Top Big Island of Hawaii How to Get Around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a safety briefing, and hop into your helicopter for an approximately 55-minute 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.

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.

We are a unique Hop on Hop off experience as the first five stops are escorted with ample time to explore, Lili Uokulani Gardens, The King Kamehameha Statue, Big Island Candies, Wailoa River State Park and Rainbow Falls without waiting for another bus, your seat is saved. You will then have ample time to explore the historic old town Hilo with its famous farmer's market, shops restaurants and museums as well as two beautiful beach parks for swimming relaxing and a chance to see our Honu green sea turtles sunning themselves all included in your Hoppa on Hoppa off day pass. Rainbow Falls entry fee is not included but can be purchased in advance. Rainbow Falls stop is optional and can be bypassed with a stop to Old Town Hilo and skipping the falls.

Maximize your time on the Big Island of Hawaii with this small-group tour of Volcanoes National Park—without dealing with logistics, navigation, or driving. Following airport or cruise terminal pickup, you’ll be driven to the park to see all the highlights, including seeing an active volcano at Kīlauea Overlook, walking through the Nāhuku Lava Tube, and visiting Volcano House. Your guide provides insights about Hawaiian culture along the way.

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.

Learn about the geological history of the Big Island, visit a coffee farm, and walk on a black-sand beach, all on the same day. This tour will take you to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, best known for the Kilauea Volcano. You'll also spend time learning about coffee at Greenwell Farms, hanging out at Punalu'u Black Sand beach, and enjoying a no-host lunch at Punalu'u Bake Shop.

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.

Spend a full day exploring Kona. Try your luck spotting green sea turtles, learn how Kona coffee is made at a local farm, and visit archeological sites. Make the most of your time with a varied tour encapsulating Hawaii’s history, natural beauty, wildlife, and culinary culture. Stop at white sandy beaches, sample locally crafted world-famous coffee, and enjoy the beauty of the island.

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.

Night snorkeling with manta rays is one of the Big Island’s most popular experiences, you’ll set out from Honokohau Harbor heading for “Manta Heaven.” The boat’s light board attracts the gentle creatures (via lighting up plankton) and makes the water glow, an unforgettable underwater experience.

Journey back in time — when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged, fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands — on this half-day dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Travel 12 miles (19 kilometers) down the Kona Coast to the Captain Cook monument. Learn the many secrets of the Big Island as a local historian points out numerous points of interest along the way, and enjoy dinner and live entertainment onboard.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Go on a 3-minute boat ride after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made light board with 300,000 lm that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Enjoy a pre-trip picnic, then embark on a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert.

Spend an evening immersed in Hawaiian culture with this luau experience at the Royal Kona Resort. Choose your ideal time for the outing — the luau occurs four nights a week⁠ — then sip tropical drinks while admiring beautiful views of Kailua Bay. Savor a delicious buffet featuring grilled rib eye, huli huli chicken, kalua pig, butter garlic shrimp, baked mahi mahi, and more while watching a Polynesian stage production.

Casually cruise the Kona coastline and snorkel with tropical marine life in Kealakekua Bay on this group snorkeling cruise from Keauhou Bay. Snorkeling equipment, inner tubes, floatation devices, and environmentally friendly sunscreen are provided. On the cruise between shore and the snorkeling site, watch for spinner dolphins, turtles, or manta rays, and enjoy views of volcanic formations along the Kona coast. A plant-based breakfast and lunch are included onboard.

You already know about the coffee—now it’s time to dive into Kona’s full culinary scene. The city is a true foodie paradise, from mixing craft cocktails to plating some of the world’s freshest seafood. Follow your guide for a little bit of Hawaiian history, too, adding depth to your deliciously whirlwind 7-stop tour.

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.

Make the most of your day on the Big Island of Hawaii with this full-day tour—and leave the logistics and driving to your local guide. Join a small-group to see the highlights of the Big Island, including stops at Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitors Center, Rainbow Falls, Lili'uokalani Gardens, and the Black Sand beach at Richardson Ocean Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a car? Boring. On a guided fat-tire e-bike tour, experience this wild landscape sustainably and in the open air, and your guide shares captivating insights into the park's geology, history, and ecosystem. Most experience this park from behind a windshield—explore the world’s most active volcano with pedal assist, a throttle, and torque sensors for a smooth ride along the park's paths and roads.