love big island tours

Change your search

Big Island Circle Tours

Tours From Kona or Hilo

Big Island Sightseeing Excursions

We absolutely love the scenes and stops that you make on a sightseeing journey across Big Island. Starting on either the Kona or Hilo side of the island, your Big Island circle island tour route includes a volcano, one or two black sand beaches, many waterfalls, great coffee, stops for local treats, or at a world-famous bakery and so much more. Your guide will make sure your day with us is one of the most memorable in Hawaii.

There are a few variations to a sightseeing tour on the island that can start in the town of Hilo or along the Kona coast. The Kona coast includes the town of Kailua-Kona and the resort areas of Waikoloa & Kohala. Our tours will pick up at the resort, private accommodation, or at a central public location.

Big Island Tours From Kona & Hilo

The dry western coastline is the perfect place to spend most of your vacation time. The weather is consistently warm and sunny making for wonderful days around the pool or enjoying one of the many watersports. When you are ready to leave the resort and explore the island we have 3 easy sightseeing options.

Big Island Private Tours

Make the most of a day on the Big Island! Customize your... More

Volcano Sightseeing From Kona Tour

Spend an afternoon enjoying the sites and flavors of the Big... More

Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour

This adventure-filled day will allow you to explore numerous... More

Big Island Air Tours

Big Island Air Tours offers a thrilling aerial exploration of Hawaii’s most geographically diverse island. From cascading waterfalls and active volcanoes to sprawling coastlines and lush rainforests, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Our seasoned pilots share enriching insights and stories, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. Join us to witness the unparalleled beauty of the Big Island from the skies above.

Big Island Circle Discovery Tour

See the entirety of the Big Island in one epic flight! This... More

Spectacular Helicopter Tour of Big Island

Embark on an amazing exploration of Big Island’s unique... More

Full Day Sightseeing Tours On Big Island

Standard island tours that use the Saddle Road route are about 9-11 hours while those tours that use the northern route through Waimea are referred to as the Grand tour and that is between 11-13 hours.

Big Island Frequently Asked Questions

We are staying at a vacation rental. can we be picked up at our accommodation, is a visit to the volcano included in every tour, how big are the group tours being offered, do any of your tours have car seats available, ask us question, the best guides & customer service.

We create opportunities for wonderful memories with your family and friends at a great value. Each day is an important time investment. You won’t waste your time or money choosing us.

Stress-Free Bookings & Changes

Book your tour now and make changes at no cost. Our team is here to make your trip exceptional. We will make sure you are taking the right tour on the right day (on the right island!).

We Provide Custom Island Tours

We are a full-service tour operator and travel agency based here in Hawaii. We provide small group shared and private sightseeing tours. Check out our tours or book a private to customize your day even more.

Tour Experience Full Of Aloha

We will never forget our roots and that is to deliver wonderful island experiences every day. Please reach out to us at any time by email, chat, and text. Or call us between 8 AM and 5 PM daily, Hawaiian time.

• 378 Aliiolani St., Pukalani, HI 96768
• 1-808-900-7253
• [email protected]
• Open Daily 5:00am to 9:00pm, HST

Proud Supporter

Quick Links

• agents & partners
• refunds & cancellation

Travel with Circle Island Tours stress free. A 72-hour cancellation on most tours. This site uses cookies, please click ok to accept use.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Discover Big Island! Soak up the beautiful ocean views and catch some waves in a public or private surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lesson. Or, sample local delicacies at some of the best food joints in town. Browse all our Maui tours below and book yours online today!

results result

No Activities found.

Kona Coast Sunset Tour

Mauna loa helicopter tours - big island.

Join us on a truly remarkable flight that will take you from Kona Airport along the magnificent coastline during the “Golden Hour”.

Kona Coast Tour

Jump on one of our Kona Coast Experience Tours and get a birds eye view of one of the most stunning landscapes in the Hawaiian Islands.

Big Island Experience

Fly over the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea!

Magical Waterfalls

Enjoy the stunning flyby of some of the hidden sites that Hawai’i’s diverse climate can offer.

AFTERNOON SAILING & SNORKELING TOUR

Sea paradise.

Your captain will select the best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay, as our friendly and professional crew members provide site briefings and historical facts.

MORNING SAILING & SNORKELING TOUR

Our crew members will provide snorkel tips and basic instructions to guests of all ages and experience levels.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Body glove hawaii.

Join us for a 2-hour Sunset Cocktail Cruise aboard the Kanoa II, a 65’ luxury double deck catamaran with all the amenities.

Historical Dinner Cruise

Step aboard and journey back in time, when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged and fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands.

Deluxe Snorkel & BBQ Adventure

Accessible only by boat, join us in the crystal clear water of the protected marine sanctuaries of Red Hill which are home to more than 600 species of enchanting ocean wildlife.

Kohala Zip & Dip – Private Ohana Outing

Kohala zipline.

Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream.

Kohala Zipline – Private Ohana Outing

Set within a towering forest on a private nature reserve, this aerial adventure is perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Kohala Zip & Dip

Spend an inspiring and exhilarating day in North Kohala, a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance.

Kohala Canopy Adventure

8 lines, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel make this the only full canopy tour on Hawaii Island.

Beekeeping Tour

Big island bees.

What can you learn about bees in an hour? A lot! Especially when you explore them in their hive with our experienced beekeepers.

Hawaii Lei Flower & Gift Delivery

Leigreeting.

Experience true Hawaiian hospitality as you are greeted with a fresh flower lei and a warm “aloha!” An airport lei greeting sets the tone for your entire Hawaiian vacation. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss!

Full Day Charter

Kona cowboy sport fishing.

Whether you’re a novice or pro, you’re going to have a memorable time with this friendly and experienced crew that works very hard to put you on the fish. Whether it’s dinner you’re after, or a trophy Blue Marlin, Capt. Shawn will make it happen!

Six Hour Charter

You’ll be fishing with Captain Shawn Slattery and his crew from a Bertram (Flybridge) sportfisher originally built in 1977 and fully restored in 2019. Powered by two 350HP Cummings engines and maximum cruising speed of 25 knots, she’s got plenty of get-up-and-go!

Glass Bottom Reef Tour

Kailua bay charter company.

Come aboard the Marian, a glass bottom boat departing from Kailua Bay on the Kona Coast, and see the world below the surface of the ocean. This tour is both fun and educational!

Beat the Crowd Snorkel

Captain zodiac.

Our destination is Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve and the site of the Captain Cook Monument. This area is one of Hawaii’s premier snorkel spots with incredible visibility and calm conditions.

Award Winning Kealakekua Bay Adventure

Looking for world-class snorkeling? Join us for an award-winning snorkeling adventure! Our destination is Kealakekua Bay, which is a National Marine Park and the site of the Captain Cook Monument.

Deluxe Afternoon Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay

Adventures in paradise.

Snorkeling in Hawaii offers an experience not available in the Western United States or Canada. The water here is warm, clear, and there is abundant life of all kinds: fish, coral reefs, & dolphins.. Our snorkel tours offer an esthetic and ecological way to enjoy all nature has to offer.

Deluxe Morning Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay

Join us as we guide you to our paddling destination – historic  Kealakekua Bay , then snorkel  Captain Cook Monument.

Deluxe Afternoon Captain Cook Tour

Captain cook cruises.

Cruise along the Big Island with an expert guide for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure at the Captain Cook Monument. You can get here easily by boat, but it’s a long and arduous hike! See sea caves and rugged landscapes en route!

Deluxe Morning Captain Cook Tour

Join us as we guide you to our snorkeling destination – historic Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument!

