Itinerary

Day 1 The sensational Waipio Valley, where sheer cliffs are blanketed by thick greenery and strung with waterfalls Bike along Hamakua's high coastline - postcard-perfect valleys and lush tropical hills greet you around every turn Hear a rushing sound? A rain forest walk leads to Akaka Falls, where water plunges more than 400 feet.

Days 2-3 Hike across a caldera and through a 600-foot-long lava tube with a certified volcanologist in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, the Earth's most active volcano Spin past ferns and ohia lehua trees on Crater Rim Drive before descending 4,000 feet to the stunning Kau Coast   Kids head to a working ranch for an afternoon of fun and the chance to meet some real paniolos (cowboys)   Is that rock moving? No, it's a sea turtle on the black sand of Punaluu Beach! Learn the stories of people who sought refuge at Puuhonua long ago.

Day 4 Kayak past rocky cliffs and secluded sea caves in crystalline Keauhou Bay Want a closer look? Don a mask and snorkel for a swimming adventure among colorful parrot fish, moorish idol and Hawaiian lionfish Fresh Kona coffee tempts at a small independent farm.

Days 5-6 Kids hang ten with a surfing lesson, explore tide pools or learn to make leis  Spin along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, tracing 30 miles of the Kona Ironman Triathlon's cycling course  Rather relax? Lounge on white sand or indulge at the spa, snorkel or play tennis   Glimpse Hawaii's ancient culture on a walk to petroglyphs chiseled on smooth black slates of cooled lava.

More information from Backroads:

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