HAWAII: BIG ISLAND TOURS & ACTIVITIES

The Big Island is larger than all the other islands combined.

Hawaii – The Big Island Really Is Huge!

The Island of Hawaiʻi is also known as the “Big Island”. This is because it is big – really big! It’s so large that all the other major islands can fit on the Big Island TWICE! Covering over 4,000 square miles, the island is made up of five volcanoes, two of which are still active today. Kilauea Caldera is the most active volcano in the world and in the spring of 2018, the lower east rift zone expelled the largest amount of lava ever recorded in the islands (record-keeping began in 1794)! Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983, but as of September 2018, the volcano has gone quiet. While over 600 homes and many miles of coastline were buried in lava during the 2018 volcanic event, the skies are clear of volcanic haze today.

The Big Island is steeped in ancient Hawaiian history. Archeological evidence shows that this was the first island in the chain to be discovered by Polynesian voyagers over 1,000 years ago. The Big Island (also known as the “Orchid Isle”) was home to Kamehameha I who became the first King to reign over all the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. It is said he battled for over 40 years to unite the Hawaiian islands under one ruler. Kamehameha was present when Captain Cook rowed ashore at Kealakekua Bay in 1779 and was wounded in the assault that killed Cook. Today, a monument to Cook stands at Kealakekua Bay, along the Kona Coast. The reef in front of the monument is one of the most pristine snorkel and diving destinations in the entire state.

Sea Quest Boat Big Island Kona Coast Visitors

There are basically three sides of the island that host the majority of visitor attractions: the western (leeward and dry) side is mostly black, barren lava rock; opposite that is the windward side, or “Hilo side”, and is covered in lush tropical-rainforest valleys and waterfalls, and the Kohala Coast looks towards the island of Maui to the northwest.

The Kona side, along the southern coast, is a wealth of beautiful beaches and bays, including Kealakekua Bay where visitors gain the best access to ocean activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, and fishing.

The Best Big Island Of Hawaii Tours & Activities

We are here to help you uncover all there is to see and do on the Big Island. From land, sea, and air tours, luau experiences, volcano visits, and neighbor island excursions, we know the best companies to choose that will bring you and your family stories to cherish for years to come at a price to accommodate every budget!

We Have All The Best Kohala Coast, Hilo & Kona Tours At The Best Prices

We Offer Round-trip Airline Tickets To Big Island From Oahu
Experience these tours from other islands and experience more of Hawaii.
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Cruise Ship, Airport, AirBnB, Waikiki, Ko Olina, Turtle Bay, Windward
We Have Checked Out These Tours And Loved Them. Look For Our Videos On Them!
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Big Island Tours On The Ocean

Dive in and explore the stunning underwater realm of the Big Island’s reefs. With hundreds of miles of coastline, you’ll have your pick of reef to explore! The reefs are full of life and the honu (turtles) swimming alongside you are magical. Snorkeling with turtles is the most requested thing to do in Hawaiʻi’s waters. Other must-do ocean activities include surfing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, and SCUBA diving. It could be said that half of Hawaiʻi’s beauty lies in its underwater reefs and we have plenty of ocean tours to choose from!

Land Tours Across The Big Island Of Hawaii

The landscape of the Big Island is formed by volcanoes, wind, and water, making every view dramatic. Take tours across the island to see jagged cliffs and mountains that dominate the skyline while you get immersed into the rich history, culture, and beauty around every corner. Go sightseeing on the Big Island to Volcanoes National Park, the rainforests along the Hamakua and Hilo coastlines, and the beautiful beaches and historical sights of the Kona Coast. With hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and ATV tours, plenty of adventure awaits! Regardless of where you are staying on the island, there are endless land activities nearby that the whole family will enjoy!

Luau
Evening Shows & Cruises
Adventures
Go Horseback Riding, Ziplining, Hiking, Biking
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Pearl Harbor

Big Island Fun Facts:

At 4,038 square miles, the Big Island is twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined!
The largest contiguous ranch in the United States is Hawaiʻi Island’s Parker Ranch with roughly 480,000 acres of land.
Fish hooks discovered along the shore at South Point date back to around 400 A.D. and are the earliest archeological evidence found of Polynesians arriving in Hawaiʻi.
Most of the world’s macadamia nuts are grown on the Big Island.
Mauna Kea is home to the largest telescope in the world and has the most celestial observatories in one place than anywhere else in the world.
Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.
From east to west, Hawaiʻi is the largest spanning state in the country.
Measured from the ocean floor, Hawaiʻi is the largest mountain range on earth.
The eruption of the Kilauea Volcano from May to August 2018 expelled more lava than any other time in Kilauea’s recorded history. It is one of the most active (and studied) volcanoes on the planet.
The Big Island consists of five volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea, both of which are active, and Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kahala, which are considered dormant.

Big Island By Air

Seeing any of the Hawaiian Islands from the air is an amazing experience, but a helicopter tour of the Big Island is more worthwhile than anywhere else. The island is so extensive that it can take several days just to get an idea of where to go. By kicking off the trip with an air tour, you’ll get an invaluable overview of the entire island, learning all you need to know about where to go and what to do. That’s why we recommend doing an air tour early-on in your trip to grasp just how big the Big Island really is!