Big Island Hawaii Tours and Adventures

General tours, hawaii volcanoes national park tour for cruise ship passengers, e-bike puna lava tour, hilo to puna, hamakua heritage, hawaiian history and legends, private tours, hawaii volcanoes national park tour, black sand, green sand and white sand beaches, catch & cook mauka (mountain), catch & cook makai (ocean), big island private tours, best hawaii tours on the big island, aloha style.

Full of ALOHA, fun, and laughter, and your safety is our top priority.

Native Guides

Our native guides are bilingual in Hawaiian-pidgin English and English.

We have something for everyone so you can bring the whole family.

Whether you are in shape or not, we have tours suitable for all fitness levels.

Our sightseeing tours around include a luxury mercedes sprinter van.

Our goal is to provide an unforgettable and authentic Hawaiian experience.

Our tours provide snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and lunches during the tour.

We offer “General” tours as well as 100% “Private” fully customizable tours.

Experience Local Style

E-bikes tours, frequently asked questions, where are some popular local foods to try in hawaii.

Depending on the tour you choose, we offer a variety of snacks and drinks to satisfy your cravings. For private tours, we can tailor everything to your taste preferences and suggest the best places to go based on your interests and time frame.

What are the must-see attractions in Hawaii?

Our tours cover a variety of must-see attractions, including the stunning Volcanoes National Park, the breathtaking ‘Akaka Falls, and more.

What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii, but if you’re looking for a particularly special time to go, we recommend April and May during the Merrie Monarch Festival. This is a time when vendors from all the Hawaiian Islands come together to showcase their unique crafts, clothing, and jewelry. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a once-in-a-lifetime gift for yourself or someone special, and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.

Can you recommend a good beach or snorkeling spot?

Absolutely! We’ll give you a full rundown on the best beaches and snorkeling spots based on your experience level and preferences. Private tours offer more flexibility, while general tours will include site-seeing and photo opportunities.

What are the cultural customs and etiquette to follow in Hawaii?

We’ll make sure you’re aware of the correct etiquette to be a respectful visitor during your tour, and educate you on the cultural customs and traditions of Hawaii.

What is the history and significance of this location?

Every place we visit in Hawaii is filled with rich history and legends. Our tours will inform you and educate you on the fascinating stories and facts related to each site we visit. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the significance of each location.

30 Amazing Tours in Big Island Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing place for people who love adventure and nature. There are many fun tours you can take to explore the island’s beautiful scenery.  Whether you want excitement or just want to relax and enjoy the views, the Big Island has something for everyone.

Volcanoes National Park Tour

• Starting at $167.54
• Duration: 5h 30m
• Pickup offered

Discover the awe-inspiring power of nature on this Volcanoes National Park Tour. Experience the park’s unique volcanic landscapes and get up close to some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Book your tour now and explore the wonder of Hawaii’s volcanic past.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

• Starting at $110
• Duration: 3h 30m
• Meal included

Experience the thrill of snorkeling with majestic manta rays on this Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour. Watch in amazement as these gentle giants glide through the ocean beneath you. Book now for an unforgettable evening adventure.

Hawaii Waterfall Tour

• Starting at $225
• Pick up offered

Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Hawaii’s waterfalls on this Hawaii Waterfall Tour. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and stunning scenery as you hike through the island’s tropical rainforest. Book now for an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour

• Starting at $379
• Duration: 50m

Get a bird’s-eye view of Big Island Hawaii’s most stunning natural wonders on this Blue Hawaiian  Helicopter Tour. From lush rainforests and towering waterfalls to active volcanoes and rugged coastline, this tour will take your breath away. Book now for an unforgettable aerial adventure

Historic Kona Coffee Tour

• Starting at $5
• Self guided tour

Savor the rich flavors of Big Island Hawaii’s world-famous Kona coffee on this Historic Kona Coffee Tour. Learn about the history and production of this beloved coffee as you tour local plantations and sample some of the island’s finest blends. Book now to awaken your senses.

Whale Watching Tour

• Starting at $99
• Duration: 4h
• snacks included

Witness the majesty of humpback whales in their natural habitat on this Whale Watching Tour. From breaching and tail slapping to singing and spouting, you’ll be in awe of these gentle giants. Book now for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Starting at $94
• Duration: 3h

Set sail into the golden Hawaiian sunset on this Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a delicious dinner, tropical cocktails, and live entertainment as you take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. Book now for an unforgettable evening on the water.

Waipio Valley ATV Tour

• Starting at $150
• Duration: 2h 30m

Get your adrenaline pumping on this ATV Adventure Tour. Explore Hawaii’s Rich Cultural Landscape on a WOH Ranch Tour on  your own all-terrain vehicle. Book now for a thrilling off-road adventure.

Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing Tour

• Starting at $273.14
• Duration: 7h 30m - 8h 30m

Discover the wonders of the night sky on this Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing Tour. Marvel at the stars and constellations from the summit of the world’s tallest mountain. Book now for a truly unforgettable stargazing experience.

Hidden Craters Hike

• Starting at $105
• Duration: 5h

Experience the unique beauty of Big Island Hawaii’s black sand beaches on this Black Sand Beach Tour. Learn about the geological forces that create these stunning beaches and witness the power of the ocean firsthand. Book now to explore Hawaii’s incredible coastline.

Horseback Riding Tour

• Starting at $135

Explore the beauty of Big Island Hawaii on horseback with this Horseback Riding Tour. Ride through lush forests, scenic valleys, and rolling hills, taking in the stunning island scenery as you go. Book now for a peaceful and scenic adventure.

Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

• Starting at $58.00
• Duration: 2h

Explore Hawaii’s vibrant marine life on this Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour. Paddle through crystal clear waters and snorkel among colorful fish and sea turtles. Book now for a fun-filled day on the water.

Hilo Market and Rainbow Falls Tour

• Starting at $35

Immerse yourself in the local culture on this Hilo Market and Rainbow Falls Tour. Browse the colorful markets and sample local foods as you explore the beautiful Rainbow Falls Tours. Book now on Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off City Tour

Zipline Adventure Tour

• Starting at $198.95

Soar through the treetops on this Zipline Adventure Tour. Experience the rush of adrenaline as you zip along the island’s lush forests and stunning coastline. Book now for an unforgettable aerial adventure.

Deep Sea Fishing Tour

• Starting at $156.18
• Duration: 4h+

Experience the thrill of fishing in the deep blue sea of Hawaii with an experienced crew that knows where the fish are biting. This tour will take you out to the best fishing spots where you can catch a variety of fish like marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Book your deep-sea fishing tour today and reel in the catch of a lifetime!

Legends of Hawaii Luau

• Starting at $95

Take a leisurely stroll through lush botanical gardens, enjoy the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers, and witness the beauty of cascading waterfalls on this tour. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through hidden paths and show you the best spots for photos. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii.

Private Customized Tour

• Starting at $1,699
• Duration: 10h - 11h

Design your own adventure with a private customized tour that caters to your interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore beaches, waterfalls, or historic sites, your private guide will create a personalized itinerary just for you. This tour is perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want to see Hawaii on their own terms.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Witness the beauty of Hawaii’s coral reefs, colorful fish, and marine life from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. This tour is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to experience the magic of Hawaii’s underwater world.

Kona Brewery Tour

• Starting at $25
• Duration: 1h

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made, from the brewing tanks to the bottling process. You’ll also get to taste a variety of beers and learn about the different styles. Book your Kona Brewery Tour today and taste the flavors of Hawaii.

Waipio Valley Tour

• Starting at $36.50
• Duration: 1h 30m - 2h

Explore the beautiful Waipio Valley on this tour that takes you through lush rainforests, taro fields, and black sand beaches. You’ll also get to visit a local farm and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of the area. Book your Waipio Valley Tour today for an unforgettable journey through Hawaii’s natural wonders.

