Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI)
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Private Kona from Coffee to Culture Mercedes Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
On this 5-hour small-group tour you will visit one of the oldest and most historic coffee farms in Kona from the comfort of an 11 passenger Mercedes van. Travel to a must-see site, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, plus the Painted Church, a Catholic cathedral in the Hawaiian jungle. Overlook the Captain Cook Memorial and visit Turtle Lagoon where Honu's Hawaiian green sea turtles can be observed. Includes free photography.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by Mercedes 11 passenger van, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Angus2002
We had a great day touring the Big Island with Rob. He worked with us prior to our visit to customize our time together and maximize our day. We were picked up at our resort in Waikoloa and took the southern route around the island making stops along the way to end up at Volcanoes National Park. After a fabulous day, Rob and Jodi got us safely back to our resort while we relaxed and watched some great videos in the van. We appreciated Rob’s knowledge of the island and the places we visited. His van was very comfortable and we enjoyed snacks and beverages brought along. We will definitely tour with Rob again on our next visit to the Big Island.
2. Heavenly Hamakua: From Kona
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Adventure North, and experience an older, more traditional Hawaii on the famous Hamakua Coast. Mauna Kea volcano last erupted some 4,600 years ago. However, that hasn't changed the fact that the volcano is still impressing visitors and locals alike. Along highways old and new, we'll head from the highlands of Waimea, to the coastal jungles of Hilo down Hawaii's Hamakua coast. Our trip along this historic and beautiful part of the island begins with a drive along some of the most scenic backroads on the island. The backroads of the Hamakua coast wind through lush jungle gulches, crossing rivers, and passing scenic ocean vistas. It is an afternoon drive through a Hawaiian slice of Heaven.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Hotel pickup, Rain Ponchos, Professional guide, Priceless Memories
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Alan S
Had a fantastic & educational all day Journey with Scott. I feel like he was just as excited to see the sights as we were. We were able to visit most of the sites the big island has to offer. Even stopped for some tasty Malasads...Never felt rushed! Scott & the Volcano Van were a great choice
3. Hawai'i's Volcanoes National Park from Hilo Only
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Get the most of your time in Hilo by having a local driver get you to the most popular attractions on Hawai'i Island. Get all your questions answered and have a new friend by the end of the day. This tour may be customized if communicated before hand. Duration time is considered as the importance when customizing.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By justinsZ8465GX
This was our first time to Hilo, we got off the cruise ship and didn’t know what we were going to do. We ended up taking the free shuttle to rainbow falls and followed up with their tour to one of the 2018 fissure sites, macadamia nut tour, and black sand beach. We have been to many different destinations and been on many tours and Dan provided some of the best service and information. They went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time and was comfortable. We definitely recommend them to anyone visiting Hilo.
4. Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world. We've done our research so you will not miss a thing! Just sit back and listen to fun stories along the way. Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii! Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads. Why you need it: ✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline ✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $9.99 for lifetime access ✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up ✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!) ✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke's that might make you laugh)
Inclusions: 6-8 hours of audio content, Offline map of the island, Audio that triggers based on location, Dozens of interesting stories of the island, Perfect itinerary of your entire vacation, Turn-by-turn navigation, Virtual tour guide
Exclusions: Crowded group tour
Reviewed By chanyu1
This is a good and inexpensive way to do the Haleakala sunset tour with audio narrative of things to see along the way to the mountain top. Good value for the price. A quick tip: this app burns through your phone battery fast so having a car phone cable is a must or else your phone battery will run out of juice pretty quick...
5. Full-Day Coffee Farm and Hawaii Volcanoes Tour from Kona
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit a Kona Coffee Farm, explore the best sites at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Punalu'e Black Sand Beach. Deli Style lunch is included.
Inclusions: Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Chris H
Our guide Rich had an excellent background in Astronomy, and was able to show us many wonders of the night sky. At nearly 7000 feet, we had an amazing view of the heavens, and cannot recall when I saw so many stars!! The tour had 9 participants, so this limited the time that you could spend looking through the single telescope that was available. There were no places to sit during the stargazing, so everyone had to stand for 1 1/2 hours. Camp chairs would be a nice addition to this tour. Other points to improve was that the tour description talked about a stop at a plantation for a incredible dinner, which in reality was limited to a rest stop by the road (due to COVID) and consisted of a basic sandwich, chips and water. Also, pick up of all tour participants took almost 1 1/2 hour along the Kona coast, before the actual tour started.
6. Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well. Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea. A spiritual high for many locals and visitors. #1 rated tour for adventure and photography. This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests in order to run.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Dinner, Telescopes, Jacket
Reviewed By tasmanxer
I have stayed at many backpackers'/hostels on the islands as well as some on the mainland, Australia and New Zealand. From a dump calling itself 'The Island' in Honolulu to Arnott's, the only one that would qualify as a genuine hostel. I only regret that they have a limit on the time one can stay, to avoid long-termers, I was told. It has a great staff and atmosphere. I plan to spend my last week on Hawaii there. It reminded me of the hostels in Oz, the owner/operator's origin.
7. Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monu. See Dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, Big Island (5 Hr)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Aloha Kayak Co. exclusive tour permit to launch and land on both sides of the bay has a limit of 12 guests per guided tour. We are permitted for 2 tours daily, one afternoon, and one morning. Once on the water at one of the most pristine kayaking locations in the world, you will visit a protected Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) while being narrated about the history and culture of the area. Along the way to our destination you will have the opportunity to see clear blue waters, Ancient Hawaiian Temples, Burial Caves, Towering Sea Cliffs and watch the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins play and rest in their natural habitat. We will spend time exploring the Captain Cook Monument snorkel area, snorkeling one of the most pristine coral shelves in the world, abundant with wildlife and breathtaking underwater landscapes.We will visit the monument and walk trails with historical sites all around us.
