What's Sizzlin' on Hawaii's Big Island of Adventures, Events & Activities (Aug 2010)

Come to the Big Island and Explore Hawai‘i’s Island of Adventure

Hawai‘i’s Big Island (Aug. 2, 2010) – Hawai‘i’s Big Island could call itself the “Have It All Island” because travelers can have it all here. From mesmerizing adventures like watching molten lava up close or meeting the ghosts who haunt a working ranch, to soft adventures like ATV rides gentle enough for grandma, to international hula competitions, Hawai‘i’s Island of Adventure pleases anyone and everyone!

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

New! Legends of Kahua Ghost Tour. Gather round a campfire and “meet” the many men and women who worked and died on the ranch over the years, but whose spirits refuse to leave. A storyteller escorts you around Kahua Ranch, founded in 1928, to the main house, the haunted sheep-shearing shed, and to a historical church. Held Monday nights, $65/ person. Includes paniolo beef stew for dinner. Get your spook on, and call (808) 882-7954.

RideTheRim’s new Tutumobile is Here! Tutus (grandmothers and grandmothers at heart) ride on the new, smooth-riding Polaris six-seat “Ranger.” For $99, your tutu can see Waipi‘o Valley from up top. Call (808) 775-1450 or toll-free, (877) 775-1450 or visit www.ridetherim.com.

Kalapana Updates. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is now posting an afternoon status report on lava flow activity near Kalapana in Coastal Puna on the HVO Web site (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php). These reports are typically posted by 4:30 p.m. each day, until they are no longer necessary. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov.

Safari Helicopters is now offering its #1 rated “Deluxe Hawaii Volcano Tour” for $179 (plus surcharges and fees). That’s $45 off the regular price of $224. Be entranced as you glide over craters, lava lakes, and glowing skylights. Lush rainforests will leave you speechless along the Hilo coastline. Due to the extreme popularity of this tour, book now online to lock in your reservation. Offer good through 2010, and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.www.safarihelicopters.com.

Big Island Eco Adventures Zipline Canopy Tour in North Kohala offers a multitude of adventures! Mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) package tours include lodging at Kohala Inn, ziplines, sunset sailing, snorkeling, dining, and more. Check out the variety of offerings at www.bigislandecoadventures.com or call (808) 889-5111.

Looking for more to do? Click www.bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai‘i Island happenings this summer and throughout 2010, like this one:

Fifth Annual Moku O Keawe Hula Festival, Nov. 4-7, 2010 at Waikoloa Beach Resort. On the big stage, hula halau (troupes) dance in dramatic kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) competition in the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens. During the day, cultural workshops and excursions share authentic arts, places, practices and musical instruments of hula. Visit the Made-in-Hawai‘i Marketplace and see the final night h?‘ike starring workshop students and a special appearance by Merrie Monarch Festival winners O’Brien Eselu and the men of Ke Kai O Kahiki. www.MokuOKeawe.org, (808) 345-9364.

KUDOS

Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation won a Gold Medal for the fifth consecutive year with its new crop, Cloud Forest Estate Reserve at the Four Seasons Hualalai’s Cream of the Crop hosted by the Kona Coffee Council. Celebrate with free tours of the mill and roastery and get 15 percent off all merchandise by mentioning the Gold Medal Celebration at the Gift Shop at either location: in Kaloko in North Kona off Hwy. 190 and Kainaliu in South Kona on Hwy. 11. Visit www.mountainthunder.com for info and directions.

Special note to media: The Big Island Visitors Bureau (BIVB) recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the modern Hawaiian language; and the kahak? [?] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as K?lauea). However, BIVB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

For more information on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, please visit gohawaii.com/big-island

Big Island Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Jessica Ferracane, Irondog Communications, (808) 895-5740, jessica@irondogpr.com

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