Hawaii's Big Island Multisport
- Bike the green rolling hills of Waimea to the sensational Waipio Valley
- Snorkel and kayak with sea turtles, dolphins and other marine wildlife
- 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
Biking, Hiking & Sea Kayaking: Kilauea Crater to the Kohala Coast
This trip is just like a smoothie. One from "What's Shakin' Smoothie Shack" on the Big Island. It's a perfect blend of the flavors, colors and everything Hawaiian. Activities that seamlessly flow together. Kayak straight from your hotel in the morning, hike a lush valley in the afternoon and end the day lounging by the beach. See active volcanoes from afar then tour with a volcanologist and truly experience them. Every day you're engaged, entertained and by the end, exhausted by your Hawaiian experience. And wait until you try the smoothies.
Day 1 Venture through pristine rain forest to triple-tiered Umauma Falls 
Bike along Hamakua's high coastline, where postcard-perfect valleys and lush tropical hills greet you around every turn "Jaw-dropping views" takes on new meaning at Waipio Valley Lookout.
Day 2 Summon Pele, the goddess of fire, in the Land of Volcanoes Walk with ferns, bamboo and ginger lining your trail In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea - Earth's most active volcano - hike across a caldera and through a 600-foot lava tube with a certified volcanologist Pedal to Hilina Pali overlook for sweeping ocean and desert vistas.
Day 3 Pedal on Crater Rim Drive before a huge descent to the stunning Kau Coast At the black-sand Punaluu Beach, relax beneath the coconut palms and spot green sea turtles sunning themselves Learn the stories of people who sought refuge at Puuhonua long ago.
Days 4-6 Snorkel and kayak with sea turtles, dolphins and other marine life Our beachside retreat offers more ways to play - or take it easy - from swimming and golfing to getting pampered at the spa Spin along the Kohala Coast, known for art communities and the Kona Ironman Triathlon Petroglyphs chiseled on smooth black slates of cooled lava paint a picture of Hawaii's ancient culture.
Guests Reviews 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
It was the best vacation I have ever had! Flexible options made this trip possible for my husband and me.- White Bear Lake, MN
It was a sensational vacation! I still can't stop talking about it and everything I've learned. Everything was outstanding. Our leaders were exceptional in their knowledge and willingness to help and accommodate everyone.- Tucson, AZ
Casual Inns*
Kilauea Lodge
Volcano Village (2 nights) An up-country bed-and-breakfast with ideal access to Volcanoes National Park.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Kailua-Kona (1 night) This full-service resort overlooks an ancient lava flow on the Kona coast. (pool, spa, tennis)
The Fairmont Orchid
Kohala Coast (2 nights) Selected by Travel + Leisure readers as a World's Best Hotel, it offers abundant amenities, a lovely half-moon beach and sweeping views of the Pacific. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
* Premiere Inn
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 17 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 4.9 miles
- 850 feet elevation gain
- Biking 7, 31 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 24, 40, 48 miles
- 1000 - 2000 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 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Optional Walking 1.5 hours
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Hawaii tour experts. See our award-winning USA multisport tours, USA biking tours and USA walking and hiking tours.
