Big Island Tours
Authentic adventures guided by locals who know every hidden trail
Authentic adventures guided by locals who know every hidden trail
Our Experiences
Discover Hawaii's natural wonders with a local family-owned tour company. From active volcanoes to hidden waterfalls, our small-group tours (max 12 guests) offer authentic experiences you won't find with larger operators. Pickup available from Hilo hotels and cruise port.
Most Popular
Hilo Waterfall and Volcano NP Adventure Tour
Experience the raw power of Hawaii's volcanic landscape on our signature 7-hour adventure. This comprehensive tour takes you from the lush rainforests of Hilo to the otherworldly terrain of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Iconic 80-foot waterfall surrounded by tropical foliage
Peer into the massive caldera from multiple overlooks
Walk through a 500-year-old lava tube
Your journey begins with Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall surrounded by tropical foliage. After a stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory for free samples, we head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you'll spend over 3 hours exploring.
Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, peer into the massive Kilauea caldera from multiple overlooks, feel the heat from active steam vents, and enjoy lunch at the historic Volcano House with panoramic crater views.
Pickup from Hilo hotels or cruise port. We'll confirm exact pickup time when you book.
Stroll through the largest authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, with views of Hilo Bay.
View this iconic 80-foot waterfall, named for the rainbows that form in its mist on sunny mornings.
Free samples of Hawaii's famous macadamia nuts plus time to shop for souvenirs.
Over 3 hours exploring the park including:
Drop-off at your hotel or cruise port. Cruise passengers will return 1-2 hours before all-aboard.
Note: Total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Itinerary may be adjusted based on volcanic activity and weather conditions.
Closed-toe shoes with good grip for lava rock trails and the lava tube.
The volcano is at 4,000 ft elevation and can be 10-15°F cooler than the coast.
Brief tropical showers are common on the Hilo side. Ponchos also work.
You'll want to capture the waterfalls, crater views, and lava tube!
Hawaiian sun is strong, even on cloudy days.
For souvenirs at the mac nut factory and gift shops.
Best for Families
Hilo Day Tour
Discover the charming town of Hilo and the lush Hamakua Coast on this relaxed 6-hour tour. Perfect for families and those who prefer a gentler pace, featuring East Hawaii's most beautiful waterfalls, gardens, and local culture.
Spectacular 442-foot waterfall plunging into a lush gorge
Tropical fruits, local honey, and handmade crafts
Beautiful scenic drive along the coast
Begin at the serene Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic Japanese garden outside Japan. Explore downtown Hilo and the vibrant Farmers Market where you'll find tropical fruits, local honey, and handmade crafts.
The highlight for many is Akaka Falls State Park, where you'll witness a spectacular 442-foot waterfall. End your day at Big Island Candies, famous for their chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies.
Pickup from Hilo hotels or cruise port.
Peaceful Japanese gardens with koi ponds, pagodas, and views of Hilo Bay and Coconut Island.
Explore the charming historic downtown. The Farmers Market operates daily but is largest on Wednesday and Saturday.
View this beautiful 80-foot waterfall from an easy lookout point. Named for the rainbows in its mist.
A short paved loop trail (0.4 miles) takes you to views of both Kahuna Falls and the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls.
This historic plantation town has charming shops and restaurants. Great spot to grab lunch on your own.
Enjoy coastal views along the scenic route, stop at Bayfront Beach, and see the famous statue of King Kamehameha.
Watch chocolatiers at work and sample their famous chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies. Great for souvenirs!
Drop-off at your hotel or cruise port.
Note: Total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
The Akaka Falls trail is paved but has some stairs. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Hilo is known for brief tropical showers. They often create beautiful rainbows!
Perfect for capturing waterfalls, gardens, and the beautiful Hamakua Coast.
Even on cloudy days, the Hawaiian sun can be strong.
For lunch, Farmers Market finds, and souvenirs at Big Island Candies.
To carry your purchases from the market and candy shop!
Coming Soon
We're adding new tours! Join our waitlist to be the first to know when these experiences launch.
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Circle the Island Tour
The ultimate Big Island experience. This full-day nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii's youngest and largest island. Discover 8 out of 13 climate zones in the world as you traverse the island, from Kona coffee farms to volcanoes, waterfalls to black sand beaches.
Relax on volcanic black sand and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles
Steam vents, crater lookouts, and the Thurston Lava Tube
Dramatic sunset views of verdant cliffs meeting the ocean
From desert to rainforest, pasture to dry forest, discover the Big Island's incredible diversity on this full-day circumnavigation. Walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls, stroll black-sand beaches scanning for green sea turtles, and witness the power of an active volcano.
