Hawaii Big Island Highlights Day Tour
Recommended by 98% of Travellers
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
Experience the Bucket-list Sights of Hawaii’s Big Island All in One Day.
Sip, Savor and Sightsee Through the Unforgettable Landscapes of Volcano National Park, Coffee, Turtles, Wine and Waterfalls…
Tour Details
Price
Starting at $279 per person, plus tax.
($249 for children under 12 & Seniors)
When Can I Go
Departs Daily
Duration
Full Day – Departing 7:30AM, Returning 6:30PM
Hotel pick-up times will be confirmed with booking
Meeting/End Location
Hotel pickup and drop-off included from select Kona resorts & central locations
Group Size
Max 12 passengers per luxury vehicle
Ages
All ages 5 and up welcome on public tours.
5 and under welcome on private tours.
Car seats provided for young children.
Highlights:
- All-inclusive, immersive day tour of the Big Island’s iconic sights, microclimates, and traditions
- Exclusive access to a Kona coffee plantation and historic bakery
- Gourmet lunch at The Volcano House with fresh local fare & unforgettable volcanic views
- Stops at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls
- Luxury Mercedes Sprinter with panoramic windows and leather captain’s chairs
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Hot towel service and all-day vehicle refreshments / snacks
- Farm-to-table lunch and gourmet tastings
- National Park entry fees
- Binoculars, umbrellas, and other amenities
What’s Not Included
- Gratuities for your guide
- Souvenirs
Important Notes
- Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or preferences when making your reservation
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket or layer
What to Bring
- Camera
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra cash for souvenirs or additional snacks
Cancellation Policy
- With Trip Protection: Cancel up to 1 hour prior to departure for a full refund
- Without Trip Protection: Cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours prior to departure
- Tour operates rain or shine, itinerary may be adjusted in severe weather
- Volcanoes National Park access subject to change without notice due to volcanic activity
Important…
Our tours and packages regularly sell out year-round. To get your preferred dates and to avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.
Tour Highlights
Immerse yourself in the best of Hawaiʻi Island’s sights, microclimates, and traditions with our full-day, all-inclusive, luxury tour.
Indulge in the rich flavors of the world-renowned Kona coffee and discover how to make the perfect brew with our master roasters. Sample the freshest local fruits as you make your way to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and gaze in awe at Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Snap a selfie with a Hawaiian sea turtle on the iconic black shores of Punalu’u Beach and sample our fragrant, award-winning wines and teas, reflective of Hawaii’s unique volcanic terroir. On the way back, feel the refreshing mist of the majestic 80-foot Rainbow Falls, where myth blends with stunning natural beauty, and return to your resort knowing that you have made the absolute most of your day in paradise.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Unlike other operators that may appear cheaper at first glance, we don’t believe in hidden costs. Tours, tastings, meals, park fees and transportation are ALL included for a hassle-free, indulgent experience.
Luxury Mercedes Transportation
Settle into the plush comfort of premium leather captain’s chairs and enjoy panoramic views through our oversized windows. With the island’s newest fleet of luxury vehicles, we ensure that every guest has the best seat in the house.
See The Best of The Big Island
From active volcanoes and black sand beaches to waterfalls and tropical jungles – enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience all of our rare natural phenomena and landscapes in just one day.
Exclusive Plantation & VIP Access
Go behind the scenes at a historic Kona coffee plantation and enjoy gourmet tastings, VIP access, and experiences not available to the general public.
Small Group Sizes (Max 12 Guests)
An intimate, personalized experience without the big buses or oppressive crowds. Get up-close access and quality time at each stop without being rushed.
Experiences & Activities
Indulge in Local Treats: Punaluʻu Bake Shop
Delight your senses at the southernmost bakery in the U.S., the charming Punaluʻu Bake Shop. As you step inside, the enticing aroma of freshly baked Hawaiian sweetbreads and Portuguese-inspired malasadas will tantalize your taste buds. Treat yourself to these mouthwatering delicacies amidst the bakery's lush surroundings, creating an unforgettable mid-morning experience.
Majestic Sea Turtles: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Set foot on the awe-inspiring Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and feel your stress melt away. The striking contrast of the jet-black sand against the shimmering turquoise waters of the Pacific will leave you breathless. This captivating beach is a sanctuary for the majestic Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, your expert guide will lead you to the best spots to potentially witness these sacred creatures basking in the sun.
