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Additional
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 Undiscovered Hawaii Home Page:
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Why Choose Destination Wilderness For Your Hawaii Hiking
and Kayaking Tour?
Destination Wilderness for
years has offered the impressive Hawaii hiking tours and kayaking trips that
highlight some of the best of Hawaii's nature. The guides for our Hawaii trips
have lived in the Aloha state each "winter" for years. In addition, touring the
hidden corners of Volcanoes National Park is a Destination Wilderness
specialty, as we often take you to places where no one else is, a rare treat
for Hawaii eco-tours!
We invite you to consider all that we provide on this
great state:
 It
is Your Trip Not Ours. We have been running Hawaii outdoor adventure trips
and Hawaii eco-tours for years and years and believe that the best trip is the
trip you desire. We provide a foundation of safety and seamless logistics, and
have a wealth of knowledge about Hawaii's nature and culture. From there we
create the trip you want, adjusting our style to your wants and needs rather
than asking you to fit into our agenda.
Smaller Group Size. Typically, our Hawaii hiking
tours and kayaing tours are limited to 8 guests plus guides. We have the
ability to take more at select times during the season, but we generally prefer
to keep group sizes reasonable in order to maximize your wilderness and
cultural experience.
Guides That Live in Hawaii. Destination Wilderness employs
guides that live in Hawaii and are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and
talented. We don't fly over for the week and tour the state as outsiders.
Clients who have taken these Hawaii hiking and kayaing eco-tours describe our
guides as a highlight to their experience.
An Office Staff That Knows Hawaii and Can Answer Your
Questions With First-Hand Knowledge.
When you call to talk
about these trips you can chat with someone who has extensively travelled in
Hawaii. We feel that your knowledge and preparation are important to the
success of the trip and are fully prepared to help in all aspects of your
adventure vacation.
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 Hiking and Kayaking Difficulty
Each hike
on the Undiscovered Hawaii eco-tour is best described as moderate in
difficulty. Ranging in length from six to thirteen miles, the hikes take in a
variety of terrain, including moonscape lava fields and verdant tropical
gardens.
Those seeking more activity are encouraged to participate in
the late afternoon or evening aerobic hike that takes in other spectacular
scenery. We are shuttled each day from the lodge to that day's respective
trailhead and then back to the lodge each afternoon.
The Hawaii
kayaking trips take place on the more protected central Kona coast, which
features dramatic bays filled with colorful fish, sleepy pocket-sized beaches,
and ancient lava flows that reached the sea. Before setting off on the kayak
you will be given a thorough safety and instructional presentation. We paddle
along and near the coast, for a few hours, taking breaks along the way to
explore the shore. It is not uncommon to spot porpoise and even whale on this
portion of the Undiscovered Hawaii trip.
One important consideration
for the kayaking portion of the trip is the weather. Typical winds on the Kona
Coast are mild and do not have a big impact on kayaking. However, there is
always a chance that winds can become very strong, strong enough to force
changes in the kayaking itinerary. Please note that we may need to modify times
and/or locations of the sea kayaking trip, and in extreme cases even cancel or
postpone the a kayaking trip, depending on weather. In this extreme case we may
substitute a motorized ocean tour or another spectacular hike.
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 Trip Outline
Meeting Time and Place: We meet
at 9:00 am at the Kona Beach Restaurant in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona,
in the King Kamehameha Resort on Palani Dr.
The town of Kailua-Kona is
about seven miles south of the Kona airport. Taxis and shuttle services are the
most convenient way to get from the airport to town.
Daily Itinerary (Please note: This itinerary is
subject to change depending on weather.)
Day One:
Your Undiscovered Hawai hiking and
kayaking tour trip leader and shuttle van will meet you at the Kona Beach at
9:00 a.m. After introductions, a small snack, and a presentation of your trip,
we will board the vehicle for the spectacular drive to Volcanoes National Park
and our nearby accommodations. We stop for lunch and a short hike at Kalopa
Native Forest Reserve on Hamakua coast. This affords views of rain forest and
500 year old Ohi'a trees. We also stop and hike at the Hilo waterfalls. We
reach our accommodations in the late afternoon, in time for happy hour snacks
and beverages as we unpack. This evening we enjoy the first of many spectacular
dinners, prepared fresh at the vacation home by your guides.
