Adventures
Let nature be your mirror and Kalani be your guide as you discover Hawaii's spectacular interplay of elements: lava fire, pristine waters, abundant gardens, tall mountains, and cool, scented tropical breezes. Make sure to bring your camera and plenty of film! Adventures are included in Kalani all-inclusive vacations and in some workshops. Adventures are extra for guests visiting Kalani a la carte or attending a workshop that does not include adventures. Adventures can be selected upon arrival. For more information call 1-800-800-6886 (toll free in USA and Canada) or email reservations@kalani.com
Kalani offers several categories of adventures:
- Half Day Trips (3 hours)
- Full Day Excursions (7.5 hours)
- Full Day 4WD Extended Adventures (9.5 hours)
- Other Adventures
Half Day Trips (3 hours)
MacKenzie Park Lava Tube and Shell Beach
MacKenzie Park is full of evergreen ironwood trees that have dropped a carpet of needles onto the floor along a dramatic coastline featuring 100-foot cliffs that drop off into incredible blue, deep water. Anyone interested in Hawaiian history will enjoy seeing the restored portion of the old King's Highway (the foot path around the entire island marked by a rock wall used for travel in ancient times). Walk through this mysterious grove of trees and then explore the dark and humid cave formed by Pele's lava.
Shell Beach is right around the corner, a wonderful black sand beach, which offers great pools for soaking and relaxing.
Snorkeling and Ahalanui Beach Park
Swim along the beautiful shores of a protected natural marine reserve, and discover amazing oceanic flora and fauna. Also called coral gardens, this is the home of three different coralloid types: blue, yellow and white, where tropical Hawaiian reef fish abound (yellow tang, needle fish, lemon butterfly and many more).
After this exhilarating adventure, soak, swim and relax at Ahalanui, a large saltwater pond heated by underground geothermal forces at work since the 1960 Kilauea eruption that destroyed Kapoho village.
Scuba Diving Adventure
Experience the tranquility and beauty of the world beneath the waves. The under sea world is quiet, serene, beautiful and exhilarating. One can easily get back to oneness with oneself. It as been said one hour of under water time is equal to many hours of meditation. The weightless, the focus on the breath, the increase in atmosphere pressure bring a sense of well being. It is an experience that should not be missed.
This is a unique diving service; the one on one attention you need to make your dive safe and enjoyable. We offer dive tours Island wide but specializing in East Hawaii; we dive Kehena Beach, Pohoiki and other great spots along the beach road. Whether experienced, novice or first timer, we can accommodate your diving needs. We also provide scuba certification classes.
Lava Tree State Park and Steam Vents
Lava Tree State Park is a captivating area with a trail that takes you back to ancient volcanic eruptions. Hundreds of years ago, a fast moving flow of hot lava hit this patch of wet 'O'hia trees. The lava forever encased the trees leaving behind vertical, hollow, lava tubes where each tree once stood. You will be amazed by the exotic landscape that includes lava tree molds of petrified trees and huge cracks in the earth.
Continue on with your volcanic wonder experience by treating yourself to a relaxing sauna in steamy natural lava caves, also known as steam vents, right above Opihikao village.
Malamaki (Blue Lagoon) and Turtle Ponds
Malamaki is a secluded tropical wonderland that provides you with a great experience of untouched coastal flora, typical of the seaward end of old pahoehoe lava flows. Watch the ocean display amazing waterworks while we hike along the shore.
Have you ever swam with green turtles (honu), in a natural environment? This is what awaits you at Champagne Ponds. Be mindful and keep your distance, as you watch them move elegantly in this warm water ocean pond.
New Black Sand Beach and Kalapana
Hike on land that is less than 10 years old! Kalapana's lava flow dates back only to 1983. We take you on a short hike over the lava field to a newly formed black sand beach (no swimming). On a clear day you can view the current eruption in the distance and see smoke rising up from Pu'u O'o, Kilauea's main magma vent.
On your way back, you will enjoy a refreshing tropical shake, and we will talk story with Uncle Robert, owner of a Hawaiian family compound, while listening to a short Hawaiian serenade.
