Hawaii: Big Island Mixed Plate
9 Day Inn Tour
Tour Information
We chose some easier bike rides, added some opportunities to stretch your arms and legs in other ways, and created this moderate tour of the Big Island. We will circumnavigate the entire island to experience Hawaii’s myriad of different ecosystems. We’ll bike through the rainforest, kayak in a gentle bay, snorkel above a coral reef and hike around the barren moonscape of Kilauea Caldera. It is arguably one of our most beautiful tours. No prior experience necessary.
5% Discount
The first 6 women to sign up receive 5% discounts.
Leisurely
Moderate
Gently rolling and downhill biking. Beginner to moderate cycling level.
8 nights lodging in double occupancy rooms, 6 breakfasts, 3 picnic & sack lunches, 5 dinners, kayaking, snacks, detailed cue sheets, van support & trained guides.
Approx. $200
Rent bikes from Bike Works in Waikoloa 808-886-5000
Accommodations are subject to minor changes.
Fly into and out of the Kona, HI airport. Upon your arrival at the airport, take a taxi to our starting location.
"Was thoroughly invigorating and highly social. Loved it!"
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: We meet in Waikoloa for an orientation at 2:00pm, bike pick-up, fitting and assembly at 3:00pm and then dinner. 0 miles.
DAY 2: We’ll begin our day with a morning kayaking adventure in Puako Bay when the waters tend to be calmer. In addition to the white sandy beach, Puako is known for being home to the largest collection of petroglyphs in the state. There are more than 3000 of these ancient rock drawings depicting life in prehistoric Hawaii in the area. Its rocky shoreline is home to many tide pools, inlets and coves that make it the perfect place to enjoy some kayaking too.
Our afternoon will include a bike ride down to Kawaihae Harbor. Then we’ll shuttle to our overnight in the quaint town of Hawi. 12 miles.
DAY 3: We bike to breakfast at a colorful local café and then on to the Pololu Valley Overlook. The views of the rugged coastline and the valleys beyond are breathtaking. In the afternoon, we bike downhill from the Kohala Mountain Summit.16 – 29 miles.
DAY 4: Today we bike to Honoka’a Park for a picnic lunch and then out to Waipi’o Valley, the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.
On either side of the valley are cliffs reaching nearly 2000’ high, striped with cascading waterfalls. The sacred Waipi’o Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Then we’ll shuttle to Hilo, our overnight for the next two nights. 17 – 35 miles.
DAY 5: We take a break from cycling today and you are free to kayak, paddleboard or snorkel in Hilo Bay in the morning. In the afternoon, you may want to visit one of Hilo’s museums, shop in one of the quaint stores or try a rambutan fruit from the local farmers market.
In 1946 and 1960, Hilo was nearly swallowed by a tsunami. But Hilo’s waterfront has been rebuilt and today is a vibrant and fascinating place. All meals are on your own today. 0 miles.
DAY 6: We start our day with a short shuttle to Lava Tree State Park, created by a 1790 lava flow. Walk the mile-long path through the trees once buried in molten lava that today are stone towers. The fascinating lava trees, surrounded by new lush green growth, stand tall in defiance of the power of nature.
Hop on your bike to then explore the coastline dotted with small tide pools filled with multicolored coral and beautiful sea creatures. Cycle on to Kalapana, once a treasured Hawaiian fishing village with a large black sand beach. Today most of the town is buried beneath hardened lava that has flowed for the past 20 years.
After lunch, we bike to Ahalanui Park for an optional swim in the volcano-warmed natural pond next to the ocean. We’ll stay in Volcanoes National Park for the next two nights. 35 miles.
DAY 7: We’ll explore the fascinating park with a morning hike through the lush rainforest and then across the barren moonscape of the crater on the Kilauae Iki Trail. We’ll also walk through the Thurston Lava Tube and by vents spewing volcanic gases. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon exploring the park museum and art gallery or the quaint town of Volcano. 10 miles.
DAY 8: Our last bike ride takes us all downhill to Punalu’u Beach Park. It is the most famous black sand beach on the island and the perfect place to watch the sea turtles frolicking in the surf or search for whales on the horizon.
On our drive toward Kona, we will stop at Puanlu’u’s Bake Shop for Malasadas, a local baked treat. Enjoy the pool or the beach at our seaside resort before our last dinner together. 32 miles
DAY 9: We will provide you with a shuttle back to the Kona Keahole Airport by 11:00am or you can spend the day at the resort on your own. Aloha!