From hydro-bikes to boogie boards, a fleet of water toys awaits families and groups during Aloha Days at the Beach. The program, offered by Ocean Sports on Hawaii Island, takes an affordable, all-you-can-play approach to fun in the sun.
Aloha Days at the Beach gives clients unlimited use of a range of aquatic amusements. The setting is Anaehoomalu Bay, which fronts Waikoloa Resort on the Kohala Coast. Guests check in at Ocean Sports’ open-air beach shack, where they get wristbands providing nonstop access to the action.
“We came up with the idea in order to create a party-on-the-beach atmosphere, where guests get an opportunity to try out all of our equipment,” said Nick Craig, director of sales for Ocean Sports.
A quick price comparison confirms the package’s value for clients who like to keep active. Ocean Sports’ a la carte rates range from $7 per hour for mask/snorkel/fin rentals to $50 per hour for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), while Aloha Days at the Beach costs $35 per person for four hours.
A glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect starting place for Aloha Days participants, particularly for families with children who are too small to go snorkeling. Guests get a chance to see turtles, tangs and other tropical wonders without getting wet. Fish photo cards help passengers identify what they see through the vessel’s clear floor, and onboard staff members lend additional guidance. The 20-minute ride is just long enough to whet the appetites of clients who want to snorkel in the bay.
While outrigger canoes, ocean kayaks and boogie boards provide plenty of splashy action, the most popular Ocean Sports equipment — based on the waiting lines to use them — are the hydro-bikes and SUPs. The bikes may look a bit goofy, but they’re fun and easy to ride. They give guests a great overview of the bay, not to mention a good leg workout.
Tougher to master are the SUPs. Clients usually start out on their knees until they get used to the balance of the board. After a few trial runs, most able-bodied guests can propel themselves while standing up. Staffers are on hand to help clients learn the ins and outs of each ocean sport.
When it’s time for a break, A’bay cafe, located right next to the Ocean Sports shack, sells a variety of sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks and shave ice laced with tropical syrups — ample fuel for the next activity at hand.
In short, Aloha Days at the Beach offers a money-saving way for groups and families to bond while creating sun-splashed memories.
“We know that unscheduled ‘play time’ is really rare these days, and we want to provide opportunities for everyone — regardless of their ages, interests or water abilities — to enjoy the real Hawaii in one of the most beautiful settings on the island,” Craig said.
Fast Facts
Aloha Days at the Beach with Ocean Sports costs $35 per person and is available Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Details
Aloha Days at the Beach
www.hawaiioceansports.com
Ocean Sports
www.hawaiioceansports.com
