Mōhalu Hawaiʻi

Mōhalu Hawaiʻi was born out of a desire to provide visitors with a foundational understanding of Hawaiʻi, our culture and most importantly, our people.

The Experience — Lei Making

Perfect for couples, families, or the solo adventurer. Each experience is private and exclusive. Relax as your instructor guides you through the process of creating your very own lei. As you string your lei together, you will learn about the different styles of lei, the many different flowers and foliage that are used, the cultural importance and significance of lei in Hawaiʻi, and much more. All materials needed to create your lei are provided. It is our hope that in addition to the lei you will create, you will take with you an appreciation for the art of lei making, a new respect of our environment and a foundational understanding of Hawaiʻi, our culture and our people.

EXPERIENCE INFO

Watch the landscape change before your very eyes at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This is the home of Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. The chance to witness the primal process of creation and destruction make this park one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hawaii and a sacred place for Native Hawaiians.

At the heart of the park are the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes. The Crater Rim Drive passes steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which features volcanology exhibits and a viewpoint overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater. Thick ferns mark the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). The Chain of Craters Road weaves over lava. Trails crisscross the park.

Located just east of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana offers a good view of activity from Kilauea’s Puu Oo vent, the source of the volcano’s most recent activity. Lava flow entering the ocean can be observed from the ocean on a permitted tour boat, from above by helicopter or from land via a 6 mile hike. Conditions change from day to day, so lava viewing experiences can vary.

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Of all the ocean activities available in Kona few, if any of them, offer more excitement and enchantment than night snorkeling with manta rays off of the Big Island. The world’s largest species of ray, the manta rays found off the Big Island of Hawaii can have wingspans measuring upwards of 20 feet, and swimming alongside these "Butterflies of the Sea" is awe inspiring! Snorkeling with the manta rays is available for those who aren’t certified scuba divers or those who prefer to be surface based for the adventure.

The Kona Coast is the best place to spot manta rays in Hawaii. The best way to experience manta rays is to go on a night boat tour. Attracted by the plankton in the water illuminated by lights, certified scuba divers on the ocean floor and snorkelers on the surface are treated to an amazing show as giant mantas glide and somersault in mesmerizing patterns.  Getting this close to these ethereal mantas is truly an experience of a lifetime.

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The Maunakea Visitor Information Station, at the 9,200 foot (2,800 m) level of Maunakea, has a free stargazing program held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

The program begins at 6:00 PM with the showing of First Light, a documentary about Maunakea made by PBS Hawaii about the history of the mountain from both astronomical and cultural perspectives. After the video, telescopes are set up for viewing. As soon as it's dark enough, a star tour will be given, using a laser pointer to point out the objects visible that night.

With the summit elevation of 13,796 feet (4,205 m) the oxygen level is significantly reduced. Also note that often, near-freezing night time temperatures are experienced even at the Maunakea Visitor Information Center at all times of the year. Please, dress warmly! Also, a red-filtered flashlight will help you navigate safely to and from the parking lot.

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Located on the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.

Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puuhonua o Honaunau remains one of Hawaii's most sacred historic places. Follow the park map and take a self-guided walking tour and explore the grounds including the Great Wall, standing 10-feet high and 17-feet thick. Fierce kii, or wooden images of gods, guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple that housed the bones of 23 alii (chiefs).

Beautiful at sunset, this sacred place gives visitors an important glimpse into early Hawaiian culture.

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Beating drums beckon you to the ocean's edge. The savory scents of succulent roast pig rise gently from the Imu. The oceanfront luau is a sensory feast of Polynesian rituals that tell the story of an ancient culture. Story telling begins as beautiful hula dancers and talented musicians share the tales of Polynesia's brave and courageous voyagers as they traveled to Hawai'i and established this land. The influence of other cultures can be seen in the evolution of costumes and hula motions as we share unique and incredible history of this island of Hawai'i.

Enjoy one of three spectacular oceanfront Hawai'i cultural experiences presented by Island Breeze.

EXPERIENCE INFO

With some of Hawaii’s most magnificent courses to choose from, Hawaii Island is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawaii.” Discover courses along the Kohala Coast, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course, the championship Francis H. I'i Brown courses of the Mauna Lani Resort and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses at Mauna Kea Resort. Not to be outdone, play the two courses of the Waikoloa Beach Resort designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Discover a variety of other hidden gems throughout Hawaii Island and play amongst the striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows and turquoise Pacific waters.

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The paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture is a big part of the lifestyle and history of Hawaii Island. With a wealth of scenic, open landscapes and other spots throughout the island, ranchers are happy to share their paniolo stories and knowledge with you on horseback.

Hawaii Island offers a variety of fun ways to saddle up for an unforgettable paniolo experience. From scenic storytelling tours by horse-drawn wagon to a hands-on chance to take the reins and go on a real cattle drive. Choose from a diverse selection of beautiful environments to ride through including the upcountry pastures of Kahua Ranch, the tropical Waipio Valley stream and waterfalls trails, or the southern reaches of a historic trail to Kealakekua Bay – complete with swimming and snorkeling. As you ride along these scenic vistas you’ll see why horseback riding on Hawaii Island is truly unique.

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Experience the thrill of zipping from tree-to-tree, reaching speeds up to 45 MPH while taking in the beauty of the forest canopy. Be thrilled and amazed while soaring on multiple ziplines , each more incredible than the last as guides tell stories of Hawaiian culture.  Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic and swim under private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream.

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The first coffee was planted in Kona by missionary Samuel Ruggles in 1828 or 1829. These first arabica trees were taken from cuttings planted on Oahu a few years earlier. Coffee and Kona were a perfect match – Kona with its rich volcanic soil, hard-working family farmers, and perfect climatic conditions. Taste Kona’s coffee and you’ll sense its strength, the hand-picked quality that sets it apart.

More Things to See & Do:

• Deep Sea Fishing
• Hiking
• Whale Watching
• Festivals
• Kayaking & Boating
• Waterfalls
• Beaches