Hawaii's Big Island Multisport
Bike, Hike & Sea Kayak: Kilauea Crater to the Kohala Coast
"If you thought the blue of the Pacific was something to write home about, wait until you see the grazing land rippling along the flanks of the Kohala Mountains. The grass really is greener in Hawaii," raves Travel + Leisure. The diversity of the Big Island's greens and blues is well matched to the activities on our multisport journey. From the stunningly lush Hamakua coast and dramatic steaming calderas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, to the picturesque beaches of Kona, discover this beautiful destination by bike, on foot and in sea kayaks.
- Bike the green rolling hills of Waimea to the sensational Waipio Valley
- Snorkel and kayak with sea turtles
- Hike across a caldera with a certified volcanologist
- Venture through pristine rain forest to triple-tiered Umauma Falls
- Sip Kona coffee while touring a plantation where the beans were handpicked
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kohala Coast
Our trip begins in the Hamakua region, famous for its high coastline and verdant pastures 
Ride along the coast, where postcard-perfect valleys and lush tropical hills greet you around every turn From the plantation-era town of Honokaa, bike to the Waipio Valley Lookout for jaw-dropping views.
Day 2 Volcano Village
Shuttle to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, the most active volcano on Earth En route, stop at Umauma Falls and the World Botanical Garden for a jaunt through a rain forest dense with ferns, bamboo and ginger Explore the black lava landscape on foot Ferns and ohia lehua trees mark the path to the 450-foot Thurston Lava Tube 
Dine at one of the island's best restaurants.
Day 3 Kailua-Kona
Bike around Kilauea Crater on Crater Rim Drive before a 4,000-foot descent to the stunning Kau Coast and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean Frolic with the turtles on the black sand of Punaluu Beach Cap off the day with a visit to the Place of Refuge, considered one of the island's most significant historical landmarks.
Days 4-6 Kohala Coast
Paddle sea kayaks past rocky cliffs and secluded sea caves, perhaps spotting spinner or bottlenose dolphins Don snorkeling gear for a closer encounter with colorful sea creatures of all shapes and sizes At our luxurious beachfront resort, options abound: swim, golf, snorkel, relax poolside or indulge in a spa treatment Ride along the Kohala Coast, known for the Kona Ironman's bicycling route and its many art communities Glimpse Hawaii's ancient culture on a visit to petroglyphs chiseled on smooth black slates of cooled lava.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Outstanding trip! I don't know a better way to "take in" the entire island of Hawaii than to do it the Backroads way. We not only saw the island, but we felt like we "experienced" the island. A great mix of activities, exercise, and learning. Our teenage children came with us and they had a ball and look forward to our next trip with Backroads. What's not to love?- Chester Springs, PA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Hawaii's Big Island Multisport
Premiere Inns*
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Kohala Coast (1 night) This Big Island gem is well known for its fantastic beach, stunning ocean views, championship golf course and gracious attentive service.
Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant
Volcano Village (1 night) This charming bed-and-breakfast was once a YMCA for kids visiting Volcanoes National Park. Guest rooms reflect up-country charm with a commitment to warmth and peacefulness.
* Casual Inn
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Kailua-Kona (1 night) Set on 22 oceanfront acres and featuring abundant amenities, including a spa, tennis courts, fitness center and multilevel swimming pool.
* Casual Inn
Fairmont Orchid
Kohala Coast (2 nights) This luxurious retreat is set on a secluded white-sand beach and private lagoon, and was named by Travel + Leisure as one of the Top 20 Spa Resorts in the country.
Hawaii's Big Island Multisport
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 31 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.5, 4.9 miles
- 300 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 24, 40, 48 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 0.5 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Kayaking & Snorkeling 3-4 hours
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Bike 22, 50 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Optional Walking or Outrigger Canoeing