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Plan your visit to Big Island adventure tours: Location, timings & tips

Timings of your tours

Guests exploring volcanic terrain on adventure tour in Hawaii.

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour: Daily 1:40pm to 10:10pm
Big Island: Hakalau Forest Birdwatching Tour: Daily 7:30am to 3:30pm
Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Daily 7:30am to 7:30pm
Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike: 7:30am to 12:30pm
Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour: 7:30am to 3:30pm
Big Island: Kohala Canopy Zipline Tickets: Daily 9am to 1pm
Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls and Canopy Zip & Dip Tour: From 8:30 am

Best time to take Big Island tours

🌋 1. Hidden Craters Hike: The best time to enjoy the Hidden Craters Hike is from April to October, when the weather is dry and the trails are more accessible. Morning departures offer cooler temperatures and clearer skies, ideal for spotting volcanic formations and enjoying panoramic views across the highlands.

🌠 2. Stargazing at Mauna Kea: Stargazing tour is spectacular year-round, but the clearest skies typically occur between June and September. Try to book during the new moon phase for the darkest skies and brightest constellations. Arriving before sunset lets you enjoy breathtaking twilight colors before the stars appear.

🌿 3. Kohala Canopy Zipline: The best time for ziplining in Kohala is from May through September, when rain is minimal, and the forest canopy is lush and vibrant. Morning tours are less windy and provide golden sunlight filtering through the trees, perfect for photos and smooth zips across the valleys.

🍫 4. Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tasting & Hiking: This flavorful experience is great any time of year, but spring and early fall (March–May and September–October) offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and cacao harvesting season highlights. You’ll often get to see the chocolate-making process in full swing during these months.

🤽 5. Amazing Kohala Waterfalls Adventure: Visit from February to June to see the beautiful Kohala waterfalls at their most powerful, fed by seasonal rains. Mornings bring the clearest views, and the soft light makes the rainforest shimmer. Summer visits offer calmer conditions for easier hiking and swimming opportunities.

🐦 6. Birdwatching Tour: The best time for birdwatching on the Big Island is between March and August, when native species like the ʻIʻiwi and ʻApapane are most active. Early mornings are ideal for spotting rare birds in the upland forests, as the weather is cool and wildlife is most lively.

🤽 Kohala Waterfalls and Canopy Zip & Dip Tour: The Zip & Dip Tour is best enjoyed between April and October, when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for outdoor adventure. During this time, the lush valleys of North Kohala are at their most vibrant, and the waterfalls glisten under the island sun. The calmer trade winds and steady conditions also make ziplining smoother and swimming under the falls more refreshing.

How to get to your Big Island tours

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour: King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott | Find on Maps
Big Island: Hakalau Forest Birdwatching Tour: Forest & Trail Headquarters, the Queen’s Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village | Find on Maps
Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo | Find on Maps
Hidden Craters Hike: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters | Find on Maps
Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace, and the Shops at Mauna Lani | Find on Maps
Big Island: Kohala Canopy Zipline Tickets: Kohala Zipline Headquarters | Find on Maps
Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls and Canopy Zip & Dip Tour: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace, and the Shops at Mauna Lani | Find on Maps

Know before you go

Facilities

Visiting with family

Rules

Dining

Nearby

Group hiking on a lush trail with a mountain view on Big Island, Hawaii.

Most tours provide essential amenities such as clean restrooms and comfortable transportation.
Hiking and adventure tours include necessary gear like walking sticks, helmets, or rain jackets for your safety.
Water refill stations and shaded rest areas are available at select points to help guests stay hydrated and comfortable.
Some tours offer light snacks, picnic spots, and scenic rest breaks during the journey.

Guests hiking near Kohala Waterfalls in lush greenery.

Big Island adventure tours are family-friendly and designed for travelers of all ages.
Children (typically 8 years and older) can safely join activities like ziplining, hiking, and stargazing.
Families can enjoy hands-on experiences that blend fun with education, such as learning about local wildlife or Hawaiian culture.
Guides ensure that the pace and activities are suitable for both adults and younger participants.

No littering sign against a clear blue sky.

