HAWAII`S BIG ISLAND

☐
FAMILY MULTISPORT
HAWAII’S
BIG ISLAND
CASUAL & PREMIERE INNS
Aloha and whoa! Animal: parrot fish, sea turtles, butterfly fish. Vegetable: rain forest, flower
leis, fresh pineapple. Mineral: sea caves, volcanoes, beaches. Add warm water, epic views,
stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, snorkeling, biking, tide pooling, horseback riding and cool
culture. Hawaii has all the ingredients for the best family vacation.
15-16MHWQF1D_PGI (4/22/15)
Parent time, kid time, family time. Each itinerary balances
quality time together and apart, with welcome opportunities for
everyone to take a break and recharge—usually impossible on a family
vacation.
We bring families closer together through exciting travel
Superb operation, wonderful (WONDERFUL)
family vacation experience. Taking the
logistics/planning out of the equation made
everything better. And the guides did a
tremendous job enabling everyone in our
family and our group to customize their daily
activities to match their individual
preferences. Truly a wonderful family
experience.
Jake Durling - San Francisco, CA
Click HERE to read more guest reviews
experiences and stimulating adventures that let you interact in ways
you’d never encounter back home.
Three experienced Trip Leaders (and as many as five on
Camping Trips) take care of all the day-to-day logistics. They’re
knowledgeable and enthusiastic motivators for your kids, interact with
excitement and are inspiring role models.
A dedicated Kid Coordinator orchestrates activities for the
entire family, plus an hour or two per day of kids-only fun—often
focused on local culture or the natural environment.
No “canned” activities or tourist throngs. You’ll get plenty of
fresh air and outdoor activity together while discovering a whole new
part of the world—and a whole new side of yourselves.
Activities designed with the whole family in mind—
including easier routes to suit kids’ abilities and attention spans and
great longer options for adults and teens.
Multi-vehicle support because we know that families need extra
support. We use two or three vehicles plus a trailer for luggage and
supplies.
More families means more fun and makes the trip enjoyable for
everyone.
6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
Click HERE for departure dates and pricing
details
ROUTE RATING LEVELS 1–3
See below for details
TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP
Sign up online HERE or call
800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or
510-527-1555
Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time
Day 1
On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads
Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) on
Hawaii’s
Kohala
Coast
either
at
8 a.m. at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &
Spa (69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive; 808-886-1234)
or at 8:30 a.m. at The Fairmont Orchid. (1 North
Kaniku Drive; 808-885-2000). Please arrive
dressed in your biking clothes and bring a daypack
with your rain gear, walking shoes and anything
else you may want for today’s activities.
We want to make sure you’re on the right
trip and that you have the best experience
possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and
this one is no exception.
Accommodations
The Volcano House Hotel is a fairly simple
property that reflects its picturesque location
in stunning Volcanoes National Park. Although clean and comfortable, the guest
rooms are basic and are not equipped with
televisions.
Make sure to let your Trip Consultant know in
advance whether you will be meeting the Trip
Leaders at the Marriott or The Fairmont.
Traffic
Shuttle to Bike Set-Up 30 Minutes
While Backroads strives to include routes
that are quiet and off the beaten track, the
Big Island’s rugged topography limits the
number of smooth paved roads. Our shuttle
is always available to help you bypass more
heavily trafficked or rough sections.
Hamakua Coast Biking Route 17 Miles (500’ elevation gain)
Shuttle to Volcanoes National Park 2 Hours
Aloha and welcome to the Big Island! Our trip begins on
the Big Island’s windward side, famous for its high
coastline once dominated by sugarcane fields. After
your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a
brief talk on biking techniques and safety, hit the road
on a ride through the rolling hills of the Hamakua
region. Take in some of the island’s most quintessential
scenery, complete with lush forests, ocean views,
dramatic cliffs and valleys. After lunch at a favorite local
spot we continue our journey, stopping en route to
stretch our legs and enjoy one of Hawaii’s incredible
waterfalls.
