Hawaii’s Big Island with Kristofor Lofgren

One Departure Only

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Book Early & Save

$4900 Early Access, price valid until July 22, 2019

$5200 Standard Price

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Price from

$4,900

per person, based on double occupancy. Early Access price limited to first 6 guests only.

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

The Kampachi fish melting in your mouth swam Kona Bay’s blue waters an hour ago. That’s how fresh food is on Hawaii’s Big Island. The buttery flavor on your tongue is like nothing you’ve tasted. It’s the essence the Pacific, where trade winds soften the air and the expansive horizon gently curves where ocean meets sky. As the boat rocks, your skin is dusted in salt spray. You feel a connection to this magical place in the middle of the Pacific, grateful for all the Island of Hawaii has to offer.

This six-day Big Island adventure comes with perfect company: Kristofor Lofgren, founder of Oregon’s Bamboo Sushi, the world’s first sustainable sushi restaurant and first to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Kristofor calls himself an “ecopreneur,” and he’s building innovative restaurants at the forefront of helping to save the oceans – and plating delicious sushi. Kristofor seeks to enlighten and inspire, and is possibly the most qualified human on Planet Earth to accompany us on a Big Island adventure with an emphasis on doing right by doing good (including donating 5% of profits from this trip to the Nature Conservancy in Hawaii).

If you’re committed to sustainability and its impact on our world—and you like adventure—this trip is for you. We’ll fly helicopters over volcanoes, go snorkeling and diving, hike in private reserves, explore cavernous lava tubes, and star gaze from the peak of Mauna Kea. Get connected with sustainability and be a part of the conversation. Join us!

Explore

The island's diverse landscapes—lush mountain forests to undulating ocean reefs

Learn

How ancient practices can change how we think about, and produce, our food today

Indulge

In the freshest possible food, plus island culture and oceanside spa treatments

Access

VIP and behind-the-scenes parts of the island not normally open to the public

3 Reasons to Travel with Kristofor

Nobody ever thought about sushi when they thought of farm-to-table. Kristofor Lofgren did. A bold entrepreneur and consummate creator, his interest in sustainability and the culinary industry led him to found Bamboo Sushi in 2006, the world’s first Marine Stewardship Council-certified sushi restaurant. His willingness to overcome the many challenges—hey, it's not easy being sustainable in an industry that famously isn't—transformed a passion into his career. Simply put, Kristofor’s vision is to save our oceans, one meal at a time.

He's committed

Kristofor believes if you’re going to consume a resource, you need to be proactive about putting it back. For every one fish Bamboo Sushi sells, they want to put two back in the ocean—so, the more you eat, the more you save.

He's an ecopreneur

Never heard of it? That’s because he coined it. His passion for responsible food production led him to found Sustainable Restaurant Group, a collection of brands providing sustainably-sourced foods to its customers.

He's a force for good

Kristofor travels the world speaking and educating on sustainability practices to affect positive change—and has a blast doing it. On this trip, 5% of profits will go to the Nature Conservancy in Hawaii. 

Your Experience

"Not a lot of restaurants have an impact on the world. We aim to do something that's fun, creative—and meaningful."
Kristofor Lofgren

May 27 - June 1, 2019
Big Island, Hawaii

"The heritage of Hawaii is in living off the land, in harmony with nature."
Kristofor Lofgren

Day by Day

Hike, snorkel, helicopter over volcano and star gaze from the top of the world. This six-day Big Island adventure is a joyful celebration of Hawaii’s culture, landscape and generous spirit.

Day 1 | May 27

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 checking in at our graceful setting – the exquisite Hualalai Four Seasons Resort – we’ll meet up with Kristofor and our fellow travelers for a private group dinner al fresco. With tropical cocktails in hand, we’ll be treated to fresh, local faire and a ceremonial welcome and blessing for the week to come.

Day 2 | May 28

Today, we’re granted VIP access to the royal fisheries of Kiholo Bay. This highly refined aquacultural system – built in 1820 by King Kamehameha I himself – is home to a thriving marine habitat with dozens of native fish species and a resident population of green sea turtles. Hosted by the Nature Conservancy’s local experts, it’s a unique opportunity to see how conservation has informed and supported the island’s ecosystem. We’ll end by experiencing the underwater ecology firsthand, snorkeling in the bay, usually off-limits to the public.

Our evening means climbing higher, for a sky-like vantage point on a private VIP visit to the summit of Mauna Kea and its world-famous observatory. We’ll see the island’s rich landscape hued by a purpling sunset and then a full sky of stars twinkling over the scene. This is a rare, truly unique experience – you’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible.

Day 3 | May 29

Our third day takes us on a culinary and agricultural exploration of the island. And it can’t start without coffee. We’ll go on a scenic ride through winding country roads and lush greenery of the windward Hamakua Coast and stop at an organic coffee plantation. We’ll see how their product is grown, learn about types of beans and how organic farming is an integral component of Hawaii’s agriculture.

Next, we’ll sample our way along the coast, passing through ancient taro fields, procuring fruits, jams and berries from local vendors.

Our tasting tour continues at Kaunamanu Farm, where we’ll learn how solar pumps deliver water to create a sustainable ecosystem for the livestock. We’ll be honored guest’s of the farmer’s family who will treat us to 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.

