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[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

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Visit ancient valley

While research has shown Americans have trouble "getting away from it all," staying wired to their offices even on vacation, there are still old-fashioned types who treat a vacation like a vacation.

It's still possible to find refuge on the Big Isle, where Hawaiian Walkways is one of several outfitters offering day-trip adventures on foot, by horseback or touring vans into lush and secluded Waipio Valley.

For more information, call toll-free 800-457-7759 or log onto hawaiianwalkways.com.

Located on the Big Island's Hamakua coast, Waipio Valley is relatively unknown to those outside Hawaii. Once inhabited by thousands of Hawaiians, the Valley of Kings is populated only by a handful of taro farmers who still tend the land.

Travelers can stay at nearby bed and breakfast inns, including the luxurious Waianuhea Inn (toll-free 888-775-2577 or waianuhea.com); Waipio Wayside B&B Inn (toll-free 800-833-8849 or waipiowayside.com); or Waipio Ridge Vacation (808-775-0603 or www.cyberrentals.com/HI/LaskoBIGI.htm). Waipio Valley also offers black sand beaches, where humpback whales frolic in winter.