Hawaii Big Island

Welcome to the Big Island–6,500 square miles of cloud-decked mountains, hardened lava fields, pristine rainforest and towering waterfalls, plus an ocean full of creatures and corals. After settling in, enjoy a private dinner al fresco with tropical cocktails in hand, and a ceremonial welcome and blessing for your Big Island adventures to come.

Today, you’re granted VIP access to the royal fisheries of Kiholo Bay. This highly refined aquacultural system – built in 1820 by King Kamehameha I – is home to a thriving marine habitat with dozens of native fish species and green sea turtles. Experience the underwater ecology firsthand, snorkeling in the bay, usually off-limits to the public. Sunset means means climbing high for a sky-like vantage point on a private visit to the summit of Mauna Kea and its world-famous observatory. See the island’s rich landscape hued by a purpling sunset and then a full sky of stars twinkling. This is a rare, truly unique experience – you’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible.

Get ready for a culinary and agricultural exploration of the island. Starting with coffee, on a scenic ride through winding country roads and lush greenery of the windward Hamakua Coast. The tastings continue at Kaunamanu Farm, learning how the award-winning farm has created a fully sustainable ecosystem for the livestock, and being honored guests of the farmer’s family at a delectable farm-to-table feast. The main course? One of their own Berkshire pigs roasted Kalua-style in an imu oven, the traditional Hawaiian way.

Deep dive, quite literally, into one of the most cutting-edge, ecologically minded suppliers of seafood at Blue Ocean Mariculture. It’s the only open-ocean fishery in the United States, operating in the deep waters off the Kona coast. Get a behind-the-scenes tour, then head out sailing on the ocean to snorkel or scuba dive (if you’re certified) amongst deep-water pens housing Hawaiian Kampachi, prized by top chefs everywhere. Back on board, break for a sashimi lunch sourced from these same waters as you cruise the stunning Kona coastline, flying fish dancing in your wake.

Things get epic today on a private helicopter ride touring the dramatic, molten landscape. Fly low over the ever-changing geology of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s quiet now, but spent most of 2018 spewing lava and altering the island’s landscape as it has done for millennia. Back on the ground, enter private land to investigate Kauhi Cavern—an enormous lava tube with a hanging garden of roots overhead and walls covered in the golden growth of microscopic plants. Then reconvene for a chef’s table dinner overlooking the glorious landscape and Aloha spirit.