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

March 5, 2022 Fernanda Pittenger

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 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!

2. Kona Coast Helicopter Tour

Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

We are the only Private Helicopter Tour Company in Hawaii! Come and experience a truly special tour with us - especially for the whale watchers!

Inclusions: Airport/Departure Tax, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By thezackster

5 stars isn't enough, they deserve 50. I was nervous (sweaty palms haha!) but immediately upon arrival our pilot James met us at our car and made us right at home. Very responsible regarding COVID precautions and just so friendly and educational. Mid-air, mid-sunset I was able to pop the question to my now fiance and it couldn't have been better. Forever indebted to this place and to our pilot. World class! You'll love every dollar spent!

3. Kona Coast Sunset Tour

Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

We are the only Private Helicopter Tour company in Hawaii! Come and experience a truly special sunset with us!

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Airport/Departure Tax

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Lesjbohlen

We had a great time. We felt safe the whole time. Our pilot was awesome! She was very informative. She's very friendly. I wish you had taken a bit of a longer flight.

4. Private Manta Ray Snorkel, up to 6 guests

787100 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Call before purchasing, seats are limited. You may be asked to move time or date if you have not confirmed availability. Online calendar may not reflect seats available to online bookings. Snorkeling with our beautiful Kona manta rays is an experience you don't want to miss. You will never forget having these gentle giants swim so graceful before your eyes. This private charter of up to 6 persons ensures your group gets personal attention.. We are family run business that takes pride in sharing the importance of taking care or our land, ocean, animals, and each other.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Hot Cocoa and Cookies

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Jrotolo810

We saw a bunch of Mantas and they came so close! The guides were great and gave a ton of interesting facts about the Mantas. Everyone made us feel very safe as well. They even let us rent a go pro and keep the footage for ourselves.

5. Sunset Sail Experience at Kona from Honokohau

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Nautical
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Explore the beautiful Kona coastline from while aboard the Honi Olani, a 53-foot sailing catamaran. Catch the moment the sun slips below the horizon...you may even see the green flash. Enjoy the blue Pacific Ocean and maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife at play. Snacks and beverages served aboard. Unlimited non-alcohol beverages. Two free alcohol drinks per adult.

Inclusions: Snacks, Soda, juice and water, Two alcohol beverages per adult

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kristinesF2548UA

This excursion was okay at best. Though we were able to see dolphins, which was lovely, the snorkeling was blah. First the company took us south along the island, versus out into the ocean, and guided us snorkeling right by a power plant on the shoreline. There were some pretty fish, maybe 3-4 different species. The coral was not colorful; they informed us that is typical for Hawaii. Friends we have that live on the islands state there are beautiful coral reefs, you just need to know where to find them. Apparently, this company does not know where to find these reefs. The catamaran ride was just lovely, but that's it. Again, nothing special. The crew were fine when talking to us as a group but not one-on-one. Then they seemed guarded and annoyed. I would not recommend this excursion.

6. 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...

7. Snorkel with Wildlife on the Kona Coast

74 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Kaimana Ocean Safari
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 40 reviews

At Kaimana Ocean Safari you'll be guided by professionally trained ocean guides, boat captains, and underwater photographers to observe and interact with various wildlife along the Kona coastline. We approach our unique tours “safari” style, meaning we cover vast areas of the coastline in search of marine life aboard our vessel. We believe “the search” is part of the fun and allows nature to deliver the adventure. Together, we can observe and potentially interact with sea turtles, a variety of dolphin species, manta rays, sharks, whales, and locals of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Join us on an incredible journey leaving you with a lifetime of memories! Please visit some of our instagram accounts to view more of what you can possibly see

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Snacks, Filtered water will be provided on the boat. If you have your own reusable bottle please bring that.

Exclusions: Towels, rash guards, sun protection are not included. Please bring reef safe sunscreen.

Reviewed By theodorek2019

Kayleigh and Cam were incredible guides in an ocean adventure that felt like a surreal dream. We went out to the pelagic zone on the hunt for animals. We ended up having an incredible half-hour interaction with pilot whales and an oceanic white-tip shark, peppered with sightings of spotted dolphins and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. There is no guarantee of any specific sighting, but the thrill of going out on the open ocean to see what we can find is part of the fun. Completely unlike any other activity in Kailua-Kona, and the small-group setting made this feel even more special. As it was, it was one of the best days of my life so far.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.