Kona Coffee Tour

• Duration: 30m - 1h

A free, self-guided tour of a working coffee farm that offers a glimpse into the history of Kona coffee and the lives of the people who worked on the farms.

Coffee and Chocolate Tours

• Starting at $20
• Duration: 1h 30m

Tour through lush plantations, learn about coffee and chocolate production, and savor the delicious end products. This hands-on experience offers a tasty blend of nature, education, and delightful treats, making it a memorable adventure for both nature enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Tour

• Starting at $10
• Duration: 1m - 8h

A free self-guided tour of a 420-acre national historical park that includes ancient Hawaiian temple ruins, royal grounds, and a beach.

Royal Kona Coffee Center Tour

A free tour of a coffee shop and processing facility that offers insight into the coffee-making process and the history of the Kona coffee industry. Free sampling of the coffee made at location.

Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour Kona

• Starting at $15
• Duration: 45m

Embark on a fascinating Salt Tour on the Big Island, delving into the ancient Hawaiian tradition of salt harvesting. This unique adventure allows you to witness the process of creating salt from the ocean, offering a hands-on experience that connects you with the rich cultural history of the islands.

Parker Ranch Historical Homes Tour

• Duration: Self guided

Take a historic glimpse into the life of the Parker family, who were prominent ranchers in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kilauea Iki Crater Hike Tour

• Starting at $159
• Duration: 3h - 4h

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a journey to explore the Kilauea Iki Crater. This tour will take you on a 4-mile round-trip hike through lush rainforests, steam vents, and the solidified lava lake of the Kilauea Iki Crater. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the geology and history of the area. Book your Kilauea Iki Crater Hike Tour today for a memorable adventure.

Akaka Falls State Park Tour

• Duration: 1h - 3h

Free admission to a state park that features a 442-foot waterfall, as well as a self-guided nature walk through a lush rainforest.

Kilauea Visitor Center Tour

• Duration: 1h - 2h

A  guided tour of the visitor center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which provides information about the park’s history, geology, and ongoing volcanic activity.

Astronomy Tours at Mauna Kea Visitor Center

• Duration: 5m - 3h

Free nightly stargazing events hosted by the visitor center staff, which offer a chance to view the stars and learn about the area’s rich astronomical history.

Enjoy the Tours

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy.  Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, a relaxing boat ride or a unique cultural experience, there’s something for everyone.  With tours ranging from deep sea fishing to botanical garden and waterfall tours, Kilauea Iki Crater Hike to private customized tours, glass bottom boat tours to Kona brewery tours, and Waipio Valley tours, there’s no shortage of options to explore this beautiful island. So, get ready to create unforgettable memories and make the most of your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii!

Looking for a place to stay?

Exploring the Puna Coast Trail on Hawaii’s Big Island

Beach 69 (Waialea Beach)

Everything You Need to Know About Makalawena Beach

Hilo Beaches

Start Here – Preparing for your Big Island Adventure

30 Big Island Tours

26 Most Popular Beaches in Big Island Hawaii

• HAWAII TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE. ALOHA WITH LOVE, AMY.
• Terms & Privacy

Get Emails From Hawaii!

• Get Started
• Self-Guided GPS Audio Tours
• Book Tours & Activities
• Search for:

Travel Guides

Best things to do on the big island.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll earn a small commission if you purchase something through these links. You won't pay any extra; instead, you'll be helping Aloha With Love to thrive. Thank you! Learn more .

If you ask people who have visited all of the Hawaiian Islands several times over, the Big Island will rank pretty high up. In my opinion, it’s because the Big Island has 8 of the 13 different climates so you can experience a huge range of outdoor activities. From falling snow to desert-like hikes, the Big Island offers you plenty of choices. You can go on a rainy farm tour one day, then take a sunny, coastal hike to see turtles on the same day. The Big Island is a great compromise since it’s not quite as crowded as Oahu or Maui (it helps that it’s a big island), but still has more of a nightlife than Kauai, where everything closes early.

Aloha with love, Amy

Things to do on the Big Island

The Big Island has fantastic beaches! There are so many to choose from and it’s very possible to have a whole beach to yourself all day. The Big Island also has several black sand beaches due to eruptions and lava flows. So you’re in for a unique beachscape if you’re headed here.

My favorite Big Island beaches

• Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach): It’s a fun coastal hike to this beach, which is 1 of only 4 green sand beaches in the world! Not many people swim here, but it’s a fun must-see beach considering how rare green beaches are.
• Punaluu Beach (Black Sand Beach): While the Big Island has several black sand beaches, Punaluu is THE black sand beach and is known for sea turtles that pull themselves up onto the sand to bask in the sun.
• Hapuna Beach: When you read those “best beaches in the world” lists, Hapuna Beach on the Big Island usually makes the vote. It’s a gorgeous white sand beach that’s picture perfect.
• Kekaha Kai State Park: This state park has 3 white sand beaches that are incredibly gorgeous. It’s worth your time to check out at least one of them on your trip to Hawaii.
• Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach): Located in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this beach is like looking at a postcard. It’s also a great place to snorkel.
• Kiholo Bay: A coastal hike is required to get to this bay, but the walk is gorgeous, interesting, and there are plenty of turtles!
• Spencer Beach: The gentle waves at Spencer Beach make this suitable for young children. Plus, there’s plenty of shady trees where you can escape from the sun when needed.

Best Big Island beaches for snorkeling

• Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument): Requires a hike, but the ocean life is worth it.
• Kahaluu Beach: Great for beginner snorkelers.
• Honaunau Bay (Two Step): Usually calm and clear all year round.
• Makaiwa Bay: Beautiful sandy cove that fronts the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Mauna Lani Terrace Condos.
• Honokaope Bay (49 Black Sand Beach): A unique snorkeling experience on a black sand beach.
• Lapakahi State Historical Park: As a part of the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District, there is some excellent snorkeling here. Recommended for stronger swimmers/snorkelers.

Big Island tours and activities

What makes the Big Island special is that it’s got a little bit of everything to discover: volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, ancient sites, museums, etc. Here are a few Big Island tours and activities that I recommend.

Tours unique to the Big Island

• Volcano tours by air
• Volcano sightseeing tours
• Volcano hiking tours
• Snorkeling with manta rays
• Fishing charters (My dad and I have always gotten lucky when fishing on the Big Island.)
• Waterfall adventures
• Mauna Kea summit adventures

Tours for kids

It can be tough choosing tours and activities for your kids because you don’t know how they’ll react. Will they get sick on a whale watching cruise? Can they sit still long enough for the tour guide to capture their attention? Will they take to snorkeling like a fish to water? Here are some kid-friendly tours and activities on the Big Island.

• Browse all kid-friendly tours and activities on the Big Island for children of all ages.
• Luaus are a wonderful activity for any age. Children will love the colors, choreography, and costumes.
• Helicopter tours are extremely popular in Hawaii and for good reason – the experience is one of a kind!
• Snorkeling cruises are a great option for kids, especially if it’s going to be their first time snorkeling.
• Dolphins are known to frequent the waters of the Big Island.

Tours for families

• Ziplining on the Big Island is amazing since you’ll get to see forests and waterfalls.
• Waterfalls on the Big Island are impressive and recommended.
• Hiking with a guide is recommended for unique sights such as lava or lava caves.
• Farm tours are a great family activity on the Big Island. You’ll probably get to taste test a few things, too!