Day 4 | May 30

Today we’ll deepen our respect for the ocean bounty with a visit to one of Kristofor’s most cutting-edge suppliers, Blue Ocean Mariculture. It’s the only open-ocean fishery in the United States, operating in the deep waters off the Kona coast. We’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour, then head out to the ocean to snorkel (or scuba dive, if you’re certified) amongst deep-water pens housing Hawaiian Kampachi, the premier member of the Amberjack family and prized by top chefs everywhere for its sweet flavor and firm texture. Back on board, we’ll break for a sashimi lunch sourced from these same waters as we cruise the stunning Kona coastline, flying fish dancing in our wake.

Back at the hotel, we’ll have time to relax with a drink and take in the ocean views, indulge at the hotel spa, or grab some beach time.

Day 5 | May 31

Things get epic today on a private helicopter ride touring the dramatic, molten landscape. We fly low over the ever-changing geology of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and learn how Kilauea Volcano (with the help of Pele, the volcano’s goddess) shaped this island. 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, we’ll 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.

Our farewell dinner at the Four Seasons will be the perfect bookend to our adventure. Led once more by the cultural expert and chef, it will give us a chance to reflect on how to integrate Hawaii’s vibrance of generosity into our daily lives. We were greeted with the Aloha spirit, and now we fondly say Maholo to this magical experience.

Day 6 | June 1

Those of us who aren’t ready to depart—and nobody ever is—can extend our stays, either right here on Hawaii Island or hop to a new one. An island tradition says if we leave our lei behind we’ll return one day. So don’t say goodbye, say Aloha Oe—until we meet again.

Where We Sleep

White-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes, the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort is an idyllic retreat and perfectly situated for our Big Island adventures.

Four Seasons Hualalai Resort

North Kona

A microcosm of Hawaiian landscape and spirit, Hualalai gets its name from a Hawaiian Queen—and makes you feel like royalty. Lava fields spill into lush tropical grounds that lead to an immaculate white sand beach shared by Hawaiian green turtles.

Hualalai integrates indulgence into an environment that celebrates Hawaii’s culture—fresh, locally sourced food, music that speaks to your heart and hospitality that nurtures your soul. The spirit of Hawaii, from its long-held traditions to its inspired art, informs every detail of our idyllic retreat.

Book Hawaii’s Big Island with Kristofor Lofgren

Travel Dates

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

Price from

$4,900

per person, based on double occupancy. Early Access price limited to first 6 guests only.

Book Now

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+1 (855) 219-8018

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Questions?

That’s OK, we have answers.
Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.

  1. WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

    Five nights at incredible five-star accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals; gratuities for local staff.

  2. What does the price not include?

    Roundtrip airfare to destination; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.

  3. WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS?

    We recommend you arrive at the Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on or before Monday, May, 27 2019. We’ll meet as a group at Hualalai Resort 4pm on May 27, 2019.

    Our last day of this adventure is June 1, 2019. Your departure plans from KOA are at your discretion.

    Detailed arrival and departure guidance is provided in your post-purchase trip materials, including recommended routes, transfer options, and timing considerations. If you have specific questions before booking, our team is always happy to help.

  4. Who is going on this trip?

    We limit the group to no more than 16 fellow adventurers and your Modern Adventure team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests – including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is recommended for travelers aged 18 and above.

  5. Who is leading this trip?

    This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure Trip Leader. They are an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and the person to go to with questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us. We’ll also be joined by special guest Kristofor, founder of Bamboo Sushi.

  6. Can I extend this adventure?

    Yes, pre and post stays and experiences are available. After a booking has been made our concierge team is more than happy to discuss and share options and coordinate additional hotel stays, activities or multi-day itineraries.

  7. Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?

    Yes, there is a $2,000 supplement for solo travelers, to be paid at the time of booking to secure a private room during the adventure. If you would like Modern Adventure to pair you with a roommate, that option may be available upon checkout – these spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).

  8. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens and residents should check the TSA’s website for requirements and acceptable ID for domestic air travel. Some State issued IDs may no longer meet TSA standards.
    If you are a Non-US Citizen traveling to Hawaii, visit the US Consulate or Embassy for requirements and information about passports & visas.

  9. What is the cancellation policy?

    You may cancel on or before February 20, 2019 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel between Feb. 21 and March 27, 2019, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after March 28, 2019 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being cancelled. (See our Terms and Conditions for full details.)

  10. When will my final balance be due?

    Your payment schedule depends on how far in advance you book your trip:

    • At the time of booking: Pay your $1,500 deposit per person.
    • 180 days before departure: 50% of your trip cost is due.
    • 120 days before departure: Full balance is due.

    We’ll send you secure payment links and reminders before each due date to make the process easy. If you book within 120 days of your trip, the remaining balance is due within 10 days.

  11. Is this trip the right fit for me?

    Modern Adventure trips are active, immersive small-group experiences. Our itineraries often involve sustained walking and standing throughout the day, including stairs, uneven terrain, cobblestones, unpaved paths, and moving between experiences at a pace that keeps the day flowing for the group.

    These experiences are not suitable for travelers who require physical mobility assistance, personal care support, or significant itinerary modifications in order to participate. In many destinations, accommodations for significant physical limitations may not be possible without materially altering the experience for the individual traveler or the group.

    All travelers are responsible for informing Modern Adventure of any physical limitations, medical considerations, or concerns before booking, or as early as possible before departure. Please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. We want every traveler to feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for the journey ahead.

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