9 reviews of Big Island Day Trip: Grand Circle Island from Oahu
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Big Island Day Trip: Grand Circle Island from Oahu. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Everything was so organized to the letter!!! Drivers were prompt, friendly and very knowlegeable about their state. It was very enjoyable, at times we wished for more time but on the flip side we did need to catch our flight back so time limit was understood. Had a blast and looking forward to a return visit.
This is a very long, but very worthwhile trip from Honolulu. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but the tour is designed to show the variety of the scenery, from barren lava flows, to active volcanoes, lush forest, waterfalls and lava tubes. We also saw turtles coming ashore at the black sand beach. The trip also gave insights into the economy with stops at a Kona coffee plantation and later at a Macadamia nut cooperative, as well as insights into the importance of cattle ranching The guide was extremely informative about the history,
geology and agriculture of the island.
Tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The trip to the volcano and surrounding areas were wonderful. Could have done without the stops to the stores though.
I took this tour with Polynesian Adventures. They are a fantastic company. To meet my group on the Big Island, I had to fly from Honolulu to Kona on Hawai'i (the Big Island). I was a sole traveller for this portion of the day and there was always somebody to meet me and guide me to the next step of my journey (exactly the same on the way back). Their arrangements all went like clockwork, timing/punctuality is excellent and the Tour Guide (Harry) on Hawai'i was always courteous and made it a priority to look after us. He gave us advice about the best spots to get photos, how to avoid queues or get the best view or understanding of something - he was really great. They all make you feel like they really care about your safety, your enjoyment and your knowledge about what you are seeing. Being a full day tour, this is a long day - it is an entire circuit of Hawai'i, but the island is so diverse, everything is fascinating. We saw the remains of centuries of lava flows and volcanic activity, black sand beaches, walked through huge lava tubes, stood at the edge of the mightly Kilauea crater, then watched as the seismographs monitored and recorded every single movement in the Earth's crust nearby. We went to Hilo, saw Rainbow Falls, indulged in the marvellous Kona Coffee and Island Macadamias - it was a great day out. The orchid farm is no longer on the itinerary though. A really good and interesting trip.
This is such an excellent tour, even though we did not have much time at each stop but it covered lots of great information and breathtaking view. Our driver Jan is very professional, talks in a beautiful voice. If you do not have a few days to spend on Big Island but wish to learn much about it I strongly recommend this tour, but please keep in mind it is such a long 16 hours trip.
We enjoyed this tour and were particularly impressed with the fact that we had booked it from Australia, yet all the connections and details were exactly as promised.
Tour guide was excellent. Saw a fair bit of the Big Island. Did think we would get closer to the volcanoes. But still a great day.
This is a a very long day as it is an early start from the airport, very good flights both ways, on time and no issues at all, good help to get on the gates.
After the flight to big island you then you start to pick up other tourists and then start the tour.
( a later flight would be better and then picked up from the airport to pick up the bus after it was full would have been much better).
The tour guide then brings you update and informs you you are due for a 300mile drive stopping for lunch at 11:00 and tells you will not see any lava today (only if you take a helicopter flight can you see any), that dampened the spirit a bit.
The guide Milo, was very informative during the whole tour although repetition of phrases used drove some people to earphones. The weather on the north side of the island is tropical and half of the drive was in terrential rain, no pre advice about rain mac etc although ponchos and umbrellas are available to buy on route.
On the hole the day was long and one of those you were glad it was over, given the choice 2nd time around it would be best to stop one night and see the island over two days and arrange close viewing if lava nearer the south shores of the island.
I was very disappointed with this trip. It was not as described. I never even saw lava on the active volcano site. It was a 267 mile bus drive with stops at shops to buy items. It was poorly organized with a 04:30 am start for us, but a 8:30 am start on the trip after picking up all the guests on the big island. We only stopped at 1 waterfall-the others were seen as a "drive by". The information I learned was nothing new. We went on a Sunday, so the factories were not open. I would not suggest this trip