Must do on the Big Island (Big Island highlights)

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The Big Island is known for its volcanoes because it’s possible to see lava flows, eruptions, smoke plumes, and even black sand beaches. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is huge and there’s so much to do here from gorgeous hikes to beautiful drives.
• Mauna Kea: You can either hike, drive or take a tour to the top of Mauna Kea – the world’s tallest mountain in the world from the base to the summit. Just make sure you’re aware of the signs of altitude sickness so you know if you should stop.
• Snorkeling or diving with manta rays: You can catch a glimpse of manta rays in Hawaii’s waters, but they frequent the Big Island because of the hotel lights that attract plankton. It’s a really magical experience since they’re such regal creatures and you’ll be doing this at night.
• Black sand beaches: Due to all of the eruptions and black lava rock mixing with the sand, the Big Island has a number of gorgeous black sand beaches. Some are a shiny and coal black, while others are a peppered gray, but all are unique and beautiful in their own way.
• Waterfalls: Another thing to put on your Big Island’s Hawaii travel itinerary are the waterfalls. There are a few that are easily accessible and I recommend checking out a few.

Amy Fujimoto

I grew up in Hawaii and love trying out new things to do in Hawaii. When I'm not writing about Hawaii travel, I document my Mom's recipes, hike with Daisy the waddling rescue, work on my 200-gallon aquaponics system, and dream about my future van conversion so I can do some more traveling.

I travel, explore, work and enjoy life in Hawaii. Get email updates and join me on my adventures.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Get Emails From Hawaii

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

The 9 Best Big Island Snorkeling Tours

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Share with your friends!

Known for having great visibility and plentiful marine life, the Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii to get out your snorkel gear. Underwater lava tubes, the Hawaiian state fish, and historic monuments are just some of what you can expect from snorkeling on the Big Island. 

Add in vibrant reefs plus the chance to see dolphins and whales (in winter) and the Big Island soars straight near the top of our list for snorkeling in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Big Island is actually our #2 in terms of the best islands for snorkeling , although just because it isn’t our favorite doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some seriously incredible places to dive below the waves in search of sea turtles and colorful fish. 

These are the nine best Big Island snorkeling tours and everything you need to know about jumping on a snorkeling excursion here.

Get everything you need to plan the rest of your Big Island trip here: Take a deep dive and get all you need to know with our Big Island Travel Guide Figure out the best part of the Big Island to stay on and explore where to stay Explore the best beaches on the island and even more activities to keep you busy

The Best Snorkeling Tours on the Big Island

Best kealakekua bay snorkeling tours.

Kealakekua Bay is a marine life sanctuary and one of the Big Island’s most popular places to snorkel. We highly recommend hopping on a snorkeling tour if you want to experience this area as getting there on foot is challenging with a steep hike. 

1. Kayaking Snorkeling Tour

This snorkeling tour takes place at the Captain Cook Monument and combines the fun of a kayaking trip with your snorkeling experience. You’ll paddle out in stable, double kayaks from Kealakekua Bay to reach the coral gardens that surround the monument. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history of the area. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need to be aware of self-rescue kayaking techniques as this is not a beginner kayaking trip. Drinks, snacks, and your snorkel gear are provided. This tour is 2.5 hours in length and is recommended for those aged 7 to late 60s. There’s also a good chance of spotting spinner dolphins while you’re kayaking out to the monument, and even humpback whales in the winter months!

It’s also possible to DIY this tour, renting your own kayak from Ehu and Kai Adventure in Kealakekua Bay, but we highly recommend that you join the tour to get the most out of the experience.

2. Small Group Snorkeling Tours

Not into the idea of snorkeling with a big group? Then this is just the tour for you ! 

Head out with a group of no more than 12, exploring the beautiful Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island. You’ll sail out to the snorkeling spot from Keauhou Harbor located just north. Spend your three hours of uninterrupted snorkel time looking for Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or the lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi’ele’ele. Both of these are only found off the Kona Coast! 

Your vessel for the tour is Hawaii Oceanic’s 27-foot Force Marine powerboat, built in Hawaii and made specifically for its unique ocean conditions. The boat is comfortable with plenty of shade to escape the Hawaiian sun. This tour allows children 5 and older. Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are all provided.

3. Larger Group, Larger Boat

This environmentally-friendly tour onboard the spacious FairWind II boat is a wonderful way to experience snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument – with the fun addition of waterslides! 

While the crowd might be larger than others (this tour can accommodate up to 90 people), it’s perfect for families as all ages are welcome – including pregnant women. Push off from Keauhou Harbor and make your way south to the stunning Kealakekua Bay with breakfast, lunch, and drinks included. 

All meals provided are vegan to maintain their environmentally friendly status but with Kona coffee, banana bread, BBQ pulled jackfruit, various salads, homemade pickles, chips, and cookies, you won’t miss the non-vegan options.

This tour is extra comfy as there are two bathrooms onboard, there’s plenty of shade, and ride-alongs (those who aren’t snorkeling) are also allowed. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Free Download!

Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

4. Catamaran Snorkeling Trip

Revered as one of the best snorkeling areas in Hawaii for its crystalline water and abundant tropical fish, this 50’ catamaran tour sets sail for Kealakekua Bay twice a day. You’ll spend about 45 minutes sailing on either end of your snorkeling session, enjoying the beautiful views of the Kona Coast as your guide details the area’s history and any interesting landmarks along the way. 

Once you reach the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay, you’ll have an entire hour to snorkel around searching for Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful fish, and even spinner dolphins. You’ll also have the chance to spot humpback whales in winter !

If conditions are good, you may have the opportunity to tack on an additional snorkeling spot, the Red Hill. Underwater lava tubes and archways will reveal themselves just beneath the surface – along with vibrant tropical fish.

Luckily, all ages are welcome on this tour as the catamaran offers smooth sailing. Continental breakfast or deli-style lunch (depending on departure time), snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are provided making this tour a no-brainer. You can also purchase alcoholic drinks. Two bathrooms are on board the Hoku Nui as well as some shade in the galley.

5. Rafting Snorkeling Trip

One of the more adventurous trips to Kealakekua Bay, this snorkeling trip takes place aboard Captain Zodiac’s Power Raft. Unlike some of the other tours, this unique vessel allows you access to sights along the Kona Coast you can’t see otherwise like blowholes and sea grottos.

They offer two types of tours, the 5-Hour Beat the Crowds and the 4-Hour Kealakekua Bay Tour . Both go to the same incredible snorkeling spots. The 5-hour tour perfectly times your snorkel adventure to beat both the early morning and afternoon crowds, giving you a more intimate experience (as the name suggests). 

Tours are only suitable for children ages 4 and up and leave from the Kona Marina . The 5-hour tour is punctuated with lunch served between your snorkeling sessions. On your way back to the marina, you’ll have the chance to investigate the sea grottos, caves, and blowholes that can only be seen from the agile zodiac.

Keep in mind that because this is a zodiac tour there is no shade. If you’re prone to seasickness, this trip could trigger it more easily due to the nature of the vessel. 

Best Kona Coast Snorkeling Tours

6. pawai bay snorkeling tour.

Explore the exclusive Pawai Bay onboard a retired Navy SEAL vessel on this snorkeling tour . You’ll head out from the convenient location of the Honokohau Harbor in Kona to reach the stunning Pawai Bay. This is frequently touted as one of the best snorkel spots on the Big Island but is impossible to reach unless you arrive by boat. 

Take in the lava rock coastline during your trip. It’s not possible for non-natives to step foot on this sacred land which also makes it impossible to snorkel from dry land here. The craggy coast creates the perfect underwater hiding place for eels, turtles, and octopus and you’re sure to see Hawaii’s endemic reef fish as well. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins on your way out to the snorkel spot and humpbacks from December to March.

You’ll get briefings on the wildlife and surrounding area’s history before jumping in the water. Snacks, juice, and sparkling water are provided, along with snorkeling gear. The ride out is just 15 minutes which means you get to spend more time snorkeling in this stunning marine reserve. 

Children must be 3 years of age to enjoy this tour. Due to the nature of the vessel, this tour is not recommended for those who are pregnant or who have had a recent surgery.

