Top Big Island of Hawaii Self-guided Tours

Kayaking the shores of Hawaii’s Big Island is incredible—doing so in a clear-bottom kayak is next-level. With single and double kayaks available, you’ll hit the island’s warm waters, kayaking at your leisure at whatever public access point you choose. Watch for spinner dolphins, yellow tang, and so many more creatures as you paddle the coastline, getting to see what’s right beneath your feet.

Looking for something bold, fun, and unforgettable on the Big Island? The Polaris Slingshot is your open-air ticket to adventure. With no roof and no doors, this three-wheeled roadster puts you right in the action — feel the breeze, soak up the views, and explore Hawai‘i Island like never before. Drive through the misty roads of Waimea, along the cliffs of the Hamakua Coast, or past black sand beaches and lava tubes in the south. No special license required — if you can drive a car, you can drive a Slingshot. Each vehicle is current model year, low mileage, and fully loaded with GPS navigation, Bluetooth sound system, upgraded seats, and lockable storage. Go at your own pace. Our local team will recommend the best routes, scenic stops, and hidden gems — from waterfalls and volcano views to historic towns and lava coastlines. It’s not just a drive — it’s the most thrilling way to see the Big Island. Book your Slingshot today and make this the adventure you’ll talk about for years.

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.

Discover Kona’s underwater paradise on this snorkeling cruise and dolphin watch. Cruise through protected marine sanctuaries, home to hundreds of species of enchanting ocean wildlife. After a safety briefing, jump in the water for a snorkel, then relax with a cocktail from the premium cash bar and enjoy the timeless beauty of the Kona coastline on the return trip.

Visit some of the Big Island’s key attractions, without the pressure of keeping up with a large group, with this small-group tour. Relax with a convenient package that includes transportation, entry fees, and a guide, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Enjoy an itinerary that includes Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, the Thurston Lava Tube, and Lili'uokalani Gardens.

Experience the stunning waters of Kailua Bay with a Stand Up Paddleboard rental. Perfect for self-guided adventures, you can set your own pace while enjoying a great core workout. Glide through coastal views, vibrant coral reefs, and encounter marine life including green sea turtles and Spinner Dolphins. - Enjoy the freedom to explore Kona's waters at your leisure - Rental includes paddle and leash for your convenience - Ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers - Discover colorful underwater life and breathtaking landscapes

Group surf lessons split the instructor's attention across multiple beginners, which slows individual progress and means waiting in the water for personal corrections. This private lesson at Kahaluu Beach Park on Hawaii's Big Island checks off the basics with one-on-one instruction throughout, with surf gear provided. The beach's gentle wave conditions suit first-time surfers.

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii in your own VW Manx-style buggy with this independent 4- or 8-hour rental. Drive yourself around the island, stopping wherever you like for as long as you like (with the exception of off-road destinations). Stop by historical sites, volcanic sand beaches, and coffee farms; take the soft top off the buggy for unobstructed views and photo ops.

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.

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly, and completely unique way to explore downtown Kona with this scavenger hunt. Connect with your virtual host via WhatsApp and follow along with the interactive game in real-time as you explore the volcanic landscapes on foot. Choose team Turtle or Eagle, depending on the kind of challenge you want, and get set for two hours of exploring as you hunt for clues and carry out creative challenges

Immerse yourself in the nature of the Big Island and prepare to get wet on this full-day small-group waterfall adventure tour of the Kohala coast. Drive up the Kona coast past lava flows, and take in sweeping views along the way. Then, enjoy a guided hike through a private nature reserve, admire the several waterfalls, and cool off with a dip under the final cascade, with a picnic lunch included.

An area the size of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can leave you wandering without much sense of where to head or what you're looking at. This self-guided scavenger hunt gives your visit a shape, sending you across the volcanic landscapes on foot to follow clues and solve challenges. You connect with a virtual host over WhatsApp and play along in real time, picking team Turtle or Eagle to set the level of challenge.

Elevate your beach experience with our Tommy Bahama Beach Essentials Package, perfect for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation. This all-in-one rental set includes 2 versatile beach chair with adjustable positions, a durable umbrella for sun protection, and a spacious cooler to keep your refreshments chilled. Embrace comfort and convenience while lounging by the ocean or enjoying a picnic on the shore. - Beach chair reclines to five positions, including flat - Sturdy umbrella offers UPF 100+ protection and adjustable tilt - Insulated cooler holds up to 20 cans without ice - Lightweight and portable design for easy transport Or choose our Deluxe Package that includes 2 Tommy Bahama Chairs, 1 Tommy Bahama Umbrella, 1 Soft Cooler and 2 sets of Top quality Snorkels, Dive Masks, and Fins for the perfect day on the beach and snorkeling our pristine Hawaiian coral reefs!

Make the most of your time on Kona’s beautiful beaches with a boogie board rental from Ali’i Adventures @ Saltwater Soul. Available for a full day, a week, or two weeks, our boards provide a fantastic way to enjoy the surf and sand. Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the best beaches based on your itinerary, ensuring you have the ultimate wave-riding experience. Embrace the fun and excitement of beach life and create unforgettable memories. - Rent a boogie board for one day, a week, or two weeks - Discover the best beaches for wave riding with our local advice - Perfect for all ages looking for beach fun - Enjoy the convenience of easy beach access and rentals

It’s time to level up your Hawaii adventures: climb aboard the Kona Cowboy, and you’re in for a private big-game fishing adventure at sea. Cruising away from Kailua-Kona in a 40’ sport-fishing boat, Capt. Shawn will show you the ropes, get you trolling when you’re ready, and help you reel in that lifetime catch. Set your sights on blue marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and more—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Embark on an epic adventure on this Volcanoes National Park tour from Hilo. Journey into the largest and most active volcano on earth with your friendly, professional guide, and pay a visit to the Richardson Blacksand Beach. Learn about the incredible landscapes that roll out before you and gain insight into the geological and ecological implications of Mother Nature on this stunning park. See the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Rainbow Falls, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and so much more on this memorable tour that hits so many of Hawaii's hot spots.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of Kona with the complete snorkeling gear rental. Perfect for all ages, our set includes a high-quality snorkel, fins, and a comfortable mask, ensuring a fantastic experience while you explore the reefs. Choose from flexible rental options—two hours, a full day, or a week—and enjoy the convenience of a mesh bag to keep your belongings organized. Prescription masks may be available for those who wear glasses or contacts. - Rent quality snorkeling gear for a memorable underwater adventure - Flexible rental durations cater to your schedule - Includes a mesh bag for easy transport of your gear

Rent a surfboard and embrace the thrill of surfing on Kona’s stunning beaches. With options of 7-ft, 8-ft, and 9-ft boards, you can find the perfect fit for your adventure. Enjoy daily or weekly rentals that allow you to explore at your own pace while soaking in the pristine waters and vibrant marine life of this iconic surf destination. - Choose from a variety of surfboard sizes for your comfort - Flexible rental options available: daily or weekly - Experience the beauty of Kona’s sandy beaches and ocean - Perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers alike