Inclusions: Certified lifeguard guide, Sandwich lunch: Ham or Turkey or Veggie, Bottled Drinking water, Kayaking and Snorkeling equipment
Exclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Towels, Shoes, Gratuity
Reviewed By lj991
We did both the manta ray tour and the captain cook snorkeling tour. Iwa and Rabbit are fantastic! I was a bit afraid when jumping into the water, and we were also behind the group when kayaking. Rabbit and Iwa were incredibly patient. I felt very safe with these guys. Captain Cook has a mile of kayaking. Our upper body felt sore the next day! But it's so worth it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the other snorkeling sites can't come close. The coral was amazing. Water was crystal clear.The tropical fish was abundant and lovely. Some one in our group saw an octopus. Comparing to boat tours, kayaking is more fun and I also felt more connected to nature this way. In addition, it's great to support this small business with these two amazing guys!
8. Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Volcano with Delicious Lunch & Bakery Stops
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
*A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein and for private tours! ALOHA! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. On this epic tour, you will see the major sites like the volcano, lava tube, and waterfall. You'll also enjoy lunch at an awesome lunch place and visit our beautiful Carlsmith Beach Park to scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch plus at a delicious bakery where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! After that, we will go to a beautiful beach for spotting fish, turtles, and even humpback whales when in season! *Route may be altered based on the weather
Inclusions: Professional local guide, A visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, A stop at Kilauea volcano steam vents, A walk through the Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, A stroll to the Volcanoes National Park sulfur vents, A viewing of the Kilauea volcano eruption when open to the public, A stop at a beautiful beach for turtle and whale watching (whale season: Nov- early May), A stop at the scenic Rainbow Falls, A local’s insight - an orientation - into top things to see & places to eat on the island, A visit to a local bakery and a stop at a popular local spot for culinary delights (own expense), A free sampling of Hawaiian chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, and other local snacks, A small group size - a maximum of 14 guests - for a personalized experience, Transportation by air-conditioned car, minivan or passenger van, Convenient pickup and drop-offs from Hilo hotels, Bottled water, A stop at the historic King Kamehameha statue, A drive along they scenic Banyan Drive, A drive along Hilo’s beautiful beaches
Exclusions: Lunch (approximately $15-20), Gratuity, Route may be altered due to weather and when stops are closed to the public, Nature - lava, turtle and whale sightings - can not be guaranteed, Whale watching starts in November and ends in early May, Bakery goods
Reviewed By Resort735314
Toured with Tara and had a great time. Not only did we see fabulous spots in and near Hilo like the volcano, waterfalls and beaches with turtles but she explained a bit about the Hawaiian culture as well. The coffee, donut and candy shop interspersed were great little respites from the walking part if the tour. I highly recommend “Hanging with a local” to anyone visiting the Hilo area. You will not be disappointed.
9. PRIVATE Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Volcano with Delicious Lunch & Bakery Stops
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein, and for more private tours! ALOHA! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. On this epic tour, you will see the major sites like the volcano, lava tube, and waterfall. You'll also enjoy lunch at an awesome lunch place and visit our beautiful Carlsmith Beach Park to scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch plus at a delicious bakery where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! After that, we will go to a beautiful beach for spotting fish, turtles, and even humpback whales when in season! *Route may be altered based on the weather
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional local guide, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuity, Pickups beyond Hilo avail (fee based on location) - Tara Pruett HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL for info
Reviewed By gregertel
Very customer oriented and friendly!! Tara was extremely helpful and friendly on the phone - she gave us some great advice and suggestions that led to an outstanding day. We have been to the Big Island several times, but would have missed out on a great experience if we had not received great advice from Tara, definitely recommend for your island trip, ALOHA Greg
10. PRIVATE Volcano-Turtles-Whales-Waterfall w Delicious Lunch Stop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
*A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein, for private tours & for last-minute tour requests! See the volcano, walk through a lava tube, visit a waterfall, plus scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! Search Tripadvisor for our listing: "Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Lava Excursion with Epic Lunch & Bakery Stops" to find our glowing 5-star reviews.
Inclusions: Professional local guide, A visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, A stop at Kilauea volcano steam vents, A walk through the Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, A stroll to the Volcanoes National Park sulfur vents, A viewing of a Kilauea volcano eruption when open to the public, A stop at a gorgeous black sand beach for turtle and whale watching (whale season: Nov- early May), A stop at the beautiful Rainbow Falls, A walk back in time in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau where we will experience the Hawaiʻi of yesterday., A local’s insight - an orientation - into top things to see & places to eat on the island, A free sampling of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, and other local snacks, Transportation by air-conditioned car, minivan or passenger van, Convenient pickup and drop-offs from Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa hotels, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuity, Lunch, Route may be altered due to weather and when stops are closed to the public, Nature - lava, turtle and whale sightings - can not be guaranteed, Whale watching starts in November and ends in early May, Bakery goods
Reviewed By Resort735314
Toured with Tara and had a great time. Not only did we see fabulous spots in and near Hilo like the volcano, waterfalls and beaches with turtles but she explained a bit about the Hawaiian culture as well. The coffee, donut and candy shop interspersed were great little respites from the walking part if the tour. I highly recommend “Hanging with a local” to anyone visiting the Hilo area. You will not be disappointed.
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