The biking terrain on this trip is mostly rolling hills interspersed with gradual ascents and descents, as well as some steeper climbs. In addition, you may encounter powerful trade winds, which can make bicycling more
difficult.
The hiking terrain on this trip is a combination of open lava fields, well-maintained and shaded rainforest trails, and exposed coastal trails. We recommend sturdy,
closed-toe hiking shoes. Our Trip Leaders will provide hiking poles should you desire additional support on uneven terrain.
Remember, take your time and go at your own pace—you're on vacation! Your Trip Leaders are there to provide the support you need when you're ready for a snack, a cool drink, or a lift back if you're done for the day. Most days you'll have a choice of mileage options, so you can decide how active you want to be—it's always up to you.
Activity Level
This tour is graded as having an activity level of 1 - 3.
Level 1: A short walk or ride on level terrain, and if it gets hilly, plenty of pause to enjoy the scenery.
Activity Time: 2-3hrs
Biking: 8-22mi
Level 2: Enjoying moderate activity and still having plenty of time to relax each day.
Activity Time: 2-4hrs
Biking: 18-32mi
Level 3: Lively hiking and biking routes on rolling terrain–and bring on a long climb or two as well!
Activity Time: 3-5hrs
Biking: 12mi
Traffic & Highway Riding
Because the Big Island is rugged and covered in lava fields, a limited number of paved roads traverse the island. While the Tour Operator strives to find roadways that are quiet and off the beaten track, many of the routes on this trip include highways with fast moving traffic. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid the busier roads.
Shuttle Distances
In order to bring you the full gamut of the Big Island's splendour, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on many other of the Tour Operator's trips. Our time in the shuttles will allow us to experience the incredible variety of ecosystems, scenery and activities that Hawaii has to offer. So sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
If only we could take our two trip leaders on every trip we take in the future! Yes, this was our first trip with the Tour Operator and we will absolutely be taking more - our plan is to pick the next one before we depart tomorrow. We were just…
If only we could take our two trip leaders on every trip we take in the future! Yes, this was our first trip with the Tour Operator and we will absolutely be taking more - our plan is to pick the next one before we depart tomorrow. We were just amazed throughout the week at how accommodating the trip leaders were to individual needs as they arose. Two superbly dynamic personalities that allowed every one of us to feel connected to them, each other, and the island. Being two extremely busy professionals, we truly felt "on vacation", despite a few interruptions from the business, and taken care of with exceptional attention, quality, safety, luxury and interjections of laugheter and fun all day, every day. Thank you so much!!
We just loved our trip to the Big Island, and enjoyed the whole experience. The leaders were outstanding and set the tone from the start. The other families we travelled with were so well matched to our family and friendships started immediately. We loved the diversity of each day, from…
We just loved our trip to the Big Island, and enjoyed the whole experience. The leaders were outstanding and set the tone from the start. The other families we travelled with were so well matched to our family and friendships started immediately. We loved the diversity of each day, from hiking through volcano national park, to kayaking and snorkelling with turtles, to doing a 42 mile ride on the same route as the Iron man, we had it all. Loved the quality of the food, the accommodation and the overall experience. Amazing week, we are now converts!
Enjoyed this trip very much, mostly due to a great group and great leaders but also a fun and varied itinerary. The local guides were entertaining and informative, the biking was great (with an e-bike), kayaking and snorkelling were fun, and the walks and hikes were as well. A great…
Enjoyed this trip very much, mostly due to a great group and great leaders but also a fun and varied itinerary. The local guides were entertaining and informative, the biking was great (with an e-bike), kayaking and snorkelling were fun, and the walks and hikes were as well. A great value for the price.