Full Day Excursions (7.5 hours)
Out to Sea on a Double Hull Hawaiian Canoe
Captain Kiko takes you on an exhilarating adventure at sea. His Wa'akaulua, or double hull Hawaiian sailing canoe, takes you out from Hilo Bay or Pohoiki (weather and tides permitting). You will enjoy paddling on beautiful Ocean waters. Once in the wind, the sail is raised and you are sailing away, while Kiko narrates stories, teaches you Hawaiian words, and may even let you steer the canoe, the authentic way.
This exhilarating water adventure will allow you to appreciate how Hawaiians used to travel the waters of the Pacific. Kiko's canoe has been handcrafted and replicates the traditional Wa'akaulua. A very safe mode of sailing, you will sit comfortably in the hulls, delighted by this authentic adventure on the waters of Hawaii.
World Botanical Gardens and UmaUma Falls
The 300 acres World Botanical Gardens were recently born out of a famous sugarcane field and turned into an exciting botanical attraction. With over 30,000 species of plants, as well as a unique Wedding Grove where newlyweds and not-so-newlyweds can plant their own memorial native Hawaiian tree, these gardens offer unique flora viewing and photo opportunities.
After meandering through botanical wonders, we take you to view the spectacular triple-tier UmaUma Falls cascading nearly 300 feet through pristine tropical forest. UmaUma Falls display the immense power of erosion at its peak: the three separate falls cascading down will eventually merge into one tremendous torrent rivaling neighboring Akaka Falls.
Volcanoes National Park Sunset and Lava Trek
Explore the summit of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Visit the home of Pele, goddess of Hawaii's volcanoes, at Halemaumau Crater. Experience steam vents, sulfur banks, rain forest, lava tubes, petroglyphs and much more. Complete this extraordinary adventure by witnessing active lava flows!
We also offer trips to Volcanoes National Park for specific Hawaiian cultural events where you can watch Kahiko Hula (ancient style) being performed at the crater rim, Hawaiian arts and crafts, and more.
Hilo Market, Waterfalls, Bayfront and Beach
Stroll through Hilo's Saturday morning farmer's market. Enjoy an abundance of local produce, exotic flowers, and Hawaiian crafts. Then we take you to Rainbow falls, Boiling Pots, and Pe'epe'e falls for a swim in natural pools, fed by mountain waters (weather permitting).
We invite you to take a stroll along Hilo Bayfront, visit Queen Liliuokalani gardens and Banyan Drive. After a picnic at Coconut Island (order your bagged lunch at Kalani), we continue on for great swimming and snorkeling at Richardson's beach.
Behind Akaka Falls
Hike through lush rainforest and ginger patches to discover one of Hawaii's tallest waterfalls (more than 400 feet) from behind and on top of the falls. Enjoy this rare glimpse of Hawaii, and wave to the tourists viewing the falls from below as they wonder how on earth you got to the top of the waterfall!
Continue on along the riverbanks to a secluded, two-tiered waterfall, with a natural swimming pool. Enjoy lunch by the falls and relax as you indulge in sunbathing and swimming.
Full Day 4WD Extended Adventures (9.5 hours)
Waipi'o Valley
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Waipi'o (meaning curved water) is the largest (1 mile wide and 6 miles deep) and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Our adventure takes you to the bottom of the valley, in a 4WD vehicle, where you will discover a beautiful black sand beach, traditional agriculture (taro), and much more. On either side, dramatic cliffs reach almost 2000 feet and feature the most magnificent and highest waterfalls on the island: Hi'ilawe and Hakalaoa. The valley is often referred to as the Valley of the Kings; because it once was the home to the rulers of Hawaii.
Green Sand Beach
Enjoy this amazing site where the sand is actually fine grains of olivine, an iron-magnesium silicate, just like the olivine that was recently discovered on Mars. (Sand from most other beaches consists almost entirely of quartz). During this adventure, we will stop and enjoy the southernmost point of the US (South Point), before taking you on a fun 4WD ride to Green Sand beach. Enjoy the blue surf at this unique, secluded beach.
Other Adventures
Dolphins
In addition to our organized adventures, a spontaneous encounter with wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins is sometimes possible while swimming at Kehena, the nearby (clothing optional) black sand beach.