| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour, Islands tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Pickup time will depend on the location of your accommodation in Kohala. The local tour operator will contact you prior to the tour to arrange your pickup time. Please indicate your pickup location and phone number at checkout.
Pickups start around 7 am. Your exact pickup time will depend on the location of your accommodation in Kohala, the local tour operator will contact you prior to the tour to arrange your pickup time
Please indicate your pickup location and phone number at checkout
People of all ages can participate in this tour
This tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Participants do have to do a few stairs to get in and out of the vehicle on their own. But they can store a wheelchair in the back of the van if need be
Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring a light jacket. Some sights are weather dependent
The island is officially named Hawaiʻi, but it is widely known as the Big Island to distinguish it from the state of Hawaii and to reflect its significantly larger size compared to the other Hawaiian islands. It is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, offering vast and diverse landscapes.
The Big Island is renowned for its diverse natural wonders. Visitors can explore stunning black sand beaches, such as Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, formed by volcanic activity. The island also features active volcanoes, stark lava flows, and unique Hawaiian dry forests, offering dramatic and varied landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.
The Kona region is located on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, encompassing the sunny leeward coast. It is one of the island's primary districts, famous for its calm waters, coffee farms, and historical sites. The Big Island itself is composed of five volcanoes, with Kona sitting on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa.
The Big Island of Hawaii has two main airports for commercial flights: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) on the west side, serving the Kona district, and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side, serving the Hilo area. Most visitors arrive via KOA due to its proximity to popular resorts and attractions.
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the raw power of creation and destruction. Key experiences include driving along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, viewing Kīlauea caldera from overlooks, exploring lava tubes such as Thurston Lava Tube, and hiking across volcanic landscapes with steam vents. It offers a unique opportunity to observe active volcanic processes.
Visitors enjoying a traditional Kona coffee tasting can expect to sample world-renowned coffee grown in the unique volcanic soil of the Kona district. This experience is often paired with breathtaking panoramic views of Kealakekua Bay, a historically significant area known for its pristine waters and marine life. It combines a sensory delight with stunning natural scenery.
The most common and flexible way to explore the Big Island for sightseeing is by renting a car, which allows access to remote beaches, national parks, and scenic routes at your own pace. Guided tours are also popular, providing transportation, commentary, and curated itineraries without the need for personal driving. Public transportation is limited, making independent exploration challenging without a car.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available on the Big Island, primarily in the more populated areas around Kona and Hilo. However, coverage can be sparse in rural or remote regions. Local shuttle services often connect airports with major resorts or offer specific tour routes, but these are less flexible than a rental car for island-wide exploration. It's advisable to check availability in advance for specific routes.