Backroads

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.

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, ohia lehua trees mark the path to the 450-foot Thurston Lava Tube.

Bike a loop 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.

Paddle sea kayaks down the coast from Keauhou Bay, past rocky cliffs and secluded sea caves 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 its many art communities and for being the turn-around point of the bicycling portion of the Kona Ironman Visit ancient petroglyphs chiseled on smooth black slates of cooled lava for a glimpse of Hawaii's ancient culture.