GRAND CIRCLE TOUR OF THE BIG ISLAND

There is So Much to See and Experience Here!

5/5 (489 Reviews)

Don’t miss a thing on the Big Island with this Grand Circle Island tour. Hawaiʻi’s largest landmass has countless sites to explore. Get a jump on the day with a morning pick-up at your hotel, in Kona and Waikōloa. Take in the island views as you cruise the island’s best cultural, historic, and scenic.

The guided day-long tour will ensure you visit all the must-see spots on the Big Island. In a single day, you will have breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, feel the crunch of lava fields under your shoes, glimpse the turtles lounging on the black sands of a picture-perfect tropical beach. You'll also get to indulge in the flavors of world-famous Kona coffee, sweetbread, and buttery macadamia nuts.

Starting At
$518 USD
Age
4 yrs+
Duration
12-hour
Location
Big Island, Hawai’i

What's Included
- Pickup from Kona and Waikōloa
- Self-purchased lunch and dinner stops
- Entrances to Volcanoes National Park and ‘Akaka Falls State Park
- Guided hikes and expert narration
- Safety supplies for sanitation, motion sickness, and first-aid
- Comfortable, small-group travel

From: $259^.00

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Choose Your Tour Style

12-Hour Grand Circle Big Island Tour From Kona Resorts

Starting at
$259^.00
per adult

Adults Ages 12 yrs+

$ 259^.00

Children Ages 2-11 yrs

$ 249^.00

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Resource

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Where are you staying?
Having your accommodation information helps us provide directions, travel tips and can more easily contact you if there is a change in plans last minute.

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Please enter in the address or name of the resort where you are staying.

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Pick-up Location

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Any hotel or accommodations not part of Kona the assigned Pickup Area is always: Target Store: 74-5455 Makala blvd Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Meet near McDonald’s).
Any hotel or accommodations not part of Hilo the assigned Pickup Area is always: Queens Marketplace.

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Target Store: 74-5455 Makala blvd Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Meet near McDonald’s).

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Meet at the Queens Marketplace.

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Driveway entrance at Alii Drive.

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Sidewalk at driveway entrance circle.

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Bus stop near southern driveway entrance.

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Sidewalk at driveway entrance circle.

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Outside front lobby of main building.

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By main lobby/driveway off Alli'i Drive.

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Entrance of Aston Shores at Waikoloa.

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Entrance of Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas.

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Sidewalk outside Banyan Tree Condos on Alii Dr.

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On the sidewalk outside main entrance lobby.

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Entrance of Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

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In front of the restrooms at Kahaluu Beach park parking lot.

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In front of the restrooms at Kahaluu Beach park parking lot.

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Outside front lobby at Royal Kona Resort.

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Bus stop near driveway entrance.

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Main entrance circle in parking lot.

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Main lobby of King Kamehameha Hotel.

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Drive to King Kamehameha Hotel, park in lot, and meet at front lobby.

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Your pick up location may differ from your hotel and may require you to drive to the nearest safe pickup location. Please refer to your confirmation email for instructions.

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Bus kiosk of Fairmont Orchid.

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Entrance of Fairway Villas Waikoloa.

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Main lobby of Four Seasons Hualalai.

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Entrance of Paniolo Greens Resort.

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Main entrance in front of the gate.

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Outside main entrance in parking lot.

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Drive to King Kamehameha Hotel, park in lot, and meet at front lobby.

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Entrance in front of gate, Halii Kai at Waikoloa.

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Entrance of Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites.

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Entrance of Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings Land.

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Front Entrance of Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort.

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Lower Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village.

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Outside main entrance to hotel.

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Outside the main clubhouse front entrance at the parking lot.

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Bus stop across street.

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Drive to King Kamehameha Hotel, park in lot, and meet at front lobby.

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Entrance of Mauna Lani Islands.

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Driveway Entrance Nearest To Kealakeaa St.

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In front of the restrooms at Kahaluu Beach park at the parking lot.

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Entrance of Kailua Bay Resort.

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Drive to King Kamehameha Hotel, park in lot, and meet at front lobby.

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Turnaround area near guard shack, Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona.

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Sidewalk near guard shack at the entrance.

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Parking lot near driveway entrance.

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In front of the restrooms at Kahaluu Beach park parking lot.

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On sidewalk at turnaround area near bay.

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Parking lot near main driveway entrance.

