USA · BIG ISLAND TOURS
Good big island tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Small-group 11-hour Big Island tour from Kona to Volcanoes, waterfalls, Punalu'u black sand turtles, coffee, and a lava tube walk.
“Prepare yourself for a full day of walking and climbing. Do some research and be prepared to interact with the tour guide. Our guide, Henry was absolutely amazing.”
Kona night snorkel with manta rays for about 2.5 hours. Gear, floatation, snacks, and a free return trip if no rays.
“Crew was the best Aden and Jordan. They made sure the passengers were ok or had any questions. They did their best with the weather situation.”
Kona manta ray snorkeling at Keauhou Harbor, after dark. Small group, custom light board, short boat ride, and a guarantee to return.
“It was a really fun experience, so unique. The crew was excellent. I was thinking while I was out there, this is where the party is every night!”
Hilo shore excursion to Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, and Richardson Black Sand Beach, plus macadamia tasting and local treats.
“Fun and informative tour. Unfortunately, due to the volcanic activity in the park the day before we arrived, some parts of tour could not be done (walk thru the lava tube was closed) but Geo, our guide, still did as much as possible and even took pictures of the tour group at the entrance sign of the Vocano National Park and emailed them to us. Husband and I had a great time”
Snorkel and whale-watch in historic Kealakekua Bay from Kona on a comfortable power catamaran, with lunch and gear included.
“Great time, great staff, beautiful snorkeling. We were impressed with the efficiency and accommodations of the staff!”
Night manta ray snorkeling from Kona, on a small RHIB with expert guidance. See gentle giants up close, with a free re-ride if none.
“Went solo and enjoyed every minute of it! Peyton and the staff were super attentive and informative, we got to see sooo many manta rays!! I was panicking at first when it got to getting into the water and when the manta rays came closer but I LOVED IT and plan on doing it again if I ever come back to the big island. Thank you so much ! Wish I could book again before leaving :’(”
Night snorkel in Keauhou Bay to watch manta rays feed close up. 2 hours total, about 30 minutes in water, wetsuit gear included.
“Wonderful experience! Helpful staff. Short boat ride and lots of mantas! This is worth adding to your vacation!”
Small-group Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing in a 4x4 van with warm gear, pro telescope, laser pointers, hot drinks, and a night photo.
“Great experience but extremely cold. Wear heavier socks as your feet will start to feel it as you are standing outside for long periods of time”
Kona to Volcanoes National Park for coffee, sea turtles, lava tube, and stargazing at night in a small group.
“They do provide jackets and rain jackets if needed. I did bring a hoodie and was happy they had extra for the end of the tour. We were lucky to see some activity from the volcano, but every part of the tour was great my favorite was the stargazing and our tour guide Derek. Derek was very knowable and entertaining. He made our long journey flow nicely”
Ride to Mauna Kea for a summit sunset, then enjoy a small-group private telescope show with warm picnic food and star photos.
“Amazing experience. Our tour guide, Wilson (from Seattle), was "the best" ever. He paced everything out well, had amazing knowledge, was accommodating and supportive, and helped create a bit of astrological community during the tour. And, then on the way home, we got a great "tunes" playlist that was all about space. The food was great (hot, tasty, and comforting) and the equipment (parka, travel vehicle, and telescopes) were the best. I highly recommend the company, Wilson, and the adventure.”
4x4 to Mauna Kea for sunset, warm winter gear plus dinner, then guided stargazing with a telescope and free DSLR photos.
“Amazing views, host was extremely knowledgeable and presented well James made the trip an absolute delight.”
Zodiac RIB snorkel in Kealakekua Bay, with Captain Cook sites, sea caves, and coral reefs. Includes mask, snorkel, pineapple, water.
“It’s Wonderful!! Loved the zodiac. It was very comfortable. David and Chip were wonderful. It was great being able to get up close in personal with the coastline in caves.. Highly recommend!!!!!”
Sunset catamaran dinner to Kealakekua Bay from Kona with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, pupus, dinner, dessert, and ocean wildlife.
“Great tour. 12 hours goes fast. Dave was a great guide- such a volume of information. Many stops - shopping opps at coffee and bakery stops. Glad we brought layers (December) as got little unlucky with rain on volcano stop and east side of island (pretty typical honestly). Lunch was good. 1.3 hours goes fast drive home nice for nap time.”
Night snorkeling in Kona with manta rays, bright lights, warm wetsuits, and a Kona sunset boat ride, with a manta sighting guarantee.
“Great experience seeing Manta Ray do back roll. Awesome experience for the family, my kids really enjoy. My wife did not g becuase she couldn't swim, but anyone can go.”
Kailua Kona night manta ray snorkel in the Big Island, guided by Hang Loose Boat Tours, with neon light boards and close-up sightings.
“Absolutely amazing! The guides were so fun and knowledgeable. I was worried about getting sea sick on the boat ride, but it was smooth sailing. We got so lucky and saw so many mantas. The hot shower when we got back on the boat was truly the icing on the cake! 10/10”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
