NORTH HAWAII — With most North Hawaii schools on spring break this week or the first week of April, parents may be looking for ways to spend quality time with their kids outdoors, rather than just sitting in front of the TV or on their smartphones.
While airline tickets and hotel rooms off island can be costly, there’s plenty to do right in their own backyard.
Three unique outings take families from land to sea and up in the air with special kamaaina rates, or at no cost at all.
Zip lining in Kohala
During the short, 15-minute drive from Kohala Zipline headquarters in Hawi to the forested site in Kapaau, guides share the history of the region — from Native Hawaiian villages that existed hundreds of years ago along the rugged coast, to historic sugar plantations that thrived in the 1800s and 1900s, to the long journey the King Kamehameha I statue made before finding its home in front of the North Kohala Civic Center, not far from where Hawaii’s great king was born.
Up in the hills above a macadamia nut farm and a ranch where dozens of mama cows and their curious yet timid calves roam, lies a 6,000-acre private nature preserve where visitors zip, trek and rappel. The sustainably built aerial course features nine zip line runs and five elevated suspension bridges.
Among towering trees overlooking Halawa Gulch, the runs range from 110 to 1,100 feet in length. The gentle sounds of a stream below, winding through ancient taro fields, can be heard from above as zip liners pause between stops.
“Jumping off the zip line stations was thrilling,” said Berry Kendall, the mother of two teenagers who visited Kohala Zipline during a week-long spring break from the mainland earlier this month. “I loved the moment where you jump and feel completely free. Our instructor was very thorough about the safety measures while keeping things fun.”
Her 13-year-old son, Porter, added, “It really gave me an adrenaline rush. Our guide, Adam, enhanced the experience by telling many interesting zip line stories and about the history of the area we were in.”
Kohala Zipline tours are led by two certified canopy guides. The three-hour outings include safety and rain wear, water and snacks. Visitors can choose from the Canopy Adventure or Zip & Dip, including a picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley and a swim under a private waterfall in addition to zip lining.
Kamaaina can receive a 20 percent discount off the standard rate.
Info: Call 331-3620 or go to www.kohalazipline.com.
An authentic Hawaiian sail
About a year ago, a majestic 35-foot replica of an ancient Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe became a permanent fixture on Kaunaoa Beach fronting Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Open to hotel guests and the public, Koka Gionson and his wife, Mahealani, operate three one-of-a-kind sailing adventures through their business, Hawaiian Sails, Monday through Saturday.
Aptly named Hahalualele — meaning the flying manta ray — the boat can accommodate up to six people on the two-hour journey north and south along the Kohala Coast.
During the first few minutes out to sea, Koka shares the history and culture of the Hawaiian people, often interrupted by cheers of delight as guests spot pods of spinner dolphins surrounding the canoe or effortlessly leaping into the air in close proximity. Once he has selected a snorkeling location, everyone jumps in the ocean to see a wide variety of fish, sea urchins, shells and honu around the coastal reefs.
“My youngest loves to sail and I thought he’d get a kick out of the boat,” Kendall said. “Every review on TripAdvisor was very positive, saying it was a must-do.”
During late winter and early spring, whales can usually be seen from the canoe as they breach or swim with their newborn calves in the near distance.
“Locals don’t always get to experience all of the excursions and activities here on the island,” Mahealani said. “We wanted to offer a discount for families to go out and have a good time.”
Snorkeling gear, towels, cold drinks and light snacks are provided. Guests only need to bring sunblock and swimsuits. Hawaiian Sails offers a kamaaina rate daily that saves locals nearly 33 percent off the standard rate.
Info: Call 640-6340 or go to www.hawaiiansails.com.
Looking deep into Waipio Valley
In Hamakua District, Waipio Valley Lookout is an easy drive, just 35 minutes from Waimea. The childhood home of King Kamehameha I, the steep drive down into the valley is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicles, but the view from the lookout point is a treat in and of itself.
Named for the river that runs through it, Waipio Valley could easily be mistaken as a movie backdrop. The picture-perfect view frames the ocean’s turquoise waters that meld into the sky, contrasted by rugged green cliffs and waves crashing along the black sand beach below. Once densely populated, only a couple dozen residents and some wild horses now live on the land that’s mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields.
In the early 1990s, it also served as the set for the final scene in Kevin Costner’s memorable film, “Waterworld.”
“It is so serene. It looked infinite; kept going on and on. It was really interesting to look out at all the greenery, and if you looked closely you could see a waterfall,” Perrin Kendall said, a 15-year-old who visited recently with her mom and brother.
For those who want to explore the valley further, guided tours are available through Waipio Valley Shuttle or Waipio Valley Wagon Tours every day of the week. Wild horses, taro patches and tropical foliage and waterfalls are plentiful in the six-mile valley.
Info: Waipio Valley Shuttle offers a 10 percent kamaaina discount. To book a tour call 775-7121 or go to www.waipiovalleyshuttle.com. Waipio Valley Wagon Tours also offers a kamaaina rate. Call 775-9518 or go to www.waipiovalleywagontours.com for more information.
