Diversity is the name of the game when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii. Find your favorite activities out on the open ocean or in an uphill country pasture. Do the unthinkable and put on a pair of snow skis and zip down a dormant volcano. It's all part of the Hawaii experience.
Mauna Kea Skiing
If you are looking for a taste of the unusual, try snow skiing on Mauna Kea. Named "White Mountain" because of its winter covering, the dormant volcano does get enough snow to ski on. It takes a bit more creativity than skiing on the mainland and requires at least two people. Drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea and have all but one person ski down. The remaining person then drives the four-wheel drive vehicle down to pick up the skiers. Do it all over again until everyone gets to ski or you wear yourself out. When you're done skiing, drive down to the beaches along the Kona coast and warm your chilled ski-legs on the warm sands.
Horseback Riding in Paniolo Country
The Parker Ranch "paniolos," or cowboys, have been herding cattle since 1847 on the northeastern part of the Big Island. Join one of these paniolos on a horseback tour of this historic property. Ride past ancient stone corrals built from lava rock. Visit the rodeo grounds and racetrack, ride the green hillsides and maybe spot some wild pigs or pheasant. The minimum age for riding is 7 years old. Most rides are two hours long, but longer and private rides can be arranged. Parker Ranch land extends from Kamuela to Kohala with some acreage on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea.
Fishing for the Big One
Pacific marlin are regularly caught along the Kona Coast. Every August, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament draws anglers from around the globe. More and more firms are practicing "catch and release" and participating in scientific studies of these giant billfish. Try your luck at landing one of these fish. They are fighters and will give you a good workout before you get them reeled in. Take measurements and tag the fish before it is released back into the ocean. Bring your camera so you can prove you actually caught The Big One.
Biking Kohala
Each October, athletes from around the world gather in Kona to participate in the Ironman World Championship. Part of this triple challenge is a 112-mile bike ride from Kailua-Kona to the top of north Kohala. Rent a bike from one of the local vendors and ride part or all of this ribbon of roadway that winds through almost barren lava fields up the northwest coast. Or join a tour group and pedal with new friends. Shorter rides include the 21-mile Kohala Downhill, which runs from the slopes of the Kohala Mountains to an oceanfront park in Kapaa. A slightly longer ride that starts farther up in the mountains is a 40- to 55-mile jaunt to the sea. The routes vary. Climb aboard your own personal transport vehicle and pedal your way along the scenic Kohala Coast.
Diving With Manta Rays
Join a tour that takes you out on a night dive with Kona's resident manta rays. Motor out to the dive site along the coast and watch a Kona sunset from the deck of your boat. Once it is dark, bright lights are aimed at the ocean surface. These attract plankton, the food source for the mantas. The rays follow the plankton to the surface and scoop them up as they dive and somersault in the ocean waters. If you are scuba diving, watch the show from beneath the manta rays. Snorkelers stay at the surface. Either way, the manta rays are curious but gentle. They just might come and have a look at you, between bites.
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