Day Two:
After a
delicious breakfast we drive into Volcanoes National Park and down the Chain of
Craters road to the Puna Kau Trail. We hike 6 1/2 flat miles over pahoehoe
(smooth) lava to beautiful Apua Point. There are various beauties to explore
along the way including Pele's hair (rare strands of golden volcanic glass that
are very thin wispy and hairlike), a sea arch, an ancient oceanside heiau, and
an oasis of plants and coconut palms overlooking the ocean. There are great
tidepools to explore at trails end as well. We eat lunch here and hike back in
the afternoon, filled with memories of amazing volcanic and coastal wonders. We
return to our rustically comfortable accommodations in the late afternoon.
Day Three:
This morning we explore Kipuka Bird Park, an upcountry cloud forest home to
a variety of birds as well as huge ancient Koa trees. These behemoth trees are
among the last of their size in the world. After this short hike we visit the
Park's interpretive center, and then enjoy a walk through sulfur fields with
billowing steam, wild orchids, and giant ferns. We then visit Pele's house
(Halemaumau Caldera). Tropical birds typically soar overhead as we peer into
the vestige of this molten lake. After a filling and healthy lunch we have the
option of several different explorations, including the Kilauea Iki Trail,
Thurston Lava Tube, the Pua Loa Petroglyph Trail and the Chain of Craters
Visitors Center, where we may see flowing lava. After this day of pure and
natural Hawaiian delights we drive back to our charming base for a late but
great meal.
Day
Four:
On this day we leave the friendly confines of Volcanoes National
Park and head to the stunning Kona coast. In route we visit the Ka'u district
and marvel at sights such as black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and the
southern most point in the US. We stop to hike out to a majestic green olivine
sand beach. We also stop at Manuka State Park, home to unique native Hawaiian
plants. We then head to sparkling Ho'okena Bay for dolphin watching and
oceanside frolicking. Swimming is possible here if swells aren't too big. This
afternoon we arrive at our overnight accommodations, a friendly bed and
breakfast or vacation rental above the Kona coast. Here we indulge in another
classic dinner, framed by tasty tradewinds.
Day Five:
This is a
day of translucent waters and rich culture. We tour Honaunau National Park and
the City of Refuge, a place of enormous cultural importance on the big island.
We can hike to a lava cave and enjoy the sacred sites at this historical gem.
We can also kayak and snorkel on this day. This afternoon we marvel at a
spectacular sunset, staring out at a pacifying Pacific Ocean as we enjoy tasty
happy hour snacks and beverages and then dinner.
Day Six:
Following an
early breakfast we pack up and head to our Hawaii kayaking trip start point.
After instruction we launch into a beautiful bay and paddle away. On this trip
it is very common to see breaching humpback whales, sea turtles, and dolphins
as we paddle along this dramatic coast. We reach our exit point late in the
afternoon and return to our exceptional lodging and enjoy delicious meals..
Day Seven:
After a tropical delight breakfast we paddle again along the coast. We stop
at a wondrous snorkeling spot and hopefully see breaching whales and other sea
life from the kayaks. Throughout the day we snorkel, paddle, swim, and soak up
the serenity of the Kona treasures. After a celebration lunch we head back to
Kailua-Kona with reverie for the undiscovered Hawaii.
Note: The order of
days five, six and seven may vary depending on weather, group interests, etc.
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 Getting to
Hawaii
The Undiscovered Hawaii rendezvous point is near the Kona
Airport, on the big island of Hawaii. Several carriers fly to Honolulu and then
connect with interisland flights to Kona. In addition, some airlines now fly
direct to Kona from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
By Air:
United
Airlines flies non-stop from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Kona. In
addition, most other major airlines fly to Honolulu and will ticket the flight
on Hawaiian or Aloha Airlines to Kona. Given the flight schedules of most
airlines, please plan on arriving in Kona at least by the day before your trip
departure date. Prices vary greatly depending on the time of year you are
travelling as well as how far in advance you purchase your ticket. We will
gladly help arrange flights for you from your departure city to Kona.
Where to Stay:
There are numerous hotels and condos near the Kona airport and in the town
of Kailua-Kona, ranging in style and price from extravagant to bare bones. We
recommend the following accommodations and are happy to arrange lodging for
you. They are listed top to bottom from the most to least
expensive:
Kona Plaza Condominiums: 808-329-1132
King Kamehameha's
Kona Beach Hotel: 800-367-6060
Royal Kona Resort:
800-22-ALOHA
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Natural History
This
section is being updated.
