The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 223

Ocean Eco Tours ( & 808/324-SURF; www.oceanecotours.com) is owned
and operated by veteran surfers Rob Hemshere and Steve Velonza. Private les-
sons cost $125 per person (including all equipment) and usually last a minimum
of 2 hours; 2- to 3-hour group lessons go for $85 (also including all equipment),
with a maximum of four students. Both guys love this ancient Hawaiian sport,
and their enthusiasm is contagious. The minimum age is 8, and your keiki must
be a fairly good swimmer.
Your only Big Island choice for surfboard rentals is Pacific Vibrations, 75-
5702 Likana Lane (just off Alii Dr., across from the pier), Kailua-Kona ( & 808/
329-4140; www.laguerdobros.com/pacvib/pacificv.html), where they have short
boards at $10 for 24 hours, and long boards at $10 to $20 for 24 hours.
ON THE LAND
CAMPING & HIKING
For information on camping and hiking, contact Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 ( & 808/985-6000;
www.nps.gov/havo); Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park,
Honaunau, HI 96726 ( & 808/328-2288; www.nps.gov/puho); the State Divi-
sion of Forestry and Wildlife, P.O. Box 4849, Hilo, HI 96720 ( & 808/
947-4221; www.hawaii.gov); the State Division of Parks, P.O. Box 936, Hilo,
HI 96721 ( & 808/974-6200; www.hawaii.gov); the County Department of
Parks and Recreation, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720 ( & 808/961-8311;
www.hawaii-county.com); or the Hawaii Sierra Club ( & 808/959-0452; www.
hi.sierraclub.org). For other resources and general tips on hiking and camping
in Hawaii, see “The Active Vacation Planner,” in chapter 2.
Camping equipment is not available for rent on the Big Island. Plan to bring
your own or buy it at Hilo Surplus Store ( & 808/935-6398 ).
GUIDED DAY HIKES If you'd like to discover natural Hawaii off the beaten
path but don't necessarily want to sleep under a tree to do it, a day hike is your
ticket. Call the following outfitters ahead of time (even before you arrive) for a
schedule of trips; they fill up quickly.
Naturalist and educator Rob Pacheco of Hawaii Forest & Trail ,
74-5035-B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. (behind the Chevron station), Kailua-
Kona ( & 800/464-1993 or 808/331-8505; www.hawaii-forest.com), will take
you on day trips to some of the island's most remote, pristine, natural areas,
some of which he has exclusive access to. Rob's fully trained staff narrates the
entire trip, offering extensive natural, geological, and cultural history interpreta-
tion (and more than a little humor). Because the tours are limited to a maximum
of 10 people, they are highly personalized to meet the group's interests and abil-
ities. A day with Hawaii Forest & Trail may just be the highlight of your Big
Island experience. Options include waterfall adventures, rainforest discovery
hikes, birding tours, a caving adventure, and even a mule ride on the rim of
Pulolu Valley. (See “Riding a Mule on the Big Island,” on p. 222.) Each tour
involves 2 to 4 hours of easy-to-moderate walking, over terrain manageable by
anyone in average physical condition. Half-day trips, including snacks, bever-
ages, water, and gear, start at $95 for adults, $75 for children ages 8 to 12.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is a wilderness wonderland. Miles of trails not only lace the
lava but also cross deserts, rainforests, beaches and, in winter, snow at 13,650
feet. Trail maps are sold at park headquarters and are highly recommended.
Check conditions before you head out. Come prepared for hot sun, cold rain,