Top Big Island of Hawaii Sightseeing Tours

Hawaii's Big Island is large enough that its sights—Volcanoes National Park, the Kohala and Kona coasts, Waipio Valley—sit hours apart across distinct regions, and planning routes between them takes real research. A self-drive app bundles five route options across the island with a live GPS map and audio commentary, downloadable for offline use as you drive.

Glide under the stars as giant manta rays dance beneath you, their 15-foot wingspans illuminated like underwater angels. This sunset-to-starlight tour includes a short cruise from Honokohau Harbor, warm wetsuits, high-powered lights, snacks, and onboard washrooms. With nearly guaranteed manta sightings, you'll experience Hawaii’s Pacific ballet hassle-free.

Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and more on a full-day, small-group tour of Hawaii with a chance to see local marine life. Visiting the island with a Native Hawaiian guide adds additional insight to the experience, with the chance to learn about local culture that many visitors miss out on. Included national park fees at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also saves time—so you can focus on the awe-inspiring scenery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a private certified guide. Meet your guide at the park and set out on a thrilling tour of the park's lava flows, viewpoints, and eruption sites. Travel in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes van and enjoy an itinerary customized for your group, whether you want to hike through lava fields or just soak up the scenery.

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.

Take a journey to the youngest Hawaiian Island and witness firsthand the amazing power of Hawaii’s fiery goddess of fire, Madame Pele. Learn the ancient legends about just how these magnificent islands formed … as well as see for your self the amazing landscapes and wonder of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. This exciting tour visits the Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea volcano, and spends the day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take in the diverse scenery of the island of Hawaii, where you’ll discover black sand beaches, Thurston lava tube and the natural formations of Hawaii volcanoes. Experience the town of Kona, travel to Kilauea volcano and explore the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with our expert tour guides. Fill your Hawaiian vacation with excitement and educational fun while exploring the only active volcano in Hawaii!

Embark on an unforgettable 2-hour afternoon adventure along Kona's beautiful West Coast aboard KIBOU, our custom-built speedboat designed for exploring Hawaii's incredible coastline. This tour is centered around a vibrant reef snorkel, giving you the opportunity to experience Kona's crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. As we cruise to and from our snorkel destination, keep an eye out for Hawaii's amazing ocean wildlife. You may spot spinner dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, octopus, colorful reef fish, and, during whale season (December through March), majestic humpback whales. Our experienced captain is always scanning the water to maximize your chances of encountering wildlife along the way. With just two hours on the water, this tour is perfect for visitors looking to experience the best of Kona's reefs and marine life while fitting seamlessly into a busy vacation schedule.

Experience the Big Island of Hawaii through a local's perspective on a small-group tour led by a Native Hawaiian guide. Check off all the highlights of Volcanoes National Park, including Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world; visit Hilo Farmers Market, Rainbow Falls, and Lili'uokalani Gardens; marvel at a stunning black-sand beach; and learn all about local life from your guide.

As a Native Hawaiian from Hawaiʻi Island, these aren’t just tour stops — they’re part of my home. From walking the grounds of Kīlauea to exploring through a Lava Tube, I blend local knowledge, cultural insight, and real island-style fun. You’ll leave not just entertained — but educated and connected to Hawaiʻi in a meaningful way.

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.

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.

Experience Hawaii's underwater world on this half-day adventure tour. Cruise on a Zodiac RIB speedboat with just 14 fellow explorers before snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument's coral reef and sea caves (weather permitting) and discovering lava tubes and coves—all while watching for wild dolphins and whales, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. All gear, flotation devices, refreshments included.

Explore the best sights at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without the rush of a group tour with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. See highlights such as Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of Craters Road, Holei Sea Arch, and more. Virtual tour guide provides hours of audio commentary that give background insights, interesting stories and legends, and even local music, along with turn-by-turn directions and maps.

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.

Explore Hawaii’s Big Island at your own pace with a private self-guided driving tour that unveils the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Experience lush jungles, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and postcard-perfect beaches while learning about Hawaii’s fascinating history and traditions. Enjoy lifetime access to the audio guide, allowing unlimited use on any trip. This flexible tour invites you to linger at your favorite spots and plan your adventure on your terms.

Combine a Polynesian cultural experience with an adrenaline-fuelled ATV ride on this unique tour. Hop aboard your own ATV or ride in a UTV driven by the guide, and set out on a fun 2-hour route, following forest trails and country lanes. Stop along the way at a series of villages and discover the rich history and heritage of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii as you take part in traditional activities and learn about Polynesian culture.

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.

Seeing manta rays in their natural environment is a magical experience. Avoid the big boats and crowds with this small-group snorkeling tour limited to 10 guests. After a safety briefing, don your snorkel gear and float with a custom-made LED light board as wild manta rays feed on plankton attracted by the lights. Note: this tour is not recommended for travelers over 275 lbs or with certain medical conditions.