7. Kona Coast Snorkeling Tour

This 3-hour tour with Ocean Eco Tours heads out to either the famous Kealakekua Bay or Honokohau-Kaloko (one of America’s newest national parks), depending on what area has the best ocean conditions. 

You can expect to see tons of beautiful marine life, including the Hawaii state fish, and spinner dolphins, along the Kona Coast’s teeming reefs. If you’re new to snorkeling or haven’t gone in a while, this is a great refresher as the crew gives you a Snorkeling 101 course before you head out.

The whole family is welcome on this tour, no matter their age, and including ride-alongs at a discounted price. Snorkel equipment, snacks, and drinks are included.

Find a great place to stay in Kona: Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

Best Hilo Snorkeling Tours

It’s a good idea to go snorkeling with a tour near Hilo because of the strong currents that can kick up on the Big Island’s windward side. Jumping on a tour provides added safety in terms of both equipment and eyes on the water and ocean conditions.

8. Beach Snorkeling Tour

Located on the Big Islands’ eastern coast, highlights of this snorkeling tour with Hilo Ocean Adventures include swimming along a striking black sand beach and floating alongside sea turtles! You’ll visit two different snorkeling spots on this half-day adventure. 

This particular tour is great for those who have never snorkeled before and is suitable for children too. Your snorkel guide will be there to teach you the basics and to help along the way. Aside from learning the ins and outs of snorkeling, your guide is also a wealth of knowledge on the area’s unique geography including the black sand beaches and volcanoes. One of your stops for the day is especially well known for its abundant sea turtles. 

Snacks and juice are included. Because this tour leaves from the beach, all ages are welcome to join. 

9. Boat Snorkeling Adventure

Hop aboard a 35’ Wellcraft Small Yacht for a little touch of luxury on this two-hour snorkeling adventure in Hilo ! This quick tour takes off from Hilo Bay with an expert, local guide to help you spot the spinner dolphins and other wildlife along the way. They’ll also give you a briefing about the animals you might encounter while snorkeling and the landmarks you can spot while sailing to your destination.

After reaching your snorkeling spot your guide will help you look for incredible marine life like sea turtles, eagle rays, eels, and vibrant reef fish. 

This experience is only suited for those who are age 8 and up. Snorkeling gear is not provided! If you need to rent gear you’ll need to arrive ahead of time to be properly fitted. While this tour is a quick out and back, it’s worth it for the added possibility of seeing unique wildlife. 

Find more great things to do in Hilo: Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo (plus kayaking, SUP, and rappelling options) ATV Off-Road Adventure North of Hilo 1 Perfect Day in Hilo: Things to Do in Hilo for the Day

Big Island Snorkeling Tour FAQs

Which side of the big island is the best for snorkeling.

The best area to go snorkeling on Hawaii’s Big Island is the leeward side of the island, especially in the summer months. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, Two Step at Honaunau Bay, and Kahalu’u Beach Park. Some of these locations will require that you be a more advanced snorkeler and swimmer. Always check ocean conditions before hopping in the water!

Are snorkeling tours on the Big Island worth it?

We used to find ourselves squarely on one side of this debate: snorkeling tours were not worth the money. However, as we’ve done more of them (and gone on great tours), we’ve come to really appreciate that a good snorkeling tour is definitely worth the time and money for a number of reasons: 

• You can snorkel in hard-to-access areas: Most of the Big Island snorkeling tours take you to spots that aren’t easily accessible from the shore. These places are often challenging (or impossible) to reach without a boat, like Kealakekua Bay or the exclusive Pawai Bay. Because these spots are harder to reach your chances of seeing abundant marine life are higher!
• Access to a naturalist: You’re there to snorkel and have fun, but there’s also something to be said about actually learning more about Hawaii, the ocean, and sea life while you’re on your tour. The best boats come with fantastic naturalists who can educate you on what you’re seeing and answer any questions that you have.
• A crew dedicated to keeping you safe: Snorkeling is a fun activity but there are times when it isn’t so safe. When you head out on a quality boat tour, you have a crew that is dedicated to making sure their passengers stay safe. That means providing you with good gear, having people in the water to help anyone in distress, and making sure to take you to places that are safe. 
• Excellent gear: We own our own snorkeling gear but we almost always leave that at home and use what our tour provides. Why? The quality of the equipment is great, they take away any hassle of cleaning it, and we get to try out new brands. While rare, some tours don’t provide your snorkeling gear for free. Look for this info in the fine print.
• Easy and all-inclusive: Beach days require some planning — bringing the gear, finding a spot, and packing enough food and water. A snorkeling tour requires a lot less planning. They take care of the food and drink for you. Just bring your towel and your favorite reef-friendly sunscreen!
• Better reef and environmental protection: Protecting the reef and the sea life in Hawaii is very important. When you travel on a guided snorkeling tour, there is little chance that you’ll find yourself stepping on and damaging coral or violating any of the animal protection laws that are in place. 

While you can of course snorkel from the shore on the Big Island, one good, quality snorkeling tour is a worthwhile experience. There’s a snorkeling experience for everyone, whether you’re a novice or an expert. Seeking out destinations you couldn’t otherwise reach and spotting wildlife that might not be as common at snorkeling spots near shore are two huge reasons why a tour is worth the extra money!

What can you expect on a Big Island snorkeling tour?

Although all snorkeling tours are different, these are some of the things you can generally expect from a Big Island snorkeling tour. 

• A naturalist or experienced guide: These guides can educate you on what you’re seeing as well as how best to keep you and the marine life safe. They are extremely knowledgeable and love bestowing their information to guests. Be sure to listen up when they’re talking about the wildlife and both the geographic and historic sites along the way.
• Snorkeling gear: Most tours provide you with safe snorkeling gear. This is great because it means that you won’t have to lug your snorkeling gear back and forth. Obviously, if you want to bring your own, that’s okay too! Just know that most snorkeling tours don’t allow guests to bring full face masks as they have been deemed unsafe (they have a tendency to leak and make it difficult to communicate with the crew).
• Food and drinks : Most tours provide snacks and drinks at the bare minimum while others pull out all the stops with a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch. No matter which option you choose, this is a welcome addition as it means you won’t have to bring along a heavy cooler. You’ll also likely be treated to Hawaiian specialties like local pineapple.

Even more to do on the Big Island: 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island (2023) The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go) The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss

The Best Big Island Itinerary

Finish your vacation planning with ease. We’ve done all the work for you so all you have to do is download the itinerary and go have the vacation of a lifetime! The Big Island Itinerary narrows your choices down from hundreds to a handful. From where to stay, what to do, where to eat, even the best tour operators, we’ve hand picked the best so you can rest easy knowing you’re going to have a great time.

The itinerary days themselves organize your stops in a way that makes the most sense (no backtracking!), lay out everything you need to pack, when to make reservations, and even hook you up with where to find parking. When we say we’ve done all the work of planning, we mean all the work!

Just wanted to tell you that we followed your vacation guide almost to the T and had a wonderful time when we went a few months ago in November!  Your recommendations were awesome! Allan D.

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the big island itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

Similar Posts

Where to Stay on the Big Island: best areas, hotels, and vacation rentals

9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming

Black Rock Beach on Maui: Your Full Guide

Big Island Whale Watching: The 6 Best Tours and Viewing From the Shore

31 of the BEST Things To Do On Maui (2024 Update)

The Best Hawaiian Island for Beaches (plus it’s secluded beaches)

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

The Best way to see a volcano is on a private tour

The Big Island’s #1 way to see an active volcano!

Book with Volcano Specialists and see as much of Volcanoes National Park as YOU want to see!

DISCOVER THE BIG ISLAND YOUR WAY

Why travel the Big Island on someone else’s schedule? Get your own Certified Volcanoes National Park guide and an entire Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to yourself! You also receive photos of your day!

