America · BIG ISLAND TOURS
The 15 best big island tours you can book today, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. The first one is first for a reason.
See Kona, Waipio, waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in one long small-group day, with lunch, coffee, and lava tubes.
“Just came back from a tour with Kawika. Best tour ever! Loved it! He was incredibly knowledgeable and I learned so much about the island. Had a really fun and interesting time!”
Kona manta ray night snorkel from Keauhou Bay. Gear and snacks included, sunset cruise, and a free return if you miss mantas.
“Such a cool experience and not too cold!!! We were very worried about getting cold on the way back but it wasn’t bad at all. Bring a sweatshirt and some dry clothes.”
Night manta ray snorkeling from Keauhou Harbor with a 150,000-lm light board, small groups, about 30 min in water, and a free return.
“What a great way to spend New Year's Eve with my boys. It was a great experience and I would for sure do it again. We saw 3 rays up close. Crew did a great job at making us feel comfortable. You cannot bring anything on the boat, but can bring a towel and small bag to leave at van. Highly recommend.”
Six hours from Hilo to Kilauea sights, a lava tube walk, and black sand beach turtles, with guide-led stops and park fees included.
“I booked this tour independently of my cruise ship and made all arrangements on my own, including transportation to the tour’s meeting location. On the day before the tour, I received a text stating that one of the three couples had canceled and that if the vacant spot could not be filled by 6:00 pm, my tour would be canceled. I was then offered a “semi-private” tour with the other couple (if they would agree – which they later did) at a slightly higher price. I declined—both because the tour was already expensive and because waiting until 6:00 pm would have left me with no realistic alternatives if they canceled.…”
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay from Kona on a power catamaran, look for dolphins and winter humpbacks, then eat lunch onboard with gear.
“Such an incredible trip, everything was 10/10! Boat nice, friendly crew and some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced. Captain Aiden even went out of his way to find a pod of dolphins. Worth every penny”
Experience manta rays at night from Kona on a small 11-person RHIB. Gear included, 25-30 min in-water, free re-ride if no sightings.
“Boat leaves directly from the little dock next to Outrgger Resort. There were 11 of us and 3 staff … The captain, the guide Peyton and another life guard. I wore a wet suit top( $10) my husband went without. As soon as we entered the water we were greeted by these gentle giants as if they had been waiting for us. They were so big and came so close , probably 10 feet at least… you stay in the water for about 25 minutes which was just right…. Boat ride is only about 3 minutes which was great … Highly recommended”
Kona night snorkel with manta rays in Keauhou Bay. Short walk to the boat, wetsuit and gear provided, about 30 minutes in water.
“Incredible. If there is one thing I think you should do while on the island, it's this. I went with the Monday crew on January 12th at 6pm and that team was solid. I am probably butchering her name but it was pronounced like Cowi and she was a great guide (Google is telling me it's most likely Ko'i but can't trust everything on the internet). I felt safe the whole time and it was a great way to start my Hawaii trip.”
Small-group Mauna Kea sunset and stars with a 4x4 summit ride, warm gear, pro telescope views, and an included night photo.
“Spectacular sunset and star gazing. Terrific, helpful guides. Great pictures (theirs not mine). Was pretty cold at the summit, but they provided warm jackets, so no need to pack that stuff.”
Small group Big Island tour with Kona coffee, sea turtles, Volcanoes National Park, lava tube, and twilight stargazing. Meals and pickup included.
“We enjoyed the tour very much. Our driver/guide Felix was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in every way. We saw the most amazing scenery along the way as he explained and informed everyone about what we were seeing. The only thing reason why I didn’t give five stars is because the food provided was pretty horrible. Of course tour isn’t about food so don’t expect to be impressed with food. Overall it was a great experience from the drive to the coffee farm to the end of the tour watching the stars.”
Small-group Mauna Kea summit sunset, warm picnic acclimation, and private telescope stargazing with photos, cocoa, and cozy gear.
“The tour guide was very knowledgeable and certainly added to the experience. People do need to understand that breathing can be effected”
Take a small-group 4x4 to Mauna Kea for sunset, then stargazing with a telescope and free DSLR photos, with winter gear included.
“James was our guide & he was amazing & very informative. Would definitely book with him again. Very cold & windy at the top but SO worth it”
Small-group Zodiac snorkeling to Kealakekua Bay for sea caves, coral reefs, and Captain Cook sights, plus pineapple snacks and water.
“It was an amazing experience, the boat ride , the snorkel was lot of fun. The captain of the boat was very well aware ofnthe area. He gave us lot of historical background about many spots we visited.”
Sunset dinner cruise from Kona to Kealakekua Bay with historian narration, live Hawaiian music, and local food on a catamaran.
“The Body Glove crew were top notch! The most energetic group of service staff that I have ever witness! Do bring a wrap. It gets a little bit chilly. Bring your appetite! The food is catered and absolutely delicious! Be prepared for some Hawaiian history along the way…. Then after you finish with dinner, be prepared to dance your heart out. While we weren’t fortunate to see the sun set, the Captain Erica managed to find us a pod of spinners dolphins that put on a show for us! This was definitely the hi light of our trip so far! They really did know how to Aloha (Spred the Lve)”
Night snorkeling in Kona with giant manta rays, a glowing light board, and a Kona sunset boat ride, plus a guaranteed sighting voucher.
“There are no words to express amazing this experience is. Our guides, were knowledgeable about the mantas and made sure the animals stayed safe.”
Night manta ray snorkel off Kailua Kona. Cruise with snacks, gear included, and snorkel under lights as gentle giants glide inches away.
“This was our favourite activity we did on our entire vacation. It was absolutely magic and a must do if you’re visiting the Big Island. Our guides were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and really made the trip enjoyable for everyone.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
