Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Small Group Tour

This full-day nature tour kicks off when you are picked up directly from any of the Kona or Kohala resorts and hotels, and then heads north from Kona on a brief scenic drive, with snacks and refreshments provided throughout the day. On the way to the first destination, you’ll pass some of the island’s oldest volcanoes, as well as Hawaii’s largest ranch, the Parker Ranch in Waimea, which has been operating on the island since 1847.

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-metre) waterfall plummets into a lush ravine at the centre of a state park. You’ll enjoy a short walk through the vegetation for an up close view and plenty of photo ops. Next is a waterfall that’s small by comparison, but not by beauty: Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 80-foot (24-metre) waterfall with a giant banyan tree beside it. Around noon, you’ll get local style lunch of teriyaki chicken, grilled fish, steamed rice, and local purple sweet potato (Vegetarian meals are available upon request).

In the afternoon, explore the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including steam vents, crater rim trail and the Halema'uma'u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts. From there, you’ll have time to relax and take it all in at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the shore, like Hawaii’s green sea turtles. On the leisurely drive back around sunset, you'll see views of South Point, the southern most point of the United States, and Kealakekua Bay, before arriving back in Kona or Kohala. If time permits, we may stop at a local coffee farm for you to taste some fresh Kona Coffee.

Note: depending on weather condition and sunset time, tour may operates in reverse route.