Everyone has a busy life. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is spend a day surrounded by people you don’t know, seeing things you might not be interested in. No one likes waiting for others to get back to a big bus or van, or listening to annoying people. Nowadays you also have to be concerned with getting sick from being in close quarters with other people you don’t know.

With Big Island VIP you have the whole van and day to yourself. We have many years of experience customizing tours and making the most of our customers’ time.  We love what we do! We love the Big Island and we look forward to showing others this amazing island!

Most Popular Tours

Ultimate Circle Island Tour

11-12 Hrs • Recommended 8 & over • Easy • $2495

See as much as you can on the Big Island! This private Circle Island allows you to see what you want to see! This all-day adventure starts in Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo, then heads either north or south on the Big Island.

Unvolcano Tour

6-7 Hrs • All ages • Easy • $1145

For those that want to immerse themselves in beautiful jungles and waterfalls. This tour explores the Hamakua coast in it’s splendor. Waterfalls, fun foodie stops, lush forests and more.                                     

Kona History and Turtles

6 Hrs • All ages • Easy-moderate • $1145

Kona is rich in cultural history and historical sites. Kona also has wonderful farms including the best coffee and award winning chocolate. Kona has a spot turtles can be found 365 days a year.

What our customers say about us

Take a Video Tour

The video below was created with our original van. We now have 2 vans that both have rear A/C, DVD players and professionaly wired headsets so everyone can hear us.

Top Destinations on the Big Island

The Big Island is over 4,000 square miles and has 10 of the planet’s 14 climate zones. It is really impossible to see everything in one day even if you drove for 10 hours.

With Big Island VIP you have the whole van and day to yourself.  We are volcano specialists and we love Kilauea so much we live at the top of Kilauea.  The National Park feels like our office and we love walking through the Park every day.  We love the Big Island and we look forward to showing others this amazing island!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park DOES have lava at the moment in Halemaumau crater. It isn’t visible during the day other than a plume of gas, it’s best to see in the early morning hours before the sun comes up. To see the rest of the Park it is better to have an interpretive guide help you with what you are seeing and where to see the best sites and sights, which we are happy to do for you.

The Park itself is 523 square miles which is 335,259 acres. Just think, the island of Oahu is 597 square miles so the Park is almost the size of Oahu! To see most of the Park you could easily spend all day. We try to help you see the most important sites and we customize the amount of time spent at each stop.

What are you waiting for?

We are Licensed by the State of Hawaii PUC as an Official Tour Operator in the up to 14 Passenger category. TSA certified pass (TWIC) allows us to pick you up at the cruise ship pier in Hilo & Kona.

• PO Box 213, HI Natl Park, HI 96718
• +1 866-424-8687
• [email protected]

Copyright ©2022 Bigisland VIP. All rights reserved.

Incredible Hawaiian Big Island 2 Day Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Trip

The land of turquoise water set against the rugged cliffs of lava and vibrant foliage makes Hawaii and incredible destination. If visiting Hawaii is on your bucket list, you might be wondering how to plan your visit and make the most of your time and this Hawaiian Big Island 2 Day Itinerary is the perfect place to start.

While 2 days isn’t enough to fully visit the Big Island of Hawaii, to see several islands in one trip, you may find yourself limited on time. This itinerary is designed to make the most of your time on the big island and see the best of the island in just 48 hours!

We visited Hawaii in the spring of 2023 and researched extensively to make the most of our time. This Big Island 2 Day Itinerary was thoroughly planned and we loved our time here. This itinerary is for you if you want an adventure itinerary and want to see as much as possible on the island.

As an affiliate, I may receive compensation if you make a purchase through a link on this site. Thanks for supporting my small buisiness.

Quick Look at our Hawaiian Big Island 2 Day Itinerary

The two days of this itinerary are interchangeable. We chose to enjoy the beaches on the first day and Volcano National Park on day 2 but you can change it up depending on the weather. This itinerary assumes that you will spend 2 full days and 3 nights on the island.

In this section you can see a snapshot of the itinerary. Scroll down for complete details for this Hawaii Big Island 2 day itinerary.

Day 1 Beaches and Surfing

On the first day, explore some of the beautiful beaches on the west coast of Hawaii. There are many beaches to choose from and you could simply spend all day hopping from beach to beach. Spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon surfing.

See some of the top beaches on the big island of Hawaii.

We spent the morning exploring Mahaiula and Makalawena Beach. These beaches are just north of the airport and are truly stunning. To get to these beaches you will need need to take a short hike . Spend the morning swimming, snorkeling and soaking up the sun.

Head south along the coast for lunch.

In the afternoon, rent surfboards and spend the afternoon catching some waves. If surfing isn’t your thing, continue along the coast and visit some of the other beaches on the island.

Day 2 Volcano National Park

On the second day in Hawaii, head up to Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. Spend the entire day hiking along the crater and drive down Chain of Crater Road. This gives you an entirely different perspective on the island and you can easily see most of the park in a day.

See our guide to 1 Day in Volcano National Park or scroll down for more details.

What to Know About the Big Island of Hawaii

A quick overview.

When planning a 2 day itinerary to the Big Island of Hawaii, there are several key things you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Firstly, the Big Island, also known as Hawai’i Island, is the largest and most diverse of all the Hawaiian islands. Its stunning landscapes range from lush rainforests to rugged volcanic terrain, offering a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Secondly, the island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983 – it’s important to check the current volcanic activity before you visit. Witnessing the fiery lava flows and exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see experience.

Thirdly, don’t miss out on the island’s unique cultural heritage. The Big Island is deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions, and you can immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional hula performance, exploring ancient petroglyphs, or participating in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony.

Where to Stay on the Island

There are so many places to stay on the island. Since you only have 2 days, we recommend staying on the west side of the island near the airport. This limits driving times for your visit.

We booked our lodging at the last minute and wanted something a bit more budget friendly and chose to stay at Paniolo Greens Resort which was a great location and provided exactly what we needed for our stay.

We found a few other good options at booking.com .

How to Get Around the Island

You have 2 choices to make the most of your time on the island in 2 days. The easiest way to see the island is to rent your own car. Driving is easy on the island with well maintained roads. You can search for good rental car prices and compare companies at Discover Cars .

If you don’t want to rent a car, your other option is to book a tour to see Volcano National Park and spend the other day of your itinerary visiting the local beaches near your hotel. Check out this tour of the National Park .

Details of Hawaiian Big Island 2 Day Itinerary

Below you can see complete details of our Hawaiian Big Island 2 Day Itinerary.

Day 1 – Beaches and Surfing

While you can easily visit any beaches on the island, we highly recommend starting your day early and visiting Mahaiula and Makalawena Beach . These beaches are best to visit early in the day as there is little shade and even by 9 am it was hot.

To drive to Mahailula Beach, you need to a 4 x 4 vehicle with high clearance. We watched several cars bottom out and one car get stuck on the drive to the beach. If you do drive, there is a large parking lot right before the beach. If you don’t have a vehicle that can make this drive, you will need to park right at the top of the road where it turns off from route 19.

From here you will need to walk about 1.5 miles to the beach down the road. This was pleasant on the walk in when it was cool in the morning and downhill and downright hot on the walk back just before lunch!

Once you arrive at the parking lot, take the trail on the right to get to the beach or walk straight ahead to see some of the rocky tidepools. We saw our first monk seal playing in the waves here.

The beach is a medium sized white sand beach. When we visited there were decent sized waves and good snorkeling, especially down at the far end of the beach. There are some basic facilities at the beach, but no food.