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Sidewalk at circle of main building with restaurant.

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Sidewalk next to main driveway entrance.

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In front of Long's Drugstore at Keauhou Shopping Center.

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In front of main clubhouse near tennis courts.

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Entrance of Castle Kolea at Waikoloa.

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Entrance of Castle Kona Kai Bali.

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By guard shack in front of Kona Coast Resort.

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Entrance of Kona Hawaiian Village (Wyndham).

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By parking entrance area, Kona Islander Inn.

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Entrance of Kona Magic Sands.

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Entrance of Kona Makai Condominiums.

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Entrance of Kona Riviera.

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Entrance of Kona Tiki Hotel.

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Main lobby of Four Seasons Hualalai.

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Entrance of White Sands Village.

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Entrance of Kukio Golf Resort.

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Entrance of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

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Front entrance of FoodLand Farms market at Mauna Lani Dr.

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Entrance of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.

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Drive to King Kamehameha Hotel, park in lot, and meet at front lobby.

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Outside main clubhouse front entrance at parking lot.

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Turnaround area outside gate near driveway entrance.

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Entrance of Nomura Hawaii Village.

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Entrance of Outrigger Fairway Villas.

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Turnaround area next to guard shack, Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona.

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Outside main lobby.

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Upper lobby of Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.

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Circular driveway outside Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff.

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Entrance of Paniolo Greens Resort.

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Entrance of Royal Kahili Condominium.

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Wait at the benches near the roundabout.

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Circular driveway outside Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff.

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Outside at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Keaau.

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Entrance of Kona Billfisher Resort.

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Entrance of Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel.

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Main driveway entrance at parking lot.

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Entrance of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

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Entrance of Hapuna Prince Hotel.

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Entrance of White Sands Village.

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Entrance of World Mark.

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Main lobby of Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort.

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Cruise Ship Tender - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
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Starting At: $0 USD
With taxes & fees: $567.21

Big Island Circle Tour Features

lush tropical vegetation of the hawaii tropical botanical garden of big island kailani tours hawaii

green turtles at punaluu black sand beach big island kailani tours hawaii

hawaiian green turtles relaxing at punaluu black sand beach on the big island kailani tours hawaii

a lava cave in volcanoes national park big island kailani tours hawaii

volcanic landscape big island kailani tours hawaii

hiker in hawaii trekking across the volcano national park landscape big island kailani tours hawaii

Full-Day, Full-Circle Sightseeing Tour

Round out your Big Island vacation experience with a visit to a native Hawai’ian garden, beautiful waterfalls, and an active volcano. With easy pick up and drop off, your tour of this large island is stress-free. Sit back and enjoy this epic full-day Big Island experience. This is the most comprehensive single-day sightseeing tour available.

visitor photographs kilaueai volcanoes national park big island hawaii

volcano house hawaii volcanoes national park big island

Big Island Volcano Tour Thurston Lava Tube Volcanoes National Park

helicopter kilauea cladera volcano big island top view

volcanoes national park safari landscape overview pt

Visit Volcanoes National Park

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Volcano National Park. Marvel at the active volcanoes as it showcases the raw forces of creation and destruction. Feel the heat of steam vents emerging from the earth's fissures and embark on a brief hike through the incredible Thurston Lava Tube. Discover the fascinating story of the 2018 eruption that captivated the nation, as lava engulfed vast stretches of land.

one of the island of hawaiis most famous and most beautiful waterfalls akaka falls

the akaka falls in the akaka falls state park on big island

akaka falls state park big island hawaii shutterstock

akaka falls state park big island hawaii

Dramatic Waterfalls

Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawai’i's premier waterfalls and valleys: ‘Akaka and Rainbow Falls. Witness the awe-inspiring wonder of ‘Akaka, with its jaw-dropping 442-foot plunge into a tranquil pool below. Be mesmerized by the enchanting Rainbow Falls, where an 80-foot cascade tumbles over a lava cave believed to be the dwelling place of the legendary Hawai’ian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. Experience the breathtaking power and mystique of these natural wonders firsthand.

