Enjoy the unspoiled beauty Hawaiian coasts, craters and rainforests on a guided bike tour
Marvel at the fiery history of Hawaii's active volcanoes
 Be captivated by the newly formed Halema'uma'u Crater on a hike at the Hawaii Volcanies National Park
Absorb the brilliant colors of of Hawaiian flora on this journey
Glide along the sparkling waters of Puako Bay and you might be lucky enough to spot some captivating marine life
Find serenity as you cycle along peaceful roads and be immersed in the beauty of Hawaii

Hawaii's Big Island Multi-Adventure Tour

Duration
6 days
From
$4,099 USD

Experience the ultimate fusion of Hawaiian flavours, vibrant hues, and thrilling activities. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of an active volcano from a safe distance before embarking on a close encounter. Cycle through lava fields bordering the coast, glide on the glistening waters of a sparkling bay in a kayak, and conclude your day by relaxing seaside under the shade of swaying palms. This 6-day adventure vacation in Hawaii promises engaging exploration, delightful entertainment, and exhilarating experiences.

  • Category
    Adventurous
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    6 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Coastal
  • Distance
    42.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    10.6 miles
operated by
Backroads
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    6 days
  • Main Destination
    United States
  • Distance
    42.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    10.6 miles
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Coastal

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Arrival

    Begin the trip by meeting your Trip Leaders at 8:30 a.m. in the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel lobby. This hotel, larger and livelier than the usual accommodations, has been chosen for its strategic location to initiate your island exploration. Please arrive dressed in your biking attire or have it readily available. Bring your luggage and a daypack equipped with rain gear and any necessary items for today's activities; your luggage will be transported to our first night's stay.

    Aloha and E komo mai! Welcome to the Big Island! Your adventure starts with a scenic shuttle ride to the eastern side of the island, where you'll explore recent lava flows on bicycles. The Trip Leaders will adjust your bike and provide a brief session on biking techniques and safety before the inaugural ride. Travelling along one of the island's most scenic routes, you'll witness breathtaking black lava cliffs, lush forests, and charming beaches. Enjoy the tropical panorama of rugged cliffs, vibrant flowers, and fragrant guava trees as you cruise down narrow, serene roads reminiscent of Old Hawaii. The group will pause along the way for a refreshing lunch together.

    After the ride, you'll head to the nearby retreat for the night, Kilauea Lodge, a delightful bed-and-breakfast nestled just outside the park in the artistic community of Volcano Village. Before dinner, unwind in the outdoor hot tub or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Tonight, you'll dine at Ohelo Cafe in Volcano Village, renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and cozy ambiance.

    Shuttle to the Big Island's East Side: 2.5hrs

    Biking Options
    Black Sand Red Road Route: 12 Miles* (500ft elevation gain)
    Red Road Route: 17 Miles* (700')
    Lava Flow Loop Route: 23 Miles (900')

    Shuttle to Kilauea Lodge: 45 minutes

    *with shuttle

    • 11.8 - 23 miles
    • 2,952.8 ft
    • Kilauea Lodge
    • Lunch and Dinner
  2. Day 2Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    After breakfast, set off for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to embark on a cycling expedition. The route traces the Chain of Craters Road, winding through collapsed pit craters on Kilauea's flanks, illustrating the dynamic history of this ever-changing landscape. Traverse the expansive lava fields of the East Rift Zone, marvelling at the wonders of Mother Nature. Return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch.

    In the afternoon, return to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where a knowledgeable local guide will lead a hike to explore the collapsed summit area of Kilauea Volcano. Witness the aftermath of the 2018 events when the magma chamber drained, leading to a completely transformed summit caldera, marked by over 80,000 earthquakes and the newly formed Halema'uma'u crater, a black lava moonscape. As you hike, keep an eye out for vibrant birds like the iiwi, distinguished by its vivid red body and salmon-colored bill.

    Alternatively, if the morning ride suffices for the day, you have the freedom to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please—whether it's unwinding at the lodge or exploring local exhibits at the Volcano Garden Arts.

    As evening falls, indulge in a delightful dining experience at the hotel restaurant at Kilauea Lodge.

    Biking Options:
    Pu'u Pua' Route: 9 Miles* (200' elevation gain; 1,400' loss)
    River of Pele Route: 16 Miles* (600' gain; 1,900' loss)

    Iki Crater Hike: 3.1 Miles (500')

    *with shuttle

    • 8.7 - 15.5 miles
    • -4,265.1 ft
      1,968.5 ft
      6,233.6 ft
    • Kilauea Lodge
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Coffee farms and Macadamia nut groves

    This morning, shuttle to Hawaii's western edge through fragrant Ka'u coffee farms, ancient Mauna Loa lava flows and hundred-year-old macadamia nut groves.

    The day begins with a guided interactive tour of the Ka'u Coffee Mill, where you have an opportunity to chat or "talk story," as they say in Hawaii, and discover the history behind Hawaii's gourmet crop—this is the only region in the United States where coffee is commercially produced! Be sure to sample the property's delicious, award-winning brew.

