USA · BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII TOURS

15 Big Island of Hawaii Tours That Still Read Well a Year On

74 tours  ·  from $25

Every trip has one open day too few. These 15 big island of hawaii tours justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes instead of an evening.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - From Kona royalty to Parker Ranch
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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

1.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264Our pick

Spend about 11 hours touring the Big Island from Kona or Waikoloa in a small Mercedes Sprinter van. Visit a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, Rainbow and Akaka Falls, and Waipio Valley. Guides such as Chris, Drew, Kevin, and Kawika are known for lively storytelling, Hawaiian history, and local insight.

“Long day in the van but we covered a lot of territory! Our guide, Dreu, was very informative, fun, and also very passionate about the island he lives on!”

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - From Keauhou Bay to the sunset ride
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

2.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a 2.5-hour night cruise to Kona’s manta-ray site. Guides such as Bryce, Noah, Vince, Aden, Jordan, and Bruno may lead the trip. You’ll receive snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, flotation aid, snacks, and water, but you must already swim and snorkel comfortably.

“The captain, Bryce, and his crew, Bruno and Vince were entertaining, educational and engaging! We had an amazing time. We highly recommend this tour!!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The three-minute boat ride to Keauhou’s manta area
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

3.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your gear, and take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. You will float for up to 30 minutes beside an illuminated board as guides such as Greg, Jake, Sean, Mahina, and Eric help you watch the rays safely. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“The crew was rude and impatient . Will not go with them again . They were shouting at everyone and made the whole experience unpleasant”

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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach - From Hilo town to the volcanic uplands
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

4.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159

This six-hour Hilo shore excursion visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea viewpoints, steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, Geo, and Hannibal are praised for lively local stories. Expect a small van or mini bus, walking, changing weather, and a flexible route.

“Robert was an excellent tour guide providing an immense wealth of knowledge and would highly recommend him! Especially after taking the Honolulu tour the next day, we appreciate him even more”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina on the power catamaran
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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

5.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Cruise Kona’s volcanic coast to historic Kealakekua Bay with Hang Loose Boat Tours. Captains Aiden or Bryce and the crew provide snorkel gear, flotation devices, lunch, history, and plenty of time in the water. Expect coral, reef fish, possible dolphins and winter humpback whales, plus a boat slide and rinse-off shower.

“A great morning trip to a perfect snorkeling experience on the big island of Hawaii. The bay next to the captain Cook Memorial is about a 40 minute boat ride from the harbor. We spent two hours snorkeling playing on the boat slides and jumping off the boat and enjoying lunch. there was good equipment for everybody and the boat was comfortable.”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What the 25 to 30 minutes in the water feels like
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

6.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Meet My Kona Adventures near the Outrigger Resort in Kailua-Kona for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta ray viewing site. With guides such as Peyton, Taco, Mike, and Rocky, you will learn how to watch these gentle animals without touching them. The 11-person boat keeps the outing personal, though you need basic snorkel skills and confidence in open water.

“Wonderful and knowledgeable staff, a MUST-DO experience on Big Island. Highlight of the trip by far :)”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - What happens at Dolphin Discoveries
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

7.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, then travel to Keauhou Bay for a night snorkel beside wild manta rays. You will wear a short-sleeve wetsuit top and hold a lighted float while guides such as Vinny, Brianna, or Bryce help you stay safe. The boat ride is short, but swimming skills and comfort in dark open water are required.

“It’s an amazing experience…once in a lifetime experience…our guide Brianna was wonderful and friendly…I took a video from the start before I jumped off the boat till almost the end and my vid was only 16 mins ☹️ I thought we will be in the water for 30 mins as indicated … the check in staff at the store was friendly and pleasant as well. Overall, it’s a nice experience and recommends it to everyone.”

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Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - Pickup, vans, and the long climb
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Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

8.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289

Ride a 4x4 van from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit for sunset, then stargaze near the 9,200-foot visitor center. Guides such as John, Kella, Val, Chris, and Tay add astronomy and Hawaiian cultural stories. Jackets, gloves, snacks, hot drinks, telescope viewing, and a night photo are included.

“We went in the winter after a snowstorm. The road to the summit was closed the day before we went but we had no trouble reaching it. The sunset was amazing especially against the snowcap. The cloud cover that made the sunset so vibrant unfortunately obscured the stargazing portion of the tour but it was still a great experience and we would try it again next time we visit. The guides were funny and knowledgeable.”

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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour - Punalu’u Bake Shop and the black sand coast
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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

9.Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,619 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $297

Spend about 12 hours crossing Hawaii’s Big Island with guides such as Felix, Derek, Todd, or Dreu. Visit a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Thurston Lava Tube, then look for stars from Saddle Road. Pickup, meals, jackets, drinks, and a small-group Mercedes Sprinter are included.

