A tour of Hawaii’s biggest island highlighting its natural wonders.
This full day nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. From desert to rainforest, pasture to dry forest, discover diverse landscapes and 8 out of 13 climate zones in the world as you traverse the island, walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls, and stroll black-sand beaches as you scan the horizon for green sea turtles.
The morning is filled with visits to some of the most majestic waterfalls on the Big Island. First, the views will stop you in your tracks at the Waipio Valley lookout, where a dramatic backdrop of verdant cliffs drops into the sparkling blue ocean. Continuing on the drive along the Hamakua Coast, more postcard-worthy views will pass by your window, ushering you to the next destination, Akaka Falls. This towering 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall plummets into a lush ravine at the center of a state park. You’ll enjoy a short walk through the vegetation for an up-close view and plenty of photo opportunities. Next stop is a waterfall that’s small by comparison, but not by beauty: Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 80-foot (24-meter) waterfall with a giant banyan tree beside it.
In the afternoon, explore the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including steam vents, past lava flow sites, the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts, and take a short hike through the 600-foot-long Thurston Lava Tube formed hundreds of years ago. From there, you will have time to relax and take it all in at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the black-sand shore.
On the leisurely drive back around sunset, you’ll see views of South Point, the southernmost point of the United States, and Kealakekua Bay. You will also stop at a Kona Coffee Farm. Walk through the orchards with your guide learning about the harvesting and milling process while sampling a warm cup of Kona-grown coffee.
Highlights
A tour of Hawaii’s biggest island highlighting its natural wonders. Experience the diverse range of ecosystems and climate zones of the island
Take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee
Visit the most dramatic waterfalls and scenic valleys on the island, Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and Waipio Valley
Explore active volcanic craters, steam vents, crater rim trails, and the lava tube in Volcanoes National Park
Frequent stops for photos to take in the lush scenery, and spot green sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Professional guide sharing knowledge of the history, cultures, and geology of the island
Note: Depending on weather conditions and sunset time, the tour may operate in the reverse route. This tour is exactly the same as Big Island in a Day Tour.
Tour departs daily. We pick up from all resorts and hotels in Keauhou, Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala area between 7 am to 8 am. Actual pick up time vary depending on location. Tour duration is around 11 hours. Inquire for pick up from Kona airport.
What to bring and wear
Wear comfortable clothing in layers as temperatures vary from warm to cool. Covered walking shoes are required.
Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests per vehicle
Tour difficulty: Easy hiking over short distance. Ages 4 and older are recommended.
Included in the tour: Bento lunch consists of teriyaki chicken, fish, vegetables, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks and bottled water. In addition, all park entrance fees, jackets, and rain gear.
Cancellation Policy: Minimum 24 hours notice for groups of 1-5, 48 hours notice for groups of 6 or more, and 72 hour notice for private groups to receive a full refund.
How much hiking do we do?
A: We will have a couple easy hikes over a short distance on this tour. Total hike distance is about a mile.
How long do we stop at Volcanoes National Park?
A: We stop at multiple attractions within the park for a total time of about 1.5 hours
Do we get to swim at the black sand beach or waterfalls on this tour?
A: You won’t be able to swim on this tour due to time constraints. If you would like to swim at a private waterfall, please check out our Waipio Valley and Waterfall Tour.
Frequently asked questions