The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 225

days you actually use it (the honor system): If you have the rack for a week but
only use it for 2 days, you'll be charged just $10. The folks at the shops are
friendly and knowledgeable about cycling routes all over the Big Island.
Contact the Big Island Mountain Bike Association, P.O. Box 6819, Hilo,
HI 96720 ( & 808/961-4452; www.interpac.net/~mtbike), for its free
brochure, Big Island Mountain Biking, which has useful safety tips on biking as
well as great off-road trails for both beginner and advanced riders. Check out
www.bikehawaii.com for information on trails and access. Another good contact
for biking information and maps is PAT H ( & 808/326-9495 ).
HORSEBACK RIDING
Kohala Na'alapa , on Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy. 250) at mile marker 11
(ask for directions to the stables at the security-guard station; & 808/889-0022;
www.naalapastables.com), offers unforgettable journeys into the rolling hills of
Kahua and Kohala ranches, past ancient Hawaiian ruins, through lush pastures
with grazing sheep and cows, and along mountaintops with panoramic coastal
views. The horses and various riding areas are suited for everyone from first-
timers to experienced equestrians. There are two trips a day: a 2 1 ⁄ 2 -hour tour at
9am for $75 and a 1 1 ⁄ 2 -hour tour at 1:30pm for $55. No riders over 230 pounds,
no pregnant riders, and no children under 8.
To see Waipio Valley on horseback, call Waipio Na'alapa Trail Rides
( & 808/775-0419; www.naalapastables.com). The 2-hour tours of this gorgeous
tropical valley depart Monday through Saturday at 9:30am and 1pm. (Don't for-
get your camera.) The guides are well versed in Hawaiian history and provide
running commentary as you move through this historic place. The cost is $75
for adults. No kids under 8, no pregnant riders, and no riders over 230 pounds.
SKATEBOARDING
The Big Island's first concrete skateboard park was dedicated in 2004. Located
in the Waimea Community Park, on Kawaihae Road (Hwy. 19) near the inter-
section of Lindsey Road, the park is open from 7am to 7pm daily. The 7,500-
Mall Rats
The Big Island is not big on shopping centers; the series of tiny towns
that dot the island generally have small boutique shops. However, the
resort areas of Keauhou and Waikoloa and the capital city, Hilo, do
have malls that offer many shopping opportunities.
In Hilo, Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza, 111 E. Puainako, just off High-
way 11 ( & 808/959-3555; www.princekuhioplaza.com), has something
for everyone, with nearly 100 shops from Cold Stone Creamery to
Macy's, plus a multiplex cinema. South of Kona in the resort area, the
Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Dr. ( & 808/322-3000 ), has
some three dozen different stores, plus the seemingly required multi-
plex cinema. The King's Shops, 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa
Beach Resort, located near the Marriott ( & 808/886-8811; www.
waikoloaresort.com/shops), features 50 different shops ranging from
Crazy Shirts to Dairy Queen.