“We would only give this tour one star if it hadn't been for the saving grace of the volcano. First, they missed our stop and after waiting a half hour past our pick up time we called and were told it would be another half an hour before they could send a car to pick us up.bit took forty minutes. The office person that came to pick us up was friendly enough but when she got there she told us that we had to make a stop to pick up our lunches, which the van driver had also failed to get. When we finally caught up to the group, they…”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour - A warm meal and a slower climb at the visitor station
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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

10.Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,545 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $329

Join Hawaii Forest & Trail for an eight-hour small-group trip from Kona to Mauna Kea. Guides such as Jeff, Jason, Wilson, and Eugene lead you up by 4x4 van for a warm picnic dinner, sunset above the clouds, and a private star show around 9,000 feet with telescopes, hot cocoa, and dessert.

“A must do and the only place on earth to do it! You can rent a jeep and drive up yourself but it is very dangerous and I highly recommend this tour for safety and the experienced tour guide and extra benefits like parka jackets (it’s cold up there) and private star gazing. Most amazing night sky ever, never saw so many stars. And the sunset was the best. Definitely recommend doing as a tour not on your own in a rented 4x4!!”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo - The drive up with Chris, Wes, or James
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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

11.Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,449 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $280

Ride a 4x4 van to Mauna Kea’s 13,803-foot summit with guides such as Chris, Wes, or James. Stop at Onizuka Visitor Information Station for dinner and altitude acclimatization, watch the sunset, then study stars with a telescope and laser pointer. Winter clothing and DSLR photos are included.

“It was very well organized, and appreciated all the tips and history the Wes offered our group as we took the trek up to the top! The BLTs were quite scrumptious, and then got to top it all off with learning so much about constellations that I never knew. Such a beautiful view and experience!”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Sea caves, lava tubes, and the ride back
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

12.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Ride a fast Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at sea caves, lava tubes, and the Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island stories while you snorkel with provided gear, water, and pineapple. Groups can reach 18 people, though some departures are much smaller.

“Be aware that if you are going on this trip to see and possibly swim with dolphins you won’t be swimming with them and you probably won’t see any. It is not legal to swim with dolphins. . This was not made clear to us until we were coming back to the dock. It is a long boat ride for snorkeling. There are lots of off the beach places to snorkel. Not worth it. Needs better more clear marketing.”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Arriving at Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument
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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

13.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 12 miles down Kona’s coast to Captain Cook Monument while a local historian shares Hawaiian stories and landmarks. You’ll enjoy pupus, one complimentary cocktail, a catered dinner, live Hawaiian music, and sunset views. The 3-hour cruise leaves Kailua Pier at 4 p.m. and returns there after an evening on the water.

“The cruise was very informative about the islands history and culture. The crew was entertaining and joyful. Great music and drinks. Great atmosphere for a birthday.”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - Sunset from the upper deck
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

14.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

Leave Honokohau Harbor for a sunset boat ride and a 45-minute manta encounter in 30 to 35 feet of water. Your crew provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, snacks, and water. Hold onto a bright light board as giant rays sweep close by. Strong swimmers can enter the water, while ride-along passengers can stay aboard.

“We had a great time with our Captain, Lena, and Deck Hand, Mattie, who were knowledgeable, entertaining, and energetic making this excursion one to remember. We saw fish and had a close encounter with a manta ray that couldn’t stop showing off.”

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Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island - From Kailua-Kona to the viewing site
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Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

15.Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,199 reviews · 2h 30m · from $121

From Kailua-Kona, Hang Loose Boat Tours takes you by boat to a nighttime manta feeding site. After a safety briefing, you hold a light board while plankton gathers below and manta rays sweep close overhead. Snorkel gear, wetsuit tops, snacks, and drinks are included. Guides such as Aidan, Gary, Noah, Jordan, and Ula are praised for calm, hands-on help.

“My husband and I booked this adventure for our honeymoon and are SO glad we did! It ended up being one of the best highlights of our trip. And this is coming from two people who can’t swim 😂 Our guides Aidan, Gary and Noah were hilarious and SO accommodating. We were initially fit with some snorkeling gear and quickly got on the boat to ride out about 20 min to the manta rays. We were given some life vests and noodle floats (to stay flat in the water). Even though I was panicked the first portion of getting in the water, our guides were always nearby & ready to…”

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New in Big Island of Hawaii Tours

★ 5.0Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and GardensFrom $187393 reviews
★ 4.5Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter TourFrom $202412 reviews
★ 5.0Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour – 4 hour Kona Zodiac AdventureFrom $130508 reviews
★ 5.0Zodiac Raft Whale Watching AdventureFrom $113456 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching On The Big IslandFrom $98573 reviews
★ 4.5Big Island, Hawaii: Volcanoes National Park SafariFrom $379545 reviews
★ 5.0Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day TourFrom $186391 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel with Manta Rays GuaranteedFrom $141738 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona, Big IslandFrom $125382 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-KonaFrom $183797 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Big Island Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona Coffee FarmFrom $209343 reviews
★ 5.0Night Manta Ray ExperienceFrom $146751 reviews
★ 4.0Big Island, Hawaii: Admission to Voyagers of the Pacific LuauFrom $190790 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona – Coral Reef Snorkel AdventuresFrom $125376 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, HawaiiFrom $127672 reviews

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