Outdoor Adventures on the Island of Hawaii

Posh resorts and idyllic beaches are the primary draw for people visiting the Island of Hawaii, but possibly not on the radar is its breadth of outdoor adventure possibilities that set this island apart. Active volcanos, black sand beaches, lava reefs and lush rainforests deliver remarkable diversity. Nearly twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, it boasts ten of the world’s 14 climate zones, ranging from wet tropical to polar tundra, all due to weather patterns affected by the volcanoes. My five-day visit barely scratched the surface of this tropical playground. Let Travel Squire be your personal Hawaii guide. Here are some of the highlights.

A Whole Lot of Lava

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lies nearer to the island’s greener and rainier eastern coast. Laid-back Hilo sits directly on the bay edged with palm trees, shops and restaurants, and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel made a convenient hub. Visitors will want to devote at least a day, if not two, to the park. Some prefer to start at the visitor’s center before hiking the popular Kilauea Iki Trail, part of the park’s 150-mile trail system, through lava tubes and across still-steaming molten craters. Others, like myself, will want to explore the Kalapana entrance, where molten lava has been pouring into the ocean since 2013.

To visit this magnificent place you need Hawaii guide. Our 12-mile hike with Hawaii Outdoor Guides started near Kalapana, a once-thriving fishing village before lava invaded the land in 1990. Its residents abandoned the area, with the exception of a few brave souls who rebuilt on the sea of black rock that stretches to the horizon in almost every direction. After several miles on a lava-bordered dirt road, we veered off onto the lava field. A massive plume pinpointed where the lava was pouring into the sea and helped us keep our bearings. In the distance, smoke rose from the eruption high on the mountain.

We carefully picked our way over the ridges and rough terrain that crunched like Rice Krispies under our boots. (Hiking boots are a must and our guide passed out gloves to protect our hands from the jagged rocks.) We happened upon an area of glowing lava that bubbled up from the earth’s crust, broke loose and oozed over the black landscape. Even from 15 feet away, the 2000-degree cascade warmed us. After sunset, the trek back to civilization was slow, but memorable. Except for the trail of headlamps and the now-glowing, orange plume to our right, we were shrouded in absolute darkness under a star-studded sky.

Our 12-mile hike with Hawaii Outdoor Guides started near Kalapana, a once-thriving fishing village before lava invaded the land in 1990. Its residents abandoned the area, with the exception of a few brave souls who rebuilt on the sea of black rock that stretches to the horizon in almost every direction. After several miles on a lava-bordered dirt road, we veered off onto the lava field. A massive plume pinpointed where the lava was pouring into the sea and helped us keep our bearings. In the distance, smoke rose from the eruption high on the mountain.

We carefully picked our way over the ridges and rough terrain that crunched like Rice Krispies under our boots. (Hiking boots are a must and our guide passed out gloves to protect our hands from the jagged rocks.) We happened upon an area of glowing lava that bubbled up from the earth’s crust, broke loose and oozed over the black landscape. Even from 15 feet away, the 2000-degree cascade warmed us. After sunset, the trek back to civilization was slow, but memorable. Except for the trail of headlamps and the now-glowing, orange plume to our right, we were shrouded in absolute darkness under a star-studded sky.

Impressive Falls

Abundant rain on the island’s eastern coast creates gorgeous waterfalls. Just west of downtown Hilo, Waianuenue Falls, nicknamed Rainbow Falls because of the rainbows that often form in the mist of its 80-foot cascade, invites a closer look via a winding path skirting the falls and ending near the top. Further north, Akaka State Falls Park features a paved loop that snakes through jungle-like vegetation and tropical blooms. Here you’ll find the picturesque 442-foot Akaka Falls and the more hidden 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Further north at the end of the road and several miles off the highway, Waipio Valley Lookout showcases a black sand beach and fertile valley. Guided tours are the only way to see this paradise along with 1,300-foot Hiilawe Falls due to the extremely steep terrain on private land. You will need a Hawaii guide to explore this beautiful fall.

Zipping Like No Other

I confess that I vacillated on whether to opt for zip lining with Skyline Eco-Adventures, since heights can vex me. My hesitation centered around their last two zips: the sixth line stretches a quarter-mile and 200-feet high over a river valley while the finale is a 450-foot-high, half-mile zip over 250-foot KoleKole Waterfall. After watching the company’s video for the umpteenth time and reading glowing reviews, I decided it was worth it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this zip line wasn’t connected by the usual platforms built into trees, but by gravel runways that deliver a gradual take-off over fields before flying over the canyons. The last zip, starts from a tower, but by that time everyone felt comfortable. Zipping over the falls was absolutely phenomenal and a must-do while on the island. Your Hawaii guide will provide the additional information on this.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and the Mysterious Manta Ray

A three-hour drive delivered us to the western Kona side of the island and the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa. Built on an ancient lava flow, the property emphasizes Hawaiian culture and history. Best of all, a short path leads to Keauhou Bay where on-site rentals offer easy access to good snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding. One afternoon, I had a quick lesson and my first try at it. Paddling the calm bay while looking down through 30-feet of crystal clear water, I discovered something that Hawaiians have known for centuries – paddleboarding is amazing and relatively easy!

One of the largest fish in the ocean, the manta ray boasts a wingspan up to 20 feet or more. And the Kona coast offers the best opportunity to encounter these creatures. At night, lights are used to attract mantas that feed off plankton. A main viewing spot lies offshore in front of the Sheraton. Night snorkel tours take people to the site where they don wetsuits and see these giants up close as they glide and somersault through the water. Landlubbers can view their shadows from the Sheraton’s restaurant Rays on the Bay.

“The Ditch”

Hand drilled and blasted over a century ago out of solid rock in the hills and canyons of the island’s northwestern region, this irrigation channel brought water and prosperity to the land. Floating “The Ditch” in a four-man kayak with Flumin’ Kohala connects visitors to Old Hawaii and the island’s untouched interior. For three miles and about three hours, we traveled through 1000-foot tunnels dripping with spring water, meandered through lush forests and over rushing streams. Our local Hawaii guide explained the area’s history, how the ditches were dug by the Japanese and entertained us with stories of growing up on the island.

Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters

The Kona side is also known for its snorkeling and diving, and our Body Glove snorkel/dolphin cruise didn’t disappoint. Within 30 minutes out of Kona harbor, the captain pointed out an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal lazing in the waves. Next, a pod of spinner dolphins put on quite a show. The best part? The captain picked a lesser-known reef that supported a rainbow of fish, and we were the only boat in sight because the company changes locations based on daily conditions. Lunch was a cut above similar cruises, featuring island-raised, grass fed beef burgers. With 2-1/2 hours of water time for snorkeling and playing on the provided rafts and floats, plus the boat’s slide and diving platform, it was the perfect finale before my flight back to the mainland. You can get a Hawaii guide if you like.