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Contents
Your tour options explained
Tour
Recommended for
Duration
Transportation
Highlight
Booking link
Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour
Couples, families with teens, solo travellers
8–9 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Sunset at nearly 14,000 ft, Maunakea summit access, stargazing with optical & digital telescopes, hot chocolate & dessert, expert cultural insights
Hakalau Forest Birdwatching Tour
Family, solo travellers, and couples
8–9 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Access to a restricted wildlife refuge, sightings of rare Hawaiian forest birds, a lush native forest walk, expert naturalist guide
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tou
Adventure seekers, families, solo, and couples
11–12 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, lava landscapes, Rainbow Falls, private chocolate farm tour & tasting, scenic coastal views
Hidden Craters Hike
Adventure seekers, solo and couples
5 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Exclusive access to Hualalai Volcano, lava tubes, cloud forest, massive fissures & craters, panoramic Kona Coast vistas
Kohala Waterfalls Tour
Family, solo travellers, and couples
7–8 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Private nature reserve access, gentle hiking, multiple waterfalls, swimming under a waterfall, and historic agricultural sites
Kohala Canopy Zipline Tickets
Adventure seekers, solo travellers, and couples
2.5–3 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Full canopy course with 8 ziplines & 6 sky bridges, rappel, 4x4 off-road ride, forest canopy views, tree-to-tree zipping
Kohala Waterfalls & Canopy Zip & Dip Tour
Adventure seekers, solo travellers, and couples
8–9 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Full zipline course, private waterfalls, swim in a mountain stream, picnic lunch, off-road adventure, scenic Kohala landscapes
Itineraries for each tour
Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Tour
- Afternoon: Your journey begins with a pickup from Kona or Waikoloa before heading up the slopes of Maunakea. Along the drive, your guide shares stories of Hawaiian culture, geology, and the significance of the mountain.
You’ll stop for a warm, picnic-style dinner and a chance to acclimate before continuing toward a higher elevation.
- Sunset at the summit: Arrive at nearly 14,000 feet to witness a breathtaking sunset above the clouds, the highest point in the Pacific. You’ll explore the summit area, see world-famous observatories, and enjoy panoramic views in every direction.
- Evening stargazing: Descending to a more comfortable elevation, your guide sets up professional telescopes for a private star show. Sip hot chocolate, learn how Polynesians navigated by the night sky, and view deep-space objects before heading back.
Hakalau Forest Birdwatching Tour
- Early morning: Depart from Kona/Waikoloa and travel across the island to the remote Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy breakfast snacks along the way as your guide introduces Hawaii’s unique birdlife.
- Late morning – afternoon: Arrive at the restricted-access refuge and set out on foot through pristine native forest. Spot rare and endangered honeycreepers like the ‘i‘iwi, ‘akepa, and ‘akiapōlā‘au while your expert naturalist helps identify calls and behaviours.
- Afternoon return: Relax on the scenic drive back as your guide shares conservation efforts and last wildlife sightings. You’ll return with a deeper appreciation for Hawaii’s ecological treasures.
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour
- Morning: Your day kicks off with a drive through Kona’s coffee country before heading toward Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Stop at scenic viewpoints and learn about the island’s volcanic past.
- Midday: Explore park highlights such as steam vents, lava fields, pit craters, and the dramatic landscapes shaped by past eruptions. Afterwards, visit a local chocolate farm where you’ll tour the orchards and sample fresh, Hawaiian-grown chocolate.
- Afternoon: Continue to Hilo for a stop at a stunning waterfall lookout, then enjoy light snacks before the drive back along the saddle between Maunakea and Maunaloa.
Hidden Craters Hike
- Morning: Depart from Kona and head up the slopes of Hualālai Volcano. Once you arrive at the private reserve, your guide equips you with trekking poles and gear before starting your hike.
- Late morning – early afternoon: Trek 3–4 miles through native cloud forest, walk along volcanic fissures, peer into deep craters, and explore an accessible lava tube. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Kona Coast from 5,000+ feet.
- Afternoon: Return to the trailhead for refreshments before heading back to town with plenty of photos and volcanic insights.
Kohala Waterfalls Tour
- Morning: Set off from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa and enjoy a scenic drive through the Kohala region. Learn about ancient Hawaiian agriculture and the history of the island’s oldest volcano.
- Late morning: Arrive at a private nature reserve and take an easy-to-moderate hike through shaded valleys, streams, and lush rainforest. You’ll see several beautiful waterfalls and learn about native plants.
- Afternoon: Stop at a private waterfall for photos, snacks, and relaxation before making your way back.
Kohala Canopy Zipline
- Morning or afternoon session: Check in at Kohala Zipline before heading into the forest in a rugged 4x4 vehicle. Your guides outfit you with safety gear and provide a quick training session.
- On the course: Fly across 8 ziplines, cross 6 sky bridges, and finish with a fun rappel. Enjoy treetop views, forest scenery, and the ocean in the distance. No long stair climbing, this is true tree-to-tree ziplining.
- Wrap-up: Your guides help you out of your gear and share photos and GoPro footage before you head back.
Kohala Waterfalls & Canopy Zip & Dip Tour
- Morning: Start with a scenic drive through North Kohala, stopping at historic sites and viewpoints. Continue to a private nature reserve where your guide leads a refreshing hike and waterfall exploration.
- Midday: Enjoy a picnic-style lunch before taking a dip beneath a private waterfall fed by a mountain stream. Towels and daypacks are provided.
- Afternoon: Head to the zipline course and experience all 8 ziplines, 6 sky bridges, and the rappel. The day blends hiking, swimming, off-roading, and ziplining for a full adventure.
Book Big Island tours
Frequently asked questions about the itinerary of the Big Island
How long do Big Island tours usually last?
Most itineraries run between 5 to 9 hours, depending on the tour. Maunakea Summit & Stars is one of the longest (8–9 hours), while waterfall, volcano, and hiking tours generally last 5–8 hours.
Are meals included in the itinerary?
Some tours include meals such as picnic lunches, snacks, or refreshments (e.g., the Zip & Dip or Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall tours). Check each tour's inclusions for specifics.
How physically demanding are the tours?
It depends on the experience. Hidden Craters and Hakalau birdwatching include moderate walking over uneven terrain, while Mauna Kea and waterfall tours involve minimal hiking with scenic stops.
Are restrooms available along the itinerary?
Yes, but restroom availability varies, especially in remote areas like Mauna Kea or deep forest reserves. Guides will schedule breaks accordingly.
Do itineraries include free time to explore on my own?
Some tours, like Volcano & Waterfall or Kohala Zipline, offer brief self-exploration time at scenic stops. Others, such as the Mauna Kea Summit tour, require staying with the group the entire time due to safety and permits.
What kind of transportation is used?
The tours include pickup from designated meeting points and transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 or off-road-capable vehicles.
Do tours run if visibility is low for stargazing or scenic views?
Tours typically proceed if conditions are safe. For stargazing tour, guides may move to lower elevations for clearer skies.
How early should I arrive for my tour start time?
Plan to arrive 30-min early at the meeting point to allow time for check-in and briefings, as itineraries run on a strict schedule.