Other Activities
Other Activities
Water Sports
History says the mesmerizing natural crescent beach of Kauna‘oa, with its soft white sand and easy access to the ocean, was an ideal spot for ali'i "vacationers" to store canoes, relax and play in the surf. Today, as in centuries past, Kauna‘oa embraces sun-worshippers and swimmers, sandcastle-builders, surfers, sailors, and those who prefer their strolling hand-in-hand under moonlight. Coupled with Hāpuna Beach to the south, these picture-perfect Hawaii beaches are often rated among the best in the country by The Travel Channel, "Dr. Beach," Condé Nast Traveler and many others.
Whether you want to wiggle your toes in the sand or make a big splash, there's a world of water activities waiting for you during your Hawaii family vacation:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Sailing
- Boogie boarding
- Kayaking
- Deep-sea fishing
- Seasonal whale-watch
- Canoe rides
- Stand-up paddle boards
For more information on water activities, please call (808) 882.5707 or visit our Online Concierge.
Helicopter Tours
The eruption at Kīlauea brings worldwide attention to Hawaii's Big Island, and you can capture the adventure on a spectacular "flightseeing" tour with Sunshine Helicopters. Their hi-tech "Black Beauties" are equipped with state-of-the-art video cameras, coffee or tea, pilot personal narration and choreographed music recorded on the live digital video, David Clark stereo aviator headsets with individual volume control, custom built digital recording system, polarized bubble windows, air-conditioned climate control, custom interiors and much more! Fly direct from the Hapuna Helipad to the dramatic action at the volcano and lush green valleys and waterfalls along the way.
Visit the desk at either Hotel, request reservations from Online Concierge or call (808) 882.5707.
www.sunshinehelicopters.com
Stargazing
Mauna Kea's summit is home to an international astronomy community that is the envy of stargazers worldwide and a must see for families. Experience a peek into worlds beyond and learn a bit about Polynesian celestial navigation that guided canoe voyagers to Hawaii for the first time with Stargaze Hawaii. See constellations outlined with powerful lasers, and deep space objects such as planets, galaxies, nebulae, interesting stars, star clusters, and multiple star systems with Celestron 11 Telescopes.
Request reservations from Online Concierge or call (808) 882.5707.
www.stargazehawaii.com
Kings Shops
The premier shopping destination for the Big Island with more than 90 shops, restaurants, casual eateries and a gourmet market - Kings Shops is an outdoor shopping oasis offering unique Hawaii merchandise and a diverse array of national brands set amid lush landscaping and water features.
Roundtrip shopping shuttle service provided for a nominal fee. Schedule
www.kingsshops.com
Manta Rays
After dinner at Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar, take a stroll down the stone path to Manta Ray Point and watch the nightly show, as a group of graceful manta rays careen and "dance" in the spotlight. Their dinner, tiny crustaceans called krill, are attracted to the lights, which in turn attract the manta rays. These sea creatures, hāhālua in Hawaiian, can reach up to 30' wingspan, yet seem like gentle giants as they turn in slow motion figure-eight's, gliding through the dark water along the shore.
Hawaiian Culture Experiences
At The Mauna Kea resort, we love to share the stories, songs and culture of Hawaii Island with our guests, as ‘ohana. Please join us for lessons in hula, lei-making, handcrafts and other interesting activities scheduled throughout the week, complimentary or at nominal charge. For more information, please call the Concierge, (808) 882.5707.
Cultural Activities
Dance. Hawaiian Hula lessons give you a chance to move to the rhythms of the island and tell a graceful story with your hands.
Explore. Our Mauna Kea Collection Tour gives deeper insight into the Pacific and Asian art surrounding us.
Create. Sit with Auntie Donna Jensen, who shares her skills in Hawaiian crafts with "lokomaika'i." Classes are complimentary, or offered at nominal charge. For more information, please call the Concierge, (808) 882.5707.
- Learn about lauhala weaving and make a little fish to take home.
- Create a Ti-leaf skirt for the Luau
- Make your own Ipu, Hawaiian drum
- Decorate a beautiful umeke, gourd bowl
- Enjoy the art of flower lei-making
For information call the Concierge, (808) 882.5707.
