EPIC ROAD TRIPS
Every road trip needs a little history on its agenda. Hawaii Island road trippers staying at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel can visit one of the island’s important historic sites: Ahuena Heiau, a temple rebuilt by King Kamehameha the Great between 1812 and 1813, and now a National Historic Landmark, neighboring the hotel. Kamehameha the Great established his royal residence on a site adjacent to where the hotel now stands. Road trippers may also take a self-guided tour of the hotel’s unparalleled art collection, created by renowned Hawaii artist and historian Herb Kane, and other historic artifacts displayed in the lobby. For hotel room reservations, call (808) 329-2911, or visit www.konabeachhotel.com.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows makes it easy for guests to explore the many wonders of Hawaii Island with its Mauna Lani Room & Car package. See the evening glow of molten lava at the summit of Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, take in the black sands of Punaluu Beach on the island’s southeastern Kau Coast, or visit historic sites such as the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great in the north Hawaii Island town of Kapaau. The package includes elegant accommodations and a full-size rental car for each day (unlimited mileage and all taxes included). Rates begin at $359 per night and no minimum stay is required. For more information, visit www.maunalani.com.
The Beach Club at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is now home to Beach Club Bikes! Offering an array of bikes and routes suitable for all skill levels, guests can choose from select three-speed beach cruisers or “townies” for a coastal route or a guided breathtaking cross country ride to nearby Waimea or Parker Ranch. Road bikes can also be arranged for the serious road cyclist or those wanting to explore Queen Kaahumanu Highway, home to the famed annual IRONMAN World Championship. The addition of bike rentals further supplements an array of ocean activities offered by The Beach Club. For more information, visit www.MaunaKeaBeachHotel.com.
TOURS AND EVENTS
Ragnar Relay, the premier series of overnight road and trail running relay adventures in the United States, is challenging runners to find their #innerWILD with the inaugural Ragnar Relay Hawaii on October 14 and 15, 2016. The 200-mile race begins in Hilo and ends at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. For more information, visit www.ragnarrelay.com.
The Original Donkey Balls Factory and Store announces tours for its two manufacturing locations, beginning Feb. 15. The 45-minute tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and begin with a walk through the store and introduction to the products crafted behind its interior glass window. Guests on the tour will see and learn what each piece of machinery helps create, and visit a “behind-the scenes manufacturing” location across the street from the store. Visitors will also see the store and factory’s chocolate panning, packaging and labeling systems, with samples provided throughout the tour. Sign up for tours at the front counter of the Original Donkey Balls Factory and Store, located at 79-7411 Mamalahoa Highway in Kainaliu, on the Kailua-Kona Coast.
Indy films will make a big splash at the 11th annual Big Island Film Festival at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, happening May 26 to 30. Undiscovered big-screen gems and the filmmakers behind them, along with up-and-coming stars from film and TV, will mingle among residents and visitors at sunset parties, and watch films in beach lounges under the stars at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Become inspired by the fest’s unique film culture. Celebrities attending will be announced as festival dates get closer, but stars who have attended in the past include Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon, Jackson Rathbone (Twilight), Arielle Kebbel (Ballers), Kristina Anapau (Black Swan) and Will Estes (Blue Bloods). Visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com for more information.
TASTY TIDBITS
KapohoKine Adventures has entered a new and exclusive partnership with Volcano Winery, aimed at bringing more attention to the importance of creating a self-sufficient and sustainable future. KapohoKine Adventures’ tour guests visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will now have an opportunity to partake in a private group vineyard tour, wine tasting and catered dinner at Volcano Winery, which produces a distinctive array of wines only available in the Hawaiian Islands. KapohoKine Adventures’ most popular tours now incorporating visits to Volcano Winery include “Kilauea Hike ‘n Glow” (which includes a four-mile crater hike), “Evening Volcano Explorer” and “Zippin’ Volcano.” For more information, visit www.KapohoKine.com, or call (808) 964-1000.
ACCOLADES
In recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism outcomes, KapohoKine Adventures, a premier Hawaii Island tour operator conducting expeditions in and around Kailua-Kona, Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has been awarded the STEP Bronze Certification from Sustainable Travel International. To qualify for STEP Bronze, businesses must have drafted a sustainability policy and completed a triple bottom line impact assessment. For more information, visit www.KapohoKine.com, or call (808) 964-1000.