Shuttle Distances
In order to bring you the full gamut of the
Big Island’s splendor, we spend more time
shuttling on this trip than on many other
Backroads trips. Our time in the shuttles will
allow us to experience the incredible variety
of ecosystems, scenery and activities that
Hawaii has to offer. So sit back and relax,
knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Later this afternoon, we arrive at the beautifully
restored Volcano House Hotel, situated on the rim of
the Kilauea Caldera. Take some time to unwind before
regrouping to enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at
the hotel’s lovely restaurant. Lodging: Volcano House
Hotel
3
QUESTIONS? Call 800­462­2848
Day 2
CASUAL & PREMIERE INNS*
Kilauea Iki Hike 4.5 Miles (900’ elevation gain)
Adults’ Biking Options:
Jaggar Museum Route: 6 Miles (300’ elevation gain)
Hilina Pali Road Route: 15 Miles* (1,800’ loss)
Hilina Pali Road Out-&-Back: 30 Miles (1,800’ loss/gain)
Kids: Activities at Pa’ani Ranch
*with shuttle
After breakfast we head to Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park where a local guide joins us for a hike through the
Kilauea Iki Crater. In 1959 the south side of the crater
erupted, spewing a lava fountain that reached heights
of nearly 1,900 feet—the highest ever recorded in the
world. The enormous cinder and spatter cone that now
marks the crater is a testament to this awesome
occurrence. After making our way through a grove of
giant ferns and native ohia lehua trees, we descend to
the crater’s black lava moonscape. While hiking, make
sure to watch for colorful birds such as the ‘i’iwi, with
its bright red body and salmon-colored bill. (Please note
that the volcanic fumes present in some sections of
today’s hike can be hazardous to the health of pregnant
women and folks with heart or breathing problems.)
VOLCANO HOUSE HOTEL 2 NIGHTS
Originally constructed in 1846, this restored house
has been catapulted into the 21st century while
fully embracing the rich culture, environment and
history of the surrounding region.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
808-756-9625
www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com
KING KAMEHAMEHA’S KONA BEACH HOTEL 1
NIGHT (ABOVE)
Located in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona and
at the site of King Kamehameha the Great’s royal
residence, this hotel offers a little something for
everyone.
After completing the final stretch of our walk, which
leads through a forest of Kahili ginger, we shuttle back
into Volcano Village for lunch. Later this afternoon,
adults can relax at the lodge, check out the exhibits at
the Volcano Art Center or explore more of the park on
two wheels. Meanwhile kids visit a local ranch to meet
some real paniolos (cowboys) and spend the afternoon
participating in a variety of fun activities. Later they
venture into the park with a leader for dinner while
adults dine at a local restaurant. Lodging: Volcano
House Hotel
Kailua-Kona
808-329-2911
www.konabeachhotel.com
THE FAIRMONT ORCHID 2 NIGHTS
A blissful resort offering abundant amenities, a
lovely half-moon beach and sweeping views of the
Pacific. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Kohala Coast
800-257-7544 or 808-885-2000
www.fairmont.com/orchid
*With 2 Premiere Inn nights
at The Fairmont Orchid
Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multisport
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Day 3
KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE
Biking Options:
Ka’u Desert Route: 14 Miles* (400’ elevation gain)
Punaluu Beach Route: 36 Miles* (1,500’ gain, 4000’ loss)
We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this
itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any
important changes prior to departure; other changes
may be communicated on trip by your leaders.
Shuttle to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park 1 Hour
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park Visit 1 Hour
Shuttle to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 45 Minutes
*with shuttle
This afternoon we stop to explore Pu’uhonua o
Honaunau National Park, which served as the royal
grounds of the ali’i (chiefs) and a place of forgiveness
for anyone who broke the strict laws, or kapu, of
ancient Hawaiian society. From the park we shuttle to
the oceanfront King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
Check out the beach or go snorkeling in the enclosed
bay. This evening you and your family are on your own
to dine at the resort or in nearby Kona. Lodging: King
Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
After a tropical breakfast, jump in the saddle and head
out on today’s ride. We begin with a long gradual
downhill from the luxuriant vegetation of Volcanoes
National Park, through the arid landscape of the Kau
Desert and finally to the ocean. Once at sea level, check
out one of the Big Island’s wonders: the black-sand
beach at Punaluu. Coarse-grained Punaluu was created
in less than a week as lava flowed violently into the
ocean and shattered into sand-size particles. Featuring
views of Mauna Loa and lava fields, the first miles of
today’s route are great for the whole family. Then kids
shuttle to Punaluu Black Sand Beach where they’ll meet
up with the grown-ups for lunch and sea-turtle spotting.
