Top Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfall, black sand beach and more. Discover the postcard-perfect Rainbow Falls before visiting the amazing volcanic steam vents and unique geology around Kilauea Volcano. Before your day is done, check out an ornamental Japanese garden, snack on treats at a local candy shop, and visit a gorgeous black sand beach. A guide, park entrance fees, and round-trip port transport are included.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Set sail after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made lightboard that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters for up to 40 minutes, use your snorkel to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

Enjoy a sunset and stargazing experience like no other on this small-group trip to Mauna Kea—the highest point in the Hawaiian islands. Following afternoon pickup, travel in a 4x4 van to the summit—you can change into a warm jacket and pair of gloves, and sip a hot beverage, as the sun starts to set. Then, learn why so many research telescopes are located here during a brilliant celestial show.

Experience the rainbow-colored fish and bright corals beneath the waves without ever getting wet during this glass-bottom boat trip from Kona. Climb aboard your 36-foot (10-meter) vessel (specially designed for floating above reefs) with an expert naturalist as you explore the incredible marine landscape of Hawaii. As you cruise, observe Hawaii’s underwater coastline and admire fascinating creatures like dolphins, turtles and maybe even a seasonal whale or two.

Pack in some of Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’u Bakery. Then, explore Volcanoes National Park before ending your experience by stargazing in a secluded location—perfect for taking in views of the night sky.

Journey back in time — when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged, fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands — on this 3-hour dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Travel 12 miles down the Kona Coast to the Captain Cook monument. Learn the many secrets of the Big Island as a local historian points out more than 50 points of interest along the way.

Spend a full day exploring the Big Island with visits to waterfalls, beaches, tropical valleys, stunning viewpoints, and so much more. Learn about Kona’s coffee culture with visit to Kona Joe’s coffee farm, where you go behind the scenes and taste award-winning locally gown coffee. See Hawaii’s natural beauty at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach and lookout for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Enjoy lunch, then explore stunning waterfalls and a panoramic view of Hilo from Waipio Valley.

The 13,803-foot (4,207.3-meter) peak of Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest point, and a popular spot for star-gazing. With this tour, travel up to the summit with your guide, stop for dinner at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, then arrive at the summit in time to watch the sunset. As dark sets in, enjoy a guided stargazing experience and marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and razor pointer.

On this tour from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, experience some of the Big Island’s best sights in a small group capped at 14 people. In addition to stopping at Punalu’u Beach Park to walk down a black-sand beach, you have the chance to sip Kona coffee on the plantation right where it’s grown, as well as hike through a lava tube that was formed by Kilauea volcano.

Explore the waters off the Big Island on this exciting combo tour. Get your adrenaline pumping as you cruise out and along the coastline on a speedboat. Look for caves, cliffs, whales, dolphins and other marine life along the way. Afterwards, jump into the clear waters and explore the underwater world as you snorkel around. Snacks, drinks and snorkel equipment are all included.

On this exciting Kona submarine tour, dive deep below the cobalt waters just off the Kona coast, where an entire world of fish and marine creatures is waiting just below the surface. As the submarine descends towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes at fish that swim to within inches of the submarine windows, and experience the sense of peace and calm in this world beneath the waves. This is a great way to explore underwater without even getting your hair wet, and, if you’re very lucky, there’s even the chance you could see a passing shark.

Combine a Polynesian cultural experience with an adrenaline-fuelled ATV ride on this unique tour. Hop aboard your own ATV or ride in a UTV driven by the guide, and set out on a fun 2-hour route, following forest trails and country lanes. Stop along the way at a series of villages and discover the rich history and heritage of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii as you take part in traditional activities and learn about Polynesian culture.

Explore the best sights at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. See highlights like Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of Craters Road, Holei Sea Arch and more. Virtual tour guide provides hours of audio commentary that will give you background insights, interesting stories and legends, and even local music, along with turn-by-turn directions and maps, which can all be used offline.

Explore the natural wonders, historic sites, and popular attractions of Hawaii's Big Island with this downable self-drive app. Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour, without the hassle of navigating or planning your route, with a live GPS map route and audio commentary. This adventure bundle includes five epic tour routes, covering all corners of the island and including the Volcanoes National Park, the Kohala Coast, the Kona Coast, and the Waipio Valley.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Experience a warm pre-trip picnic, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

If you are looking for a unique experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, different to the typical sightseeing tours, visit the Hawaiian Islands' only salt farm, which hand harvests Hawaiian salt from the ocean. At the farm's beautiful seven-acre oceanfront site you'll be guided through the salt-making process and learn about the water source and history of the area then sample some of the different salts.

Experience some of the Big Island’s top attractions during this day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo. Learn all about volcanoes as you marvel at Halema'uma'u crater and explore the massive Kilauea Volcano. Immerse your senses in the beauty of Hilo including a visit to Rainbow Falls and a stop to indulge in local chocolates and island fresh coffee.

See three of the Big Island's most famous waterfalls and explore other parts of the island in a single day on this guided tour. Travel along the Hamakua Coast to Akaka Falls, swim at the Kulanipia private waterfalls, take in the views from the Waipio Valley lookout, and much more. Learn about the history and legends of the island from a guide. Lunch, snacks, and hotel transport are included.

Fly away from Hilo Airport and into a world of volcanoes, rainbows, and waterfalls. With this family-run helicopter company—the longest-running on the island—you’ll meet your captain, get debriefed on safety protocol, and hop into your helicopter for a wild aerial adventure. With your captain doubling as guide, you’ll explore the volcanoes of the national park, lava flows, orchid farms, lush forests, and so much more.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

See the tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral of Anaeho’omalu Bay on a glass-bottom boat ride. Enjoy shaded seating and beautiful ocean panoramas aboard a 26-foot (7.9-meter) boat, departing from Waikoloa, close to Kona. Expert guides join you on board to discuss Hawaiian marine life and answer any questions as you examine the underwater world through the glass. This scenic cruise is engaging for travelers of all ages, and returns to your original departure point.

Hawaii is renowned for its coffee and chocolate, and this tour takes you behind the scenes of a traditional plantation. Learn how coffee is grown and produced, discover the chocolate-making journey from bean to bar, and have a chance to sample both delicacies. At the end of the tour, spend as much time as you like in the gift shop, where you can purchase homemade soaps and other products.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort with included snorkel gear, swim noodle, and a wetsuit. Afterward, enjoy juice, soft drinks, or hot cocoa with cookies; beer, wine, and cocktails are available to purchase.