Big Island Grand Circle Island Tour
Most Popular Way to See Big Island in a Day
This full-day nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. From desert to rainforest, pasture to dry forest, discover diverse landscapes, and 8 out of 13 climate zones in the world as you traverse the island, walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls and stroll black-sand beaches as you scan the horizon for green sea turtles.
The morning is filled with visits to some of the most majestic waterfalls on the Big Island. First, the views will stop you in your tracks at the Waipio Valley lookout, where a dramatic backdrop of verdant cliffs drops into the sparkling blue ocean.
Continuing on the drive along the Hamakua Coast, more postcard-worthy views will pass by your window, ushering you to the next destination, Akaka Falls. This towering 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall plummets into a lush ravine at the center of a state park. You’ll enjoy a short walk through the vegetation for an up-close view and plenty of photo opportunities. The next stop is a waterfall that’s small by comparison, but not by beauty: Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 80-foot (24-meter) waterfall with a giant banyan tree beside it.
In the afternoon, explore the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including steam vents, past lava flow sites, the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts, and take a short hike through the 600-foot-long Thurston Lava Tube formed hundreds of years ago. From there, you will have time to relax and take it all in at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the black-sand shore.
On the leisurely drive back around sunset, you’ll see views of South Point, the southernmost point of the United States, and Kealakekua Bay. You will also stop at a Kona Coffee Farm. Walk through the orchards with your guide learning about the harvesting and milling process while sampling a warm cup of Kona-grown coffee.
- A tour of Hawaii’s biggest island highlighting its natural wonders. Experience the diverse range of ecosystems and climate zones of the island
- Take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee
- Visit the most dramatic waterfalls and scenic valleys on the island, Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and Waipio Valley
- Explore active craters, steam vents, crater rim trail, Thurston Lava Tube and scenic lookouts of Volcanoes National Park
- Frequent stops for photos to take in the lush scenery, and spot green sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Professional guide sharing knowledge of the history, cultures, and geology of the island
Bento lunch consists of teriyaki chicken, fish, vegetables, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks, and bottled water. In addition, all park entrance fees, jackets, and rain gear. Closed-toed shoes are required and a light jacket is recommended.
| Big Island Grand Circle Island Tour | |
| Adults | $195 |
| Children Ages 12 and under | $175 |
Full price will be charged for cancellations and “no shows” unless we receive prior notice as follows: One to five guests – 24 hours; Six or more guests – 48 hours; Private charters – 72 hours.
How much hiking do we do?
A: We will have a couple of easy hikes over a short distance on this tour. The total hike distance is about a mile.
How long do we stop at Volcanoes National Park?
A: We stop at multiple attractions within the park for a total time of about 1.5 hours
Do we get to swim at the black sand beach or waterfalls on this tour?
A: You won’t be able to swim on this tour due to time constraints. If you would like to swim at a private waterfall, please check out our Waipio Valley and Waterfall Tour.
