AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE AWAITS!
- Big Island, Hawaii
With so many different cultural, historic and scenic sites included on this tour, you'll have a hard time picking which part of the day was your favorite! Take advantage of this incredible circle island tour that will allow you to see the entirety of Hawaiʻi’s biggest landmass in one day. From waterfalls and black sand beaches to coffee and lava fields, this is sure to be an epic adventure for the whole family.
Big Island Sightseeing Tour Features
Hilo and Waterfalls
Witness the breathtaking 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls on a brief, paved loop trail through a tropical rainforest. Immerse yourself in the diverse flora, refreshing mist, and captivating birdwatching at this serene park on the Big Island. We'll head to Hilo town, enjoy lunch at a locally-owned restaurant, and soak in the rich and often tumultuous history of this island's largest city. Near Hilo is Rainbow Falls, where the Wailuku River rushes into a large pool below. The gorge is blanketed by lush tropical rainforest, and the turquoise pool is bordered by beautiful wild ginger.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination on the Big Island. This park is home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, providing visitors with a thrilling opportunity to witness the raw power of nature. The park is teeming with scenic hiking trails that take you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren lava fields. We'll make sure to stop by the visitor center for the latest eruption updates and safety tips. Experience the thrill of traversing Hawaiʻi's volcanic landscapes.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a geological marvel of the Big Island. This beach is renowned for its jet-black sand, created by the constant interaction of molten lava meeting the cool ocean waters. It's not just the sand that draws crowds; this spot is also a favorite for the endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles, which often bask on the beach. Remember to give these beautiful creatures their space, as getting too close can be harmful to them. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a landscape photographer, the striking contrast of the black sand against the turquoise waters, with the backdrop of coconut palms swaying in the wind, makes Punalu'u Black Sand Beach a sight you won't want to miss.
Big Island Sightseeing Tour Info
Key Points
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Circle The Entire Big Island Of Hawaiʻi
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Explore Kīlauea Visitor Center
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Walk On A Beautiful Black Sand Beach
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Visit Volcanoes National Park
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Check Out A Kona Farm And Try Some Samples
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Multiple Overlook And Scenic Stops
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Marvel At Both ʻAkaka and Rainbow Falls
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Spend The Day With A Knowledgeable Guide & Expert Driver
Account
This incredible full-day tour starts with a pickup at major hotels and resorts along the Kona coast. Depending on where you are staying, pickup times will range anywhere from 6:00am to 7:30am.
Our Grand Circle Island Tour Of Hawaii's Big Island is a reverse tour to many others, so we keep away from the crowds. As the driving tour begins, your guide will head towards the rolling hills of North Kona and into the town of Waimea. There are a few small towns on our way to Waipiʻo Valley Overlook so there are opportunities for stopping for local island treats.
We will see our first of many waterfalls as we round Mauna Kea. Our next major stop is ʻAkaka Falls along the Hamakua coast, an area of thick rainforests with farms and ranches along the road. We will check out ʻAkaka Falls State Park and it's very tall waterfalls before checking out some smaller ones, on a tropical backroad scenic route that takes us down into historic Hilo town.
In Hilo, we will enjoy some lunch and visit the famous Rainbow Falls. The historic town and area is full of stories about disasters and lava which is perfect to set up our visit to Volcanoes National Park.
In the park, we will visit numerous areas, including the visitor center, multiple lookouts around Kīlauea including the steam bluffs, and take a short drive down the Chain of Craters Road. The last stop in the park is the fun Thurston Lava Tube. Walk through to the end and pop up in a native Hawaiʻian rainforest. It's wonderful to explore the whole area.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a bucket list item for many of our guests so it's our next stop. This beautiful beach tends to have turtles resting on it. A must-see as well for our many of our guests. By this time, you may have worked up a little appetite. We make a stop at a bakery for an early dinner stop that you can enjoy on your own. Sweetbread sandwiches are a specialty.
In South Kona, we will explore a farm, take a look at some overlooks and stop to enjoy a sunset before dropping down into the Kailua-Kona town for a cruise along the main street. Our Waikōloa-based guests can take time to walk along the waterfront section while we return our Kona-based guests to their hotels. Waikōloa guests will then return with the guide to their resorts.