Day 4
Kayaking & Snorkeling in Keauhou Bay (weather permitting)
3–4 Hours
Shuttle to Kohala Coast 1 Hour
Today’s relaxed sea-kayaking excursion (weather
permitting) is a perfect opportunity to observe Hawaii’s
spectacular marine life and landforms from a different
perspective. After breakfast a short shuttle takes us to
our put-in spot on the shore of Keauhou Bay, where
sturdy two-person kayaks await (kids must be at least 5
years old to kayak). After our expert guides give a
demonstration of basic kayaking techniques and safety,
head onto the bay and down the coast, past caves and
lava tubes, home to turtles and dolphins, as well as
ancient Hawaiian burial grounds. Between late December and March, you might even get lucky and spot a
humpback whale spouting or breaching in deeper
water—these gentle giants migrate to warm Hawaiian
waters during these months.
ROUTE RATING INFORMATION
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1–3.
LEVEL 1
10–20 miles (biking)
2–5 miles (walking/hiking)
2–3 hours
LEVEL 2
21–30 miles (biking)
4–7 miles (walking/hiking)
2–4 hours
LEVEL 3
Midway through our paddle, we stop at a secluded bay
for snacks and snorkeling in the crystalline water.
Among the colorful fish darting in and out of the coral
reef there may be parrot fish, moorish idol, butterfly
fish, Hawaiian lionfish and even a moray eel or manta
ray. You’re sure to work up an appetite for a mouthwatering Backroads picnic during the return trip to
Keauhou Bay. After lunch—and perhaps a quick game of
31–40 miles (biking)
5–9 miles (walking/hiking)
3–5 hours
Review the “Route Rating” section on the web for
more details on daily route options.
5
QUESTIONS? Call 800­462­2848
Frisbee—there’s time to visit a small independent
coffee farm for a taste of Kona coffee before we shuttle
to the sun-drenched Kohala Coast and the luxurious
Fairmont Orchid.
chance to try out the latest craze in water sports, standup paddleboarding; younger kids can take out a traditional outrigger canoe and spend time gliding atop the
water. Meanwhile, adults can either ride from the
resort or shuttle north for a spin along the Kohala Coast,
the famous birthplace and home of King Kamehameha,
Hawaii’s first king. The area is known for its many
wonderful arts communities and for being part of the
112-mile cycling course of the Kona Ironman. No matter
the option you choose, you’ll get a taste of what the
competitors experience as you pedal a section of the
triathlon route.
The superb amenities at our resort will tempt kids of all
ages. This afternoon you can spend time by the pool or
on the beach. If biking, hiking and paddling have
introduced you to muscles you didn’t even know you
had, you might consider booking a massage at The
Fairmont’s Spa Without Walls. (Spa treatments are not
included in the trip price.) This evening, leaders take the
kids for a fun-filled evening and parents enjoy a meal of
fresh local fare. Lodging: The Fairmont Orchid
All routes lead through the Pololu Valley, where you’ll
have incredible views of the dramatic coastline. You’re
on your own for lunch on the road—there are several
restaurants along the route—or back at the hotel.
Day 5
Kids: Beach Day (weather permitting) 3–4 Hours
Take the rest of the day to enjoy The Fairmont with
your family. Tennis, spa treatments and golf are all
tempting options (these activities are not included in
the trip price). Later we gather to watch the sunset
before dining on delicious Hawaiian specialties at the
award-winning Brown’s Beach House. Lodging: The
Fairmont Orchid
Shuttle to North Kohala 45 Minutes
Biking Options:
Hawi Valley Route: 15 Miles*(700’ elevation gain)
Pololu Valley Route: 35 Miles* (1,000’)
Kawaihae Route: 43 Miles* (1,500’)
*with shuttle
Kids can look forward to a fun day on the water with
Backroads leaders. Those 6 and older will jump at the
Day 6
Cultural Walk 1½ Hours
Shuttle to Kona Airport & Kailua-Kona 30 Minutes
After breakfast we drive 20 minutes to the temple of
Kamehameha the Great, Puukohola Heiau, which rises
majestically above the turquoise waters of the Pacific, a
testament to the most renowned king of Hawaii. After
our visit we return to the hotel for a farewell reception
before shuttling to the airport. Please see “Arriving &
Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.
Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multisport
6
Arriving & Departing
See Day 1 for meeting time and location.
CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP
On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides a shuttle
to Kona International Airport at Keahole, arriving at
approximately 12:30 p.m. If you’ll be taking this shuttle,
please schedule your flight for after 2 p.m.
If your flight leaves later in the day, The Fairmont offers
late checkout or a hospitality room. (Because the Kona
airport is small and doesn’t have air-conditioning, we
suggest taking advantage of late checkout with The
Fairmont instead of waiting at the airport. Please
inquire with the front desk if you are interested in late
checkout.)
needs. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected
with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing
fees may apply, depending on the services requested.
The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday,
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
To get to the airport on your own, you can take a taxi or
shuttle. Taxi fare from The Fairmont Orchid is $65–$85.
Shared
van
service
with
SpeediShuttle
(www.speedishuttle.com; 877-242-5777 or 808-3295433) is $60–$65 for two people.
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE KOHALA
COAST
From the Kona airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to
either Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa or The
Fairmont Orchid. Taxi fare is $65–$85. Shared van
service with SpeediShuttle is $60–$65 for two people.
Reservations are required; this option may involve
waiting for passengers from other flights to land.
Note: There are a limited number of flights to the
mainland, and the check-in process is usually timeconsuming. All checked luggage must be screened by
the Agricultural Department, taken to check-in, then
dropped off with the TSA agent. Carry-on luggage is
inspected by a TSA agent before you enter the terminal,
then checked by the Agricultural Department before
boarding. Please consult the TSA website (www.tsa.gov)
for information about the latest restrictions.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
We recommend flying in and out of Kona International
Airport (airport code: KOA; hawaii.gov/koa) at Keahole
on the Big Island. For help arranging air transport to and
from your Backroads trip, please work with your own
travel agent or you may choose to work with the
Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are
ready to share their insiders’ knowledge of Backroads
and our worldwide destinations. These professional
agents are available to assist you with any of your travel
PRICES & SCHEDULES
All prices and schedules were current at the time of
printing, but are subject to change at any time.
7
QUESTIONS? Call 800­462­2848
Climate
There are only two seasons in Hawaii: summer and
winter. Summer is usually from May to October, and
winter is usually from November to April. However,
you’ll find that temperatures on the islands have more
to do with location than with the time of year, especially on the Big Island, where there are several
microclimates. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, at an
elevation of 4,000 feet, experiences relatively cool
temperatures—be sure to pack an extra layer of
clothing for use during our time here. Please note that
wind sweeping across Mauna Loa can create conditions ranging from breezy to downright blustery! You’ll
likely encounter fierce wind at some point during your
trip, which can make bicycling more challenging.
Our trip begins and ends on the island’s drier west side,
where sunshine is the norm. On the Hilo, or tropical,
side of the island, as well as up near the volcanoes, rain
is always possible. Come prepared with quality waterproof breathable rain gear and some warm layers for
the cooler evenings. Hawaii’s humidity causes you to
perspire more and also prevents laundry from drying
quickly, so we recommend that you bring a few extra Tshirts, socks and underclothes. Items made from
synthetic moisture-wicking materials are ideal. See
“Suggested Packing List” in your Travel Planner for more
details on clothing and gear.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
High °F
81
81
81
82
82
83
Low °F
65
65
65
66
68
69
Precip. inches
3.1
1.7
2.1
1.6
2.3
2.2
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
84
85
85
85
83
82
Low °F
69
70
70
69
68
65
Precip. inches
2.5
2.4
1.7
1.7
1.8
1.7
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
High °F
68
67
67
67
69
70
Low °F
50
50
50
52
53
54
Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multisport
10.8
9.1
14.1
10.4
6.3
5.2
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
71
73
73
72
70
68
Low °F
55
56
55
55
54
51
Precip. inches
7.2
6.3
6.0
6.8
14.1
11.0
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
High °F
79
79
79
80
81
82
Low °F
63
63
64
65
66
68
Precip. inches
9.2
11.5
13.5
13.5
9.5
6.4
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
83
83
84
83
81
80
Low °F
69
69
68
68
67
65
Precip. inches
10.2
10.7
8.2
9.8
15.3
12.6
Hilo
Kailua-Kona
Average:
Precip. inches
8
Where to Stay Before
& After Your Trip
For help making hotel reservations for before and after
your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel
agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads
Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be
connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting
or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services
requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–
Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at
any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The magnificent Four Seasons Hualalai is a splurge to
savor. Settle into your Polynesian-style bungalow
featuring a furnished lanai for enjoying stunning ocean
or garden views. (pool, spa, tennis, golf) | Travel +
Leisure World’s Best 2015 | 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive |
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai | 800-819-5053 or 808325-8000 | 243 rooms & suites | Rates: 
Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the
internet and/or best available rates, which were
accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are
always subject to change. Also be aware that some
hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend
that you consult directly with the hotels for specific
details, as these requirements can change depending on
the season and time of the week. Book early, especially
during peak travel season!
