natural beauty with our one of a kind six-wheeled Pinzgauer vehicles and you have the best off-road adventures in Hawaii. Guests go on a riding and walking journey through the lush, water-sculpted landscape adjacent to Pololu Valley in North Kohala. Additional tours are available that explore deep pit craters, lava tubes, and the native forest high up on Hualalai Mountain.

Shopping
Kailua Village Farmers Market open Thursday thru Sunday from 9-5. It is located at the intersection of Ali’i Drive and Hualalai Road, across from Hale Halawai. Meet the farmers and artists of Hawaii's diversified culture. Select from a wide variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, fresh baked breads, tropical jams and jellies, wood carvings, hand-made jewelry, Hawaiian shirts, saris, and wraps. Buy right from the source and take care of all your gift needs. After perusing the market, continue along the main road, which is parallel to the water. There are dozens of shops to further tempt you or stop to enjoy an afternoon snack. Just north of downtown is the International Market; it offers a wide selection of gift items as well. Don’t forget our estate-grown Kona coffee; it is sure to be a hit at home.

Volcano National Park
The Hawaii Volcano National Park encompasses 333,000 acres and ranges from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. The mission of the park is to preserve for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations, the significant resources that reflect Hawaii’s geological, biological, and cultural heritage. These resources demonstrate the powerful and awe-inspiring volcanic forces that create new land and the unique adaptations of plants, animals, and people to that land.

SEA ADVENTURES

Beaches
The Big Island’s white, black, gray or green sand is where everyone’s toes want to dig in and kick back. From remote and secluded to activity-packed and popular, you are never more than 26 miles from the coastline, wherever you go on the Island.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is just south of Kawaihae on Highway 19. Hapuna is a long stretch of white sand, with consistently good conditions for swimming, boogie boarding, sunbathing, strolling, snorkeling and seasonal surf. Large restrooms with showers, picnic pavilions, plenty of parking and a good snack bar.
Kauna`oa Bay has a peaceful crescent of soft white sand, just north of Hapuna on Highway 19. Generally great conditions for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling with public restrooms and showers. Reach the beach through the entry gate at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Just ask the guard for a beach parking pass and be a little patient if there is a wait for space.
Anaeho`omalu Bay Beach Park located about six miles south of Hapuna on Highway 19. "A Bay" is a more pebbly beach, but this is the place for active ocean lovers to jump in and play - glass bottom boats, kayaks, hydro bikes, boogie boards, snorkel, scuba, sunset sail, windsurfing, seasonal whale watching and the Whale Center offered by Ocean Sports. {www.hawaiioceansports.com} Restrooms, showers, large parking lot, picnic areas and lots of fun.
Holoholokai Beach Park is a small, beautiful beach park with parking, restrooms, showers and barbecue grills. Although not a sandy beach, it is a beautiful place to explore the tidepools, look for shells, and go snorkeling.
Near Kailua-Kona, look for White Sands Beach Park about 4 miles south of town on Ali`i Drive, with restrooms, showers and lifeguard stand (limited parking). Farther south, is Kahalu`u Beach Park for good snorkeling and seasonal surf. It offers picnic pavilions, restaurants, showers, lifeguard, parking, and concession stands.
At the far south end of the island is one of the Big Island’s best black sand beaches, at Punalu`u Beach Park near Pahala. There is a small boat ramp, fish pond, shady picnic spots, restrooms, and showers.
Experienced hikers might try the trek to amazing Green Sands Beach, glittering with olivine crystals. It is a 4-mile hike across rugged terrain, and no facilities or water are available. Call ahead 974-4250 for access information across private property. Commercial ATV tours are also available.

Deep Sea Fishing - Kona Hawaii Fishing
Hawaii is one of the worlds top deep sea fishing destinations and it's the geography of the Big island that makes Kona Hawaii the sportfishing capital of the Pacific. Five huge mountain masses protect the Kona coast from the winds resulting in sea conditions that are usually as calm as a lake. The steep slope of the ocean bottom puts the deep sea sportfishing within a short distance from the shoreline. Just three miles straight out of the harbor, it's over 6000' deep! Six species of billfish roam the Kona coast along with six species of tuna, mahi mahi (dorado), ono (wahoo), several species of shark and a wide variety of big-game bottom fish.

