Bicycle Adventures http://bicycleadventures.com/, a Pacific Northwest-based active travel company specializing in two-wheel tours in North America, Hawaii's Big Island and New Zealand, favors the paradise of Hawaii for upcoming Thanksgiving and Holiday escapes - on bicycles.

"Combined with recently announced lower air rates from the West Coast, Hawaii is a great option for people who have a few extra days around Thanksgiving and the Holidays and who prefer to get a good workout while on a vacation," said Todd Starnes, owner. He noted that Alaska Airlines is one airline offering attractive fares to Hawaii through mid-November.

His company offers three levels of bicycle tours on Hawaii's Big Island that range from "classic" which means upgraded lodging and dining, "casual" or more relaxed and easier on the pocketbook and "family" which designates family-friendly activities for all ages. The common denominators are the destination itself and the fact that some of Bicycle Adventures' most experienced guides live in Hawaii and are on duty to guide and offer a local's perspective on company trips there.

Following are opportunities to explore, learn, stretch and be warm over the Holidays: Hawaii Classic offers six remaining departures through 2014: Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 9, 16, 23, and Dec. 26. These are seven-day trips that begin in Waikoloa/Kona. The all-inclusive (except for one dinner) trips bring guests for overnights at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel; Kilauea Lodge a magnificent historic lodge; Volcano House perched on the rim of Kilauea Volcano; Sheraton Kona at Keauhou Bay and Waikoloa Beach Resort. They spend two nights in Volcanoes National Park, hike, bike, snorkel and whale watch on a catamaran, all the while averaging 45 miles a day on bikes.  The trip can be tailored to all levels. The per person double rate is $3,495. For 2015, twelve departures have been set.

Hawaii Casual offers four six-day departures remaining in 2014, including one that rings in the New Year: Sept. 28, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, and Dec. 27.  This trip follows the same itinerary as Hawaii Classic, spending one night on Kilauea Volcano. Lodging and dining are more moderate than on the Classic tour, hence the slightly lower price tag. The per person double rate is $2,695. Six departures have been scheduled for 2015.

Hawaii Family offers just one holiday season departure (Dec. 27) but it spans the New Year. There are lots of extra kid-friendly activities built into this tour in addition to hiking, biking and catamaran experience. Guests may opt for stand-up-paddle boarding or surfing lesson plus there's plenty of time to snorkel and to enjoy some of the great swimming pools at the hotels. An ocean-side natural hot spring at Ahalanui Park heated with volcanoes is a big hit with the kids. The per person double rate for six days is $2,660. For 2015, three departures have been set over Spring break and the New Year.

"We are the Hawaii cycle tour specialists," adds Starnes. Bicycle Adventures has run cycle tour vacations on the Big Island since 1990.