Return to Top
Undiscovered Hawaii
Additional Information
Experience Required
Destination Wilderness trips are created with fun, curious, and
nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Undiscovered Hawaii adventure is ideal
for those with a zest for the outdoors, moderate adventures, and
self-determined activity levels. While you should be fit and in good health for
this trip, you need not be a honed athlete.
First timers, families,
friends, and independent and mature travelers are welcome and thrive on this
trip. No previous experience is necessary. adventure. Our minimum age is 12.
The maximum age is up to you! Your guides will gladly help with any aspect of
our trip that is new for you, whether that means waterproofing your boots or
learning to paddle.
On-Island Transportation
From the time we meet in
Kailua-Kona until we drop you off at the airport or your hotel, all
transportation on the island is provided by Destination Wilderness. This
includes the scenic drive from Kona to Volcanoes National Park, as well as
shuttles from our lodging to each dayís activities. Depending on group
size, we typically travel in vans. Please note that some of the roads are
windy, and plan accordingly if you are prone to car sickness.
Weather
The weather on
our Undiscovered Hawaii trip includes what most people think of when
considering Hawaii weather: sunny, warm, tropical winds, and perfect evening
temperatures. However, high up in the volcano country it is quite possible for
days to be cool and moist. The Kona coast is generally very dry. Suffice it to
say that you will most likely be amazingly comfortable and revel in the classic
Hawaii weather. High temperatures in Kona average in the low 80ís
year-round, with rainfall averaging less than two inches a month. That said,
bring ample warm clothing and rain gear for time spend exploring the volcano
high country and in case of inclement weather.
Equipment
Destination
Wilderness provides all specialty kayaking gear including waterproof bags,
lifejackets, sit on top kayaks, and paddles. We also provide waterproof paddle
jackets for days that may be cooler. Among other things, you will need to bring
waterproof boots and snorkeling gear. All overnight accommodations are at
classic Hawaiian homes so no overnight gear is required. A complete list of
what you should bring will be sent to you with your trip confirmation packet.
 Overnight Accommodations
A highlight to the Undiscovered
Hawaii trip is the quaint, scenic and relatively remote vacation rentals and
lodges in which we stay. During the hiking portion of the trip we overnight at
a charming upcountry (in the foothills) vacation home lodge that features
first-rate amenities. We return each evening to this lodge after the day's
spectacular hiking. We also spend three nights at a cozy and dramatic
small-town Kona coast bed and breakfast style vacation home.
Meals and Beverages
We
serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide a variety
of beverages with each meal. Each afternoon we set up happy hour snacks and
beverages. We are also happy to prepare certain foods that you may want or need
(including birthday or anniversary cakes). Please let us know if you have
special dietary concerns, and we will plan and cook accordingly.
Charter Trips
We are
able and happy to offer special private charter trips for groups. For groups of
six or more we may be able to run trips on dates other than those listed in
this packet. Please contact our office for details.
Gratuities
It is
common to tip wilderness guides on adventure trips. It is not expected, but
always appreciated. If you are happy with your trip please let us and your
guide(s) know. Thanks!
Itinerary Changes
While we do everything possible to
follow the itineraries in this packet we may be forced to adjust trips due to
reasons beyond our control. Therefore, these itineraries are subject to change.
References
Many of our past trip members have offered to speak with folks who are
considering our trips. We know we could blow our own horn until we are blue in
the face about the great time we feel you would have on our trips. So, we
invite you to contact us for a list of clients who have participated on
Destination Wilderness trips and we'll let them do the talking!
Destination Wilderness
Guides
The pride of our outfit, our guides bring a wealth of talent and
experience to each trip we run. Destination Wilderness guides have years and
years of experience leading trips in the U.S. and abroad. Each is licensed in
first-aid and CPR. Furthermore, they create an environment that fosters
camaraderie and positive experiences. Simply put, they care about what it is
that YOU want from YOUR TRIP and do everything possible to make that happen! We
are confident that you will find your guides to be one of the highlights of the
adventure.
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Undiscovered
Hawaii: Hawaii Hiking Tours and Kayaking Tours
Additional Information