Kohala and Hamakua Coast Helicopter
Tour the Kohala coast, valleys, and waterfalls. Many consider this area along with the Hamakua Coast to have the most spectacular scenery on the Big Island.
- Kohala & Hamakua Coastlines
- Waterfall & Waipio Valley Views
- Limited to 6 passengers per tour
- 45 Min Helicopter Tour
$309^.00

Hawaii Island Hikes, Ziplines, Horseback-riding & ATV Adventures

Excitement is everywhere on the Big Island. Hikes to hidden valleys and waterfalls, thrilling ziplines, horseback riding, and exploring the rugged landscapes on an ATV are just the beginning of the many unforgettable adventures you can experience while on the Big Island!

The Best Hawaii Island Luaus

Luaus are celebrations of the Polynesian cultures that migrated to Hawaiʻi centuries ago. They also embody the meaning of “Aloha”, now known worldwide thanks to the welcoming spirit of Hawaiian culture. Check out these great luaus or read more about this history of these celebrations that are now a focal point of everyone’s Hawaiian vacation. It’s no mystery why that is: they are a lot of fun for the entire ʻohana (family)!

Shows & Evening Entertainment On Big Island

The Big Island hosts first-class entertainment and renowned festivals throughout the year. Many of these are unique to the island and well-respected (and well-attended!) by visitors and residents alike. The two most noteworthy of these events are the Merrie Monarch Festival, held every year in Hilo during the week after Easter, and the Ironman Championships, held every October in Kona. Add to this such events as rodeos, concerts, community festivals, and holidays and it’s easy to find any number of memorable shows to attend throughout the year!

Big Island Frequently Asked Questions

What historic places can I visit on the Big Island?

Some of the most historic places in all of Hawaii can be found on the island of Hawaii (Big Island) including:

The birthplace of King Kamehameha and the paniolo (known as the Hawaiian cowboy)
The restored heiau and the site of Captain Cook’s death
Pele (the volcano goddess) in Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park where an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast
Kealakekua Bay, an important historic location as it marks the site where the first western settler, Captain James Cook arrived.
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in all of Hawaii

Today, the island of Hawaii remains a vital touchstone for Hawaiian culture.

How long is the Big Island?

93 miles, at it’s greatest dimension. This comprises nearly 62% of the entire Hawaiian Islands’ land area.

What is there to do on the Big Island on a week or less visit?

Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Day 1: Hilo, Big Island.
Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island.
Day 3: Swim with the Manta Rays, Kona.
Day 4: Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay and explore Kona Town.
Day 5: Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast.

What is the difference between the Big Island and the other islands?

There really is NO comparison! Being twice the combined size of the other islands, the Big Island is home to the world’s most active volcano as well as the state’s longest sheer-drop waterfall If you like wide open places, adventure, and new scenery, you will love the Big Island. Here you will find places that look like the moon, but also lush places that are stunning. Another stand out difference is the island of Hawaii is made up of five volcanoes of which three are record-breaking. Keep in mind, the weather on the Big Island changes as swiftly as the terrain around it. There is no other island that compares or has the same diversity, not even close.

Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?

Top 5 Beaches on Big Island

Hapuna Beach, South Kohala, Big Island of Hawaii
Maniniowali Beach, Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
Makalawena Beach, Keahole, Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
Waialea Bay, Waialea Beach
69 Milemarker Beach, South Kohala, Big Island of Hawaii.

The beauty of the Big Island (besides its stunning beaches, pristine waters, and perpetually sunny weather, of course) is how surprisingly affordable it is. The Kona Coast is no exception. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, setting a budget can help narrow down the type of experiences you’d like to enjoy and when to book. For example, our afternoon snorkel cruise offers all the same benefits as the morning version at a fraction of the cost

What side of the Big Island can I fly to?

There are two airports on the Big Island - One in Hilo which is the rugged and lush tropical windward side and the other is in Kona on the dry western side of the island. Hilo is where the island’s rainforests and waterfalls are and Kona is where the big resorts and beaches are.

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Pearl Harbor Tours

There are a number of great tours to not only see Pearl Harbor but the rest of Oʻahu too. No trip to Oʻahu is complete without a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Battleship Missouri. After touring the memorial, you can visit the historic city of Honolulu or you can choose something a little different: go sightseeing on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and so many more famed Oʻahu destinations! See all the great ways to experience Pearl Harbor the way you want to!

Pearl Harbor Address and Hours of Operation

Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

Hours of Operation: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open each day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pearl Harbor is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Because December 7th is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor we do not offer tours on that day due to ceremonies in honor of the fallen soldiers.

Disclaimers

Navy boat rides to the Arizona Memorial may be cancelled for safety reasons on days where there are high winds.

Experience The Big Island From Kauai, Maui & Oahu

Are you staying on Kauai, Oahu or Maui and really want to see and experience the Big Island of Hawaii? There are opportunities for you to do that no matter where in Hawaii you are staying. Take a day tour and experience the best of Hawaii.

Hilo Downtown Pesto Cafe Big Island by Kathleen Anderson

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HAWAII: BIG ISLAND TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Hawaii – The Big Island Really Is Huge!

The Best Big Island Of Hawaii Tours & Activities