The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 222

Riding a Mule on the Big Island
Mule rides used to be available only on Molokai, until 1998, when Hawaii
Forest & Trail Guided Nature Adventures , 74-5035--B Queen Kaahu-
manu Hwy. (behind the Chevron station), Kailua-Kona ( & 800/464-1993
or 808/322-8881; www.hawaii-forest.com), began the Kohala Mule Trail
Adventure. This unique tour on the rim of historic Pololu Valley, where
teams of mules were once used as transportation, is not only a trail-riding
adventure but also a rare opportunity to step back in time. The trip begins
at the historic Kohala Ditch Company Mule Station. After a brief orienta-
tion, riders head out to the rim of Pololu Valley, wander through a native
ohia-lehua forest, discover three waterfalls, meander across gentle streams,
and even stop at a section of the historic Kohala Ditch trail. There are two
3-hour trips a day, at 8:30am and 12:30pm. The cost is $95 for adults, $75
for children ages 8 to 12. Snacks, water, and rain gear are provided.
fish, and green sea turtles, but also, once in a while, with somebody rich and
famous. If you've never snorkeled in your life, Kahaluu Beach Park is the best
place to start. Wade in and look down at the schools of fish in the bay's black-
lava tide pools. Another “hidden” snorkeling spot is off the rocks north of the
boat-launch ramp at Honaunau Bay. Other great snorkel sites include White
Sands Beach, as well as Kekaha Kai State Park, Hookena, Honaunau,
Puako, and Spencer beach parks.
In addition to Snorkel Bob's, mentioned in the intro to this section, you can
rent gear from Kona Coast Divers , Honokohau Marina, Kailua-Kona ( & 808/
329-8802; www.konacoastdivers.com).
SUBMARINE DIVES
This is the stuff movies are made of: venturing 100 feet below the sea in a high-
tech, 65-foot submarine. On a 1-hour trip, you'll be able to explore a 25-acre
coral reef teeming with schools of colorful tropical fish. Look closely, and you
may catch glimpses of moray eels—or even a shark—in and around the reef.
On selected trips, you'll watch as divers swim among these aquatic creatures, lur-
ing them to the view ports for face-to-face observation. Call Atlantis Sub-
marines , 75-5669 Alii Dr. (across the street from Kailua Pier, underneath
Flashback's Restaurant), Kailua-Kona ( & 800/548-6262; www.go-atlantis.com).
Trips leave daily between 10am and 3pm. The cost is $80 for adults and $40 for
children under 12. (Kids must be at least 36 in. tall.) Note: The ride is safe for
everyone, but skip it if you suffer from claustrophobia.
SURFING
Most surfing off the Big Island is for the experienced only. As a general rule, the
beaches on the north and west shores of the island get northern swells in winter,
while those on the south and east shores get southern swells in summer. Experi-
enced surfers should check out the waves at Pine Trees (north of Kailua-Kona),
Lyman's (off Alii Dr. in Kailua-Kona), and Banyan's (also off Alii Dr.); reliable
spots on the east side of the island include Honolii Point (outside Hilo), Hilo
Bay Front Park, and Keaukaha Beach Park. But there are a few sites where
beginners can catch a wave, too: You might want to try Kahuluu Beach, where
the waves are manageable most of the year; other surfers are around to give you
pointers, and there's a lifeguard on shore.