The key difference is that the Volcano Explorer Tour is about 2 hours shorter and picks up all guests from one central location to maximize efficiency. It dedicates more time to exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and includes a stop at Rainbow Falls and Big Island Candies. The Big Island Highlights Tour offers a broader overview of the island with additional stops like a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and lunch at the iconic Rim restaurant at Volcano House.

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.