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

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

Hawai‘i’s Big Island (Mar.1, 2010) – The Big Island Visitors Bureau thanks everyone who sent their sincere wishes to Hawai‘i as we braced for the tsunami generated by the Chilean earthquake on Feb. 27. Luckily, there was just a small surge across Hawai‘i, and there were no reports of major damage or injuries. We salute the excellent coordination of our local government, disaster officials, mariners, and hospitality industry in working together safely and efficiently. We are happy to report business as usual!

Wishing for summer already? Hawai‘i’s Big Island will melt the iciest conditions with its beautiful weather, incredible deals and 4,028 square miles of adventure!

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

New Rules for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park – In order to protect one of Hawai‘i’s most historically and culturally significant shorelines and coral reef ecosystems, the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) now requires a permit to land kayaks, canoes and other vessels near the Capt. Cook Monument, located within the Park. What does that mean for visitors? If you want to paddle over to explore the monument and land your vessel on shore, you’ll have to arrange for a permit well in advance Download Permit or opt for a guided kayak excursion with the two permitted outfitters, Hawaii Pack and Paddle or Adventures in Paradise (see below). Another option? Stay afloat! Those without permits can still snorkel and kayak within Kealakekua Bay on their own (see Kona Boys below). Another fun-filled option is to book a snorkel charter aboard Fair Wind Cruises, which ties up to an eco-friendly permanent mooring in the bay in order to share the rich history and natural beauty of Kealakekua with their passengers (see below.) Kealakekua is where the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners occurred, with the arrival of Capt. James Cook in 1779, and it’s also one of the most treasured marine life conservation districts in Hawai‘i, where sea turtles, spinner dolphins, coral and colorful Hawaiian fish can be observed. For more information, visit Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

Hawaii Pack and Paddle, one of two newly permitted companies offering guided kayak tours of Kealakekua Bay and the Capt. Cook Monument, is offering new reduced rates for a very scenic, fun and memorable kayak/snorkel tour, from $89/person. The tour includes easy paddling, snorkeling, history and cultural information, lunch, and ends at the historic Kona Pacific Farmer’s Cooperative coffee mill. Groups of four to 12, call (808) 328-8911 or visit www.hawaiipackandpaddle.com

Adventures in Paradise is the other guided kayak and snorkel tour company permitted by DLNR to land near the Capt. Cook Monument. An early launch time of 7:30 a.m. in the calm and protected bay ensures that their small groups are usually the first explorers to land. Prices start from $69.95 per person, and the tour ends at noon. They also offer kayak rentals for ocean enthusiasts. Visit www.bigislandkayak.com or call (808) 323-3005.

Need a Good Paddling? Kayak enthusiasts can rent a kayak and all its gear from Kona Boys off Hwy. 11 in Kealakekua to explore Kealakekua Bay – the largest sheltered natural bay on the Big Island – after self-launching from the N?p?‘opo‘o Launch. Opt to kayak and snorkel this vast marine life preserve on your own, after absorbing the preservation message that Kona Boys share with guests at their shop. Don’t land at the Monument if you don’t have a permit though, there are penalties. Rates from $67 for 24-hour kayak rental. Ask about other hot coastal spots for Hawaiian-style water fun, like stand up paddle boarding, surfing, diving and more. www.konaboys.com or call (808) 328-1234.

Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides offers daily morning and afternoon snorkel excursions of Kealakekua Bay, and Spring Break specials galore! Book a second cruise, and receive 30 percent off a Fair Wind II Afternoon Snack Cruise, or a Hula Kai Morning Deluxe Cruise. Call, or look online for more specials including the Hula Kai Evening Manta Adventure. Visit www.fair-wind.com or call (800) 677-9461.

Ocean Sports opened its new Hawaiian Humpback Whale Center in the heart of Kawaihae. The Center features photographs and video of humpback whales taken by renowned nature photographers and videographers in Hawaiian and Alaskan waters. The Center will host guest speakers, including eminent marine naturalists, public policy makers, nature photographers and others. FREE, open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.hawaiioceansports.com.

Go to Your Vroom! The Big Island’s first Classic Car Museum is now open in The Studio at Queens’ MarketPlace. Waikoloa Beach Resort and the Hawaii Classic Cruiser Club have teamed up to bring classic car fans a collection of immaculately restored vintage automobiles, and future plans include celebrity cars like the custom Rolls Royce once owned by martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Admission $4 adults, children 12 and under free with a paid adult. (808) 886-8822, www.queensmarketplace.net

Join Photo Safari Hawaii for a private Photo Ecotour of the Big Island while exploring your creative spirit through the lens of a camera. While touring the island’s most scenic locations, guides offer insights into the world of photography with inspiring photo exercises, a safari for light and the expressive elements of the fine art photograph. Find out more at www.photosafarihawaii.com or call (808) 495-0213.

Looking for more to do? Click www.bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai‘i Island happenings in 2010, and be sure not to miss this:

Ka‘? Coffee Festival (May 1 & 2) – Ka‘? coffee has earned international acclaim, and this Festival celebrates Ka‘?’s top crop. Featuring a Miss Ka‘? Coffee pageant, ho‘olaule‘a, coffee tasting, recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours, and more, at the Pahala Community Center. Most events are free. www.kaucoffeefestival.com or email info@kaucoffeefestival.com

For BIVB’s press kit, photo gallery, press releases and industry news, visit media.bigisland.org

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

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