Hilton Waikoloa Village
This 62-acre resort has a 4-acre salt-water lagoon and
white-sand beach, three freshwater swimming pools,
two championship golf courses and Dolphin Quest—the
interactive dolphin experience. (pool, spa, tennis, golf) |
69-425
Waikoloa
Beach
Drive
|
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com | 800-445-8667 or 808886-1234 | 1,240 rooms & suites | Rates: 
WAIKOLOA
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (A meeting
location on Day 1)
Shifting into vacation mode takes little effort at this
Marriott resort. Spend the afternoon kayaking, sailing,
scuba diving or just lounging on the beach. (pool, spa) |
69-275
Waikoloa
Beach
Drive
|
www.waikoloabeachmarriott.com | 888-236-2427 or
808-886-6789 | 555 rooms & suites | Rates: 
KOHALA
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The famous Mauna Kea stands as a hallmark of luxury
on the Kohala Coast. (pool, spa, tennis, golf) | Condé
Nast Traveler Gold List 2015 | 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach
Drive | www.princeresortshawaii.com | 866-977-4589
or 808-882-7222 | 258 rooms & suites | Rates: 
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Set on the breathtaking Kohala Coast surrounded by
mountains, the Mauna Lani’s grounds feature exotic
fishponds, ancient petroglyphs, vibrant tropical gardens
and pristine beaches. (pool, spa, tennis, golf) | 68-1400
Mauna Lani Drive | www.maunalani.com | 800-3672323 or 808-885-6622 | 348 rooms, suites & bungalows
| Rates: 
9
QUESTIONS? Call 800­462­2848
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Set on one of the most beautiful beaches in America,
the Hapuna, named after a series of natural springs
flowing under the hotel, shares 1,839 acres of paradise
with the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. (pool, spa,
tennis, golf) | 62-100 Kauna’oa Drive |
www.princeresortshawaii.com | 888-977-4623 or 808880-1111 | 350 rooms & suites | Rates: 
KAILUA-KONA
Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
Get the quintessential Hawaiian experience by staying
in one of the quaint condos provided in this stunning
resort facility. A vehicle is recommended, as the
location is a few miles away from beaches and shopping. (pool) | 75-5961 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Island of
Hawaii | www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com| 808-3344700 | 270 rooms | Rates: 
Royal Kona Resort
Located next to numerous trendy restaurants and
shops, this popular resort offers a private beach and
saltwater snorkeling lagoon, an oceanfront swimming
pool, the Lotus Massage and Spa Center, and an
oceanfront luau. (pool, spa, tennis) | 75-5852 Alii Drive
| www.royalkona.com | 800-222-5642 or 808-329-3111
| 436 rooms | Rates: 
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Set atop an ancient lava flow on 22 oceanfront acres,
the Sheraton Keauhou Bay provides a shuttle for the 5minute ride to Kahaluu Beach Park, whose calm bay is a
popular snorkeling spot. (pool, spa, tennis) | 78-128
Ehukai Street | www.sheratonkeauhou.com | 866-7168109 or 808-930-4900 | www.sheratonkeauhou.com |
509 rooms & suites | Rates: 
Wyndham Mauna Loa Village
The Mauna Loa Villiage is located near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, several hiking, biking and horseback
riding trails and is within walking distance to plenty of
shopping, golfing, and dining options. (pool) | 78-7190
Kaleiopapa Street | www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com
| 866-723-9878 | 45 rooms | Rates: 
Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multisport
10