Sizzlin’ October news from the island of Hawaii
It’s time to celebrate! The most visited portion of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has officially reopened after a four-month closure.
And here’s a listing of unique ways to not only experience the wonder of Kilauea volcano again, but enjoy a variety of activities and experiences only the island of Hawaii has to offer.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Highway West Vacations recently acquired the Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village and has plans to renovate it soon. Guests can look forward to a new, covered outdoor dining lanai (terrace/patio), tasty menu items inspired by a complete kitchen makeover, a refreshed dining room, and an expansion of its gift shop and front-desk office.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Mauna Kea Resort recently launched its Bee Mauna Kea initiative where, for $50 each, guests can enjoy an hourlong tour of the resort’s beehives, complete with beekeeping suits for everyone on the tour. The Bee Mauna Kea tour includes a demonstration of how the property’s FlowTM hives work, some bee fun facts from the resort’s resident beekeeper, a wellness check of the hive, a “honey pull” if the hive is ready to harvest, and a raw honey tasting. Guests also receive a jar of Mauna Kea Resort Honey to remember their experience.
The Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is inviting its guests and the public to reserve one of the property’s all-new cabana and daybed rentals for some time in the sun (or out of it). Cabana and daybed rentals offer beachfront views of Kailua Bay, with pupu (appetizers) and cocktail service provided by hotel staff. Rentals start at $30 for a half-day.
BikeVolcano.com recently announced the launch of its guided bicycle tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guests can reserve a 15-mile Full-Day Bike Adventure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at $152 per person, or the 8.5-mile Summit Special Bike Tour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 3 p.m., at $122 per person.
Wasabi Tours Hawaii recently introduced its Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, a small-group tour led by a local guide, visiting some of the island of Hawaii’s most iconic locations and scenery. Guests on the tour will visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach, walk through a lava tube, sample java at a Kona coffee farm and explore magnificent Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A sit-down dinner at a local café is included, and, depending on the weather, guests will stargaze by telescope at a secluded location.
KapohoKine Adventures recently announced the resumption of tours to one of the Islands’ most-visited attractions with its Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Adventure by Land package. Guests will see the dramatically changed Kilauea volcano caldera, now dominated by a larger and deeper Halemaumau crater, which, until recently, was home to a lava lake for more than a decade. Experiences on the tour will vary daily as the park continues to reopen in phases. Priced at $358, plus tax, for two people, the tour includes lunch, a wine tasting, barbecue dinner and single-room accommodations for one night.
Hawaii Forest and Trail has partnered with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park certified guides to showcase the new, strikingly changed landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The new Volcano Unveiled tour is an in-depth volcano experience. Guests will learn about and witness the most recent changes to Halemaumau crater that have forever altered Kilauea caldera. An off-road venture follows on private land to explore Kauhi Cavern with ceilings as high as 35 feet and other notable natural features, golden walls (living microbial mats) and an “upside-down” forest of roots descending from the ceiling.
Seeking the perfect gift for this upcoming holiday season? Ocean Sports is excited to announce its two-for-$160 gift certificates. Redeemable for two seats with any of the Ocean Sports’ Snorkel, Sunset Cocktail or Whale Watching Cruises. The perfect holiday gift for your adventure-loving friends and family members.
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf is kicking off the beginning of the Fall season with discounted gift cards. Available for a limited time, use the gift cards for green fees, golf apparel, Waikoloa Beach Resort logo items and accessories. Welcome the holidays with the gift of golf.
TASTY TIDBITS
Kilauea Lodge, located in Volcano Village just outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, announces Pau Hana Time, a new afternoon, after-work gathering from 2 to 5 p.m daily, featuring pupu and drink specials. The pupu menu includes island-style poke, spinach-artichoke crab dip, spring rolls, calamari and spicy chicken wings, alongside a menu of local drinks, wine and cocktail specials.
The lodge restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m., for lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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