Circle Island tours of the Big Island are the ultimate way to explore the delights of Hawaii. If you want to pack in a lot of sights in just one day, then this is the way to do it.

You have a choice of land-based excursions or helicopter flights, both of which give a fun overview of the island. If you have time, then why not do both?

Circle Island tours are one of the most popular day trips on the Big Island, for which you will find all the information you need bellow.

What are the most popular Circle Island tours of the Big Island?

Big Island circular tours by land

These full-day Circle Island excursions on Big Island take you off the beaten track as well as swinging by the iconic sites. Designed with intrepid explorers in mind, these trips offer some of the most comprehensive sightseeing experiences in Hawaii.

You’ll be traveling by road in a comfortable minivan, usually with a maximum of 13 participants to keep the experience personal. Hotel pickups are included.

First up on your adventure is Kona coffee country, with a farm stop on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Enjoy a tour of the plantation and sample the end product while soaking up the views of Kealakekua Bay.

The journey continues through the volcanic terrain, with lava flows and arid forests punctuating the landscape. Pause for photos at the black sands of Punalu’u Beach, where coconut palms frame the tropical scene. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles!

Next up is the jewel in the crown – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll pop into Kilauea Visitor Center, see the famous Steaming Bluffs and be wowed at the crater overlook. This is the place to see volcanoes in action!

Your drive around the island continues with a visit to a macadamia nut farm and a candy factory. Yes, you get to do some serious tasting at each. Finally, you’ll meander along the Onomea Scenic Route from Hilo, and admire the dramatic cliffs in the Valley of the Kings. You might even see wild horses roaming down below.

Circle Island tours of the Big Island by helicopter

If you want to take the adventure to the next level, then a Circle Island helicopter tour is the answer. These trips are shorter than the land excursions because the traveling is of course much quicker. On these outings you’ll take in everything from waterfalls to beaches, covering many of the island’s highlights.

The flight departs from Kona Airport, which is easy to reach from the western coastal resorts. Your pilot will give you a short briefing, and then it’s up and away for your aerial extravaganza. Two-way headsets allow you to communicate with the pilot during the trip.

You’ll fly over the Kona coffee district and see the majestic slopes of Mauna Koa from a unique angle. Then you’ll hover over Punalu’u, which is the southernmost town in the whole of the United States. Some of the best views in this region are of Papakōlea’s green sand beach – there are only three others like this in the world.

Next on the agenda is a thrilling flypast of the Kilauea crater where you’ll have glimpses of molten lava bubbling away down below. This is the real heart of Hawaii.

The final part of this Big Island Circle tour is Hilo, where lava tubes and waterfalls are the order of the day. All around the rainforest adds a little extra magic to the tropical landscapes unfolding beneath you.

How much do Circle Island excursions cost?

Land-based Circle Island trips from Big Island cost US$290 per person. These tours are on a small group basis, with 13 available seats in the minivan. The trips last a full day, so you know you’re getting value for money. You will need to pay separately for lunch.

Circle Island excursions on the Big Island by helicopter are more expensive at US$820 per passenger. Yet this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s a worthwhile investment. The group size is limited to just six participants so it’s a fairly exclusive day out.

Is anything included?

Circle Island tours of the Big Island include transportation by minivan or helicopter and a professional tour guide. The land-based trips also include drinks.

You will need to purchase your own lunch on the full-day tours, but there will be plenty of opportunities to do this along the way. Consider taking some snacks for the journey as you’ll be out for several hours.

Where do Circle Island tours start?

Circle Island road trips of the Big Island start very conveniently at your hotel, with transfers usually included in the tour price. Look carefully at the booking details to check that your accommodation is covered in the operator pickup area.

Meanwhile, the Circle Island helicopter tours take off from Kona Airport, which is just north of Kailua-Kona. There is parking available if you’ve driven there in a rental car.

How long do they last?

Expect to spend a full day out on land-based Circle Island tours in Hawaii. These usually last around 12 hours and include a stop for lunch.

The helicopter excursions are 2 hours long, which is plenty of time to take in all the sights from above. You’ll even have time left in your day to enjoy some other excursions like snorkel trips or boat tours. After all, it’s good to explore the island from all angles!

When is the best time to visit Circle Island?

Big Island circular tours take place all year round, so whenever you visit, you’ll be able to book it. The driving excursions depart straight after breakfast so you can make the most of your time out and about.

Helicopter flights can be scheduled for either the morning or the afternoon, so just pick a time that suits you best. Operating hours are usually between 8 AM and 3 PM.

Travel tips

Circle Island trips in Hawaii are a great introduction to the island. Try and book a tour at the start of your trip for the ultimate overview.
For helicopter tours, guests must provide their weight to the operator before flying – this is for safety purposes.
Take your passport or ID card for registration, and don’t forget your sunglasses and camera.
Closed-toe footwear is required on all land-based tours, so leave the sandals at your hotel.

Circle Island Tours