Your guide will give you some insight into the historical significance of major areas as well as make numerous stops along the way so you can enjoy the views and take pictures. After a 10-12 hour day exploring some of the Big Island’s most incredible natural landmarks, you will be dropped off at your resort, condo, or hotel.
Price & Calendar
12-Hour Grand Circle Big Island Tour From Kona Resorts
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $259.00 |
ChildrenAges 2-12 yrs | $249.00 |
Featured
- Pickup from the Kona and Waikōloa resort areas
- Opportunities to buy lunch and dinner during stops
- Admission to Volcanoes National Park included
- Admission to ʻAkaka Falls State Park
- Brief, educational hikes led by an informed guide
- Use of binoculars, towels, and umbrellas provided
- Access to a cooler stocked with soft drinks and water for refills (Please bring your own refillable bottles, as we avoid using plastic water bottles.)
- Several stops at interesting locations
- Knowledgeable local guide offering a narrated experience
- Health and safety supplies including sanitary, motion sickness, and first-aid items
- Comfortable seating in a vehicle designed for small group tours
Departure & Return
- 7:00 AM - Pickup In Kona Resorts
- 8:00 AM - Pickup In Waikoloa Resorts
- 8:30 AM - Waimea Country Area (stop for a breakfast snack on your own)
- 9:30 AM - Akaka Falls State Park
- 11:30 AM - Scenic Rainforest & Waterfalls Area
- Stop For Waterfall Pool Swim
- 12:15 PM - Stop For Lunch (on your own)
- 1:00 PM - Hilo & Rainbow Falls
- 1:30 PM - Volcanoes National Park
- Visitor Center
- Jagger Museum Overlook
- Steam Vents
- Kilauea Iki Overlook
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Volcano House Gift Shop
- 3:30 PM - Punuluu Black Sand Beach
- 4:00 PM - Punuluu Bakery Stop (snack & early dinner)
- 4:50 PM - Paradise Meadows
- 5:30 PM - Sunset Kona Overlook
- 7:00 PM - Return To Kona Hotels
- 8:00 PM - Arrive At Waikoloa Resorts
* The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide depending on the group's preferences, time constraints, roadworks, or weather. Additionally, the tour will be modified in response to significant lava flows.
* Please note that our tour pickup might experience delays of up to 5 hours, therefore we recommend leaving your evening plans flexible on the day of the tour.
Food
To help our communities with tourism, we encourage our guests to purchase food, drinks, and other items directly from the local family farms, bakeries, and restaurants we visit. They are places you would want to come back and visit again on your own!
Our vehicles contain coolers with cold canned, non-alcoholic drinks for our guests. We don't provide plastic water bottles but we do have clean, great-tasting water for refilling your own water bottle.
Depending on the group, we may make stops at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation, a honey farm, Hilo's Farmer's Market, food truck lots, or other locations. Your guide will choose the best spots for that day.
Punalu'u Bake Shop - $5-$15 / per person
Located in the southernmost town, is a bakery that makes Hawaiian sweet bread from a traditional family recipe. All sweetbreads are made without preservatives and wrapped in bright, tapa-print packaging. Try at least a sample and you will be hooked. The settings and outdoor cafe make for a wonderful stopping point to enjoy a lunch meal.
- Deli & Hot Sandwiches On Sweet Bread
- Soups & Salads
- Plate Lunches With Rice & Mac Salad
- Baked Goods
- Teas
- Espresso Bar
- Ice Cream
- Pies & Cakes
- Fruit Smoothies
Kuhio Grille - $10-$30 / per person
The family history starts in the 1900s when Japanese immigrants moved to Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations. They soon began farming and selling taro as well as the leaves. Grandma would make laulau to feed the family and friends, fresh meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves. It became so popular they opened a restaurant to feed everyone, that was over 25 years ago.
- Laulau & Combo Plates
- Fried Rice, Saimin & Locos
- Seafood & Steak Entrees
- Tempura, Udon, & Katsu
- Burgers & More
- All-Day Breakfast
Agreement
In the event of cancellation or request change to your reservation, please note the following. Most Circle Island Tours originating from Oahu, there is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability. Any request for a refund prior to 72 hours is honored with a full cash refund. No refunds issued for any tours within the 72 hour period, prior to the start of your tour.