Guests must follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by their guides throughout the tour.
To preserve the environment, visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife.
Littering is strictly prohibited to protect Hawai‘i’s pristine ecosystems.
Some tours have specific age, weight, or fitness requirements to ensure everyone’s safety.
Pregnant guests or those with medical conditions may need to provide clearance from their doctor before joining certain activities.

Prime rib with asparagus and tropical garnish on a plate.

Waimea Town Cafés | Find on Maps

Before or after your adventure, stop by one of Waimea’s cozy cafés for freshly brewed Kona coffee, local pastries, and island-style breakfast options.

Hawi Eateries | Find on Maps

In the charming town of Hawi near Kohala, enjoy farm-to-table dining with a Hawaiian twist, from poke bowls and tropical smoothies to wood-fired pizza.

Volcano Village Restaurants | Find on Maps

For those exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village offers a range of eateries serving local favorites, comfort food, and fine dining experiences with rainforest views.

Waipi’o Valley coastline with lush green cliffs and blue ocean in Hawaii.

Waipi‘o Valley Lookout | Find on Maps

Just a short drive from Kohala, this scenic viewpoint offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the Big Island, a must-see for photographers.

Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site | Find on Maps

Explore this ancient Hawaiian temple built by King Kamehameha I, located near Kawaihae Harbor, and learn about its deep cultural significance.

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station | Find on Maps

Before heading up for stargazing, stop by this station to acclimate to the altitude, enjoy scenic views, and learn about the mountain’s sacred history.

Highlights of the Big Island

Person stargazing at Mauna Loa Observatory Road under a starry sky, Big Island, Hawaii.

Stargazing at Mauna Kea

Experience one of the clearest night skies on Earth atop Mauna Kea, where expert guides lead you through an unforgettable evening of celestial discovery. Marvel at constellations, planets, and deep-space wonders from Hawaii’s highest peak.

Guests zip lining through trees on Kohala Canopy Adventure in Hawaii.

Cacao pods hanging from a tree branch in a lush green setting.

Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.

Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio perched on a branch during Hakalau Forest birdwatching tour.

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Visitor tips

Be prepared for uneven or rocky terrain during certain hikes, and keep in mind that cool, wet, or muddy conditions are possible depending on the weather.
Cruise ship visitors may find it challenging to fit the Kohala Waterfalls Tour into their schedule due to limited port time.
Closed-toe shoes are required for the Kohala Canopy Zipline, and it’s a good idea to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
Guests with medical conditions should seek medical advice before booking physically demanding or high-altitude experiences such as those at Mauna Kea.
The Mauna Kea stargazing tour concludes late at night, so it’s best to confirm your return transportation arrangements in advance.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Big Island

When is the best time to visit for outdoor adventures?

The island is a year-round destination, but April to October offer the driest conditions for ziplining, hiking, and waterfall tours. The winter months are ideal for stargazing at Mauna Kea, thanks to clearer, crisper skies.

How physically demanding are the tours?

Most tours, such as the Kohala waterfalls adventure or the tree-to-bar chocolate Hike, require moderate walking over uneven terrain. The hidden craters hike and zip & dip tours are more active but suitable for anyone in good health.

Are the tours family-friendly?

Yes! Families love the Kohala Waterfalls Tour for its safe swimming spots and the chocolate tasting & hike for its hands-on farm-to-table experience. Children 8 and older can also join the Kohala canopy zipline for added fun.

Is stargazing at Mauna Kea suitable for everyone?

The Mauna Kea Stargazing is a bucket-list favorite, but due to altitude, it’s not recommended for pregnant guests or those with heart conditions.

What should I pack for these tours?

Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Some tours include rain gear and snacks, especially those in Kohala or at higher elevations.

Do I need to drive to the tour locations?

Most tours include meeting points in convenient areas like Kona or Waimea. Some tours include round-trip transportation from select places for easy travel.

Can I join multiple tours during my visit?

Absolutely! Many travelers combine experiences, for example, doing the Hidden Craters Hike one day, ziplining or chocolate tasting the next, and ending with Mauna Kea stargazing at night for a well-rounded island adventure.