Wasabitourshawaii Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour Overview Shore Black Sand Beach

Wasabitourshawaii Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour Black Sand Beach Turtle

Wasabitourshawaii Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour Black Sand Beach Group People

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, a truly unforgettable sight. Marvel at the striking jet-black shores, framed by graceful coconut palms. Keep an eye out for a rare encounter with large honu, the Hawai’ian Green Sea Turtles, basking on the beach. Remember, as tempting as it may be, these protected creatures should not be touched or disturbed. And please respect the natural environment by leaving the black sand undisturbed.

dark gray rock formation formed by lava big island kailani tours hawaii

lava tube interior big island kailani tours hawaii

coconut trees in punaluu black sand beach big island kailani tours hawaii

fabulous onomea falls in hawaii tropical botanical garden big island kailani tours hawaii

blazing blooms of ohia flowers at the volcano national park big island kailani tours hawaii

coffee art pour big island kailani tours hawaii scaled

Lots Of Stops Throughout The Day

This tour includes all the important sites that should be seen at least once including Historic Hilo, Rainbow Falls, Hāmākua Coast, and other stops. We cover it all on this tour and we can even handle some special requests. Ask your guide about what is possible on your tour route.

Big Island Tour Details

Highlights

See Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Walk On A Black Sand Beach
Family-Friendly Itineraries And Guides
See The Entire Big Island In One Day
View Scenic Valleys And Waterfalls

Check Out A Lava Tube
Stops For Lunch (purchase on your own)
Small Groups Only - Limited 10 Guests Per Guide
12 Hrs. 7:00 AM Pickup, Kona Coast
Private Tours Available

Description

Experience the different districts and microclimates of Hawai’i Island in one day. This tour showcases the best of the island, with views of Kona, Kaʻu and Hāmākua coastlines, complete with our favorite stops in between.

This full day tour starts with pickup at major hotels and resorts all along the Kona coast and returns you back in time for a late dinner on your own.

Starting around 7 AM your tour guide will pick you up and head north towards the beautiful Hāmākua Coast through the town of Waimea. Along the way, to various major stops we will make brief stops to enjoy the beautiful views. Exploring the rainforest portion of this tour, we will visit Akaka Falls state park and the beautiful overlook at Waipi’o. Our tour take a scenic detour down a rainforest road with winding points and a place to even go for a quick waterfall dip.

Once in Hilo, we will explore a little bit of the town and check out a few famous and historical spots. Before heading into Volcanoes National Park, we make a stop for lunch with wonderful options that everyone will love. You will be well satisfied and ready to explore the amazing volcano, its craters, and lava tubes.

Once in the park, there will be plenty of overlook stops, small trails, and a large lava tube to explore. At the park, you can explore Kilauea Iki Crater, steam bluffs, Thurston lava tube, Fern Tree Jungle and more! Depending on where lava can be seen, we will alter the tour to include that viewing. We will even stop at a great gift shop at the Volcano House to get a little souvenir.

We leave the park and head south to a beautiful black sand beach at Punalu’u and hopefully see some turtles which makes for a truly magical experience. We can take time to enjoy this beach for a little bit prior to enjoying a late afternoon snack at a famous family bakery. Try the sweetbread. It's addictive.

The tour now heads north, towards the Kona coast. We will make stops at various overlook locations as we make our way back down towards Kailua-Kona during the sunset hours. We will cruise the drive and make a stop in town to drop off our Kona guests before returning the remaining guests to Waikōloa. Making for a full day, seeing all the most popular sites on the island. You will love your vacation day with us.

Big Island circle tour map kailani tours hawaii

Price & Availability

12-Hour Grand Circle Big Island Tour From Kona Resorts

AdultsAges 12 yrs+	$259^.00
ChildrenAges 2-11 yrs	$249^.00

Itinerary

7:00 AM - Pickup In Kona Resorts
8:00 AM - Pickup In Waikōloa Resorts
8:30 AM - Waimea Country Area
9:00 AM - Scenic Drive Along Honokaa Coast
10:00 AM - ‘Akaka Falls State Park
11:30 AM - Scenic Rainforest And Waterfalls Area
12:15 PM - Stop For Lunch (on your own)
1:00 PM - Hilo and Rainbow Falls
1:30 PM - Volcanoes National Park
- Jagger Museum Overlook
- Steam Vents
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Volcano House Gift Shop
3:30 PM - Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
4:00 PM - Punaluʻu Bakery Stop (snack and early dinner on your own)
4:50 PM - Paradise Meadows
7:00 PM - Return To Kona Hotels
8:00 PM - Arrive At Waikōloa Resorts

* The guide may alter and change the itinerary route based on the group's desires, timing, road construction, or weather conditions. We will alter this tour as well when major lava flows occur.