Dolphin/Whale Watching - Body Glove Cruises
Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the best whale watching in the world. Hear the latest discoveries about whales from the people who are studying them and learn more about on-going research activities that are being conducted within whale watching guidelines. Knowledge and real experience really can make the difference in your whale watching adventure! See thousands of brilliantly colored tropical fish, endangered sea turtles and wild dolphins, amongst the gorgeous coral reef gardens at Pawai Bay, a protected marine preserve.

Jet Skis & Wave Runners - Hawaii Active
Don't miss the sheer excitement of jet skiing the beautiful waters of the South Pacific off Kailua-Kona. Whether a beginner or Jet Ski afficianado, here's a perfect activity for loads of tropical fun. Experience the thrill of speed and splashing water as you ride our waverunners in the tropical waters. The safe and easy to operate two seater waverunners are a must as part of your island vacation!

Kamanu Sailing Charters
The "Kamanu" is Kona's only daily sailing vessel, a custom 36' catamaran built for speed and comfort. She's 22 feet wide, making for a large stable platform with an expansive "trampoline" or webbing net up forward for lying on. The winds on the Kona Coast are generally in the 10-15 kt. range and are thermally generated with the heating of the land. Soak in the sun and watch the ocean flow by you as you gaze through the net into the deep blue. Relax in the shaded open air cabin area and "talk story" with the captain and first mate. We are protected from the strong "trade winds" that prevail over most areas of the state. Very little "white knuckle" sailing here!

Scuba Dive - Kona Honu Divers
Kona offers some spectacular coral and reef fish diving, but nothing compares to the night dive with the Manta Rays... it is a truly unique experience and not to be missed. After completing a late afternoon dive, divers relax on board enjoying fresh fruit, cold water, and juice. Then, divers return to the same location after dark. Large lights draw in the plankton, which then attracts the Manta Rays. As divers sit on the ocean floor, the Mantas gracefully float by within inches of your dive light (and head). They perform acrobatics trying to strain as much plankton as possible through their gaping mouths. After 40-50 minutes of shear excitement, it is time to return topside. The Kona Honu 46 foot dive boat offers fresh water showers, bathroom, gear and camera rinse buckets, dedicated camera table, plenty of shade and it is the newest dive boat in Kona.

Seahorses - Ocean Rider Sea Horse Farm
The Hawaii sea horse farm, has been breeding the best live sea horses since 1998. They are now offering interactive, personable and educational magical sea horse tours of the seahorse farm. Take a look at the 2.5 acre sea horse center with a gift shop with sea horse jewelry and sea horse art.

Snorkeling
Hawaii’s warm tropical waters provide for excellent snorkeling. Just from the beaches, guests see turtles, dolphins, eels, manta rays, and thousands of fish darting among the coral formations. Most of the dive and dolphin/whale watching boats offer packages for snorkelers as well. For a private snorkeling experience. You can bring your own equipment or rent it from a local store.

Surfing Lessons - Ocean Eco Tours
If you would like to learn to catch the perfect wave in Kona and hang ten, Ocean Eco Tours can help you make your dream vacation a reality. All classes are taught by CPR, first-aid trained, lifeguard, open water instructors. Come in and check us out, see The Big Island through local eyes. Surf in the best places on the island! All surf instruction is tailored to you with our ultimate goal of getting you up and riding waves on your very first day. We will teach you about Hawaiian waters and something about the sea in general. Lessons are a great way to interact with Mother Nature in her environment. All surf classes are held in mild crystal clear surf and our staff is trained to ensure your surfing experience is safe, fun, and educational. Our classes are small - 8 persons max - giving you plenty of time to catch waves. Private surf lessons are available for the surfer who wants to maximize their in-the-water time

Other Helpful Websites

Hawaiian Island B&B Association

Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau

Calendar of Events

Trip Advisor

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