Big Island Tours

Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling, especially if you want to meet the resident wildlife. Guided Big Island tours take you along the vibrant coral reefs, where colorful fish play in the cascading sunbeams. 

You’ll get to see submerged lava flows, as well as the famous Captain Cook Monument, which watches over Kealakekua Bay.

Take things a step further and go snorkeling with manta rays on a thrilling night tour. You’ll get to swim with the majestic mantas and observe them up close in their natural habitat. It’s a spine-tingling experience and one you’ll never forget. 
 

One of the most popular Big Island tours focuses on Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This rugged adventure playground plunges you into the heart of nature, with hiking, biking and helicopter flights all on the agenda. 

Keep an eye out for Mauna Loa – it’s the world’s largest active volcano. 

The park covers half of Big Island, so there are plenty of different expeditions to enjoy. Many excursions involve exploring the lava fields and walking through lava tubes. 

You’ll see the Halemaumau Crater and the Kilauea Caldera up close too. The landscape here is otherworldly, showcasing the might of Hawaii’s volcanic legacy.
 

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most-visited natural landmarks on Big Island. This is where Captain Cook landed in 1778, and you can see a monument to the British explorer down on the shore. 

Designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, Kealakekua Bay is the perfect place for sightseeing boat tours. Up the romance with a dinner cruise, where folklore tales and sunset cocktails keep you entertained.

The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling and canoeing too, for those who want to experience full nature immersion. Wildlife is abundant here in Kealakekua Bay, with turtles and dolphins frequently spotted. 
 

Big Island is famed for its dark skies and lack of light pollution, which means the stargazing is phenomenal. The best way to observe the celestial skies is on a stargazing tour at the summit of Mauna Kea. 

From here, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way in all its glory, as well as a whole host of twinkling constellations. Telescopes are available for a closer look.

Your visit coincides with the sunset over the island before the nightly star show begins. It’s the perfect end to a day out exploring, and you’ll feel like you’re standing on the roof of the world. 
 

Aerial Big Island tours are just the thing if you want to fully appreciate the unique geography of Hawaii. The island interior is mostly inaccessible on foot, so helicopter flights and airplane excursions are the only ways to see it. 

You’ll soar over the tropical landscapes, with volcanic plateaus and lush valleys stretching out far below. Keep your eyes peeled for lava streams and steam vents around Kilauea and the black sand beaches along the coast.

It’s a Jurassic world down there, and you’ll be forgiven for expecting to see dinosaurs roaming around. Make sure you have your camera handy!
 

Nature enthusiasts will love taking a whale watching cruise from Kailua-Kona. 

The gentle marine giants are frequently spotted around the coastal waters of Big Island between November and April. They migrate down from Alaska to breed and give birth in the warm Hawaiian waters. 

You can see the humpbacks during a catamaran cruise or a speedboat ride, depending on how fast you want to travel. If you’re lucky, you might see baby whales frolicking beside their parents. 

Dolphin watching boat trips are also on offer, and usually include snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. You may encounter sea turtles and manta rays during your aquatic adventures. 
 

Looking for a healthy dose of adrenaline with your views? These Big Island tours on the Kohala Coast are just the ticket if you’re feeling brave. 

You’ll zoom through the forest canopy on a series of thrilling zip lines, enjoying a unique perspective of the tropical rainforest. Glimpses of the Pacific Ocean are the icing on the cake.

Race your friends on the dual zip lines, and keep an eye out for wildlife as you hurtle along. If you think you can handle even more adventure, opt for a multi-activity excursion – kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking are all up for grabs. 
 

Check out Big Island’s most famous waterfalls on this epic nature excursion. Down in the Waipio Valley, you’ll trundle along in a 4X4, passing taro fields and rivers as you venture deeper into the interior. 

Marvel at Hi’ilawe Falls – the tallest cascade in Hawaii – before heading along the dramatic Hamakua Coast. Here, the towering cataracts in Akaka Falls State Park are worthy of camera fodder, while spectacular Rainbow Falls plunges into a lava cave.

Circle Island tours are another way to explore the valleys and cascades of Hawaii. They offer a comprehensive island sightseeing experience. Kona coffee country, Mauna Loa and Hilo all feature on the itinerary. 
 

There are lots of different types of boat tours in Big Island, but evening catamaran cruises are by far the most romantic. You’ll sail along the rugged Hawaiian coastline in search of the island’s ultimate sunset. 

Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail as you relax on deck, admiring the scenery as the boat drifts lazily by. 

As dusk falls and the sun sinks below the horizon, watch as the ocean turns to gold. It’s moments like this that make a vacation memorable! Guided commentary is available during the tour, so you won’t miss a thing. 
 

These Big Island tours take you into the heart of the island, where a lush world of coffee plantations and forests awaits. Affectionately known as the “coffee belt”, the Kona uplands are the place to go. 

On a guided visit to a coffee farm in Kona, you’ll learn the secrets of the humble coffee bean. Your guide will show you the cultivating and harvesting processes, and you can taste the finished product at the end. 

Coffee farm day trips often take in other island attractions. You might spot green sea turtles on the black beaches at Punalu’u, or sample honey at a local bee farm.