Top Big Island of Hawaii How to Get Around

Visit a working farm in the Kona coffee region on the Big Island for a guided tour of local production. Learn how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and processed, with tastings included to understand flavor differences. This structured experience offers a clear introduction to Hawaiian coffee, with educational guidance and the option to purchase directly from the source.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Take a short cruise out to the snorkeling site before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night, free of charge.

If you are looking for a unique experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, different to the typical sightseeing tours, visit the Hawaiian Islands' only salt farm, which hand harvests Hawaiian salt from the ocean. At the farm's beautiful seven-acre oceanfront site you'll be guided through the salt-making process and learn about the water source and history of the area then sample some of the different salts.

Discover a side of the Big Island of Hawaii that very few other travelers get to see on this one-of-a-kind submarine tour. Choose from multiple start times, head to the Kona coastline, and board the submarine. As you descend towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes and spot fish and other marine life. Along the way, your on-board naturalist guide provides in-depth commentary about the aquatic sights.

Taste some of the world's best coffee, and follow its journey from tree to cup, on this immersive Kona coffee farm tour. In a small group of no more than 15, learn about the various species of coffee trees and about the challenges facing Kona coffee producers. See the wet processing method during harvest season, and gain insights into the drying and grading processes. Finish up with a tasting of freshly brewed Kona coffees.

Fly away from Hilo Airport and into a world of volcanoes, rainbows, and waterfalls. With this family-run helicopter company—the longest-running on the island—you’ll meet your captain, get debriefed on safety protocol, and hop into your helicopter for a wild aerial adventure. With your captain doubling as guide, you’ll explore the volcanoes of the national park, lava flows, orchid farms, lush forests, and so much more.

Explore the Big Island on a guided day tour covering a range of key natural and cultural sights. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and areas around Hilo with a local guide providing context throughout. With transport, lunch, and a structured itinerary included, this experience offers a convenient way to see multiple highlights in one day without arranging separate visits.

I work every Tuesday when the Pride Of America or any ship is in Hilo Harbor!!! Skip the crowded tour bus routes and see the Big Island like a local. This small-group tour ventures to lesser-known surf spots, jungle waterfalls, and hidden stops where you'll spot wild pigs, sample fresh tropical fruit, and try iced coconuts—experiences other tours miss. Your guide shares Hawaiian mythology, takes photos at every stop, and even leads you into the lava fields to hunt for peacock lava and explore fissures.

Fly over Kona on a helicopter tour showcasing Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery. The route includes views of Hualālai Volcano, picturesque bays, and historic sights along the shoreline. This aerial experience offers a time-efficient way to cover large areas that are difficult to access by land, providing a clear perspective on the region’s geography and natural features in a single flight.

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Experience some of the Big Island’s top attractions during this day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo. Learn all about volcanoes as you marvel at Halema'uma'u crater and explore the massive Kilauea Volcano. Visit Rainbow Falls around the town of Hilo and stop to indulge in local chocolates and fresh island coffee. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour.

Hawaii’s natural wonders aren’t only on land and in the sea—the Big Island is also a prime spot from which to admire the wonders of the solar system. This tour is the only one that includes both afternoon solar viewing and nighttime stargazing, accompanied by astronomy experts. Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana lava caves, then explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and use a state-of-the-art solar telescope and Dobsonian telescope to spot solar flares, galaxies, star clusters, and planets.

Experience the sun-soaked Kona Coast from a different perspective on this thrilling helicopter tour. Soar over Kona Town, Kua Bay, and the Captain Cook monuments; admire aerial views of the beaches and bays, and perhaps even spot migrating humpback whales along the coast. With up to 30 minutes in the air, this tour lets you cover far more sights than you could on the ground.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Kona and round-out your day on the Big Island of Hawaii in style with a relaxing sunset cruise. Aboard a comfortable and spacious catamaran, take in the views as you sail along the Kona coastline and toast the sunset with an included beverage or two.

Enjoy a sunset and stargazing experience like no other on this small-group trip to Mauna Kea—the highest point in the Hawaiian islands. Following afternoon pickup, travel in a 4x4 van to the summit—you can change into the provided warm jacket and pair of gloves, and sip a hot beverage, as the sun starts to set. Then, learn why so many research telescopes are located here during a brilliant celestial show.

Head out to Kealakekua Bay for a snorkeling and cruising adventure from Kona, ideal for travelers who want to get up close to some of the Big Island’s most interesting marine species. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you head along the coast to the bay, then hop into the waters to swim and snorkel among coral and fish before climbing back on board for an included lunch.

The best way to see Hawaii’s steaming vents and glowing lava has always been like the birds. You’ll get that feeling on this helicopter tour, soaring above one of the most volcanically active islands on the planet. Getting the pilot’s commentary via headphones, you’ll witness waterfalls, craters, the craggy coastline, and—if you're lucky—the volcano’s fiery glow.

Immerse yourself in nature on this small-group, tropical experience at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. The family-operated forest is a diverse ecosystem filled with native Hawaiian species and some rare species from other locations. Your guide will lead you through this tranquil space, explaining all about the microclimate, geology, biology, history, and more. Experience serenity, fresh air, and beauty and learn a lot along the way.

Discover a side of the Big Island of Hawaii that most visitors miss. This small-group coffee farm tour includes a guided walk through coffee orchards, where you can see ripe red cherries and learn about sustainable coffee production, the estate's rich history, and the intricate processes involved in harvesting and roasting. The experience concludes with a tasting of premium Kona coffee against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's tropical beauty.

The 13,803-foot (4,207.3-meter) peak of Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest point, and a popular spot for star-gazing. With this tour, travel up to the summit with your guide, stop for dinner at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, then arrive at the summit in time to watch the sunset. As dark sets in, enjoy a guided stargazing experience and marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and razor pointer.

Explore the world’s most active volcano on this private eco-tour around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You'll experience the highlights of Kilauea’s summit area and hike to hidden and highlight areas of the park. This half- or full-day, education-based exploration focuses on the native flora and fauna, the area's geology, and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives in the area today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which sends lava dripping towards the sea, plus a wealth of photo-worthy natural scenery. On this small-group tour of the national park, hear the legends of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess, climb to the rim of Kilauea volcano, and spot many of the region's other top sights. Round-trip transit from coastal Hilo makes getting there easy.

Get away from the crowds with this private self-guided audio driving tour of Hawaii’s Big Island. No Wi-Fi needed, this app-based tour plays from your smartphone using GPS to narrate your way. You choose the stops and speed, customizing your journey as you like. Suitable for half-day to multi-day adventures, you’ll travel with all the benefits of a guide—just the press of a button.