What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Day Trips from

October 29, 2021 Joeann Galban

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. Volcano National Park Adventure From Kona

Hawaii Geo Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

No other tours are available that visit the locations we are offering. Both tours are genuinely unique to the island. It is very rare to ever get to talk with a local Geologist, let alone get to spend the day with one. Our 3 slogans are: • The only volcano tours guided by Geologists in Hawaii • Join us for a "Chance of a Lifetime" Adventure on our Volcano Tours. • Adventure and fun with a real Geologist as your guide to the most active volcano in the world!

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Filtered water in personal bottles, backpacks, and umbrellas and rain jackets if necessary

Exclusions:

Reviewed By shailb2021

Guide was very knowledgeable as helpful he made a trip joyful van was clean and comfortable we were very lucky to have Zane as our tour guide

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. 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:

4. Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monu. See Dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, Big Island (5 Hr)

82-5674 Kahau Pl, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA Aloha Kayak Co.
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Expedition South Kona

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Sea Quest Hawaii
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Snorkel at 3 unique and pristine locations including Kealakekua Bay, the culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, and a third remote location you wouldn't be able to access any other way. Perhaps you’ll snorkel at a black sand beach and have it all to yourselves. Maybe a stone arch or a spectacular lava rock formation created thousands of years ago. We will take you to locations even residents of the Island have yet to see. Explore sea caves and lava tubes in our safe, exciting, and maneuverable vessels designed to get you up close and personal with the coast. Scout for marine life such as pilot whales as long as your boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and more. A deli lunch is provided, as are snacks, water & juice throughout the day. All the snorkeling gear and flotation devices you need as well. You simply show up in your swimsuit with your reef-safe sunscreen and towel in hand and away we go!

Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Water & Juice, Snorkeling Gear, Flotation Devices, Bottled water

Exclusions: Towels, Sunscreen

Reviewed By mindy1234567890

We did a manta ray night snorkel and a premium 4.5 hr day snorkel. What a amazing experience! Check in was easy. The staff members were kind and considerate. The rays were outer worldly!

10. 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.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.