Things to do in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Bus Tours

November 12, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

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. Best and Cheapest Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Masashi's Nature School
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

On this Mauna Kea sunset tour, you’ll get to see amazing views from above the clouds on the summit of Mauna Kea! Our guides will also take professional-quality photos of you with the sunset and stars for FREE ! ! We offer the best and cheapest tour! Please check our website before booking.

Inclusions: Guide (English Speaking) Snow jackets, pants and gloves   Bottled water & Snacks Hot Drinks Picnic dinner (Bento box) Oxygen cylinder  Astronomical telescope  Admission fee for Maunakea summit

Exclusions:

2. Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour

Volcano House, 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, USA Kilauea EcoGuides
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 66 reviews

Explore the worlds most active volcano with one of our professional, award winning guides - get away from the big bus and van tours and get out into the field to visit areas that few visitors get to see while visiting Hawai'i island! No gift shops, no restaurants, no long drives around the island in a van to visit areas you can explore on your own. No gimmicks and no frills - all of our time is spent exploring the amazing active volcanoes of Hawai'i island! We offer only active, education based explorations that focus on topics such as Geology, native flora and fauna, and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives on the volcano today. Our tours are family friendly, easy to book and leave our guests with a deepened understanding of the science and the culture of Kīlauea. See the best of the volcano with several moderate walks throughout the day. Our National Park tours allow guests the convenience of using their own vehicle as opposed to a large bus or van. ​

Inclusions: Professional guide, Private tour, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lights and gloves for exploration inside lava tubes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions, National Park Entrance Fee (USD $30/vehicle)

Reviewed By Parasoltravelco

My husband and I had a wonderful day with Michelle as our guide. She shared her wealth of knowledge and is so passionate about the park. We highly recommend taking a private tour with Kilauea EcoGuides! There is no way we could have learned this much by hiking on our own. Loved every minute of it!

3. Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour

Hilo, HI 96720, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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...

4. Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Volcano with Delicious Lunch & Bakery Stops

Hele-On Mo'oheau Bus Terminal, 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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.

5. PRIVATE Volcano-Turtles-Whales-Waterfall w Delicious Lunch Stop

Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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.

6. Mauna Kea Summit Adventure

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Mauna Kea is an unforgettable and sublime location. It is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin and the clarity of the air is astounding. Mauna Kea is a major spiritual center for Hawaiians and many of our guests report a special feeling while on the mauna. We developed the now popular sunset and stargazing tours in 1983 and we have constantly made it more comfortable and educational. Our guides are trained to drive safely and to share their wide knowledge of Hawaii and the sky. Our vehicles (all custom Mercedes) are the nicest and roomiest available.

Inclusions: Hot and hearty vegetable (non-vegan) lasagna dinner w a delicious and special brownie(not included with the meal delete option), Hot drinks are provided including gourmet hot chocolate, tea (black or green), starbucks coffee and biscotti, Use of heavy winter parkas and insulated gloves. Call in your order for Sizes XXL-SM, Travel in custom built, oversized, Mercedes Sprinter micro-coaches, We use big, 11", digital telescopes to view the very best of the night sky. Conditions permitting, Learn about the geology, geography and cultural history as we drive though varied landscapes.

Exclusions: Weather is not guaranteed in any way. There will not be refunds for weather. , Customers are responsible for their own transportation to/from the pick up point.

Reviewed By travelingwithboys

The summit tour was the highlight of our trip to the Big Island. We normally don’t take tours, and prefer to adventure by ourselves, but this was an exception. Our guide (Mitch) was fantastic and Travis (in the other van) was the perfect guide for stargazing. It is worth every penny and time well spent while visit the Big Island! Highly recommend.

7. Volcano-Turtles-Whales-&-Waterfall-w-Delicious Lunch Stop

Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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, 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 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 Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa hotels, Bottled water

Exclusions: 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

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.

8. Big Island Circle Tour and Volcano: Coffee, Wine, Waterfalls and Hamakua Coast

Kailani Tours Hawaii
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

The volcano, waterfalls, coffee, black sand beach, and a visit to a winery in one day! This is the best way to see the island, traveling in a luxury Sprinter and letting someone else do the driving. Continental breakfast, a deluxe lunch, a gourmet snack basket, water, juice and hot towel service all included! Explore the island with our expert guides while enjoying great coffee, a beautiful black sand beach, an active volcano, a mountainside winery and views of our lush and tropical Hamakua Coast. You deserve the best! You deserve Kailani Tours! Premium Coffee Farm (Greenwell Coffee) – Breakfast, Coffee Farm Tour, Tasting and Shopping Punalu'u Bake Shop - Tasty sweet treats made right here in Hawaii Punalu’u Black Sand Beach - View Resting Turtles from a Safe Distance Private Wine and Tea Tour at Volcano Winery - Deluxe Lunch and Complimentary Tastings Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls Hamakua Coastline Drive Waikoloa Hotel Return Kona Hotels Return

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Kona Coffee Farm tour included (optional), Binoculars, Umbrellas, Cold beverages, hot coffee/chocolate, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jan n

This was an all day excursion and so full of information and fun. Jim Carrey was the best tour guide ever. He was so knowledgeable about the Hawaiian culture and had plenty of Hawaiian legends to tell. I would do this tour with him again.

9. Hidden Craters Hike

Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, 73-5593 A, Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Forest and Trail
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Join the Hidden Craters Hike for a Big Island off-road climb and hike up the cool and misty slopes of Hualalai volcano. 4 Wheel Drive vans carry you up most of the way to 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) elevation before you begin your on-foot ascent to visit a surreal scene of lava flows and a forest full of native birdsong. This adventure tour teaches you all about the best of Kona!

Inclusions: Interpretative Naturalist Guide, Filtered water, Sodas, & Juices, Walking sticks, daypacks and rain gear, Local taxes, Access Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Dena V

It was a fabulous experience to enjoy the top of the world at Mauna Kea and stargaze. Thank you Justin for an epic evening and so much information about your beautiful state. This tour is a must do!

10. Coffee, Beer and Cloud Forest Half-Day Tour in Kailua Kona

Kailani Tours Hawaii
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 18 reviews

Join us on this best of Kona adventure; the newest and one of the best things to do in Kona. This luxury tour is the perfect way to learn Hawaiian history, sip Kona coffee, explore an exotic cloud forest and discover Kona’s tastiest beer. We’ll walk the grounds of ancient fishponds, learn about Hawaiian culture and look for turtles. Next, we'll visit Mountain Thunder Coffee high on the slopes of Hualalai volcano. Learn how coffee is grown, dried and roasted. Next, walk in the misty Kona Cloud Forest; an incredibly unique opportunity to see exotic trees, plants, flowers and birds. Bird lovers love it for exotics, including the Hawaiian hawk and several honey creeper species. Wind down the mountain to cool off with a cold Kona beer or cider at Ola Brew Co. Tour Kona’s newest local brewery, taste from a flight of beers and ciders, and enjoy lunch on us. Join us for the perfect half day Kona experience today!

Inclusions: Mercedes Benz 15 passenger mini-coach, Lunch, Bottled water, a flight of beers and ciders, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Gratuity , Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the brewery

Reviewed By jan n

This was an all day excursion and so full of information and fun. Jim Carrey was the best tour guide ever. He was so knowledgeable about the Hawaiian culture and had plenty of Hawaiian legends to tell. I would do this tour with him again.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.