Adventures, Activities & Events
Thanks to the Big Island Visitor's Bureau we've added several new items to our feature on Things To Do For Free On Hawaii's Big Island.
In addition, check out these other new activities.
Atlantis Submarines Kona
Atlantis Submarines Kona has a new combo that takes golfers off the fairway and underwater. Atlantis's Golf & Submarine package combines golfing amidst the mountainside vistas of Makalei Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, with an undersea tour of Kailua Bay and its marine life magic, including schools of tropical fish, a magnificent 25-acre coral reef garden, and two sunken shipwrecks. Adults: $150, children ages seven to 18: $70. (800) 548-6262.
Greenwell Farms
Immerse yourself in the farm-to-cup experience at Greenwell Farms, a working Kona coffee farming and processing company now open on Sunday. Greenwell Farms offers tours of its coffee farm and processing facilities highlighting the century-old Arabica coffee trees and the tasks involved in hand-picking and processing of the coffee cherry. Tours culminate at the Greenwell Farms Store where visitors can sample various roasts and Kona coffee products. Daily half-hour tours run from 8:30 am to 4 p.m. including Sundays. Visit www.greenwellfarms.com.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The 40th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will run from November 5-14, 2010. Since its inception in 1970, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival's mission has been to preserve, perpetuate and promote Kona's 180-year coffee heritage. It is Hawaii's oldest food festival. This year's celebration will have nearly 50 events including tastings, art exhibits, cupping competition, farm tours, contests, parades, sporting events, and special events. (808) 326-7820. Read our feature on the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.
Paani Ranch & ATV Adventures
Paani Ranch & ATV Adventures in Mountain View offers a trio of adventure - ziplines, horseback riding, and ATV rides - for only $180 per person! Valid through the end of the year; single tours and two-tour combos also available. Call (808) 968-7529 for details.
Paradise Helicopters and Kapohokine Adventures
Paradise Helicopters and Kapohokine Adventures have combined forces for the new Fly and Zip Adventure, an unforgettable day for any family or group. From the sky, explore the diversity and beauty of the Big Island AND get picked up and dropped off by helicopter at Umauma Falls for a thrilling zipline adventure. Kapohokine Adventures operates the only zip tour with views of the triple-tier Umauma Falls, and a half-mile zip. Media contact: Rob Payesko rpayesko@paradisecopters.com; booking info (808) 969-7392. Read our feature on Kapohokine Adventures.
The Shops at Mauna Lani
The Great 4-D Movie Ride at The Shops at Mauna Lani has launched its "Shop 'N Ride" appreciation program. Shoppers earn a free ticket to see one of six features at Hawaii's only 4-D theater with any purchase from participating stores, including "Haunted Forest," a Halloween-themed ride exclusively showing in September and October. For movie details and times visit www.TheGreat4DMovieRide.com or call (786) 320-8884. For program details call (808) 885-9501.
If you're looking for more to do, check out our feature Top Big Island Family Activities or visit http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/ for some great suggestions from the Big Island Visitors Bureau.
Dining
Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Executive Chef Manfred Jonas infuses the freshest Big Island produce into the sumptuous cuisine offered at the resort's signature Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge where guests enjoy added value with nightly specials. Chef Jonas features local ingredients including Kamuela tomatoes and strawberries, and Kona mangos and papayas, in addition to fresh cuts of Hawaiian ocean fish ahi, mahi mahi, and ono. For current dinner specials, call (808) 886-6789.
Kona Beach Restaurant
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is serving up a special "Kau Kau Kailua" prix fixe menu that includes a salad, entrée and dessert for just $19.95, at the newly renovated Kona Beach Restaurant overlooking Kamakahonu Bay. Special grand opening hotel rates from $129. Good through Dec. 20, 2010. (800) 367-2111.
Mauna Kea Lu'au at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Lu'au at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. You remember. The background sound of surf against soulful steel guitars. Tables laden with imu-roasted kalua pig, island fish, laulau, lomi salmon, sashimi and piles of pineapple, papaya, and more. Teach keiki the joy of finger-licking poi, dancing hula to the Hukilau and be awed by a fire-knife dance. The Mauna Kea Hawaiian Lu'au shares a taste of culture with music, food and family tradition. Tuesdays, Imu Ceremony 5:45pm, Buffet 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Reservations (808) 882-5810.
Volcano Winery
Volcano Winery announces the release of two new wines Sept. 1, 2010: Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. Also, its award-winning Infusion Tea Wine will celebrate is first year in production. Come by the tasting room to sample all of the wonderful, locally produced wines. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free wine tastings all day. Located off Highway 11 at the 30 mile marker. Call (877) 967-7772.