Spend some time relaxing here and if you are up for more walking, take the short hikes over to Makalawena Beach. To reach this truly stunning beach, follow the path that leads just behind Mahailula past the buildings and across the lava field. Make sure you have closed toed shoes for this hike. The trail takes you right along some beach bluffs (we saw our second monk seal here) to a truly amazing beach with white sand and gorgeous lava rocks that contrast the color of the water.

At Makalawena you can snorkel swim and relax before turning around and retracing your steps. After hiking back to your car at the end of the morning, head south and grab some lunch.

There are many lunch spots on or near the water. We ended up eating at Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar and had a good meal.

After lunch, you have 2 options, rent surfboards and get out on the water, or hit up another beach. We decided to spend some time surfing and drove down to Kahalu’u Beach Park and rented surfboards from Kahalu’u Bay Surf and Sea. You can also book lessons here and at the beach there is a popular snorkeling area and picnic tables.

After an afternoon of surfing head back to your hotel and grab some dinner.

Day 2 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Get an early start and drive to the National Park. Depending on where you are staying this will be a 1-3 hour drive. Arriving at the park early gives you a chance to beat the crowds and enough time to explore. Make sure to pack layers, water, a lunch, and plenty of snacks for the day. You can see complete details on this part of the big island 2 day itinerary on our Volcanoes Itinerary page.

If the visitor center is open when you arrive stop here and grab a map, get updated information and use the bathroom.

Start your day by hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail. This trail passes volcanic vents, the edge of the crater rim before descending into the crater itself and eventually walking through a Lava Tube. The entire trail is 3.8 mile with just under 800 feet of elevation and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Just hiking this trail will hit all the best things to see in this part of the park.

Drive to the Devastation Trail and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing down the Chain of Craters Road. This road runs from the volcano down to the coast and offers sweeping views of the lava flows and side of the volcano.

Once you reach the coast, check out the sea arch and take the short walk to see the petroglyphs on the Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Trail. If you are too tired for this hike – check out the trail directly across the road where you can walk for just a few minutes to see some other petroglyphs.

Finish your day by driving back up Chain of Craters Road to the park entrance and returning to your hotel for dinner.

Another option for this day is to do this as a guided tour – explore more tours in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Things to Know for Planning Your Itinerary

Are 2 days enough on the big island of hawaii.

The quick answer is no. If you have more time, we recommend spend at least 4 days on the big island. That said, if you only have 2 days you can still see some of the highlights of the island.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii?

You can visit Hawaii at any time throughout the year as the weather is generally pleasant and consistent.

How to Get to Hawaii?

The easiest way to get to Hawaii is to book a long distance flight into Honolulu and then take a short flight to Kona. Double check with your airlines and consider booking these flights separately or at least comparing prices. Try looking at google flights or look directly at Hawaiian Airlines.

What to Pack for Your Visit to Hawaii?

For this itinerary you should plan to pack hiking gear, beach gear, and comfortable travel clothes. Below is a general Hawaii packing list that you can use as a starting place for planning:

• Lightweight pants
• Hiking shoes/boots
• long sleeved hiking layer
• Bathing Suit
• Snorkel Gear
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen (reef Safe) and sun glasses

Common Questions about Visiting Hawaii

Are there any cultural customs or etiquette to be aware of when visiting Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii has its unique cultural customs. It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and it’s respectful to leave a small gift or “aloha” when invited to a gathering. Additionally, it is important to respect sacred sites, such as heiau (ancient Hawaiian temples), and to ask permission before taking photos of people or cultural ceremonies. Embracing the spirit of aloha and showing respect for the local culture will enrich your experience in Hawaii.

Is it necessary to rent a car when visiting Hawaii?

Renting a car is highly recommended when visiting Hawaii, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate vicinity of your accommodation. While public transportation options exist in major cities, having a car gives you the flexibility to visit remote beaches, national parks, and attractions at your own pace. It allows you to discover hidden gems and make the most of your time on the islands. However, in urban areas like Waikiki in Oahu, public transportation and ridesharing services can be convenient alternatives for short distances.

More Destination and Planning Articles

Hawaii : Explore Maui with this 5 day itinerary and make sure to spend some time exploring Haleakala National Park.

Looking to find more about visiting US National Parks? Check out our National Park page and learn more about how we plan a National Park trip .

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

View all post by Gretchen Stuppy Carlson | Website

What's Your Next Adventure?

15 Amazing North Conway Winter Activities

How to Stay in the Black Mountain Cabin NH

Hiking Doublehead Mountain NH: One of the Best 52 with a View

Love Big Island   Reviews

In the Travel Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.6.

Most relevant

We are planning a trip to Kauai and…

We are planning a trip to Kauai and needed an update since it’s been a few years since our last visit. Your information was so helpful each day the email arrived. Thank you for your knowledge and first hand experience.

Date of experience : March 31, 2024

Great advice on Hawaii from locals

Great advice on Hawaii from locals. Well written and high quality. Various itineraries and must see spots presented in a visually appealing way. I’ve been to all the islands multiple times and always come back to Love Big Island when planning our trip.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

Best itiniaries for your Hawaii trip

Great tips for all islands! The travel itineraries are truly amazing, saving so much research and time and the tips were wonderful. Thank you!

Date of experience : December 21, 2023

Reply from Love Big Island

Thank you for your wonderful review! I am happy to hear that our resources helped you plan your trip successfully..

Your emails were very helpful in planning for my trip

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Mahalo Karyn! I hope you'll have a wonderful trip to Hawaiʻi.

Best ever The emails not only provide you with…

The emails not only provide you with tips/tricks, planning agenda. But notifies you of the most current updates. Received my last email, which looks standard, until the bottom which explained "Volcano erupts today...review how to see the volcano". To be honest, I had been done researching, done planning, but this newest update changed everything, the volcano was alive, definitely booking extra tours now. Thank you for the very best information at the last minute to ensure I get the most from my trip.

Date of experience : June 07, 2023

We were in awe of the scenery, so gorgeous!

Love Big Island emails were very informative before and during our stay on Oahu. There’s so much to do and we didn’t want to miss certain things. We were well prepared because of the information we received from Gerrit. The people on Oahu are so kind/friendly, not just in the hospitality field but everywhere. Oahu is a beautiful paradise. We hope to see the rest of Hawaii one day. Awesome stay!

Date of experience : May 02, 2023

THE best source of info for planning your Big Island vacation

You will love Love Big Island.com-This website is amazing and if we could, we'd give it 10 stars! We discovered it and found out quickly how great the information and suggestions about the Big Island were. When we became Airbnb hosts, we naturally began sharing it with our guests and they always, always comment on how much they appreciate Love Big Island and use it to plan their vacation here.

Date of experience : May 01, 2019

Mahalo nui loa Jan! Helping people to plan their vacation is exactly why we have started our website for, and we are happy to read that you and your visitors find Love Big Island such a helpful resource.

Fantastic website for Big Island

A fantastic website to learn about Hawaii's Big Island: great info, insights, tips and external links regarding the Big Island. This website is pretty much a one-stop info source for all things Big Island. Further, if you still have a question after going through all their information, email your question and they will get right back to you with an answer! Again, Fantastic! Mahalo!

Date of experience : January 13, 2020

Love big Island Website

Prior to our first trip to the Big Island we bought a travel book which ended up being worthless.. We found ‘Love big Island’ website which became our daily main source of information to visit the Big Island. It allows you to choose locations you want to see or activities you want to do and describe them very well all along with local tips.We even learned about the volcanic eruption in Puna in 2018 with a video and the detailed timeline! We highly recommend this website for anyone who wants to visit or learn about the Big Island. It is well written, thorough,free of commercial bias, an excellent source of information.

Date of experience : August 02, 2019

Mahalo nui loa for your great review DG! One of the reasons we started the Love Big Island website was our frustration about the commercial bias we found on lots of other Big Island websites and we are very happy that you think we are hitting the right spot.