Included

Kona & Waikoloa resort area pickup
Stops for lunch & dinner (purchased on your own)
Entrance to Volcanoes National Park
Entrance To Akaka Falls State Park
Short, guided hikes with knowledgeable guide
Umbrellas for your use
Cooler with non-alcoholic canned drinks & cold water refills (Please bring your refillable bottles as we do not provide water in plastic bottles.)
Numerous stops at points of interest
Local expert guide providing a narrated tour
Sanitary, motion, and first-aid supplies for your safety
Comfortable seat in a small group tour vehicle

Food & Drink

To help our communities with tourism, we encourage our guests to purchase food, drinks, and other items directly from the local family farms, bakeries, and restaurants we visit. They are places you would want to come back and visit again on your own!

Our vehicles contain coolers with cold canned, non-alcoholic drinks for our guests. We don't provide plastic water bottles but we do have clean, great-tasting water for refilling your own water bottle.

Depending on the group, we may make stops at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation, a honey farm, Hilo's Farmer's Market, food truck lots, or other locations. Your guide will choose the best spots for that day.

Punalu'u Bake Shop - $5-$15 / per person

Located in the southernmost town, is a bakery that makes Hawaiian sweet bread from a traditional family recipe. All sweetbreads are made without preservatives and wrapped in bright, tapa-print packaging. Try at least a sample and you will be hooked. The settings and outdoor cafe make for a wonderful stopping point to enjoy a lunch meal.

Deli & Hot Sandwiches On Sweet Bread
Soups & Salads
Plate Lunches With Rice & Mac Salad
Baked Goods
Teas
Espresso Bar
Ice Cream
Pies & Cakes
Fruit Smoothies

Kuhio Grille - $10-$30 / per person

The family history starts in the 1900s when Japanese immigrants moved to Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations. They soon began farming and selling taro as well as the leaves. Grandma would make laulau to feed the family and friends, fresh meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves. It became so popular they opened a restaurant to feed everyone, that was over 25 years ago.

Laulau & Combo Plates
Fried Rice, Saimin & Locos
Seafood & Steak Entrees
Tempura, Udon, & Katsu
Burgers & More
All-Day Breakfast

Instructions

We will no longer provide car seats for children on our Big Island tours. Guests traveling with young children must bring their own car seats.

Cancellation

Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.

No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Do You Make Stops For The Bathroom?

All tours were designed to make sure that we make frequent bathroom stops. Guides will point out recommended bathroom stops and will help plan the next one. If bathroom stops are a priority, please call us directly and we will make sure your guide is aware of any special requests. We’ll do whatever is possible to ensure a comfortable and worry-free touring experience.
What Do I Need To Wear?

For all tours, we recommend comfortable walking shoes. For hiking tours, ankle support is important but not necessary. You’re more than welcome to wear slippers (flip-flops) for comfort, but sneakers are really the way to go without worry. We are unable to swim while on tour at the beach or in a waterfall, so a towel is not necessary. However, you’re more than welcome to bring a towel if you decide to dip your toes on the black sand beach.
What Type Of Vehicle With We Be Traveling In?

We primarily operate 15-passenger luxury Mercedes Sprinters for this tour.
Do You Accommodate Wheelchairs?

We do! Although we don’t have a lift for fixed wheelchairs, we have storage for collapsible wheelchairs only. We may be able to make further accommodations with our partners to provide a tour for you. Please call for details.
Will There Be Any Shopping Opportunities On Tour?

Our tours are experiential with a focus on natural beauty and wanderlust. Some of our tour locations offer items for sale and you’re more than welcome to purchase items while on tour. We do not receive any residual benefits from visiting any of our tour locations. Our vetted partners are trusted, and we love to share their offerings with our guests.
What Should We Bring? Can I Bring A Drone?

While cameras are welcome, drones are not allowed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You should bring your waterbottle to refill water, a light jacket for weather changes as we move around the island, and cash for purchasing gifts, tips, and food at various stops. Most accept credit or debit cards.
Are There Bathrooms Onboard Your Vehicle?

There aren’t any facilities on board. However, we plan to make frequent restroom stops throughout the tour.
Will I See Lava Flowing?

Active lava flow is unfortunately never guaranteed. In most cases though, visitors can view some lava flow up close from lava viewing access points.