Exclusive Lunch Experience: The Rim, Volcano House
Enjoy an exceptional dining experience reserved just for Kailani Tours' guests at The Rim, located in the iconic Volcano House. This unique venue offers a menu featuring freshly caught fish, grass-fed beef, and local vegetables, all prepared to highlight the natural bounty of Hawai'i. Situated with the stunning Kilauea caldera and the active Halema’uma’u Crater as your backdrop, The Rim provides an immersive island atmosphere enhanced by live performances from local musicians. Relish this unforgettable meal as you take in the breathtaking views and vibrant local culture.
Awe-Inspiring Landscapes: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Prepare for the highlight of your tour as we dedicate over an hour to exploring the jaw-dropping Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Seize the opportunity to embark on a short yet unforgettable hike through the Thurston Lava Tube, an experience that will leave you in awe of the raw power and beauty of nature.
Discover the Picture-Perfect Paradise of Rainbow Falls
As your incredible journey draws to a close, we have one final stop that will leave you utterly enchanted. After indulging in refreshments and luxurious hot towel service in our Mercedes Sprinter, you'll find yourself on a trail leading to the breathtaking 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. Watch in wonder as the waterfall gracefully plunges over a natural lava cave and into the pristine Wailuku River below, creating an enchanting and truly magical spectacle.
What Our Guests Are Saying
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Cancellation Policy
With Trip Protection
Our highly recommended Trip Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour at any time – for any reason – up to 1 hour prior to trip departure. You will be reimbursed for the FULL amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees. You may opt in or opt out of Trip Protection (+15%) at the time of booking, either online or over the phone.Without Trip Protection
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure to avoid fees or penalties.
Refunds are not possible within 48 hours of your tour’s departure time, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date, if you so desire.
Weather & Park Closures
Our tours operate rain or shine, though itineraries may be adjusted in response to severe weather conditions. Access to certain parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including during events like active lava flows or eruptions, may be restricted or closed by park officials without notice. In such cases, Kailani Tours does not offer partial refunds for any part of the tour affected by these restrictions. With our vast experience navigating these occasional closures, we will make the absolute most of your day with us, no matter the conditions.Book With Confidence
The Lowest Price. Period.
Book directly on KailaniToursHawaii.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. Find it cheaper? We’ll refund the difference!
Free Cancellations
With Trip Protection, cancel up to 1 hour in advance for a FULL refund. We know that plans can change, that’s why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the industry.
Great Tour Guarantee
If you don’t have a great tour, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! All of our tours includes a guided visit to our spectacular the national park.
The Big Island Highlights Day Tour will begin early in the morning (7:30am) and includes a gourmet lunch on the rim of the Volcano and a stop at Rainbow Falls. The Deluxe Volcanoes and Dinner Tour will have a later start (12pm), includes more focus on the Volcano National Park, as well as an elevated, three-course dinner before returning home.
Our tours are designed from the ground up for discerning travelers. From our exclusive partnerships with high-end resorts to our private tastings and experiences not open to the general public, you get unparalleled access. Forget being herded like cattle or looking over someone’s shoulder – with our upgraded Mercedes Sprinter fleet, oversized panoramic windows, luxurious leather captains chairs and warm/cold towel service – you’ll be given the white glove service from start to finish.
Our itineraries are designed to avoid peak times at busy areas. For example, at famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, we time our arrival after the large tour buses have departed to allow for a tranquil experience with the nesting honu (green sea turtles). We also have priority reservations at many of our stops to ensure an intimate and authentic experience.
While we make regular stops, preventing boredom is crucial, especially with our younger guests. That’s why our guides incorporate interactive storytelling, hands-on demonstrations like making seed leis from native plants, and activities tailored to each child’s interests. We also provide coloring books, games and other keepsakes to keep their hands and minds engaged between destinations. Our guides are also trained to modify the tour content to match appropriate age levels
We run tours rain or shine – though we’ll reschedule the tour in the event of unsafe or extreme weather. Hawaii’s microclimates mean the weather can vary across the island and we have options to adjust our itinerary to ensure you experience the best conditions while seeing our iconic sights.
