What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Walking Tours

February 17, 2022 Oliva Fomby

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. Kona Shore Excursion: Kona Historical Coast and Culture Tour with Coffee Plantation

Kailua Pier, Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Mauka Makai Adventures
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Experience old Hawaii with a step back in time on the Kailua-Kona coastline with this 4.5-hour, small-group tour. Enjoy the scenic coastline while you learn of the ancient Hawaiian culture, the arrival of Captain James Cook, and the transition to modern-day Hawaii. Tour an old coffee plantation with optional stops at the Painted Church, or a local chocolate factory.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!, Light snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Kailua-Kona Pier pickup and drop-off, Kailua-Kona Hotel pick-up and drop-off (we may arrange meeting location for hotels outside of Kona), Kona Airport pick-up and drop-off (please contact us to make arrangements first)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By patleach17

This was one of our best tours. The vehicle was more than adequate - everyone was comfortable.Jill was very informative and took us to many local businesses we wouldn't have gone to on our own. Really enjoyed the Donkey Balls candy shop! Also, Coffee Plantation was a wonderful - yummy coffee, and this was the Beautiful side of the Big Island. Will come back!

2. Kona Haunted Hele ghost tour

The Pier, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Big Island Ghost Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

The first and only ghost tour in Kona, retracing the steps of the royalty along Ali'i Drive, in search of history, mystery & intrigue. Receive a complimentary copy of the Kona Haunted Hele Guidebook when you book directly from our website!

Inclusions: Professional guides

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Reviewed By Ckhop00

The ghost tour was 10/10! The guide was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and kind! I would definitely recommend adding this to your trip itinerary.

3. Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour

Volcano House, 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, USA Kilauea EcoGuides
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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!

4. Coffee and Chocolate Tours Plus Gift Shop

78-6749 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725, USA Kona Natural Soap
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

We offer one of the most fully detailed and comprehensive tours of coffee and chocolate production in Hawaii. You'll learn how coffee is produced from the moment it blossoms to the final roasted bean. We'll also go over how chocolate is grown from the beginning to the final award-winning chocolate bar. Tasting is available too! And finally, we will walk you through the soap factory and discuss how we created a unique product that uses its own farm-grown ingredients and pure plant botanicals to make a soap that is nonallergenic. No fragrance is used, so those that are allergic to fragrances you'll be just fine. So come enjoy an awesome 5 star-rated tour, you'll have a blast and it all starts at 9am.

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Reviewed By brennakay94

Greg is amazing! He is so knowledgeable and so friendly! Lots of animals, plants, taste testing! Must do well in Kona!

5. Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure

Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, 73-5593 A, Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Forest and Trail
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. Once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it’s home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. The Pua Akala tract we access is not open to the public and is an excellent example of successful conservation practices. Enjoy first class comfort adventuring in our 4 wheel drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinter along with a more intimate experience with a small group size of 9 guests. Join your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide to search for rare native plants and animals as well as the endemic Hawaiian birds such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo. Riding in style with our best in class field guides to a restricted access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Binoculars, Lunch, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Filtered water, juices and flavored sparkling waters, Interpretative Birding Guide

Exclusions: Bottled water, 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!

6. Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour

Hilo, HI 96720, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
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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. Private Guide: Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785, USA Big Island VIP
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The price listed is for the entire van and guide for up to 10 people. Only you and your family or group, one price. We live in Volcano and have heard from many travelers they didn't know what to do or where to go. We have gone to the Park for many years and we can ensure you get the most of your time. We created this activity to make learning about volcanoes budget and family friendly. There is so much to learn in the Park and so much to see it would be difficult to know how to prioritize if you are on your own. You will follow us in the Park in your vehicle. This tour is customized to your and your group's interests. There are easy hikes and more difficult hikes, there is a lot to see and do if you have a little help with your options. Give you and your family an exciting experience you will remember and get more out of the National Park than you would if you were on your own! This is customized to you so book today!

Inclusions: Trekking poles (4 sets), Bottled water, Snacks, Ponchos

Exclusions: Entrance to the Park, if you have a National Park Pass entrance is free

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.

8. 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
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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

Hele-On Mo'oheau Bus Terminal, 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
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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. Volcano-Turtles-Whales-&-Waterfall-w-Delicious Lunch Stop

Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
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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.

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