So much wonderful information!!!

Wow! My husband came across this website and I’m so glad he did! He’s been to Hawaii over a dozen times but I’ve only been twice, once to Maui and once to Kauai. This trip we are going to the big island and Kauai. The suggested itineraries are awesome and the information is so detailed. I love how they give recommendations and also suggestions on alternative parking when busy. The links to parks and and other sites were so helpful! We actually had already booked some of the tours suggested as my husband knew they were must dos. The site has gotten me even more excited about all the beauty and the many many places I want to explore! Thank you so much!

Date of experience : May 13, 2023

When we get island fever over on kaua'i…

When we get island fever over on kaua'i we just island hop over to big island to visit family and friends. We decided to check out some tourist attractions last time and found big island love. Big island love showed us aloha alright. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : August 18, 2019

Mahalo for your kind words and recommendation Localfire420!

I Love Big Island too

My family and I are visiting Hawaii for the first time. As we are flying all the way from Australia it was really important to get all the information we needed to make really informative decisions, such as car hire, where to stay, what to do. OMG, I was so happy when we came across Love Big Island. Thank you so very much for all of your excellent information on your website. What you share is invaluable and most importantly you make it available to whom ever wishes to read it. Keep on loving Big Island as we are the ones that are truly rewarded by it.

Date of experience : April 08, 2019

Mahalo nui loa Trina for your glowing review and for sharing your love for the Big Island :D We are happy to hear our website proved valuable to your trip planning and hope you have / had a fantastic stay in Hawaii.

The emails were very helpful!

The emails were very helpful Worth a read to anyone planning their first trip to the islands. The example daily itinerary’s for each island were especially helpful

Date of experience : September 30, 2023

Thank you very much for your review Chad. I am happy to her our emails and itineraries were of good help, and wish you a wonderful trip to HawaIʻi!

Big Island Love provides detailed and…

Big Island Love provides detailed and easy to follow information, it’s everything one should consider when visiting Hawaii. I actually grew up on the Big Island but I learned a ton of new information from their emails and website! I can’t imagine if I knew nothing, this collection of information would be invaluable to a new visitor. I went into planning this trip with an idea of what I wanted to do, but these emails and websites helped me refine the plan- I feel so confident and excited to take my Daughter for her first experience.

Date of experience : April 23, 2023

They Cancelled on us and I'm still waiting for a Refund

Booked an excursion before leaving for my trip only to have it cancelled last minute and now I've been waiting for my refund to try and salvage this situation with my wife. Very disappointed and their solution was just to come another day like our trip was indefinite.

Date of experience : January 21, 2021

Aloha Chris, We understand and share your frustration about the excursion getting cancelled at such a late time. Because the solution of postponing your booking did not work for your schedule, you were immediately issued a full refund. However, refunds always take several days to reflect on your credit card statement. I hope you understand that this is completely out of our control. We do hope you enjoyed your stay on our beautiful Big Island, and wish you all the best!

This site regarding punaluu black sand…

This site regarding punaluu black sand beach is highly inaccurate and misleading, providing false information to tourists. The Ninole cove is a dangerous place for inexperienced and experienced snorkelers/swimmers alike. Also there are Hawai’i county lifeguard on duty 7 days a week on the punaluu black sand beach.

Date of experience : September 14, 2019

Aloha 808realist, Let me start with saying that we strongly disagree with your characterization of our website. Love Big Island exists to give honest and unbiased information about the Big Island and we take pride in keeping our content accurate and up-to-date. Having said that I'd like to thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. We greatly value community input such as yours and have addressed your points in the following way: -- By updating the lifeguard information (great that there are now guards 7 days/week!) -- By making it clear that snorkeling at Ninole cove should only be attempted by experienced snorkelers during calm ocean conditions. With kind regards, the Love Big Island team.

Individual recommendations

We got some helpful advice concerning the question where to stay around the Volcano Natiional Park. It was a very cosy place and a special memory of our stay on Big Island.

Date of experience : April 12, 2019

The Hawaii Volcanoes National park is amazing and we are glad you had such a good stay. Mahalo nui loa Christine!

Expert advice and very reasonable!

Super helpful info in the 30 minute consultation. Obviously these guys are experts and cut through all the many options for a great trip!

Date of experience : March 13, 2023

Mahalo for your review Kelly! We are very happy to have been able to help you plan your trip and wish you a wonderful time in Hawaiʻi!

Awesome resource

Even after nearly a dozen trips to the big island, this website gave us awesome new ideas! Loved each and every recommendation!!

Date of experience : April 27, 2019

Mahalo nui loa M Hansen. We hope that we will keep being relevant to your trips to the Big Island even after your 20th visit!

Gives a lot of good information for…

Gives a lot of good information for planning a trip anywhere but especially the islands of Hawaii.

Date of experience : March 05, 2023

Thank you for your review Frank! I am very happy to hear our website has been of good help helping you plan your trip to Hawaii. Mahalo!

About C Big Island

“work hard & work together” showing others hawaii is what we do best…..and we love it.

C Big Island was started in 2007 from the ground up with one small SUV. Starting as a small family-owned and operated we have expanded our water and land tours with other small local families. We have continued this adventure with much success and welcome all to join us on their expedition to Hawaii!

Hilo Shore Excursions (Big Island)

Welcome to the beautiful lush green rainforest of Hilo! We provide shore excursions for customers arriving in the port of Hilo or from Hilo Hotel. We have permits to pick customers up directly from the ship. The biggest highlights in Hilo are volcanoes, black sand beaches, and waterfalls.

Kona Shore Excursions (Big Island)

Sunny Kailua Kona! Kona is a tendering port. Meaning when your ship pulls into the port of Kona it will anchor in the bay and you will then need to take a tender from your ship to the Kailua Kona Pier where we will be to meet you. Kona is known for its amazing Kona coffee, sea turtles, and clear waters for snorkeling.

Maui Shore Excursions

We offer small group private tours for Maui. Port pick up include Lahaina and Kahului. Hotel pick-ups are available.

Kauai Shore Excursions

Because of Kauai's landscape, one of the best ways to see everything is by helicopter! Free pick-up is included for cruise ship guests from the port of Nawiliwili. The flight departs from Lihue airport.

Telephone:  1-800-901-0468

E-mail:  [email protected]

All Rights Reserved | C Big Island LLC | Site by Fix8

Things you buy through our links may earn  Vox Media  a commission.

Ariana Madix Finds a Vacation Home on Love Island USA

Ariana Madix is heading to the villa— no, not the Vanderpump Villa and not for a vacation from her busy schedule. She’ll be replacing Sarah Hyland as the new host of Love Island USA, as Hyland has a project that “conflicts directly with the shooting dates.” After making a cameo last season, she’s fully diving into all of the mess from the islanders and taking a break from Tom Sandoval’s housing tantrums . Madix has probably had the busiest year of any Lisa Vanderpump alum, even after the boom in the popularity of Vanderpump Rules . Post Scandoval, she’s currently opening a sandwich shop and starring as Roxie in Chicago on Broadway— plus, to Scheana Shay’s dismay, Madix became a finalist on Dancing With The Stars . At some point, we’ll probably hear about Shay’s lifelong dream of hosting a dating competition filled with horny hot people.

• vanderpump rules
• ariana madix
• love island
• love island usa
• vulture real estate

Most Viewed Stories

• What’s Next for 3 Body Problem ?
• Saturday Night Live Recap: Ramy Youssef Makes it Personal
• Cinematrix No. 26: April 1, 2024
• A Guide to the Many Lawsuits Against Diddy
• 3 Body Problem ’s Imagination Problem
• Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Finale Recap: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
• Cassie’s Lawsuit Against Diddy, Explained

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

• Lower case letters (a-z)
• Upper case letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.