Immersing you in Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage is our mission. Our local guides weave in ancient legends, historical narratives, and personal stories throughout the tour. You’ll participate in traditions like making plumeria leis, learn key Hawaiian phrases, and gain a deep appreciation for the island’s sacred sites. We go beyond just showing you the sights – we connect you to the heart and soul of Hawaii.
We limit our tours to a maximum of 12 guests per luxury Mercedes vehicle to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions, and get to know your fellow travelers. For the ultimate in exclusivity, private tours are also available for your group alone.
While active lava flow isn’t guaranteed year-round, you’ll still witness the raw power and beauty of Hawaii’s volcanoes up close. Our expert guides prioritize your safety, using only approved trails and viewpoints. They monitor conditions in real-time and can adjust plans if needed. You’re in very capable hands to experience the wonder of standing on some of the youngest landscapes on earth!
All-inclusive means all-inclusive. All tasting fees, meals, beverages, park entries and transportation are included in one upfront price for a seamless, stress-free experience.
Tips are never required but are greatly appreciated by our hardworking guides. If you enjoy your tour experience, feel your guide provided exceptional service, and want to show your gratitude, tipping is a wonderful way to do so. While the amount is always at your discretion, a common range for full-day excursions is $20-$40 per guest.
For your safety and comfort, open alcohol containers are not allowed in our vehicles. However, wine/beer tastings are included at certain stops for those 21+ to enjoy responsibly. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available throughout the tour.
Our Mercedes vans have panoramic views that help even our most sensitive guests avoid severe motion sickness. Though we also offer amenities like ginger candies and provide frequent stops throughout the journey.
Our guides are local experts rigorously trained in service, safety and storytelling. We maintain a 5-star guest rating because of their passion and personalities. But you don’t need to take our word for it. Read more about our amazing guides from past guest reviews!
Definitely not! During your online booking, we’ll ask about any food allergies, restrictions or preferences, we’ll communicate in advance with our farm-to-table lunch providers as well as the establishments hosting our tastings. From vegetarian to gluten-free and beyond, we’ve got you covered with delicious kid-friendly options.
We welcome families on our tours! However, to ensure the safety and comfort of our youngest guests, children under 5 are only permitted on private tours. Hawaii State Law requires all children 3 years and younger to be in a proper safety seat, and children aged 4 to 7 who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat. We have all child seat options available upon request at no additional charge. During the booking process, please notify us of your children’s ages and seat requirements so we can best accommodate your family’s needs.
This tour allows people to explore the island at their fitness and comfort level. It is our “Easy” tour. You will be given the opportunity to exit the vehicle to enjoy the lush and unique landscapes of Greenwell Coffee Farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Volcano Winery, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls. All walks are optional and it is up to you how far you walk at these destinations. The Thurston Lava Tube is the most strenuous part of the tour with roughly 15 steps down, a twenty-minute or 1/3 mile hike through the tube, and roughly 20 steps up.
Though we have a compact collapsible wheelchair available for guests, our guides are not able to push/assist with wheelchair mobility. Our tours are active and require some physical exertion. While on tour guests may experience some or all of the following: a large step up into the van, tight aisles, steep hills in either direction, stairs, uneven surfaces, wet surfaces, and loose sand. If you have any questions or would like to know more details about the physical aspects of your specific tour, please contact Kailani Tours staff at 808-938-4057 or [email protected].
Kailani Tours Hawaii will provide your meals, snack baskets, beverages, hiking gear, jackets, parkas, umbrellas, flashlights, other related gear for all weather conditions, and items to help with car sickness/nausea. Please come prepared with close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.
If you are not staying at a Resort or Hotel on our list of 40 pick-up locations on the West side of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, then we have multiple centralized spots available with free and well-lit parking in the Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa areas. This is very important to have scheduled as early as possible.
A private tour allows you to go at your own pace, customize the itinerary, have more flexibility and receive upgraded services and exclusivity.
With Trip Protection, you can cancel for a full refund up to 1 hour before your tour’s scheduled departure – under any circumstances. Without trip protection, you may cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure with no fees or penalties.
We’re here to help! Simply call us at (808) 938 4057 or email [email protected] if you have any additional questions or concerns.
- Free Cancellation With Trip Protection, cancel up to 1 hour in advance for a FULL refund.
- Great Tour Guarantee (or 100% of your money back)
Please note: This tour regularly sells out… We highly recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
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