Stargazing
Because of its combination of high altitude, clear air and absence of light, Maunakea is home to many international observatories. Take a guided tour or learn about Maunakea and its observatories at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Center. Bring the family and see why stargazing atop Maunakea is such an unforgettable experience.
Ziplining
Soar on a zipline 100 feet above a rain forest canopy. This is great way to learn about the natural environment while experiencing one of teh the Island's unique adventures. A bird's eye view of the treetops is spectacular.
Horseback Riding
Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) used to roam across the Island on horseback, herding cattle rolling green pastures. Today, the paniolo culture is still alive on Hawaii Island. Saddle up for horseback rides or take the reins and run with a real cattle drive. Ranches in Kohala provide a variety of landscapes that you can explore by horseback.
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, or Kings' Trail
You'll find many petroglyph fields while hiking along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile trail corridor full of historic sites including sacred heiau (temples), Hawaiian fishponds and settlement ruins.
The trails of Hawaii Island will take you into tropical wilderness, volcanic landscapes, quiet beaches, romantic waterfalls, ridgeline lookouts and across open ranchlands. Help protect the Island's natural resources by staying on trails and not disturbing plants or historical features. Guide services can match your interests and abilities to the best hike, and you're sure to learn more with an expert on hand.
With all but two of the world's climate zones, you'll find a great variety of camping in country, state and national parks all around Hawaii Island. Permits are required for all state and county parks.
Biking
The Island of Hawaii is home of the world-famous Ironman World Championship, with its 112-mile bike segment. You can rent bikes and go out on your own, or sign up with a tour company offering guided trips.
From your birds-eye perspective in a helicopter, you'll be awed by the seething fury of Kilauea's lava and the vast sprawl of the ancient flows that have marked Hawaii Island's landscape. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be inspiring. You'll see hidden, cascading waterfalls, green jungles, deep, inaccessible valleys and coves, cliffs and beaches where the surf curls and carves into the shore. Hawaii Island possesses an unrivaled expression of the power of nature and there is no better way to see this than from the comfort of a helicopter.
