The 10 Best Day Trips from in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (HI)

January 16, 2022 Franklyn Hardiman

Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

1. Oahu Private Island Tour: Waikiki, North Shore, and the Dole Plantation

Hawaii Outdoor Guides
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore the beautiful island of Oahu with your private tour guide in a spacious, high roof passenger van. Enjoy the luxury of a personal guide for the day with the opportunity to ask questions and the option to spend a bit more time at places you enjoy. Your guide will also offer to take pictures of you at every stop. The Oahu Private Island Tour is a great option if you prefer the privacy of your own van, you are travelling with a small group or to celebrate special occasions.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ye0nmi85

Katie is a phenomenal tour guide. She asked what we would like to see (when I booked the reservation) then gave us an itinerary. We decided on 2 waterfalls, black sand beach, volcano, and Kaumana Caves. We got poured on at Akaka Falls but she said it was the best waterfall she has seen. She was totally prepared; an umbrella for me, a raincoat for my husband...she is super knowledgeable and a great person to spend the day with. We crammed a lot into 12 hours. I would definitely use her again! Thank you, Katie!

2. Three-quarter Day Sport Fishing Charter

Ohana Sportfishing Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We provide a high-quality, custom, private charter fishing experience for up to 6 guests. High quality tackle and attentive crew can help you get any fish to the boat and we let you keep your catch. Whether you are after that "bucket list" marlin or something to serve for dinner.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Beverages, Continental breakfast, Snacks, Professional guide, Private tour, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By NAU_TKE

We did a full day charter with my teenagers and my in laws. The owner Dave and his crew were amazing. We started the day fishing for Yellowtail which was fun because all 6 of the family members were able to catch something and we were able to see a pod of dolphins up close. While we did not have any luck getting a big fish but ended the day catching another 5 yellowtail. A big shout out to Steve for all your help as well today. I would recommend this organization to anyone looking to have a great day on the water.

3. Kilauea Summit to Shore from Hilo: Small Group

The Volcano Van Private Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Kilauea Volcano is a magnificent presence on the Big Island of Hawai'i and this small-group, or exclusive private tour focuses primarily on Kilauea and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Because of Kilauea's diverse landscapes, stunning beauty, and vast, almost unending site seeing potential; we have decided to dedicate an entire day to exploring Kilauea volcano. All the way from her amazing summit, to her ever-growing shores. This tour ends with an opportunity to see the evening glow from Kilauea’s famous lava lake.

Inclusions: Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic lunch, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Dinner (Guests are taken to a restaurant of their choice to purchase dinner for themselves), 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

4. Heavenly Hamakua: From Kona

The Volcano Van Private Tours
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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

5. Volcano National Park Adventure From Kona

Hawaii Geo Tours
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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

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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

6. VIP Adventure from Kona or Waikoloa

Hawaii Geo Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Adventure and Fun with a Geologist as your guide to the most active volcano in the world! The ONLY Volcano Tours owned and guided by professional Geologists with a greater level of interpretation. Want to explore, walk, or hike around the Big Island with a professional geologist and explore places usual guests and even locals do not get to see, Join us for an adventure of a lifetime with remarkable memories and FUN! We are private, exclusive, and cater to our customers.

Inclusions: Lunch, Hotel pick-up drop-off., Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun and rain. Water Bottle and backpack

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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

7. Volcano National Park Adventure from Waikoloa

Hawaii Geo Tours
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

• The only volcano tours guided by Geologists in Hawaii • Join us for a "Chance of a Lifetime" Adventure on our Volcano Tours. • Our Mercedes Vans offer a level of sophistication and comfort you won’t find in an ordinary shuttle bus. We transport our guests in luxury and class. • 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, We offer the use of backpacks, rain coats, and warm coats for night.

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Reviewed By 547kristinae

We had an awesome tour with Zane as our guide. He is very knowledgeable, sharing his love of geology, as well as the history of the island. We were able to enjoy so many highlights of this amazing island during our day tour including Volcanos National Park, climbing through a lava tube, stopping for fresh fruit at a local farmer's market in Hilo, and my personal favorite, viewing multiple beautiful waterfalls and the black sands beach along the way. We were able to plan our trip to include the sites that we were most interested in and Zane had a few surprises for us along the way. I would definitely recommend this tour, there are so many beautiful and interesting places to see on this island it would be impossible to see them all on your own. The van was clean and comfortable with great windows to view all the beautiful scenery along the way.

8. Mauna Kea Summit Adventure

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
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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.

9. Hawaii Big Island Circle Small Group Tour: Waterfalls - Hilo - Volcano - Black Sand Beach

Hawaii Outdoor Guides
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5.0 based on 64 reviews

This tour is perfect for the traveler that would like to see most of the island of Hawaii! We travel most of the climate zones and learn lots about the history, culture and geology! Our groups are kept small in our 15 passenger high roof van.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Lunch, Water, Snacks, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By ye0nmi85

Katie is a phenomenal tour guide. She asked what we would like to see (when I booked the reservation) then gave us an itinerary. We decided on 2 waterfalls, black sand beach, volcano, and Kaumana Caves. We got poured on at Akaka Falls but she said it was the best waterfall she has seen. She was totally prepared; an umbrella for me, a raincoat for my husband...she is super knowledgeable and a great person to spend the day with. We crammed a lot into 12 hours. I would definitely use her again! Thank you, Katie!

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

Kailani Tours Hawaii
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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.

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