Quick Answer: For unparalleled luxury experiences near your Mauna Kea or Kohala Coast second home, Paniolo Adventures offers an exclusive, private horseback riding journey through the lush Kohala Mountains, while Merriman’s Waimea provides a renowned farm-to-table dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients since 1988.
Key Takeaways: Enhancing Your Kona-Kohala Coast Lifestyle
- Exclusive Experiences: Paniolo Adventures offers private horseback riding on secluded land, ensuring an intimate and authentic Hawaiian cowboy experience away from crowds.
- Farm-to-Table Excellence: Merriman’s Waimea is a culinary cornerstone, delivering fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced directly from local farms and the ocean.
- Lifestyle Integration: These premier activities and dining options significantly enhance the luxury lifestyle associated with owning a second home or vacation rental on the Kona-Kohala Coast.
- Local Expertise: Dan Polimino and The Hawaii Team can connect you with these and other bespoke experiences that define luxury living in this unique region.
Discovering the Kona-Kohala Coast’s Finest Experiences for Your Second Home
Over nearly two decades selling luxury homes on the Kona-Kohala Coast, I have worked with hundreds of affluent individuals considering Hawaii as a second home or vacation rental investment. One of the most common questions I hear is: “What are the truly unique, high-quality experiences that make living here so special, beyond just the beaches?”
The answer is not magic—it is a system. What I call the Polimino Lifestyle Integration System is the result of years of testing, refinement, and proven results in understanding how discerning clients want to experience their investment. Rather than simply describing the system, let me address the most common questions second homeowners ask about local activities and dining. These are real questions from real clients, along with honest answers that explain how we connect you with the very best of the Big Island.
Seeking an authentic Big Island adventure away from the crowds for my family?
Quick Answer: Paniolo Adventures offers an exclusive, private horseback riding experience on private land, ideal for second homeowners seeking an authentic Hawaiian cowboy adventure without the typical tourist bustle.
When clients ask about unique activities, they are often looking for more than another boat tour or beach day. They want an immersive experience that connects them with the land and culture while maintaining the privacy and quality expected from a luxury destination. This is where Paniolo Adventures stands apart.
Located on the lush slopes of the Kohala Mountains, this is not a typical trail ride. Guests are outfitted as true paniolo—Hawaiian cowboys—complete with boots, hats, chaps, and dusters. The entire ride takes place on private land, ensuring there are no cars and no crowds—just you, your horse, and the unspoiled scenery of the Big Island.
The guides are deeply knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of the region, enriching the experience with meaningful local insight. This aligns with the Polimino Lifestyle Integration System, which emphasizes exclusivity and authentic connection to the island’s heritage. The goal is to create memories that are as enduring as your investment in a Kona-Kohala Coast home.
Example: A recent client from California who purchased a home in Mauna Lani had visited Hawaii many times but felt they had never truly experienced the island’s ranching heritage. After a private ride through the Kohala highlands, they described it as one of the most memorable experiences of their entire ownership journey.