Your adventure begins at a Kona Coffee Farm, continues to the southernmost point in the United States, through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, past towering waterfalls, and ends with sunset views at the legendary Waipio Valley lookout.
Pickup from Keauhou, Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala Coast resorts and hotels. Times vary by location.
Walk through coffee orchards learning about harvesting and milling while sampling fresh Kona-grown coffee.
See South Point (Ka Lae), the southernmost point in the United States, then relax at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach – a favorite spot for green sea turtles.
Explore the wonders of an active volcanic landscape including:
Short walk through tropical vegetation to view the towering 442-foot Akaka Falls plummeting into a lush ravine.
Visit this beautiful 80-foot waterfall with its famous giant banyan tree.
End your day with breathtaking sunset views where dramatic verdant cliffs drop into the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean.
Scenic drive back to your accommodation with memories of an unforgettable Big Island adventure.
Covered walking shoes are required for the lava tube and trails.
Temperatures vary from warm at sea level to cool at the volcano. Dress in comfortable layers.
You'll want to capture the incredible landscapes and wildlife!
Protect yourself from the Hawaiian sun, especially at the beach.
Tour difficulty is easy, with short walking distances. Ages 4 and older are welcome. This is a long day (11-12 hours) – please consider this when booking for young children or those who prefer shorter excursions.
Coming Soon
Explore the Big Island's least-visited but most stunning region. From the southernmost point in the United States to black and green sand beaches.
Join Waitlist
Coming Soon
Swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), explore colorful reef life, and witness nature's raw creation at a black sand beach.
Join WaitlistSave time on your tour day! Complete your liability waiver online before your adventure, or download the PDF to print and bring with you.
Questions?
Lava flow visibility depends on current volcanic activity at Kilauea, which changes frequently. Your guide will provide the latest updates from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory before the tour. Even without active surface lava, you'll see steam vents, the massive caldera, and walk through a 500-year-old lava tube. When Kilauea is erupting, we adjust our itinerary to give you the best possible views safely.
The Volcano Tour includes approximately 1-2 miles of easy walking on paved trails, including the Thurston Lava Tube trail. The Hilo Day Tour has minimal walking at each stop, with the longest being the 0.4-mile paved loop at Akaka Falls (includes some stairs). Both tours can accommodate guests with mobility concerns with advance notice. Please let us know your needs when booking.
The Volcano NP Adventure Tour includes lunch at Volcano House restaurant, where you'll dine with stunning crater views. The Hilo Day Tour does not include lunch, but you'll have time to purchase food at the Farmers Market or in Honomu Village. Both tours include bottled water. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
Yes! Children of all ages are welcome on our tours. Child pricing ($160) applies to ages 3-11. Children under 3 are free but must sit on a parent's lap. Our tours are family-friendly with stops that kids particularly enjoy, including walking through the lava tube, seeing waterfalls, and sampling treats at the chocolate factory. Car seats can be provided upon request.
We recommend comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, sunscreen, a light rain jacket (especially for Hilo-side tours), a camera, and cash for souvenirs or tips. For the Volcano tour specifically, bring a light jacket or sweater since the park is at 4,000 ft elevation and can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast. We provide bottled water on all tours.
Absolutely. We specialize in cruise ship shore excursions and guarantee return to Hilo port 1-2 hours before your all-aboard time. We've never missed a ship. We pick you up directly at the cruise terminal and customize our timing based on your ship's specific schedule. When booking, please provide your ship name and all-aboard time so we can plan accordingly.
Tours operate rain or shine. Hilo is known for brief tropical showers, which often create the beautiful rainbows Hawaii is famous for. Rain can actually make waterfalls more spectacular! We provide bottled water and travel in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles between stops. We recommend bringing a light rain jacket or poncho just in case.
We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December through April and June through August). Cruise ship passengers should book as soon as their itinerary is confirmed to guarantee availability. Last-minute bookings may be available depending on current capacity. Contact us directly if you need a tour on short notice.
Cruise Ship Guests
We specialize in cruise-friendly timing with guaranteed return to your ship. Pickup directly at Hilo cruise terminal with flexible scheduling to match your port hours.
Return 1-2 hours before all-aboard. We've never missed a ship.
We meet you right at the Hilo cruise terminal.
Tours customized to your ship's port hours.
Book your authentic Hawaiian adventure today. Questions? We're happy to help you choose the perfect tour.