Located inside the Hilton Waikoloa Village, this dolphin habitat draws visitors from up and down the big island of Hawaii. Dolphin Quest Hawaii offers a variety of programs and encounters for everyone from children to couples. Guests and visitors have the chance to learn about these extraordinary creatures through fun and educational programs. See their website for more information.
Spanning over 130,000 acres (53,000 hectares) of rolling grasslands, Parker Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranches between Kohala and Mauna Kea of the Big Island. This active ranch features sprawling fields, primarily used for grazing more than 17000 cattle. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the vast grounds, historic homes, and gardens; and witness a rodeo in action. Along with heard of grass-fed cows, horses and bulls can also be seen on this ranch.
The lush windward side of the Big Island of Hawaii offers many unique and inexpensive opportunities to absorb and enjoy nature and the beauty of the island. Along with the gorgeous setting, Kalopa offers hiking, camping by permit along with picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water. The trail loops through a canopied native Ohia Lehua forest. The park is also a collection of native ferns, shrubs and more. It's also a favorite spot among native birds. The trail-head is located toward the rear of the parking lot. It is a picturesque loop trail that is easy enough for a family afternoon hike.
Located on the sunny Kohala coast of the Big Island, Kaunaoa Bay is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. The wide sandy crescent shoreline fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and is the perfect beach to spend the day on the soft sand or swimming the clear, warm, gentle surf. Although public beach access is mandated by law, the hotel controls access by limiting the number of parking spaces, so arrive early and bring along a picnic and drinks to avoid the pricey resort offerings. Showers and restrooms are available, but beach chairs and umbrellas are not. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset.
Housed inside charming, rugged-looking Pukalani Stables built in 1909, Paniolo Heritage Center calls out to all cowboy lovers. Take a riveting journey back in time to the times of Paniolo or the Hawaiian cowboy. Learn about the life of Paniolo through the incredible exhibits on display. Admire the wonderful collection, including artifacts, photographs, original saddle, and more. There is a souvenir store in the vicinity where visitors can purchase unique, ranch-themed items, hand-stitched leather, and housewares items. Check the website for more.
You won't realize it at the time but while on this tour, you might just learn a thing or two. It is altogether too novel of an experience to be classified as 'educational.' Participants are conveyed in an old-fashioned buggy, drawn by mules, through the rugged Waipi'o Valley, a land so undeveloped as to seem caught in a time warp. The cart splashes along by the side of a pond, meanders down a dirt road and cuts through a taro patch. Meanwhile, the knowledgeable guide throws bits and pieces of folklore, history and trivia at the passengers. An enjoyable experience for the whole clan.