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HIGH-OCTANE
Hawai‘i
THOUGH PLANS for visiting the Hawaiian Islands
often revolve around snoozing on sun-soaked beaches,
watching people take on Hawaii’s great outdoors
through various activities tends to be infectious.
Adventures like kayaking, ziplining, golfing and
snorkeling await, urging guests to reschedule
their naps and start their engines. By Bekah Wright
HAWAI‘I ISLAND
Many arrive at Hawai‘i Island’s Parker Ranch eager to saddle
up, only to discover there’s more than one trail to hit on the
historic property, established in Waimea by John Palmer
Parker in 1847. It’s one of the United States’ largest working
cattle ranches. Numerous tours give guests different viewpoints. A two-hour horseback ride inspires greater feats as it
meanders through stone corrals, a rodeo arena and a racetrack. A behind-the-scenes glimpse at the ranch’s paniolo
(Hawaiian cowboys) can be had on the four-hour Cattle Country
Tour past corrals and cowboy workstations to the original
homestead for a picnic. Another option is the Mana Road
Tour, a shorter version of the Cattle Country Tour. Those
wanting to kick up their speed a notch can hop on an all-terrain
vehicle and zip along pastures and paddocks.
KAUA‘I
Sightseeing isn’t the only way to enjoy Kaua‘i’s stunning landscapes, just waiting to be experienced via unique island activities.
Guests of Outfitters Kaua‘i’s Kipu Falls Zipline Safari kayak 2
miles downriver, passing the Hule‘ia National Wildlife Refuge
en route to the 2,000-foot shield volcano of the Haupu Mountain
Range, and the sacred Alekoko Fishpond. Next up is a hike to
Kipu Falls for picnicking and rope-swinging into a pool at the
foot of the waterfalls. Then a wagon ride zips through Kipu
Ranch to a tree house in a gigantic banyan. Even greater
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COURTESY OF COWBOYS OF HAWAII, LLC AT PARKER RANCH
heights can be reached by ziplining above
the forest. Still to be conquered: an 80-foot
suspension bridge leading to a mountain
pool for a final dip of the day.
_
LANA‘I
Ask scuba divers about favorite places to dive
on_ the Hawaiian Islands, and invariably
_
La na‘i’s Cathedrals is named. La na‘i is a
prime stop for snorkelers as well. Taking
visitors to some exclusive snorkeling sites is
Trilogy, a sailing company with catamarans
that depart from Manele Bay Small Boat
Harbor. Heading out into the clear, blue
waters, there’s much to be seen above the
surface — landmarks such as Sweetheart
Rock, rugged coast and spinner dolphins
playing in Hulopo‘e Bay —before anchoring
in idyllic Shark’s Fin Bay. The protected cove
foots Kahekili’s Leap, where ancient warriors
proved bravery and allegiance by jumping
from lofty sea cliffs into the Pacific. Despite
being named after a fin-shape rock formation, the cove is shark-free. Schools of tropical fish flit about the coral shoreline as if
saying, “Dive right in. The water’s fine.”
HAWAI‘I
MAUI
A great reason to travel to Maui: to attend
school. Golf school, that is. Golf fans know
Kapalua Resort’s 18-hole championship
course, The Plantation, as host to the PGA’s
annual Mercedes-Benz Championship. The
resort’s second championship course, The
Bay, is a favorite as well. Where better to
ensure games are up to snuff than the property’s Kapalua Golf Academy? The state-ofthe-art school offers half-day, two- and
three-day sessions, with 30 award-winning
PGA professionals as instructors in every-
thing from putting and reading greens
to the psychology of playing and digital
video analysis. The reward after matriculating: showing off “graduate” moves
on the fairways.
MOLOKA‘I
Contrary to popular belief, sometimes
the goal of kayaking is getting wet. Just
right for water babies: Moloka‘i Fish &
Dive’s Ocean Kayak Adventure. The sixhour expedition begins with kayaking
instruction at Kaunakakai Wharf.
Kayakers start their journey by maneuvering through tropical mangroves, with
a stop at Samoan crab ponds to learn
how to cast ancient Hawaiian fishnets.
Next up are the crystal-clear waters of
Moloka‘i Reef Flat, the longest fringe
reef in the United States. Here, paddles
are exchanged for snorkels, masks and
fins, as participants dive in to swim
amongst tropical fish, manta rays and
sea turtles.
O‘AHU
Our guests call The Wyland Waikiki one-of-a-kind.
We call it an original.
The Wyland Special
Every 3rd Night Free
Free One-Category Upgrade
Free Continental Breakfast
Free Internet Access
A cool, water-inspired oasis in the heart of
Waikiki. The Wyland Waikiki reflects the
design inspiration, and marine life art of
renowned artist, Wyland. Immerse yourself
in a world of art, nature and serenity.
Standard room rate from $179 per night based on single or double occupancy.
3 night minimum stay required. Effective now through December 21, 2009.
Subject to availability and may be discontinued at any time.
Reservations 1 877-995-2638 • WylandWaikiki.com
400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Honolulu Hawaii 96815
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SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE l MARCH 2009
When surfing first hit the scene in
Hawai‘i more than 1,000 years ago, it
was practiced by the ali‘i, or royals.
Not a pro or surfing royal? No worries.
Once the urge to surf can no longer
be denied, there are numerous surf
schools ready to teach the ropes. One
to try: Hawaiian Fire Surf School.
Students are shuttled to secluded
Kalaeloa Beach, 35 minutes outside
of Waikiki. Lessons are relayed by
members of the Honolulu City Fire
Department. As one might guess,
with instructors schooled in openwater rescues, safety and technique
are the focus during a 45-minute
beach session. The next 75 minutes
are devoted to surf time, with one
goal in mind: standing on a surfboard and riding a wave into shore.