Imagine a secluded and exclusive retreat, designed just for you and your family, nestled in the heart of a tropical paradise. This is what a three-generation family experienced during their nine-day winter vacation along the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Arrival at the House of the Sun
The family’s journey began in true EXP fashion, with a warm island welcome, greeted at Kona Airport by EXP Guides. A 40-minute drive to their home base offered a preview of Hawaii’s lush landscapes and white-sand beaches that would come to define their escape.
A luxury escape at the House of the Sun. Credit: Destinations in Paradise
Arriving at Hale ‘O Ka La — House of the Sun — tucked discreetly within the Mauna Kea Resort, was the perfect welcome. The mix of Pacific sea breeze and frangipani aromas surrounded this private estate. The villa’s recently renovated, contemporary design, full of neutral and luxurious touches, was perfectly complemented by tropical landscaping and stunning ocean views. Multiple bedrooms, lounging and dining areas, terraces, and a pool with a swim-up bar were all revealed within the effortless open-air layout.
After settling in and enjoying the amenities at the villa, the teenagers found the hidden grotto Jacuzzi where they took a dip beneath the waterfalls while the grandparents and parents relaxed on the terraces. Gathering in the evening, a private chef introduced the family to the island through a welcome dinner of fresh-caught fish and delicate sushi, served alongside a stunning Pacific sunset.
Dips in the hidden grotto. Credit: Destinations in Paradise
Dinner fresh from the sea.
Stories From the Sea
After breakfast, the family set out on a water-bound mission, on a traditional outrigger canoe sail led by artist and waterman Mike Field. The family spent the day learning about Hawaiian navigation, ancestry, and art, and listening to stories.
Sailing, the Hawaiian way
Drifting through clear waters. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Surrounded by the vast ocean, it seemed a shame not to dive in, so in the afternoon the family snorkeled Puako Bay, a calm, crystal-clear stretch of coastline brimming with coral gardens and vibrant reef fish, with a couple of sea turtles joining them. The father and the teenagers also headed into the more technical snorkeling at the dramatic ‘End of the Road’ region, where they snorkeled between lava arches and canyons. Working up an appetite, they returned to the villa for a relaxing family dinner and an evening of games.
Riding Through History
Saturday began at the Waimea Farmers Market, located at the historic Pukalani Stables, the heart of the local community, where generations of farmers and artisans shared their local produce, flowers, and crafts. Sampling the local offerings, the family explored the market while engaging with vendors who were full of conversations about their island and heritage.
Saddling up to explore the island. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman
In the afternoon, the family then saddled up at Ponoholo Ranch, riding through open pastures once taken by cowboys across an 11,000-acre working cattle ranch. The views of the untamed island were incredible, stretching out to Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.
Returning to the villa after another packed day, they soaked tired muscles in the Jacuzzi, enjoyed drinks by the pool, and had an evening swim before another delicious dinner prepared by the chef.
Island Birthday Magic
Today, the family celebrated a milestone birthday for their mother, which was an extra special one. After a birthday breakfast, the family went off to explore the Waipi’o Valley, the “Valley of the Kings”, steeped in history and sacred significance. Untouched by commercial tourism, it offered a unique insight into Hawaii’s past and present, with royal burial sites, ancient temples, and century-old taro farms.
Magical landscapes for a milestone birthday.
Come afternoon, while the parents and grandparents returned to the villa for relaxing spa treatments and a swim, the teenagers challenged themselves to some e-foiling along the Kohala Coast. With expert guides, they headed to the iconic Mauna Kea beach and flew through the water. It wasn’t the teens’ first time at e-foiling, so they tested out their skills with the latest tricks through the waves.
Tricks and tips e-foiling the Kohala Coast.
That evening, the family regrouped to enjoy more birthday celebrations. A private Hawaiian musician from the island performed at the villa, complementing the birthday celebration dinner perfectly. Once dinner was over, the music faded, gifts and cards were exchanged, and the family enjoyed a final nightcap under the clearest night sky.
Above the Clouds
After a leisurely morning of yoga, swimming, and relaxation, the family headed off for a mountain adventure to summit Mauna Kea. The first part of the afternoon started at the visitor center, where a chef prepared a hearty meal, fueling them for what was to come.
Above the clouds at Mauna Kea.
From here, most of the group headed up to the 13,803-foot summit, leaving the grandparents to enjoy the sacred mountain atmosphere before they returned to the villa. After a thrilling drive, the group hit the summit at the perfect time to admire the sunset and the otherworldly landscapes beneath them.
While the sky turned all kinds of beautiful shades, the sunset glow across the neighboring peaks of Mauna Loa and Hualalai was breathtaking. As they descended and reflected on the strenuous hike, they were then treated to some stargazing, in awe of the darkest and clearest skies on earth – they even saw the Milky Way. Back at the villa, they exchanged stories and mountain moments, then turned in for the night, ready for a well-earned peaceful sleep, prepared for the next day.
Exploring the Hawaiian Way
Today was all about embracing the island’s ranching legacy on a privately guided hunt. Beginning early, the group headed to one of the oldest and largest (around 130,000 acres) working cattle ranches in America.
Out on a traditional Hawaiian hunt. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeder
With exclusive access to this ranch located on the slopes of Mauna Kea and Kohala in Waimea, the group ventured into the volcanic grasslands to track wild pigs, mouflon sheep, and goats. The experience combined tradition, adventure, and education, ending in the family harvesting the island’s most prized game, a mouflon sheep.
Thrills in Nature
After breakfast, some of the group — particularly the thrill-seeking members — went for a final adventure at the Kulaniapia Falls. Harnessed up and guided by professionals, they rappelled 120 feet down into the island’s largest privately accessible waterfall.
Descending into adventure.
Some well-deserved cooling off.
After celebrating their canyoneering success with swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding under the falls, they wandered through bamboo groves and along rainforest trails. The day ended with a visit to historic Hilo, where the rest of the family joined for the afternoon.
Hilo was the center of sugarcane plantations in the 19th and 20th centuries, and is also home to the world-renowned hula competitions. They wandered downtown and meandered between the mix of historic buildings, charming shops, and galleries. After, they headed to the Hamakua Coast, where they lingered on these pristine beaches, reveling in the dramatic landscapes for one last time.
Back at Hale ‘O Ka La, one last swim and Jacuzzi were enjoyed before they gathered for a final celebratory family dinner, soaking up the last moments of this time in paradise.
A perfect Big Island sunset farewell.
Aloha, for Now
Some final morning yoga to stretch out before the flight, and a farewell brunch marked the last morning. On the short drive back to Kona Airport, the family reflected fondly upon the previous nine days.
As they said their goodbyes to our EXP Guides, they left behind memories of the shared adventures they had on the Big Island, and the moments all three generations celebrated together, including a once-in-a-lifetime milestone birthday in one of the most extraordinary corners of the world.