    Afterward, hop on the bikes for a lovely ride through Hawaii's high country, passing the Ka'u desert and rich, verdant forest. Lunch awaits at a bakery on the island's very southern tip.

    Back on foot, the local guide takes the group along historic trails, exploring fascinating archeological remains and the stunning cliffs at Alahaka Bay. As you walk, take in some of the island's most quintessential scenery, complete with lush forests and coconut-lined beaches. Post hike, you're welcome to continue to explore the area or dip your toes in the surrounding tide pools before a shuttle brings us north to the Kohala Coast.

    Home for the next three nights is the Fairmont Orchid, a luxurious 32-acre resort with incredible amenities. Settle into your room, take a dip in the ocean, head to the pool or perhaps indulge in a treatment at the hotel's Spa Without Walls. (Spa treatments are not
    included in the trip price).

    This evening, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

    Shuttle to Ka'u Coffee Farm: 40 minutes
    Ka'u Coffee Mill Tour: 40 minutes
    Ka'u Highlands Bike Ride: 16 Miles (1,000' elevation gain)
    Place of Refuge Cultural Hike: 2 Miles (100')
    Shuttle to Kohala Coast: 1.5 Hours

    • 15.5 miles
    • 3,280.8 ft
      3,280.8 ft
    • Fairmont Orchid
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Kayak at Puako Bay

    Today's relaxed sea-kayaking excursion (weather permitting) is a perfect opportunity to observe Hawaii's spectacular marine life and landforms from a different perspective. After breakfast, a short shuttle takes us to Puako Bay where sturdy two-person kayaks await.

    After our expert guides give a demonstration of basic kayaking techniques and safety, head out to explore the pristine coastline of Puako Bay, where colorful coral reef and underwater lava formations are home to turtles and spinner dolphins. Between December and May, you might even be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale spouting or breaching in deeper water—these gentle giants migrate to warm Hawaiian waters during these months.

    Midway through our paddle, stop along the calm shoreline for snacks and snorkelling in the crystalline water. Among the colorful fish darting in and out of the coral reef keep your eye out for parrot fish, Moorish idol, butterfly fish, Hawaiian honu (sea turtle) and even a moray eel or manta ray. Back on land, enjoy a delicious local lunch with beautiful views of the Pacific.

    You'll have the chance to explore an ancient petroglyph field, carved into the lava rock thousands of years ago. Behold 3,000 ancient Hawaiian images, the largest collection in the Pacific—see if you can find paddlers, dancers and turtles! Enjoy a short walk down the coast to return to the luxurious Fairmont Orchid.

    This afternoon you can spend time by the pool or on the beach, try out a stand-up paddleboard or snorkel in the calm lagoon. You might want to look into activities offered by the Fairmont such as a sunset tour to Mauna Kea, horseback riding, a helicopter tour or golf. If biking, hiking and paddling have introduced you to muscles you didn't even know you had, you may also consider booking
    a massage at the spa. Additional activities and spa appointments not included in the trip price. It's recommend to book these activities in advance, especially during busy holiday times.

    This evening dinner is on your own on the Kohala Coast—your leaders are happy to give you recommendations

    Kayaking and Snorkelling on Puako Bay: Half Day
    Petroglyph Site Walk: 1 Mile (minimal elevation gain)


    • Fairmont Orchid
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  5. Day 5Cycle to Pololu Valley

    This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or take a sunrise stroll from the hotel along the ocean on the Kahakai trail. Heading north or south from the resort, you'll get beautiful views of the Kohala coastline and pristine tidepools. Then, shuttle north for a spin along the Kohala Coast, the famous birthplace and home of King Kamehameha, Hawaii's first monarch. The area is known for its many wonderful artists' communities and for being part of the 112-mile cycling course of the Kona Ironman. You'll get a taste of what the competitors experience as you pedal a section of the triathlon route.

    All options lead to the Pololu Valley, so no matter which one you choose, you'll have incredible views of the dramatic sacred coastline. Lunch is on your own on the road—there are several restaurants along the route—or back at the hotel.

    Take the rest of the day to enjoy the Fairmont. Tennis, spa treatments and golf are all tempting options.

    Take in the sunset before the group gathers for a farewell reception and toast to an incredible week on Hawaii. Tonight you'll dine ohana (family) style at the Fairmont Orchids' superb Brown's Beach House restaurant.

    Sunrise Kahakai Trail Walk: 1 hour
    Shuttle to North Kohala, Hawi Town: 45 minutes

    Biking Options
    Pololu Valley Route: 6 Miles* (500' elevation gain)
    Hawi Town Route: 14 Miles* (1,100')
    Kohala Coast Route: 31 Miles* (1,600')
    Ironman Challenge Route: 41 Miles (2,300')

    *with shuttle

    • 5.6 - 40.4 miles
    • Fairmont Orchid
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  6. Day 6Final hike and departure

    On your last morning, get an early start to hit the trail and beat the heat. A short shuttle takes you to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, an important thoroughfare for ancient Hawaiians that connected over 200 historic land divisions and hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlements.

    After the coastal trek, return to the hotel for a farewell reception before shuttling to the airport.

    • Breakfast